Recommend Me a Perfume : New Year Edition

Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” is here today.  You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions.

How does it work: Please post your requests or questions as comments here. 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. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer.

To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue“reply” link under their comment.

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Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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285 Comments

  • Elizabeth: So…..I’m already thinking about choosing my wedding perfume! (because to us that’s just as important as the dress, right? 😉 It’s going to be a romantic summer wedding. I like green florals, aldehydic florals, and citrus. My long-time favorites include Chanel No. 5 (especially the EdT, also like Eau Premiere), L’Eau d’Hiver, and Annick Goutal Neroli. No ambery orientals, please. I can’t carry them off in summer! January 11, 2013 at 8:08am Reply

    • sara: congratulations! what about chanel bel respiro? it’s green and sparkling, so pretty. January 11, 2013 at 8:11am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Engagement in the snow, wedding in the sunshine..how romantic! Perhaps Chanel No.22 is what you like? January 11, 2013 at 8:42am Reply

        • Cybele: I agree, No 22 is one of the most beautiful scents for a bride I can imagine. January 11, 2013 at 8:48am Reply

          • Elizabeth: And I actually have some of the pure parfum! There’s an idea. January 11, 2013 at 10:25am Reply

      • Cybele: I find Eau Premiere and 28, La Pausa to be perfect. Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia would also make a beautiful wedding fragrance. January 11, 2013 at 8:46am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: I agree. Tuberose Gardenia, lovely January 11, 2013 at 10:15am Reply

    • ChrisinNY: I think I keep on recommending this scent but it is delicious and seems to fit your request: Fleurs d’Oranger Eau de Parfum – Serge Lutens. January 11, 2013 at 9:30am Reply

      • Jackie: Chris, I so agree. I’m wearing it today. It’s just one of those truly beautiful scents. It would be perfect for your wedding, Elizabeth. And congratulations! January 11, 2013 at 11:50am Reply

      • solanace: And what a good idea, since carrying the orange flower bouquet is so traditional! With that in mind, maybe you should try other orange blossom /neroli scents as well, such as Séville à l’aube. Congratulations, and have fun choosing your scent! January 11, 2013 at 12:27pm Reply

      • Heather: Second the motion! I can’t imagine a lovelier combination of the romantic and the purely sensual to wear for one’s own wedding, or someone else’s summer wedding for that matter. January 12, 2013 at 10:59am Reply

    • Allison: Since you enjoy Chanel #5, I think you might like Baghari by Robert Piguet. Notes include aldehydes, bergamot, rose, jasmine, iris, vetiver, among others (I don’t have a full list). It might also have some amber, but I don’t think it’s overwhelming. And congratulations! January 11, 2013 at 9:48am Reply

    • rosarita: Kind of a cliche, but some time when you’re at the mall, give Estee Lauder White Linen and it’s flankers a try. And Beautiful. Another lovely green floral is Parfums de Nicolai Le Temps d’Une Fete. January 11, 2013 at 9:51am Reply

      • rosarita: And congratulations! 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 9:51am Reply

        • Elizabeth: Thank you! Fiance hates White Linen unfortunately, but Beautiful is a possibility. I’ve liked that one for a long time. January 11, 2013 at 10:26am Reply

    • Tara: Many congratulations Elizabeth. I would recommend La Tulipe by Byredo, Champaca by Ormonde Jayne or Mito by Vero Profumo for something very special. January 11, 2013 at 10:13am Reply

      • Annikky: Oh, I love Champaca! It could be perfect for a certain kind of understated wedding. For something more traditionally romantic, Frangipani and Tiare might be worth a try. And congratulations, Elizabeth! Happy planning :)! January 11, 2013 at 3:52pm Reply

        • Victoria: I agree, all of the Ormonde Jayne florals are romantic, but also sumptuous enough to make a statement. Frangipani and Champaca are my favorites. January 13, 2013 at 9:39am Reply

    • Janlast: Whichever wonderful scent you choose, be sure to purchase and store some for your anniversaries. Wish I had done that, 15 years later. January 11, 2013 at 10:59am Reply

      • Daisy: That is a wonderful idea! January 11, 2013 at 11:38am Reply

      • Andrea: Great idea! I’m curious, what scent did you wear that you wish you had stored? January 12, 2013 at 6:13pm Reply

        • Daisy: Hi Andrea,

          I’m not married, but I was just saying that I thought it was a great idea to keep in mind for the future 🙂 January 12, 2013 at 9:31pm Reply

          • Daisy: Oh wait, you were replying to Janlast, right? Happy comment trigger-finger! January 12, 2013 at 9:32pm Reply

            • Andrea: LOL! Well, we will all be here to assist with wedding perfume if you ever need us, D!:-) January 13, 2013 at 2:16pm Reply

          • Janlast: There are so many gorgeous scents out there. Nothing says you can’t pick your wedding perfume before you choose your groom. Before my Grandmother passed away, she told me about a carnation scent she wore on her wedding day. She couldn’t remember the name, but she could remember the scent in her head and was able to describe the feeling she had when wearing it. January 13, 2013 at 8:41pm Reply

        • Janlast: It was from an old bottle of Worth Je Reviens owned by my Mother (something borrowed). I have the new formulation, but it is not the same, or perhaps I am using my rose colored glasses again. I remember that fleeting lily of the valley as I pulled the dress over my head. I still miss that scent. January 13, 2013 at 8:36pm Reply

    • Maureen: I think Diorrissimo would be a beautiful wedding scent. I also like Chanel #19 Poudre and Eau Premier very much. January 11, 2013 at 11:07am Reply

    • Sandra Levine: Serge Lutens’ Fleurs d’Oranger is, to my nose, the perfect wedding fragrance, especially for summer. Orange blossoms are in the traditional bridal bouquet and are highly symbolic of marriage. January 11, 2013 at 11:08am Reply

      • paola: I would wear Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca. Congratulations!! January 11, 2013 at 3:15pm Reply

    • george: Congratulations! Don’t know exactly what to suggest. But for me, for a wedding day, I would choose a fragrance that frames your loveliness. So I would go for those which are more perfume as design rather art so are nearer the cologne end of the perfumery spectrum. If you really like florals though, I would look at Ellena’s latest for Hermes, as that sounds that it might be right for the occasion. Also, if it is a perfume you have not worn before, it might be nice to first wear it on your wedding day, so memories of it are conjured whenever you smell it. January 11, 2013 at 11:22am Reply

      • solanace: What a wonderful idea, wearing ‘something new’! January 11, 2013 at 12:38pm Reply

    • Rowanhill: L´Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse aux Papillons is as pretty as can be, floral and green. January 11, 2013 at 12:42pm Reply

    • Austenfan: First of all congratulations on your approaching wedding.
      My recommendations would be:
      Parfums de Nicolaï Odalisque, Weekend à Deauville, L’Eau Mixte and Eau d’Eté.
      Vero Kern; why don’t you try both Rubj and Kiki as well as Mito. Mito is the green floral, Rubj is indecency in a bottle and Kiki is one of the loveliest Lavenders.
      Parfums Divine: L’Ame Soeur and L’Infante
      Editions de Parfums: En Passant,Carnal Flower and Thérèse.
      Van Cleef & Arpels First, Gardénia Pétale and Bois d’Iris
      Jacomo; Silences
      Houbigant: Fleurs d’Orangers
      Guerlain: Après l’Ondée and Chamade
      Parfums Delrae: Début and Amoureuse. The first is green the second gorgeous.
      Goutal: Ninféo Mio, Le Chèvrefeuille, Eau du Ciel and Un Matin d’Orage.
      Have fun exploring and good luck on all the preparations. January 11, 2013 at 3:41pm Reply

    • Sylvia: Congratulations Elizabeth!, perhaps Parfums de Nicolai la temps une Fete? I’m not sure I’ve got the spelling right as I’m not where I can look at it, but it sounds like it might fit. Good luck. January 11, 2013 at 7:03pm Reply

    • Robin Hudson: What about Diorissimo?
      It is a nod to the tradition of carrying Lily of
      the Valley in a wedding bouquet. January 11, 2013 at 9:14pm Reply

    • Lynley: Congratulations Elizabeth! I agree, I think wedding day perfume is as important as the dress! 🙂 have you tried APOM by Francis Kurkdjian? It’s summer here now and it’s my new favourite I think ideal for a summer wedding with it’s beautiful elegant orange blossom. It’s not too sweet. I think it’s delightful! 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 11:50pm Reply

    • Alex: Congrats! How about Le parfum de Therese? One of the classiest! January 12, 2013 at 3:22am Reply

    • Karen: Miss dior (original), Vera wang (original) chanel 19 (edt) and diorella could all be lovely. Congratulations 🙂 January 12, 2013 at 4:04am Reply

    • Victoria: Congratulations again, Elizabeth! I cannot wait to hear what perfume you end up selecting. I think that you’ve received so many great ideas already. I myself decided to wear a fragrance I already knew and loved for my wedding. I also remember thinking how comforting it felt, because the wedding day can be really stressful (especially if you’re getting married in a different country, in a setting you may not know that well).

