Recommend Me a Perfume : May Showers (and contest)

This week is devoted to our “Recommend Me a Perfume” (with a contest this time).  We will be back with our regular posts on Monday, May 13th. My internet access is intermittent at best this week, but I will join in to give my suggestions when I can.

lily of the valley

How does it work:

1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget.

2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!

Contest: Those who respond to the recommendations will be entered into a contest for 3 samples of their choice (via Luckyscent). I will randomly select two winners.

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

Photography by Bois de Jasmin, lily of the valley

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498 Comments

  • Ana: I’ve been wearing “Fils de Dieu du riz et des agrumes” by ELDO nonstop, and I also feel in love with “Vanilee” by Mona di Orio, but I feel both are heavy for summer. Can you recommend me a really fresh and cool perfume, but still distinctive and long wearing? May 6, 2013 at 7:14am Reply

    • Merlin: Atelier’s Vanille Incensee is a vanilla fragrance which is light and airy and works well in summer. It may not fulfill your long wearing criterion though!
      Annick Goutal has a dry vanilla fragrance called Vanille Exquise which i think would be good for summer but – again – lasting power may be an issue.
      There is also a Jo Malone Cologne called Vanilla&Anise which has quite good lasting power, though the sillage is close – and its also not particularly sweet – could even be unisex – and is suitable for summer.
      One final recommendation is Prada’s L’eau Ambree which is a wonderfully elegant, veil-like amber that is good for summer as well! May 6, 2013 at 7:35am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Dune (Dior), complex, interesting but also fresh and a delicious vanilla in the drydown. Or perhaps vintage Dolce Vita (reformulated and damaged in my opinion). May 6, 2013 at 8:42am Reply

      • D: I agree with the Vanille Insensee. You might want to try the travel size. May 6, 2013 at 10:08am Reply

      • minette: l’eau ambree is a nice one.

        i would also suggest fou d’absinthe by l’artisan, which is wonderfully cooling.

        and, eau d’italie’s paestum rose is like dark roses strewn across cool, ancient stones with cold incense vapor. very cooling in the summertime. May 6, 2013 at 3:37pm Reply

        • Nina Z: Paestum Rose is a great suggestion! May 6, 2013 at 3:50pm Reply

    • AubreyZ: If you are looking for something refreshing and cooling, I really like Eau d’ete by PdN. It reminds me of a fizzy cola.

      It’s not nearly as ‘thick’ as the perfumes you describe though… are you looking for something dense? May 6, 2013 at 9:14am Reply

      • AndreaR: Love this for warm weather. I received a sample last week and have just ordered a small bottle. May 6, 2013 at 10:33am Reply

    • Heather W: I’m a devotee of Mona’s Vanille in cool weather, and have been very pleased with Van Cleef and Arpel’s Orchidee Vanille for warm weather. It has a lovely drydown and never goes harsh and screechy on me as the day heats up, which is prone to happen with many of the dry vanillas. May 6, 2013 at 9:22am Reply

      • AubreyZ: Oh, I looooove that one. May 6, 2013 at 3:13pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Osmanthe Yunnan by Hermes. It is a beautiful sheer tea/floral scent, very refreshing and distinctive, yet also surprisingly long lasting.

      Another distinctive very cooling fragrance is Encens et Lavande from Serge Lutens. It isn’t at all sweet, and somehow the combination of lavender and incense takes on a very cold quality in this perfume, and I love to wear it to bed on a hot summer night. May 6, 2013 at 10:55am Reply

      • Meghan: I second Osmanthus Yunnan – a lovely transparent floral that is in no way synthetic or overly sweet, mature without being anywhere near ‘old-fashioned’. May 6, 2013 at 11:00am Reply

    • Tora: I have found that Hermes fragrances are very long lasting and have good sillage. These are also quite fresh and clean. Un Jardin Sur La Nil, Un Jardin du Mediterranee, and Eau de Merveilles are all very summery. Atelier Orange Sanguine is super freshy fresh. I don’t know of any summer vanilla’s though, sorry. I, too am searching for a great summer scent! May 6, 2013 at 12:09pm Reply

    • Austenfan: I second both Dune and Nicolaï’s Eau d’Eté. Another interesting fragrance might be Calyx. It is quite fresh, and definitely distinctive. And it lasts. May 6, 2013 at 1:00pm Reply

      • ad infinitum: seconding Calyx – it is one of the few fruity florals I really quite like! May 6, 2013 at 6:08pm Reply

    • Courant: People have commented on the unique freshness of Hermes Kelly Caleche during this (Southern Hemisphere) summer. It manages sharp and sensuous very well May 6, 2013 at 4:35pm Reply

    • lila: Hermes Vanille Galante is a light, summery vanilla fragrance. I really like Pulp Byredo. It smells like a refreshing, summer fruit drink but not overly sweet. May 6, 2013 at 5:57pm Reply

      • Ana: Thank you for all the recommendations! I live in Portugal and there isn’t a wide distribution of niche brands, but I will be spending a week in Normandy in June, where I hope to have the chance to find some new fragrances May 7, 2013 at 5:29am Reply

        • Suzanna: I am still wearing the now discontinued Shalimar Eau Legere for a sheer vanilla, and then there is the magnificent but somehow thin Creed Sublime Vanille.

          Aqua Allegoria Ylang et Vanille, also discontinued but available in decants. May 7, 2013 at 11:15am Reply

  • Andi: Still frantic in the search for perfection. I love and wear orange blossoms very well. Tiempe Passate is amazing on me. a heavier version would be great, as I would like a longer last with better silliage. Tendre Friandise is a delight. Coco is beautiful but often too heavy. Most vanilla smells like plastic. Department store anything all smells the same and rotten on me. Serge Lutens’ are headache inducing. Please help me find something amazing. May 6, 2013 at 7:56am Reply

    • Martha: Well, for orange fragrance I really like Atelier Orange Sanguine. It is a cologne. The opening smells like a brilliantly fresh orange juice. I love it and sniff it compulsively when wearing it. Atelier also makes Grand Neroli, but I’ve not tried it, yet. It gets even better reviews than Orange Sanguine. May 6, 2013 at 8:10am Reply

      • Meghan: ditto Atelier Orange Sanguine! Very realistic, and without the synthetic aspect so many sweeter orange fragrances have. May 6, 2013 at 10:54am Reply

        • Tora: I agree with Martha and Megan. I do like Hermes 24 Rue Faubourg for evening, lightly applied. May 6, 2013 at 12:11pm Reply

      • Jennifer: Grand Neroli is really pretty, but it doesn’t last long at all. Last time I tried it, it lasted probably less than an hour on me, and I don’t generally have problems with my skin “eating” perfumes. May 6, 2013 at 3:38pm Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Dear Andi, try Rêve d’Or (Piver) if you can find it. May 6, 2013 at 8:34am Reply

    • Jackie birch: Oops sorry, should have replied here! May 6, 2013 at 8:39am Reply

    • Lucas: Andi, you need to try Orangers en Fleurs from Houbigant – it’s divine and long lasting orange blossom. And there’s Hermes 24 Faubourg, also lovely perfume with orange blossom, orange, hyacinth, amber. May 6, 2013 at 8:42am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: I second 24 Faubourg. And of course, the Guerlains: l’Heure Bleue, Après L’Ondée, and -perhaps too strong–Insolence Eau de Parfum May 6, 2013 at 9:13am Reply

      • Heather W: Second both of these enthusiastically. The 24 Faubourg can often be found pretty inexpensively, permitting lavish spraying when that’s called for. May 6, 2013 at 9:25am Reply

    • nikki: APOM by Francis Kurkdijan is great orange blossom with cedar background… May 6, 2013 at 9:14am Reply

      • minette: and if you don’t like apom, try his scent for gaultier – fleur du male. it’s in the same vein, and much less expensive! May 6, 2013 at 3:35pm Reply

        • Amer: There is a similarity in composition between the two works by FK but not in the quality of the materials or the evolution on skin I am afraid. May 8, 2013 at 4:03am Reply

      • Elia: I’ll second APOM. Beautiful. And big. May 13, 2013 at 8:28am Reply

    • Maren: Andi, what about Orange Star by Andy Tauer? May 6, 2013 at 9:53am Reply

    • Elisa: The most amazing orange blossom and vanilla fragrance = By Kilian Sweet Redemption. It’s perfect! May 6, 2013 at 11:38am Reply

      • Beth: I absolutely 2nd the Sweet Redemption. I gave a sample of it to a friend here at work and she drained it dry. It’s lovely! May 6, 2013 at 12:56pm Reply

    • CM: My all time favorite orange blossom is Arquiste Infanta en Flor. I think it’s really lovely and I often get compliments. The Houbigant orangers en fleurs is lovely too- the Parfum is especially nice. For something lighter and soapier, try L’Artisan l’ete en douce, although I think that has linden and hay notes. I find it’s very clean and springy. May 7, 2013 at 1:16am Reply