      In addition, I kept a couple of different decants on hand to wear as I was preparing for my wedding, so I had a chance to include a few of my favorites. January 12, 2013 at 9:12am Reply

    • Daisy: Congratulations, Elizabeth! I think that others have recommended several Frédéric Malle fragrances. Did anyone name Iris Poudre? I can imagine that it would be beautiful to walk down the aisle in. January 12, 2013 at 2:39pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I think Chanel No 22 would be beautiful. But a fragrance no one else has suggested yet is Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, which is a beautiful green floral (galbanum, iris and rose), similar to Chanel No 19 but warmer and more sensuous. January 12, 2013 at 6:29pm Reply

  • sara: i would love a recommendation for a perfume that smells like fir tree sap. we just took down our christmas tree and i miss its scent. I tried annick goutal nuit etoilee, but it was too sharp. thank you! January 11, 2013 at 8:09am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles! January 11, 2013 at 8:36am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Or perhaps Etro Shaal Nur (softer) January 11, 2013 at 8:37am Reply

    • Cyn: I second Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles. It smells like a pine forest! January 11, 2013 at 8:48am Reply

    • Jillie: When I smelt the Goutal, that reminded me of a drier, woodier version of Clinique’s Wrappings, which is fresher and has an element of Christmas tree. Sadly I wasn’t a fan of Nuit Etoilee, but I do like Wrappings, which Clinique now brings out every Christmas as a limited edition. January 11, 2013 at 9:31am Reply

      • sara: i used to wear wrappings years ago, i need to smell it again! January 11, 2013 at 11:25am Reply

        • Amelia: I fell in love with Wrappings as a college student, mostly because it DOES remind me of Christmas trees. It can be hard to find as it’s only sold around the holidays, but it’s worth seeking out. January 13, 2013 at 11:19am Reply

    • nikki: Delrae’s Bois du Paradis… January 11, 2013 at 9:37am Reply

      • OperaFan: This would be my recommendation as well. It’s my go-to Christmas season fragrance.

        OJ Woman or Man would also be in the running because of the black hemlock note. January 11, 2013 at 11:25am Reply

        • Mel: I third the Bois de Paradis recommendation – although it’s not a blast of pine. it’s my favorite fall/winter scent by far. January 11, 2013 at 5:44pm Reply

    • Tara: Sara, I do think Fille en Aiguilles is your best bet. Otherwise Ormonde Woman by Ormonde Jayne. January 11, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

    • Elisa: Thirding Fille, but also Mandy Aftel has a Fir scent (all-natural) January 11, 2013 at 11:23am Reply

    • Joe: Creed Epicea smells just like fir tree sap. January 11, 2013 at 11:51am Reply

    • Lucas: How about Reverie au Jardin from Tauer? January 11, 2013 at 12:01pm Reply

    • Tatiana: I also recommend Fille en Aiguille. But consider Parfum d’Empire Wazamba. While not heavily fir centric it does have a note of cypress in it. January 11, 2013 at 12:33pm Reply

    • Ariadne: Please order some samples from Sonoma Scent Studio. Laurie lives among the evergreens in Sonoma California and does beautiful things that conjure the smell of evergreen woods, plus her perfumes are complex and very long lasting.
      I just ordered her new rose scent that debuted this December and will pass along my feelings after wearing it a couple of times. January 12, 2013 at 7:19pm Reply

  • Villette: I am still in mourning for Guerlain Shalimar Eau Legere. None of the others comes close — not Shalimar Light, not any of the others Shalimars Guerlain has put out in its place. Does anyone have a suggestion for a scent that would fill the gap in my scent soul? January 11, 2013 at 8:17am Reply

    • monkeytoe: This is a distant cousin without the woods of the Guerlain, but Roca Lemon Cloud has some of that lovely lemon custard scent, but it is foodier. Perla by Farmacia SS. Annunziata is another lemon custard/drop fragrance worth trying especially if you enjoy the suede-y apricot smell of osmanthus. Neither is really all that much like Eau Legere, but they feel like they share enough traits they would be worth sampling. January 11, 2013 at 9:23am Reply

      • Villette: Thank you. I shall find those and sniff. January 11, 2013 at 11:17am Reply

  • yin: hi! does anyone have some recommendations for fragrances that evoke the scent of rain/after-the-rain? besides, of course, apres l’ondee 🙂 recommendations would be very much appreciated! January 11, 2013 at 9:17am Reply

    • Elizabeth: Frederic Malle En Passant – lilacs and rain. January 11, 2013 at 10:28am Reply

    • Tara: Angeliques Sous la Pluie by Frederic Malle’s Editions de Parfums. The name says it all! January 11, 2013 at 10:29am Reply

    • george: I knew I had seen a perfume called ‘petrichor’ somewhere- a name for that after the rain type smell. But having googled it, I discovered that it was whilst watching an episode of Doctor Who (it’s the name of Amy Pond, his last assistant’s perfume). However, also having googled petrichor, a number of other suggestions popped up- Demeter Rain, Demeter Thunderstorm, Black March by CB I hate Perfume, Kenzo Tokyo, Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca, the aforementioned Malle. I can comment on none of these, having not smelled them, except the Malle, which was gin and tonic to me, but I could see why some would see a petrichoric ambience to it. The chemical that apparently gives petrichor its smell is called Geosmin. Hilariously, some has asked on yahoo if any perfumes actually contain geosmin, to which the top answer is “did you mean jasmine?’ For a more informed answer and more suggestions, there is an article on the wonderful perfume shrine.blogspot.co.uk. Type ‘geosmin’ and ‘petrichor’ in to the search engine and they should come up. January 11, 2013 at 12:17pm Reply

      • Divya: George, what a delightful comment! 🙂 I’ve been searching for petrichor in perfume since a long time too. I think Demeter Dirt smells quite… humus-y! January 11, 2013 at 2:35pm Reply

      • Andrea: Thank you for helping me connect my perfume “hobby/addiction” with my teenage daughter’s “hobby/addiction”. She loves Dr.Who, even naming her car the Cardis. She was delighted when I mentioned the ad for perfume, which she had not seen. Thank you for making me “cool” in her eyes for a moment!:-) January 14, 2013 at 3:49am Reply

        • george: Excellent! I would make sure she smells Apres L’ondee in which case, because that MUST be in the inspiration for the name of Pond’s perfume (or at least I thought it must be when I saw the episode) January 15, 2013 at 6:43am Reply

    • Cybele: Andree Putman Preparation Parfumee January 11, 2013 at 12:27pm Reply

    • Sarah: Hi Yin, I haven’t smelt it for five years but I remember trying on Creed’s Love in White and thinking it evoked rain after the rain. It’s a sweet (not too sweet), damp, floral perfume. January 11, 2013 at 1:55pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: I think it may be subjective, but Insolence EdP gives me that after the rain feeling when it dries down. January 11, 2013 at 4:19pm Reply

    • mina: La Pluie by Miller Harris! January 12, 2013 at 10:55am Reply

  • ChrisinNY: This is not a question but a huge thank you to all that gave recommendations to me last month. The four winners that were great on the first wearing are: Parfum de Therese, Chanel 31 Rue Cambon, and Parfums MDCI Promesse de L’Aube (all suggested by cybelle so kudos to you), and Armani Privé Cologne Eclat de Jasmin. But I also have a dozen other decants that I am playing with to see how I enjoy them over time. So sincere thanks to all that responded. January 11, 2013 at 9:24am Reply

    • Cybele: glad you like them and thank you for the nice feedback! January 11, 2013 at 12:29pm Reply

  • Patrycja: I am in search for a scent with similar smokey notes as diptyque’s volutes but one that has great sillage and longevity. I already own Shalimar and love it, but it’s too mature and I don’t wear it in public. I dont want to smell like every other person and I wear mens fragrances as well, like Spice Bomb by Victor and Rolf for example. I absolutely adore Arpege by Lanvin and I can’t stand Daisy by Marc Jacobs. 🙂 I would be very thankful for recommendations. 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 9:59am Reply

    • nikki: Creed’s Angelique Encens January 11, 2013 at 10:19am Reply

      • Patrycja: Sounds very interesting. I just read the notes and its sounds great. I like the name of this one. X-) Thanks a lot for taking the time and responding. 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 11:14am Reply

        • Daisy: If you like Volutes, have you tried L’Eau Duelle? Of the two, I like the latter more. It has a touch of the burnt vanilla smokiness that you might be looking for. January 11, 2013 at 11:43am Reply

          • Patrycja: That one sounds sounds so perfect. 🙂 Thank you for the response. I am taking notes as I get the recommendations. I will be ordering a lot of samples soon. 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 12:19pm Reply

            • Daisy: I just thought of another one too: Carner Barcelona’s D600. I feel that its vanilla aspect really comes through after its peppery opening. January 12, 2013 at 2:41pm Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: You certainly will not smell like other persons with Yatagan de Caron! January 11, 2013 at 10:20am Reply

      • Patrycja: Oh! This one sounds like a statement-specially if worn by a woman. 🙂 I like that concept. Thank you very much for your recommendation. I will try it out. January 11, 2013 at 11:17am Reply

    • rosarita: First thing to come to my mind is Serge Lutens Chergui. Sonoma Scent Studio Tabac Aurea is another lovely tobacco scent; also Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille. January 11, 2013 at 10:25am Reply

      • Patrycja: Thank you soooo much! I absolutely love Tom Ford’s Tabbaco Vanille! I must check out your other recommendations. 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 11:12am Reply

    • Tara: I’d say check out Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille, L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Vanille Absolument or Senoma Scent Studio Tabac Aurea. Possibly Bulgari Black too. For exceptional sillage and longevity I don’t think you can beat Serge Luten’s Chergui. January 11, 2013 at 10:26am Reply

      • Patrycja: Thank you very much. My husband wears Bvlgari Black and I like in a lot. Serge Lutens creations are remarkable and I will be ordering samples shortly. 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 12:28pm Reply

        • behemot: You can definitely try SL Cherqui as well as his Bois de Vanille. I also think Parfum de Nicolai Tonka Vanille is worth sampling. Good luck 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 10:10pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: I love Volutes too. I don’t know if you have Edt or edp. I think the edt is more powdery. You might try by Kilian Back to Black. January 11, 2013 at 2:45pm Reply

    • annemariec: For something retro you could try Habanita by Molinard: leather, vanilla, vetiver and fruit. A lot of people get a smokey vibe from it even though smoke is not a defined note. Originally (in the 1920s) Habanita was a scented liquid people could use to scent cigarettes. It was popular enough for Molinard to introduce as a perfume. Highly unusual by today’s ‘clean and fresh’ standards, Habanita has a bit of a cult following, especially for the perfumista on a budget. It smells niche, but can be obtained for a fraction of the price. Definitely try before you buy. It isn’t for the faint hearted! January 11, 2013 at 4:10pm Reply

  • rosarita: I’m looking for recommendations for my best friend. Her favorite perfume is the original Michael Kors and she wants something newer but still similar. Our tastes are polar opposites and she is decidedly a mainstream only kind of person – it has to be something she can go to the mall and sample, under $100 preferably. She loves white florals and has access to Sephora, Nordstrom, etc. Thanks! January 11, 2013 at 10:02am Reply

    • Elizabeth: Michael Kors is tuberose, right? How about Fracas? It should be available at Sephora and Nordstrom. January 11, 2013 at 10:24am Reply

    • Tara: Mainstream white florals I’d recommend your friend tyring –
      Elie Saab Le Parfum
      Alien, Thierry Mugler
      Jasmin Noir, Bulgari
      Cinema, YSL
      Truth or Dare, Madonna

      Hope she finds somthing to replace Michael Kors! January 11, 2013 at 10:45am Reply

    • Shiloh: You know, I agree with the other recommendations here and would like to add Jennifer Aniston. It is a lovely, very wearable jasmine floral. It’s surprising to me. I used to wear Michael Kors.

      Jennifer Aniston is not as strong in sillage nor longevity, but it is very pretty, like a cozy well made cashmere cardi. January 11, 2013 at 12:20pm Reply

      • rosarita: I thought of JA too, but she didn’t like it. These suggestions are all really helpful, though; the Madonna one might be a winner and I remember reading that it’s based on Fracas. Thanks so much, everyone! January 12, 2013 at 12:51am Reply

    • Daisy: Has she tried Marc Jacob’s Woman? That might fit the bill. January 12, 2013 at 2:32pm Reply

    • Poodle: Madonna Truth or Dare or maybe Carolina Herrera. January 13, 2013 at 2:01pm Reply

    • Andrea: Marc Jacobs comes to mind, also Diptyque Do Son from Nordstrom. She may like Kai, but I’m not sure where she would smell it as it is “Boutique” (maybe you could get her a decant?). Annick Goutal is at Nordstrom, Gardenia Passion is nice… I think EL Gardenia Tuberose is only at Saks and NM but I could be wrong. It is DEFINITELY worth trying (I get a headache from it or it would be my signature!). Also, I think Tocca Stella and Tocca Florence(Sephora)
      are really nice. Lastly, decidedly mainstream, Jennifer Aniston’s fragrance might be lovely for your friend. You are a sweet friend to ask for her! January 13, 2013 at 3:46pm Reply

      • Daisy: I second Andrea: One of the Tocca’s might fit the bill! January 13, 2013 at 4:44pm Reply

  • nikki: Estee Lauder’s Private Collection Gardenia and Tuberose? January 11, 2013 at 10:20am Reply

    • Cybele: second this one and Elie Saab January 11, 2013 at 12:31pm Reply

  • TerryM: Greetings! My niece loves the Elizabeth Arden Green Tea fragrance and I’d like to help her branch out a bit. What niche scents do you recommend? She is in her mid 20’s. January 11, 2013 at 10:25am Reply

    • sara: l’artisan the pour un ete smell like green jasmine tea! January 11, 2013 at 11:27am Reply

      • TerryM: Thank you Sara! January 11, 2013 at 11:48am Reply

    • Cybele: Estee Lauder Private Collection Jasmin White Moss January 11, 2013 at 12:33pm Reply

  • Annikky: Dear fellow perfume-lovers,

    I am looking for suggestions of (big) white florals that would work well for winter: I love white flowers in different configurations and have been delighted to discover that many of them are beautiful in the cold. My own experience has been that Fracas, Carnal Flower, Jour Ensoleille, and Diorissimo (on really crisp days!) are great; I would keep SL Fleurs d´Oranger and La Chasse aux Pappillons for warmer times. I have already planned to test Boutonniere no 7 and Lys Mediterranee as potential Winter Whites, but please do add your thoughts!

    And while I am at it: if you happen to have ideas for really-cold-weather perfumes, I’d appreciate those as well. It seems to me that once it gets seriously cold (like –15-20C, as is predicted for this weekend), some typical cold-weather notes start to feel wrong – amber is a case in point. I am game to try anything you suggest, but just to give an idea of my (constantly evolving) tastes:
    – I love leather, iris/violet, white flowers, woods and non-foody spices, among many other things.
    – Vanilla, immortelle and other sweet notes can be a challenge for me and I often have trouble with full-on gourmands.
    – Cuir de Russie, Trayee, Forest Walk and Lumiere Blanche are a few of my current favourites.

    Your help is very much appreciated. January 11, 2013 at 10:57am Reply

    • Patrycja: I really love Arpege. It’s a bombastic floral at first but once it calms down it’s a poem. It smells beautiful in cold weather but its an old fashioned scent. I wear it regardless of being in my mid 30’s because I like that it’s complex and a statement. January 11, 2013 at 11:23am Reply

      • Annikky: Patrycja, thank You! I am not afraid of old-fashioned, so on the list it goes. And regarding your question above, I agree with those who recommend Tabac Aurea – such a great scent and affordable, too. January 11, 2013 at 2:12pm Reply

    • Elisa: DSH Tubereuse is a lovely tuberose that works in winter.

      I also think you’d like YSL Nu — spicy dry incense and woods with a jasmine angle. January 11, 2013 at 11:26am Reply

      • Annikky: Thanks, Elisa! I have been meaning to sample DHS perfumes for some time now, but the choice is overwhelming and I always give up. Is there anything else you would recommend?

        And thanks for mentioning NU – this is something that I would not have thought to try myself, but sounds really good. January 11, 2013 at 2:23pm Reply

        • Elisa: I love DSH but yes, the selection is huge and overwhelming! I am lucky to live near her Boulder shop so I can sample easily. In addition to the tuberose, you might start with her recent YSL-inspired collection. There’s a beautiful rose/violet that I like better than Paris, an Opium-inspired scent, a dirty leathery one, etc. She also has a lot of spicy incense scents. Good luck! January 11, 2013 at 4:35pm Reply

          • Annikky: Thank you for recommendations! I have read about te YSL-collection and I think Suzanna really liked the rose/violet one? In any case, will investigate. January 12, 2013 at 4:37am Reply

    • sara: serge lutens un lys is a great winter white. it has some vanilla too. January 11, 2013 at 11:28am Reply

      • Annikky: I have loved most of the SL scents that I have managed to try and own two full bottles. So this is a must-try, thanks. January 11, 2013 at 2:25pm Reply

    • E. Lime: If you like Fracas and Carnal Flower in the cold, I can imagine that SL’s Tubereuse Criminelle would agree with you as well. For really-cold-weather non-white-flower perfume, SSS has some great scents: Winter Woods and Incense Pure are my favorite for their smoky sweetness. January 11, 2013 at 11:35am Reply

      • Annikky: I absolutely agree with you 🙂 – I love TC, but don’t have it at hand the moment (I keep putting off buying the decant as I believe I need a FB, which I currently cannot afford) and have therefore not tried it in the cold. But I’m sure it would be lovely.

        And I have small samples of Winter Woods and Incense Pure, will re-test them this weekend. I like IP, but had an unexpected problem with WW – it sounds perfect on paper, but there was a nuance that bothered me. No idea what it was, but hopefully it will not dare to show itself in this weather. January 11, 2013 at 2:34pm Reply

        • E. Lime: I hear you on the TC! I am saving up for a full bottle someday, too. Someone smelled my sample on me the other day and said she wanted to bite me (in a good way)!
          As for Winter Woods… I see now that you said amber can be problematic. Perhaps that’s it? I know if I wear it when it’s too warm by mistake, it can be a bit oppressive, but I think that’s the castoreum. January 11, 2013 at 3:55pm Reply

    • Daisy: This might be a little bit of an unconventional suggestion, but have you tried Gaultier’s Fleur du male? It’s marketed to men, but I don’t see why. It is wonderful on women too! January 11, 2013 at 11:48am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: White flowers in winter: you already mentioned the best! Fracas is wonderful in cold weather (strange enough, in summertime it is sweet to me; in wintertime fresh). I like also Diorissimo in the winter.Right now I am wearing on one wrist Bois d’Encens, on the other Lys Soleya. Combination of something dry and a white flower may work for you too.
        As for leather: maybe Cuir Mauresque (Lutens) or Gomma (Etro), or perhaps Daim Blond (Lutens). January 11, 2013 at 12:13pm Reply

        • Annikky: Cornelia, this combination sounds really good. Lys Soleia is lovely but maybe not that interesting on its own, so I can see how adding some woods and incense would work.

          I like both SL leathers you mentioned, especially Cuir Mauresque – I wouldn’t mind a FB of this. Gomma is new for me, will seek it out. Thank you! January 11, 2013 at 2:53pm Reply

      • Annikky: Daisy, this is something I would not have thought of myself, so your suggestion is especially appreciated. It definitely sounds appealing (I love orange blossom and couldn’t care less to whom it is marketed to) and the name is great, in my opinion. Thanks! January 11, 2013 at 2:39pm Reply

        • Daisy: Hi, Anniky. I think the name is great too! Maybe that’s why it’s marketed to men: so they can have the nice play on words 🙂 January 12, 2013 at 2:34pm Reply

      • Charlotte: This is the only fume i steal from my husband actually , super cozy 🙂 January 13, 2013 at 12:35pm Reply

        • Annikky: This is the only kind of stealing I approve of! There is a reason why my boyfriend has received Ambre Sultan, Eau Sauvage and Fahrenheit as presents… January 14, 2013 at 5:08am Reply

          • Charlotte: Haha I think we share tastes 🙂 last buy for hubbie; Eau sauvage, on the way for me as we speak: Ambre sultan! January 14, 2013 at 6:28am Reply

            • Annikky: 🙂 January 14, 2013 at 6:30am Reply

    • figuier: Fyi it may be just me, but I tested Lys Med a month ago in cold weather and found it much less enjoyable than in the summer – the synthetics that form its ‘skeleton’ were more obvious and the whole thing felt jarring. In summertime heat it’s gorgeous on me.