    • Elia: Orange Sanguine is a lovely orange, but it’s weak and fleeting. Also I think you were looking for orange blossom not orange. For an unexpectedly beautiful orange blossom do try Frapin’s Terre de Sarment. May 7, 2013 at 8:47am Reply

    • Suzanna: Ramon Monegal Entre Naranjos. I have received so many compliments on this lovely orange/orange blossom fragrance! May 7, 2013 at 11:16am Reply

  • Jackie birch: Orange blossom? Seville a L’aube, delicious!
    Second the vote for Atelier, try Oolong Infini, but needs reapplying.
    Have tried many citrus based perfumes for summer, but they don’t last long enough.
    O de Lancome is nice… May 6, 2013 at 8:01am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Eau de Rochas has longevety. May 6, 2013 at 8:35am Reply

    • Andrea: Eau de Guerlain, too and
      Monsieur Balmain, but in the vintage version. Crown Perfumery Esterhazy – if you have fun going into Lemon Curd territory. Both can be found cheaply at Ebay or the discounters. May 6, 2013 at 1:56pm Reply

  • Lucas: Oh, I missed this recommending series!
    Could you please recommend me a nice perfume with intensive (but not harsh) note of lime (linden) or grapefruit blossom.
    Zeta by Andy Tauer is great but too acidic on me. I though that new Dior Homme Cologne 2013 might be a hit for me but this thing has no longevity on me and disappears in 30 minutes. May 6, 2013 at 8:40am Reply

    • Ines: Oh, I read about a new linden scent from Kerosene on Memory of Scent just today. You might want to check that – it’s called Pretty machine. May 6, 2013 at 9:08am Reply

      • Lucas: Hi Ines! I just read a review of it at Memory of Scent perfume blog.
        I might need to get a hold of a sample. We don’t have a Kerosene retailer in Poland so I guess I would have to use First in Fragrance. May 6, 2013 at 9:14am Reply

        • zuzanna: Schwarzlose, 1A-33. I haven’t smelled it, not availabale in Poland. Check Aus Liebe. Or go for a trip to Berlin. It’a a linden blossom (and much more). May 6, 2013 at 9:36am Reply

          • Lucas: Thanks for the recommendation. May 6, 2013 at 9:39am Reply

        • Ines: Lucas, I’m not sure it that is possible anymore, I ordered directly from John a year or so ago (I follow him on Facebook). You can always try that too. 🙂 May 6, 2013 at 9:37am Reply

          • Lucas: At his website only a tin coffret is offered, no single samples. But I will try AlzD. May 6, 2013 at 9:41am Reply

      • D: I have tried Kerosene’s Pretty Machine. It is a very nice soft linden. May 6, 2013 at 10:10am Reply

    • AubreyZ: I don’t have a great recommendation, but am I the only one that finds Dior Homme to smell like
      Tositos A Touch of Lime Tortilla Chips? Sometimes, I think that my nose just doesn’t “get” that perfume. May 6, 2013 at 9:11am Reply

    • Meghan: My favorite grapefruit is Bulgari pour Homme (with Bulgari pour Homme Extreme a slightly less sweet, more acidic version with better longevity). Recommend either very highly. Or, better still, both at the same time. Grapefruit of the gods. May 6, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

    • Allison: I think Tilleul by Parfums D’Orsay is the ultimate linden fragrance! May 6, 2013 at 10:59am Reply

      • Lucas: Oh, I can order a sample of this one from one of the niche stores in Poland. Thanks May 6, 2013 at 11:20am Reply

    • Heidi Clark: Is DSH accessible to you? Ma Plus Belle Histoire d’Amour is a wonderful, airy linden, very pretty. Longevity is about 4-6 hours on me dabbed from a sample, haven’t sprayed yet. May 6, 2013 at 12:28pm Reply

      • Lucas: Thanks for suggestion. DSH is a no reach for me locally, but I can check somewhere farther from Poland May 6, 2013 at 12:30pm Reply

      • Suzanna: I agree with this rec. That whole line of DSH art collection scents is wonderful. She just had a sale going, 15% off, too. May 7, 2013 at 11:17am Reply

    • Andrea: Lightscape by Ulrich Lang New York. It was one of the perfume awards nominees this year in the indie category. May 6, 2013 at 2:03pm Reply