      Annick Goutal’s tubereuse is lovely in cold weather, and if you like fracas edp you should try the parfum, which is heavier on the chamomile and has a delightful touch of civet. January 11, 2013 at 12:30pm Reply

      • Annikky: Figuier, thanks for the warning – I will keep my expectations in check. I have no doubt that Fracas is stunning in perefume, I must get a sample of it (at least). Luckily, AG will be easy to try, as the line is now available here. Thanks a lot for taking the time to respond. January 11, 2013 at 3:06pm Reply

    • moi: An interesting observation, as I too often find white florals can sometimes be too suffocating in the heat. One of my favorite “winter whites” is Parfums De Nicolai Number One. It’s beautiful any time, but I particularly love it in the winter.

      As for really-cold-weather perfumes, Donna Karan’s gold is a spiced-woody lily that has a beautiful green/astringent quality in winter, as does the iris of Aqua di Parma’s Iris Nobile. January 11, 2013 at 1:18pm Reply

      • Annikky: Moi, thank you! Parfums de Nicolai has always seemed like a really nice brand to me and now I know where to start the sampling. Gold is definitely on my to-sample list and I agree, Iris Nobile is lovely. January 11, 2013 at 3:16pm Reply

    • Cassieflower: I also love my white florals during the cold weather, they seem to bloom brighter! You’ve already tried out some of my favourites, so three that you haven’t mentioned: Annick Goutal Songes – Frangipani, Tiare Flower, Jasmine Sambac, Ylang-Ylang, Olibanum, French Vanilla, Sandalwood, Amber. A beautiful, warm and ladylike fragrance.

      Guerlain Mahora – Tuberose, Frangipani blossoms, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Vetiver, Vanilla, Sandalwood (Don’t be scared of the vanilla here, it is not the star of the show). This one is a bit of a diva.

      Donna Karan Gold, Casablanca lilies, fluid amber, sparkling acacia, white clove, jasmine templar, golden blossom and patchouli. This is now discontinued, though it can be had for a very good price online. The amber here has more of a feeling of caramel. This is my go-to fragrance when I’m not sure what exactly I want to wear, one of my all time favourites, I think. Have a mini stockpile of this. January 11, 2013 at 1:30pm Reply

      • Annikky: Exactly – white flowers, at least some of them, seem brighter and more elegant and less creamy and lush in the winter. Your suggestions sound perfect, I will sample them all. I have tried and liked Songes, but not in this weather. Thank you so much, your descriptions are great. January 11, 2013 at 3:23pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: I agree! Mahora gives you the real diva-feeling! If you can’t find it: Mayotte is the same perfume. January 11, 2013 at 4:52pm Reply

      • Elisa: I feel exactly the same way about DK Gold. Year-round go-to, I love it in any situation. And have multiple backups. January 11, 2013 at 4:36pm Reply

    • Austenfan: Have you tried Vamp à New York? ( Honoré des Prés). An organic tuberose. Very cheerful and charming and works well in cold weather.
      Parfums Delrae: Mythique ( for iris and suede) and Amoureuse ( for white floral) and maybe Début ( a beautiful green floral) Ausliebezumduft carries the line.
      Have you ever tried any Divines? Classic French perfumery in a niche setting. You can probably order from them directly or else use Ausliebe. My favourites are the original Divine ( for women) and L’Homme de Coeur ( for men) but wearing it has, fortunately, not made my voice lower.
      Cuir by Lancôme
      L’Artisan Dzing!
      Lutens: Douce Amère
      Histoire de Parfums: 1725 ( Casanova) January 11, 2013 at 4:01pm Reply

      • Annikky: Hi, Austenfan! I really appreciate you taking the time and being so thorough. I have great respect for your taste and knowledge, so will defintely try to sample everything you suggested – the only one I have tried so far is Dzing! and I like it a lot.

        I did remember your recommendation of Divine from an earlier thread, but Ausliebe was (and still is) out of samples, so I need to wait a bit. Unfortunately, I had no luck with HdP tubereuses, but I’ll gladly sniff Casanova nevertheless. And I’ve had my eye on DelRaes for some time now. January 11, 2013 at 4:32pm Reply

        • Austenfan: The Tubereuses are not as good as the original line ( or some of that). My favourite HdP is 1740 (de Sade) but as it is quite heavy on the immortelle you might not like it. The 1726 is an anisic lavender amber, very elegant.
          Will Divine not ship to Estonia directly?

          And thanks for the compliment. January 11, 2013 at 4:53pm Reply

          • Annikky: You are right, they actually do ship here. I checked out their web site some time ago, but my poor old iPad couldn’t handle the Flash, so I didn’t get far. But one sample set is now duely ordered, thanks for reminding me of that option. January 12, 2013 at 4:24am Reply

      • Joan: Congratulations Elizabeth!

        Good to meet you austenfan, from another tuberose and leather lover! Seconding Dzing!, Divine, and Cuir de Lancome! Fracas would be a good if maybe unoriginal choice, and Tubereuse Criminelle would be an option for someone bolder than me.

        However, I’ve got a vintage bottle of Jolie Madame “body oil” that I think I’d wear for my own wedding. The more obscure the vintage, the less likely anyone else is to have it. January 14, 2013 at 6:14pm Reply

    • maja: I think a lovely winter floral could be Faubourg 24, it’s heady, warm, elegant. I love it! Maybe even Parfums de Nicolaï Sacrebleu.

      Malle’s Noir Epices and Coromandel are my go-to scents when it’s very, very cold. 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 4:34pm Reply

      • Annikky: Maja, you have strenghtened my resolve to try Parfums de Nicolai line, lots of people with good taste are fans. And I need to re-test Faoubourg, it should be my kind of thing.

        And I agree, Coromandel is lovely, I hope it will not seem to sweet when it’s really cold (I have a small decant, so can experiment). And Noir Epices sounds genious, thank you so much. January 12, 2013 at 4:33am Reply

        • Daisy: My favorite winter perfume is Musc Ravageur. So warm, cozy, and furry (if furry could be both a smell and a sensation). January 12, 2013 at 2:36pm Reply

          • Annikky: A big Malle Sampling Project is being prepared as we speak. Write. Whatever. January 12, 2013 at 3:53pm Reply

        • solanace: Yep, I was thinking Parfums de Nicolai for you too. Sacrebleu is great and cozy for winter, and so is Vanille tonka. Number one is a perfect white floral, and for some reason I think you could like Le temps d’une fete, which to my nose smells like a better quality Ma Griffe. Juste un reve is a more tropical white floral, with some coconut, a bit like Bronze Godess to my untrained nose. I think this is a bit overly sweet. I must try the Malles! January 13, 2013 at 5:22pm Reply

          • Annikky: Thanks, Solance! I appreciate the recommendations and descriptions. There seems to be a consensus on Parfums de Nicolai, so I’ve got no choice, have I? I am basically forced to sample the line 😉 January 14, 2013 at 4:49am Reply

    • Claire: Have you tried Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia? I found it a very well-composed white floral. I think Victoria also has written a review about it on this blog. I’m at lost as to cold-weather perfume as it never get below zero here. January 12, 2013 at 1:05am Reply

      • Annikky: Of course! Tuberose Gardenia is gorgeous. I don’t have a sample, though, so need to get hold of one. Thanks a lot. January 12, 2013 at 4:26am Reply

    • cj: It sounds like you and I have quite similar taste, and my absolute favourite scent for cold weather is Cuir de Lancome. I’ve only just started my love affair with white flowers (thanks to Carnal Flower), so I’m definitely going to pay attention to the other suggestions you’ve been getting! January 12, 2013 at 11:54am Reply

      • Annikky: I have checked every Lancome counter I have come across for Cuir, but no luck so far – it seems to have very limited distribution in these parts. But thank you for mentioning it, it encourages me to order a sample. And defintely, do take notes, there’s lots of good stuff here 🙂 January 12, 2013 at 3:51pm Reply

        • cj: It seems that Cuir de Lancome never really made it to the counters. I ordered it blind from a discount site online based on the glowing reviews I read on blogs like this one. I loved it so much and it was so inexpensive that I’ve since ordered a couple of back-up bottles! I think you can still get it for cheap online, unfortunately there’s no way to try it for free. January 12, 2013 at 4:03pm Reply

          • Annikky: Oh, this explaines it. I should have checked, of course, but somehow it didn’t even occur to me that it might be discontinued… Thank you for enlightening me! January 12, 2013 at 5:05pm Reply

          • Joan: Same here. I bought a bottle untested. It was just what I’d hoped for. January 14, 2013 at 6:15pm Reply

    • Charlotte: I need my florals to have some warmth in winter, someone suggested 24 faubourg, can only second that . Also cartier Baiser vole, which is less lifelike Than lys mediterrane maybe, but has a beatiful warm vanillic drydown, perfectly cozy in the cold, and less formal Than 24 F. January 12, 2013 at 3:09pm Reply

      • Annikky: Thanks, Charlotte! I have only smelled BV in passing, must give it more attention. From what I remember, it could work well. January 12, 2013 at 3:46pm Reply

    • Victoria: I know that it might be more difficult to find, but I do love Serge Lutens Une Voix Noire as a winter white floral. It has a beautiful gardenia note wrapped in smoke, tobacco and woods.

      Also, I wanted to mention Parfums de Nicolai Juste Une Reve. It’s much more lighthearted and tropical, but so lovely. January 13, 2013 at 9:52am Reply

      • Annikky: Victoria, thank you for taking the time to respond. Une Voix Noire is on my list already, along with the Arquiste gardenia – mostly because of your beautiful reviews, of course. But they are both hard to get, as you point out. At least UVN is available at The Perfumed Court and it will be a part of my next order. But as I have a serious book-habit and an interest in fashion to support as well, I need to be diciplined about my purchases (I don’t always succeed, of course).

        I would like to sample the entire PdN line, but unfortunately they don’t seem to have a sample set. I am a huge fan of sample sets, as I love to get a sense of the brand and see how the scents relate to each other. Oh, well, need to consider other options – PdN seems like a really nice house, good quality and affordable. January 14, 2013 at 5:26am Reply

  • Parvathy: Hi, can anyone recommend me a perfume that has the combination of sandalwood, rose and jasmine. Thanks January 11, 2013 at 11:29am Reply

    • Jillie: Hi Parvathy. The first fragrance that sprang to my mind is Guerlain’s Samsara. It’s a creamy sandalwood lightened with jasmine. The rose is quite delicate, but I think the whole composition works seamlessly. Get the vintage version if possible! January 11, 2013 at 12:26pm Reply

      • Divya: Agree with Jillie. Samsara is a new journey of the senses every time I spray it. January 11, 2013 at 2:46pm Reply

    • george: Chanel No.5! But as narrow a suggestion as that might seems, that’s four different fragrances- edt, edp, the parfum extrait and eau premiere, which all smell slightly different. If you dislike the aldehydic soapiness of the EDT, it is trimmed in eau premiere. January 11, 2013 at 2:09pm Reply

    • Elisa: Sonoma Scent Studio Nostalgie! January 11, 2013 at 4:39pm Reply

    • Cybele: I guess that must be Chanel Bois de Iles. January 11, 2013 at 5:52pm Reply

    • Sibylle: Santal Blanc by Serge Lutens January 11, 2013 at 6:04pm Reply

    • Daisy: For a sandalwood, rose, jasmine trio, I would recommend all of Neela Vermeire’s perfumes. All absolutely wonderful. January 12, 2013 at 2:45pm Reply

      • Anat13: There’s no rose in Trayee, is there? They are all wonderful, certainly! Trayee seems mostly a rich and complex incense to me; Mohur rose, spices, oudh; and I don’t get rose in Bombay Bling, though it is listed. I do love all three! January 12, 2013 at 3:25pm Reply

        • Daisy: I just checked. You’re right about Trayee. No rose listed. I do get a big beautiful rose in Bombay Bling, though. Aren’t they wonderful? Would love to own full bottles of all three one day. Sigh! January 12, 2013 at 3:30pm Reply

          • Anat13: Oh my gosh, I certainly would! They are incredible! I’ve only tried Bombay Bling twice–maybe I will get the rose after another wearing or two. My nose sometimes seems to hugely magnify some notes at the expense of others, and this might be one of those cases. I love it regardless of whether I get the rose, though! January 12, 2013 at 3:36pm Reply

            • Annikky: I have to hold myself back not to recommend Trayee to everyone, even if they are looking for a violet soliflore. Trayee is my favourite, but all three are amazing. January 12, 2013 at 3:57pm Reply

              • Anat13: Hee! Can’t blame you for that! 😀 January 12, 2013 at 8:02pm Reply

  • Nat: Dominating white floral and vanilla notes are probably not for me (yet), however both are simply amazing in Mona di Orio’s Tubereuse and Vanille compositions. Could anyone recommend scents as interesting as these two? Many thanks! January 11, 2013 at 12:11pm Reply

    • Victoria: I very much like Bronze Goddess by Estee Lauder, which is a great white floral + vanilla for someone who is new to exploring this type of fragrance. It’s sheer, radiant and easy to wear. Also, Guerlain Lys Soleia is another great option. January 11, 2013 at 3:12pm Reply

      • Nat: Both noted, many thanks, Victoria! 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 4:35pm Reply

    • Lucas: Dive into Histoires de Parfums Toberose trio. These are three interesting tuberose fragrances and each is different. You might find a right for you there. January 11, 2013 at 3:32pm Reply

      • Nat: Thanks very much, Lucas! January 11, 2013 at 4:37pm Reply

    • Annikky: Hi, Nat!

      I haven’t smelled any of Mona’s fragrances but from what I have heard, they might be hard to match. Her Tubereuse seems to be quite unique, I can only think of Carnal Flower which will definitely not smell the same, but might have a similar feel – complex and elegant rather than heady and lush. But chances are you have already smelled CF. One of my own favourites where tuberose doesn’t dominate is SSS Jour Ensoleille, it has white flowers on a woody-mossy base – nothing in common with Mona di Orio, but gorgeous. However, it is quite distinct and certainly needs sampling first. HdP tuberoses unfortunately didn’t work for me at all, but if you don’t want to smell much tuberose anyway, give them a try.

      I am no expert on vanilla, as I usually find this note problematic, but Guerlain’s  Spiritueuse Double Vanille comes to mind. Victoria didn’t like it much and lists several alternatives in her review, whitch is definitely worth a look. And then there is of course Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille, again something you have probably already tried. One vanilla that I find nice and that is not so well known is Agonist Vanilla Marble. I put it on before recommending to make sure I describe it right, but cannot really come up with more than “this just smells good to me”. It does share some notes with Mona di Orio Vanille, but is probably less complex and unique.

      Good luck with your new notes, especially tuberose, which is one of my favourites :)! January 13, 2013 at 5:09am Reply

  • figuier: I cannot get enough of Annick Goutal’s Mon parfum cheri at the moment (edt). I love its combination of the ornate (plum-heliotrope) and the austere (bone-dry patchouli and orris). Unfortunately, it’s left me (temporarily?) averse to the sweetness of my usual winter favourites, Coromandel, Attrape Coeur and others.

    Can anyone recommend some other non-green, dry (as in not-sweet but also not ambery), grown-up chypre-orientals for winter? The original & modern Femme is great but even that has more rondeurs than I can take at the moment! January 11, 2013 at 12:24pm Reply

    • Jillie: Hello Figuier. I think people must get fed up with me praising this one, but do try Parfums de Nicolai’s L’Eau a la Folie! It’s has a definite vibe of Femme about it, without the modern version’s cumin, and a smack of orange and peach, but without being sweet and fruity, and somehow also being dry (if you see what I mean). I am afraid that when I wear this, I keep on wanting to wear it day after day, so I might just have set you up with another problem! January 11, 2013 at 12:31pm Reply

      • figuier: Thanks Jillie, I will definitely check this one out – I generally like Nicolai perfumes so it’s a good bet. Total addiction is a risk I’ll just have to take! January 11, 2013 at 12:48pm Reply

    • Cybele: Maybe the original Halston Woman which is still widely available in Cologne version. January 11, 2013 at 1:02pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: maybe Futur (Piguet). January 11, 2013 at 1:38pm Reply

    • Austenfan: Another MPCPC fan here. I happen to prefer the EDP because it is stronger.
      Have you ever tried the anniversary editions of Aromatics Elixir? It’s a bit in the same vein and not quite such a trailblazer as the original.
      Boxeuses by Lutens might be worth a try and Bottega Veneta. January 11, 2013 at 3:52pm Reply

    • annemariec: Hmmm … I’ve just recommended Molinard’s Habanita up above in another context, and it springs to mind here too. Don’t be scared of the fruit notes: they are amply balanced by leather and vetiver. Sometimes I think of Habanita as a perfume that sets up fruit notes only to mock them! And the fragrance is as dry as they come. I can only wear it in the winter.

      I love Mon Parfum Cheri too, but someone once said ‘What’s that weird fertiliser smell around here … ?’ Oops, I think that was my patchouli! Femme is another great love of mine too. January 11, 2013 at 4:22pm Reply

      • figuier: Love the fertiliser story! Our Christmas tree, mysteriously, smelt of fertiliser this year, so at least I’ve been in tune with the decor 😉

        Habanita is an unusual suggestion – I remember it as very powdery. Are you thinking of a particular version? January 11, 2013 at 6:10pm Reply

        • annemariec: It is indeed very powdery. Some people complain that all they get from Habanita is talcum powder. If so, it is the most sinister talcum powder ever conceived! I have the EDP, released last year (I think?) and also a decant of the EDT. To be honest I did not perceive a great deal of difference between them. I have not looked for a while, but you used to be able to pick up the EDT online for a song … January 11, 2013 at 11:00pm Reply

    • Elisa: Dior Oud Ispahan might fit the bill. I found it quite dry for a rose. January 11, 2013 at 4:40pm Reply

    • figuier: Some really interesting suggests there, thanks so much to all of you! I’ve never tried or even read about Halston woman, so will definitely check that out. And Piguet Futur was on my to-try list anyway, so it’s good to hear it might fit the bill. Oud Isaphan sounds intriguing, although I’ve been wearing of falling for those large & expensive bottles…

      The others I’ve tried before, but it’s useful to hear your perceptions of them, since my tastes have changed post MPC and I suspect I might take to them better now – especially Aromatics Elixir, which has always intrigued-yet-repulsed me: exactly like MPC before I finally succumbed. Boxeuses I remember as drying down to that standard soft base Lutens uses in a lot of his florals but I’ll definitely try it again. January 11, 2013 at 6:08pm Reply

      • Austenfan: I know what you mean about Boxeuses, which is why I didn’t buy it. I tried three exclusifs on my last visit to the Palais Royal shop, one of them Boxeuses. Loved the opening but not the far drydown.

        The anniversary editions is different enough from the original AE that you might like it. I tried MPCPC and the Clinique within the same month. While I prefer the Goutal ( and the original AE ) fo that matter, the new AE is a good perfume.
        Have you ever tried vintage Diorella? Shares some of it’s pedigree with Femme. Having never smelled Femme ( shame) I don’t know where they differ. January 13, 2013 at 11:58am Reply

    • Nina Z: Chanel 31 Rue Cambon, somewhat dry modern chypre. January 12, 2013 at 6:24pm Reply

  • solanace: Hi,

    I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who made suggestions for me a month ago. You were great! I have just recieved the first decants, and I’m having so much fun! January 11, 2013 at 1:01pm Reply

    • Victoria: So what did you end up getting? 🙂 January 11, 2013 at 3:09pm Reply

      • solanace: Plenty of sheer roses! I’m in love with rose splendide and rose anonyme, and with Diptyque’s eau rose too. These are light enough I can wear them right now (in the end, the soap I wash my hands with is scented, so I relaxed a bit… And wearing a little perfume has improved my mood so much!) I also ordered FM bigarrade and orange sanguine from atelier cologne, and other stuff I can’t remember… Can barely wait for the mail! January 12, 2013 at 2:40am Reply

        • solanace: And I’m in LOVE with Rose Splendide. How delicious is it!! Must read a few reviews, but now the baby just woke up! January 13, 2013 at 3:58am Reply

  • Divya: My current favorite Estee Lauder’s PC tuberose gardenia… and because I am minimal and this winter I’ve only been interested in peppermint, anise and linear tuberose! Well, I want to know if there is a cool vanilla out there. I’ve noticed vanilla works great with my body chemistry and I still want to stay in the theme of cool clean scents. My budget is $50-70 🙂 Love, Divya January 11, 2013 at 2:43pm Reply

    • Victoria: I recommend Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Tonka. It’s within your budget and is a fantastic warm vanilla. January 11, 2013 at 3:09pm Reply

      • solanace: Seconding Vanille Tonkla. It is smokey, not overly sweet, just plain delicious. Never finished a decant so quickly. Addictive stuff! January 12, 2013 at 2:42am Reply

      • Divya: Thank you! January 20, 2013 at 3:21am Reply

    • george: Fahrenheit 32 by Dior is a cool vanilla, easy to come by, and within your price range (just, I think). It’s known for being quite divisive, so make sure you sample first.

      If you ever fancy venturing out of more minimalist territory, Tubereuse Criminelle would be an interesting scent for you to sample (if you haven’t already) based on your current likes. January 11, 2013 at 3:19pm Reply

    • Elisa: Maybe Atelier Cologne Vanilla Insensee? January 11, 2013 at 4:41pm Reply

    • Daisy: It might be at the upper end of your budget, but I would throw Diptyque’s L’Eau Duelle out there again for a vanilla fragrance. January 12, 2013 at 2:48pm Reply

  • Nancy A.: Hi Victoria,

    I’m thinking L’artisan today: Patchouli Patch is one that comes to mind on a dreary day like today and for an uplift — Mimosa Pour Moi. Quite a contrast, but somewhere in the recesses of my mind is First, an aldehyde. It was also a fragrance I wore for at least 10 years running! Maybe it was a signature scent for me and here’s a question for you. Aldehydes – not a synthetic is it and someone described it as metal — cool silken metal which enhances the other notes in a composition. How does this union come together? Thanks! January 11, 2013 at 4:55pm Reply

    • Victoria: Aldehydes naturally occur in various plants and spices (orange peel oil, cinnamon oil, rose, etc.), but the ones used in perfumery are usually man-made. You can think of them as salt or vinegar. Too much, and the dish will be inedible, but a little of salty or tart flavors makes other tastes shine. Same with aldehydes, they are used in minute quantities, and their starched linen or hot metal quality then ends up as a sparkling feel. Whenever you put something effervescent next to a heavy, rich material (like jasmine oil in First or jasmine and rose in No 5), the result is lighter, more radiant. January 12, 2013 at 9:15am Reply

  • cyndee: I love reading all the questions and the wonderful thoughtful responses. I am keeping a notebook of fragrances to watch for, sniff and purchase. However, I am learning so much and getting such a long list, it is getting hard to keep it manageable. Does anyone have ideas how to organize and keep it such information accessible and easy to use?
    Thank you so much for any help. Just reading todays questions and answers I have gathered at least 15 more perfumes of interest. Help! January 11, 2013 at 5:16pm Reply

    • Victoria: I usually write down the names of the perfumes (or type them in a word document) and then I figure out what I can try without having to make a sample order. Is there anything you can try at Sephora or your local department store? Start with those. Also, it’s useful to rank the perfumes–what do you want to smell first?

      I also find it useful to write down why I want to try a particular perfume, because after a while I forget. But if I put a little reminder (Atelier Patchouli Mistral because it’s supposed to be a sheer patchouli; or Caron Rose for a vintage rich style rose), then it’s easier to figure out why something ended up on my list. January 12, 2013 at 9:01am Reply

      • cyndee: Thank you for the idea of listing “why” I wanted to try the fragrance. I found myself just listing under the main note such as Rose or Chypre. Immediately each catagory was huge and I was no more organized than when I started.
        I really appreciate your site. Thank you so much. January 13, 2013 at 5:54pm Reply

    • FearsMice: Hi, Cyndee — I feel the same way! All the wonderful suggestions have left me with a huge list of want-to-trys, too. I use Excel spreadsheets organized by theme (either notes or “mood”) to break down the list into something more manageable. If you don’t have Excel, you might try a free spreadsheet program from http://www.openoffice.org (no affiliation). Hope you find something that works for you! January 12, 2013 at 9:25am Reply

      • cyndee: I think the spreadsheet or going the way of a list maintained on an iPad seem like a very helpful way of keeping things accessible. I have been using a notebook such as Victoria suggested but my system was getting overwhelmed as I learned more. Thank you for the suggestions. January 13, 2013 at 5:50pm Reply

    • Annikky: Hi, Cyndee (and Victoria and the cute elephant :))

      I am currently using Notes on my iPad to keep different lists: to sniff (in a department store or airport, usually); to sample (needs ordering – this is generally the case, as I live in Estonia); to by a decant; to by a FB.

      However, what I think we really need is a perfume app. Something that would have profiles of as many scents as possible with official descriptions, production status, stockists, etc. And then you can add your own status (needs sniffing/priority sniffing!/replace decant/buy full bottle/already own a sample, decant, FB/etc), your sniffing notes and comments or a full review, your rating. And when you are online, you can access the info other users have made public. You could of course search the database, compile lists, have an overview of all things with similar status (this function would basically be what you asked about, the organization mechanism for things that need sniffing, for example), set reminders, keep track of spending and so on.

      Maybe there is already something like that out there and I am simply ignorant (I did download the iPerfume app by Givaudan, but it’s not that helpful). If not, I hope there is a perfumista with IT background reading this 🙂 January 13, 2013 at 8:15am Reply

      • Victoria: I will check what exists out there!

        I would love to hear what you disliked about the Givaudan app, by the way. Or just your impressions in general. Have you tried the Osmoz app, by the way? January 13, 2013 at 9:37am Reply

        • Daisy: I really liked the OsMoz app. But when I updated my iOS, it was no longer compatible 🙁 Did anyone else find this to be the case? January 13, 2013 at 4:47pm Reply

        • Annikky: My iPad died on me yesterday, so I have been unable to re-try the app (or try any others, for that matter). But I can drop you a message on FB when my technological blackout is over? Unless you were asking just to be polite – which I also appreciate -but in that case will not bother you with the message 🙂 January 15, 2013 at 10:26am Reply

          • Victoria: I would love to hear what you think (I’m not just being polite!) So, I’ll look forward to your FB message then. 🙂 January 15, 2013 at 10:41am Reply

      • cyndee: Annikky,
        I love your suggestion of maintaining a list of ideas on your iPad. I am hoping for one in my near future. Thank you for all the information in your answer.
        My daughter lives in Stockholm and my husband and I may be visiting Estonia this fall. Any special ideas of what to see/visit or do while there? January 13, 2013 at 5:57pm Reply

        • Annikky: My first recommendation to anyone coming to Estonia is please, do try not to visit in November. By then it’s usually wet, cold and dark, but without the relief of snow. Early fall can be very nice, though, with beautiful colours.

          My second recommendation is, if time allows, to get out of Tallinn, especially if you are a nature lover. We don’t have anything spectacular (no mountains, no ocean, no jungle), but the nature is relatively untouched and quietly beautiful. Islands (we have 1500) are very popular, for a reason, and spending time in a bog or marsh can be a real experience. Fall is especially good for this – no mosquitos and beautiful colors. Western Estonia is one of the biggest pit-stops for migrating birds in Europe, so if you get the timing right, this is quite something to watch.

          In case you are only visiting for a day or two, it makes sense to stay in Tallinn. The medieval Old Town is nice, but the level of your enthusiasm over this probably depends on where you are coming from (I don’t know where you live) – people from the States are usually more impressed than people from, say, Lübeck, where they have quite a few medieval houses of their own.

          In addition to Old Town, I suggest taking a stroll in the areas with historical wooden architecture: Kadriorg is fancier, as it is located around Kadriorg park and palace, that used to be a family retreat for Peter the Great (and you might as well visit the Estonian Museum of Art, while you are in the neighbourhood). Kalamaja is much more working class, but charming.

          If you are interested in (local) food, the restaurants have improved greatly in recent years, but you need to know where to go. Around the Town Square you’ll mostly see tourist-oriented medieval-style places – some of which are fine and quite entertaining, if you like that sort of thing. But as the centre of Tallinn is so small, you only need to walk hundred meters (if that) to find something more authentic. I’ll gladly send you some ideas regarding restaurants and anything else you are interested in. You can contact me via email when you reach the serious planning stage: ykkinna at gmail dot com. January 14, 2013 at 6:11am Reply

          • Janlast: Thank you so much for sharing this information! While I may never get to Estonia, I now have a little piece of your country to keep in my mind. January 14, 2013 at 8:00am Reply

            • Annikky: Thank you! January 15, 2013 at 10:27am Reply

  • Mel: I just tried Rose Chypre by Tauer for the first time and am blown away by it. Would love recs for scents in the same category. January 11, 2013 at 5:50pm Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried L’Artisan Voleur de Roses or Serge Lutens Rose de Nuit? Those are some of my favorite chypre + rose combinations. January 12, 2013 at 9:16am Reply

    • Anat13: Olympic Orchids Ballets Rouges is a gorgeous rose & oakmoss scent. January 12, 2013 at 12:15pm Reply

  • Pafqua: I’m looking for perfume, which would be significant, but at the same time gentle and tender. I like L’Eau d’Hiver, Sublime Balkisse, Rancé 1795 Hélène, La Chasse Aux Papillons, … But because it is very cold weather here, I would like something warmer and richer. Thanks! January 12, 2013 at 5:40am Reply

    • Victoria: I think that you might enjoy richer violet-woody scents like Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois or Bois de Violette as well as white florals with a warm twist like Annick Goutal Songes. I like many of the fragrances you mention, and those are two types of perfumes that often hit the spot for me. January 12, 2013 at 9:19am Reply

      • Anat13: SL Bois de Violette is _wonderful!_ January 12, 2013 at 12:16pm Reply

        • FearsMice: I agree on Bois de Violette! Also, today I am trying out Sonoma Scent Studio’s Wood Violet, and I like it very much, too. January 12, 2013 at 12:21pm Reply

      • Pafqua: Bois de Violette I’ll certainly try, but I just hope it is not too violet…? And do you know what perfume would be most similar L’Eau d’Hiver? January 12, 2013 at 1:45pm Reply

        • Victoria: Guerlain Apres L’Ondee is the closest one. January 12, 2013 at 2:00pm Reply

          • Pafqua: Thanks so much, Victoria! January 12, 2013 at 3:46pm Reply

  • Heather: Having spent much of my life avoiding vanilla scents because I hate the gooey ones so much, I’m now on a mission to try all the dark dry adult vanillas that I can locate. So far I love CBIHP 7 Billion Hearts, Mona di Orio Vanille, and SL Bois Vanille with intense passion, can’t wear any of the Shalimars (something awful happens on my skin) and like L’eau Duelle but it fades very rapidly on me, like within an hour. What other dark vanillas do I need to try? And are there any mainstream vanillas that are truly good? Your input is greatly appreciated! January 12, 2013 at 11:14am Reply

    • Victoria: Most mainstream vanilllas tend to be sweet, cupcake vanilla, rather than dark. But I very much like Chopard Casmir. It’s woody and ambery. Perhaps, too sweet for daily use, but it’s still a great option. Givenchy Organza is another one.

      If you’re after dark adult vanilla, try Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee, L’Artisan Vanille Absolument, Nicolai Vanille Tonka. January 12, 2013 at 2:05pm Reply

      • Heather: Thanks so much, Victoria. I’m going to order samples of all those. And thanks for this whole post. What a great idea. January 12, 2013 at 2:34pm Reply

        • Victoria: I’m glad to hear this. 🙂 It’s so much fun to read the suggestions.

          I also just remembered another vanilla, but with a twist–Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu. It’s a modern take on Shalimar, in which vanilla is paired with lime, rice and green notes. It’s elegant and unusual. January 13, 2013 at 9:41am Reply

          • Heather: Haven’t even heard of it. I’ll put it on my sample wish list. January 13, 2013 at 10:16am Reply

          • Heather: I have tried the Chopard Casmir and I love it. On me it is not especially sweet and has a fascinating woody-tuberose-y drydown (with the dryness of tuberose absolute, not the lushness of the fresh flower.) Even my perfume-averse work buddy likes it. I should add that we have cold very dry air here; I’m not sure this would work in moister climates or in the summer. But it’s great now, and I can hardly believe that I nabbed a big bottle for under $30. February 2, 2013 at 10:52am Reply

  • Andrea: I am having such fun sampling fragrances that are featured on this website, but this morning I tried a very small dab of Safron Troublant. We don’t like each other and I can’t go the entire day smelling it. How do I get rid of it? January 12, 2013 at 12:31pm Reply

    • Heather: Send me the bottle??? So far I haven’t come across a perfume that can survive a wash with dishwashing liquid. January 12, 2013 at 1:52pm Reply

      • Victoria: I agree! Either a wash with dishwashing liquid or liquid laundry detergent will do the trick. January 12, 2013 at 2:06pm Reply

      • Andrea: I only have the carded sample, minus one dab. I’ll be happy to send it to you 🙂 January 12, 2013 at 7:06pm Reply

        • Heather: How kind of you! Maybe I can swap you a sample that you would like better. You can email me at wooddogs3 at gmail dot com. January 13, 2013 at 10:26am Reply

    • Daisy: Sometimes, I use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol if something is really persistent. January 12, 2013 at 2:51pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: when I want to wash out a persistant perfume, i soak the laundry in vinegar with water, then wash with the detergant (Dreft). January 12, 2013 at 3:39pm Reply

      • Victoria: I also remembered that sometimes I use makeup remover, especially the kind made for dissolving water-proof makeup. Works so well! January 12, 2013 at 4:09pm Reply

      • Elisa: Yep, I find rubbing alcohol, followed by a soap and water wash, works very well. January 14, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

    • Liz K: I find that an unscented shampoo and hot water works really well to remove unwanted perfumes. Unscented products tend to contain chemicals that neutralize odors (or so I have been told) so that they don’t smell awful. I keep a bottle of John Masters Organics bare shampoo around for just this purpose. It is a bit expensive but was the only thing I could find at one time and it lasts forever. I know some people use unscented detergent and I would think that would be very effective as well. January 13, 2013 at 11:08am Reply

  • Piper: Hey guys! So I’ve been looking for a new perfume for a while now and would love to hear some ideas. Some of my favorites are Diptyque L’ombre dans l’eau, L’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier and Mure et Musc, Malie Perfumes Koke’e, etc. I like scents that are a little green and also floral but nothing too traditional. January 12, 2013 at 10:39pm Reply

    • Cybele: try Comme des Garcons 3 January 13, 2013 at 7:15am Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried Annick Goutal Eau de Charlotte? It’s a green fragrance with a blackcurrant note, and you might find it interesting. Another green floral that I love is Parfums de Nicolai Le Temps d’une Fete. It has a touch of dark berries (which you seem to like). Miller Harris Green, green, green… is another great green idea.

      One interesting green fragrance I just tried is Comme des Garcons Amazingreen. It’s exuberant, green (as it promises), zesty. It’s not too floral though, so it might not be quite it for you, but I thought I would mention it anyway. January 13, 2013 at 9:48am Reply

    • Daisy: What about Parfums DelRae’s Bois de Paradis? That is a beautiful, elegant fig fragrance.

      Also Jovoy’s L’Arbre de la Connaissance is a gorgeous green fig. January 13, 2013 at 4:50pm Reply

    • Sibylle: In case you like the scent of violet leaf I’d recommend Unicorn Spell by Les Nez. The top notes are very, very green, but the heart also contains some delicate floral notes. January 13, 2013 at 5:38pm Reply

    • Austenfan: Another green fragrance with a prominent fig note is Ninfeo Mio by Goutal. January 13, 2013 at 5:43pm Reply

  • Ferris: Looking for a masculine rose that smells like rose and not too expensive. I tried Rose 31( hated it, smelled like sweaty armpits), Ègoïste Concentrèe( hated it, smelled like spicy stewed fruits, apricots and plums, no rose in sight). My budget would be under $150 I love Lyric Man from Amouage, but it’s way over my budget. If there is a similar scent please let me know. January 13, 2013 at 12:40pm Reply

    • rosiegreen: Have you tried any of the Rosines ? They are all rose centered fragrances and I think several of them work really well on men. They also have a very affordable sample program. January 13, 2013 at 1:11pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Cabaret (Grès) is an earthy, dark rose, very good on a man, in my opinion. It is not expensive.
        And Les Parfums de Rosine have one “Rose pour Homme” (I never smelled it). January 13, 2013 at 1:34pm Reply

        • Poodle: Seconding Cabaret. Also for a dark rose you might want to try L’Artisan Voleur de Roses. It didn’t work for me but I think it would work on a man because it’s not too flowery. Sample first though because I think it’s a love it or hate it type of scent. Another that haven’t tried but have seen a lot of love for is Rose Anonyme by Atelier. January 13, 2013 at 2:14pm Reply

        • Elisa: Rose d’Homme is great. I also think some of Tauer’s roses would be great on a man. Try Incense Rose. January 13, 2013 at 2:41pm Reply

      • Ferris: What is Rosine perfumes’ website? January 13, 2013 at 3:44pm Reply

    • george: It’d be nice to hear if you have any success with this, and I shall also be trying the parfums du Rosine selection recommended (thanks Rosie), because I too would like an inexpensive rose for men, but am also a bit of the conclusion that they might not exist (for expensive ones I could recommend a lot); the less expensive ones always tend to have something mixed in with the Rose that makes me dislike them, or find them too feminine: Rose 31 disgusts me too; Stella (you might want to try this, as some men do wear this) has a horrible peony note at the start ; and Voleur de Roses is also a no-no (sorry Poodle). So I have kind of come to conclusion that for the rose that I want I just have to shell out for one’s that have a high percentage of a really expensive Rose ingredient. However, anything that might contradict that thought would be appreciated by both me and my wallet. January 13, 2013 at 2:52pm Reply

    • Austenfan: The Different Company: Une Rose Poivrée
      Etat Libre d’Orange: Rossy de Palma ( Eau de Protection)

      The ELd’O is certainly not expensive, The Different Company sells travel sets that are quite affordable. January 13, 2013 at 5:41pm Reply

    • Sibylle: I suppose you will find Rose Absolue by Yves Rocher too feminine, but it would certainly fit your budget. Their German website has it on sale right now for an amazing 22€ for 50ml. It is much, much better than its price suggests, with lots of real rose essence in there, plus cinnamon, tonka bean and a little patchouli. Victoria wrote a review a few years ago (still in the archives), and even Luca Turin liked it. Maybe if you layered it with something dry and woody? January 13, 2013 at 5:51pm Reply

      • cyndee: Hi Sybille, I have found the Rose Absolue on the German Yves Rocher site, but how to order. Is it possible to order from the USA on the German site?
        You are right it is a lovely fragrance.
        Another fragrance is Eau de Parfume Rose by M. Asam GMBH. No longer in production, but if you ever see any, please give it a try. Soft, subtle but very long lasting on the skin. I am hoarding my last ounce very carefully. January 13, 2013 at 6:17pm Reply

        • Sibylle: Hello cyndee, I don’t know anything about US orders from the German YR website. You’d have to ask them at [email protected]. Probably postage will be quite shocking.
          You could also try some of the other country specific websites, but it does not seem to be available everywhere.
          And yes, it is a lovely fragrance. I tried it out quite recently, and immediately fell in love, though I’m usually not a big fan of rose scents. Even at the regular price it would be excellent value for money. There are a lot of much more expensive mainstream scents which smell a lot cheaper. January 13, 2013 at 6:46pm Reply

  • Pafqua: Does anyone know what perfume is similar LUMIÈRE BLANCHE? Thank you… January 13, 2013 at 3:05pm Reply

  • Elaine: Hi,

    I live in the tropics & need a perfume for an office-friendly environment. Problem is, I also love non-tropics/non-office-friendly perfumes – rich, incensey roses, dark woods, and boozy vanillas. Perfumes I love include Caron Parfum Sacre & Nuit de Noel, OJ Ta’if, L’artisan Safran Troublant, SL Chergui, By Kilian Rose Oud & Pure Oud, Ambre Narguile, Guerlain Spiriteuse Double Vanille… you get the picture.

    Can anyone recommend a perfume that has that same sort of ‘richness’ (not looking for any note in particular, just a texture and atmosphere) that would not smother me (or any innocent colleagues) in a warm, humid office environment?

    Many thanks! January 14, 2013 at 8:59pm Reply

    • Daisy: This is kind of a wild card suggestion, but have you tried Martin Margiela’s Untitled? It’s green and incense-y and I always think “work appropriate” when I smell it. January 15, 2013 at 12:34pm Reply

      • Elaine: Thanks for the suggestion, Daisy! I haven’t heard of this one before, but it sounds lovely & green + incensey sounds like something I might really love! January 15, 2013 at 4:11pm Reply

    • Anat13: OJ Frangipani (lime, frangipani, green orchid oil) is great for heat and seemed to work well around work colleagues last summer. Vero Profumo Mito is gorgeous and, I thought at least, office appropriate. January 15, 2013 at 4:17pm Reply

      • Elaine: Ooh I am a great fan of OJ. Have to try the frangipani! Thanks! January 18, 2013 at 9:28pm Reply

  • Mary Catherine: I’ve been wearing my beloved First by Van Cleef and Arpels for years. I was given Jo Malone French Lime Blossom and Grapefruit, which are OK. I used to wear Coriandre by Jean Couturier but the company was sold in 1993 and that marvelous scent was changed to a cheap, unrecognizable stink.

    As a woman of 53 living in San Francisco, I would like to find something to replace that lost lively scent. I’m sort of confused at the moment, as regards perfume, because so many make me smell like an old lady, all musty and decaying with a touch of bitterness. I may be experienced & worldly, but I’m not rotting!

    I love rose and jasmine, like lavender and rosemary, but am not fond of gardenia or tuberose, patchouli or vetiver. Citrus scents of orange and lemon appeal, as does the smell of redwood, coriander and dark tobacco, but I loathe eucalyptus or anything even remotely mentholated. I would love to find a scent that has the depth of a good scotch and the lightness of champagne.

    Any ideas?

    I’m willing to try anything, even if it has something I might not like just to see, er, smell, if it works.

    Thanks. January 15, 2013 at 8:42pm Reply

    • OperaFan: MC – I’ve been enamoured with First since discovering it the year after its release. I sampled it again around 2006 and noticed the body of the formula had changed though the top remained the same.

      The most classic rose and jasmin combination I know is Joy, but Joy doesn’t have the backbone of First.

      If you have not tried Amouage’s Jubilation 25 and are willing to pay the pretty penny, give it a shot. The opening of J25, to me, is a dead ringer for First, but J25 develops in the direction of Rochas’ (’89) Femme (before IT in turn, got reformulated) – a rich, spicy chypre and highly suitable for women of “our stature” (I’m close enough). It has a stronger “point of view” than First, but may be a good replacement.

      Good luck to you. 🙂 January 16, 2013 at 1:30pm Reply

    • Victoria: ” the depth of a good scotch and the lightness of champagne”–it sounds wonderful, so let me think…

      Since you do enjoy the chypres, I recommend that you try Chanel 31 Rue Cambon. It’s available from Chanel boutiques in their Les Exclusifs line. It’s one of the most elegant fragrances I know, with a wonderful complexity but also a beautiful sparkle.

      Parfums d’Empire Azemour is another elegant and interesting chypre. Very modern. It smells salty and green, but with a wistful touch of orange blossom.

      Annick Goutal Mon Parfum Cherie is another idea–layered, complex, with a twist of peach.

      Please let me know how your search goes, and I will be glad to give more suggestions. January 16, 2013 at 3:12pm Reply

      • Mary Catherine: I will make a list then head out into the cold, up the street to the parfumerie and to Chanel!

        Many thanks. January 16, 2013 at 4:36pm Reply

    • Annikky: Dear Mary Catherine,

      I wanted to suggest Parfums MDCI Chypre Palatin – to me, it seems like an older, even more sophisticated sister of Rue Cambon (which I love). It is certainly not a scent for a girl and demands experience and worldliness to be pulled off. I am not sure I meet those requirements, but I have no hesitation to recommend this fragrance to any woman of taste. January 18, 2013 at 8:03am Reply

  • Jaye: Hi everyone !
    I am new to exploring fragrance and I was looking for a summer fragrance initially. I really like Guerlain’s AA Pampelune, especially the drydown part. Perfection ! (for me) The base notes are patchouli/sandalwood/vanilla. Is there anyone who is familiar with Pampelune that can recommend a fragrance like this for winter ? Many thanks ! January 16, 2013 at 9:56pm Reply

    • Victoria: It might be a bit hard to find, but Serge Lutens Mandarine Mandarin treats citrus in a dark, caramelized manner, which is perfect for winter.

      Also, easier to find is Annick Goutal Nuits d’Hadrien, which is warm and spicy. Beautiful! January 23, 2013 at 6:34am Reply

  • siya: Hi,

    I am looking for a light, low sillage, long lasting, licate defloral green fresh perfume. I hate heavy, cloying perfumes. I have even found immortelle from l’occitane to be heavy after a while.

    I enjoy natural roses, gardenia and frangipani and I will steal the line from other user: ”the depth of a good scotch and the lightness of champagne”

    Any suggestions ?

    Thanks for this thread 🙂

    PS: only perfume till date that I liked was tea rose by perfumer’s workshop (on others) but it has a high sillage. January 22, 2013 at 12:22am Reply

    • siya: sorry that was “delicate floral green fresh”

      🙁 January 22, 2013 at 12:23am Reply

    • Victoria: Hermes Jour d’Hermes might be a great option for you. Otherwise, try L’Artisan florals like Violette Verte, La Chasse Aux Papillons or Mimosa pour Moi. January 23, 2013 at 6:36am Reply

      • Divya: oh wow! Great suggestion January 27, 2013 at 2:17am Reply

      • Siya: Thanks. They sound good. I will try Jour d’hermes and papillone. While I am at it, I will also ask suggestion for a vanilla perfume. Not heady but woody vanilla.

        Any suggestion for a minimalist, plain, woody vanilla ? February 1, 2013 at 11:44pm Reply

        • Victoria: Vanille Absolument by L’Artisan would be my choice. It has a great woody-tobacco note. February 2, 2013 at 2:59am Reply

  • Marissa: Hello everyone! I have no knowledge of this wonderful world of perfumery.I am in search of a new fragrance and was hoping to get some suggestions.

    I seem to go towards fresh scents. I have been using Cool Water for women by Davidoff for 15 years! I still love it though, but
    I want something more “grown-up” and sensual.
    I have layered 360 Red by perry ellis with the cool water to give it more “depth” for night time wear. Which I like too.
    My budget is under $150. I don’t like vanilla and I am 30 years old.
    Thanks in advance! January 22, 2013 at 1:51am Reply

    • Divya: You could try Un Jardin En Mediterranee by Hermes for green accords or Dior’s Forever and Ever for sheer freesia notes! 🙂 good luck! January 22, 2013 at 5:29am Reply

    • Victoria: I second the suggestion from Diya. Also, try Hermes Jardin Apres Le Mousson, which is even fresher. January 23, 2013 at 6:37am Reply

  • Scarlet: I really like gourmand type perfumes like Angel but I also wear things like Daisy by Marc Jacobs when Im in work (i.e it has no sillage). Is there anything that is long lasting like Angel but still is inoffensive enough to wear at work? Thanks. January 26, 2013 at 10:13pm Reply

    • Scarlet: Oh and my budget is under $150! January 26, 2013 at 10:15pm Reply

      • Divya: Inside by Trussardi should be nice and gourmand, inoffensive at the same time as its got a low-moderate sillage. In my opinion it has coffee, almond notes (even though almond is not there in the ingredients…hmm) and fresh juicy florals. You could also try Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb or Prada Candy, which blew my skirt up btw!:) January 27, 2013 at 2:42am Reply

  • Scarlet: Thanks Divya,
    I was just reading about Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue. What do you think, I really like the suggestion of Prada Candy. After reading Victoria’s review on it it seems perfect! January 28, 2013 at 4:28am Reply

  • Heather: New question for you, Victoria (and all!) I love love love the vintage Indecence but it has climbed above the affordable range for me. I see that there is a reissue, but it isn’t available to sample in my area. Has anyone smelled it, and is it close to the original? February 2, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

  • Alex: Hi all, need somthing floral for my wife she loves Beautiful and Pure White linen and pleasure intense. Any recommendations for something high quality floral which includes jasmin, roses or peony? Cheers! February 17, 2013 at 2:49am Reply

  • Stephanie: I am wearing Cristalle-Chanel for more then 10 years. I would love to find another scent that really please me. I think I like perfume with citrus notes and I don’t appreciate vanilla, sweet and powder smells. I tried for a moment O Lancôme, Le Bouquet of Vera Wang and Versance from Versace. Any suggestions to help me find something new? Thanks for helping me. June 18, 2013 at 8:48pm Reply

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