      • Lucas: Will get a look around for it May 6, 2013 at 2:16pm Reply

    • Ann: Something to try is Hermes’ Concentre de Pamplemousse Rose EDT. I’ve had a terrible cold for the last several weeks so do not really trust my nose. But on me, this is a fragrant, not sharp, burst of grapefruit, orange, and lime peel (not sure I could distinguish grapefruit from grapefruit blossom—except to say that this is not a sulfuric grapefruit) tempered with rose and perhaps sweet pea? I also get a whiff of sandalwood in the dry down. Longevity? More than 30 minutes but you probably would want to reapply it after a couple of hours. Before I became so smell-challenged, I found this a really sensual, warm scent. May 6, 2013 at 2:59pm Reply

      • Dawn: I agree with Ann about Pamplemousse Rose. The first hit is so juicy and wonderful, but needs refreshing soon. I also love Guerlain Pamplelune, another grapefruit treasure. It reignited my love of scents. May 6, 2013 at 4:02pm Reply

      • Lucas: Thanks for your suggestion. Actually I’m familiar with Concentree de Pamplemousse Rose but unfortunately it didn’t work for me. I have so many issues with Hermes being so ethereal and not lasting on my skin… May 6, 2013 at 4:04pm Reply

    • Jennifer: Lucas, have you tried Aftelier’s Honey Blossom? Linden is pretty much the star of that show. I found that it lasts a bit longer than other Afteliers too because of the ambergris in the base. May 6, 2013 at 3:42pm Reply

      • Lucas: Jennifer – no I haven’t. Aftelier is the line I have not experienced so far. Maybe it’s time to give it a try with this particular scent May 6, 2013 at 4:05pm Reply

        • AC: I second Jennifer’s recommendation. Aftelier’s Honey Blossom is a beautiful mimosa and linden fragrance. I highly recommend anything from Aftelier if you get a chance to try it! May 7, 2013 at 10:33am Reply

    • Susan: Imaginary Authors The Soft Lawn has a nice Linden note, as does DelRae’s Debut….of the two, I think I like the Soft Lawn better. May 7, 2013 at 11:19pm Reply

    • L: Hi Lucas,

      Cristalle Eau Verte has a great lime note. May 8, 2013 at 3:19am Reply

    • AnnE: Lucas, Jo Malone makes a very nice linden scent called French Lime Blossom. May 9, 2013 at 3:09pm Reply

  • Kate: I am in Toronto through the end of May and my husband has generously offered to buy me a birthday present from the Guerlain boutique. In my youth, my first real fragrance love was Shalimar and I wore it for years. Now, I like orientals, chypres, and incense type perfumes. I love CdG Avignon and I recently purchased a FB of LeLabo Vetiver. I’m hoping to branch out and purchase a lighter more floral, (perhaps green?) fragrance at the Guerlain boutique. I’m not familiar with all the Guerlain fragrances. Also, I’m older (50 something) so please take that into consideration. Thanks all, in advance, for your help! May 6, 2013 at 9:19am Reply

    • Ines: Maybe one of the Les Desert d’Orient trio? Although none of them are green… May 6, 2013 at 9:34am Reply

    • Ines: Perhaps Guerlain’s Vetiver? I prefer the masculine version although the feminine isn’t bad either. May 6, 2013 at 9:35am Reply

    • Cybele: Try Vetiver Pour Elle (green, floral) and Rose Barbare (a rather fresh not too rosy, slightly spicy rose) both of them are among my favorites. May 6, 2013 at 9:47am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Sous le Vent is an outstanding green chypre. May 6, 2013 at 10:36am Reply

        • Suzanna: Yes! A wonderful suggestion. May 7, 2013 at 11:18am Reply

    • Maren: I’m new to learning about perfume, but I can tell you that since I’ve started exploring, the one Guerlain I would love to get is Après L’Ondee, and it is the only one of all the samples I’ve been trying that actually made my husband swoon! PS, I’m also 50+ May 6, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

    • Nina Z: This might be the wrong line for what you are looking for. You could also try the Chanel boutique in Toronto and check out the exclusive line. For the price of a Guerlain, you could get one of those huge vats of Chanel! Personally I love Chanel 22 a lighter white floral with a little incense! It is so beautiful in the heat. You could also try Chanel No 19 (classic green floral), Chanel No. 18, Bel Respiro, 1932 (jasmine), 31 Rue Cambon (modern chypre), etc. The style of Guerlain perfumes just isn’t “light.” May 6, 2013 at 11:02am Reply

      • Nina Z: On second thought, at Guerlain check out Chamade and Apres L’Ondee, classic Guerlain florals. May 6, 2013 at 12:13pm Reply

      • Theresa: I spent some quality time (!) at the Chanel Exclusifs counter in Seattle a few months ago, and came away with multiple samples of most of the line, together with a FB of Sycomore, which I really love. If you like oriental fragrances, why not try Coromandel? I think that will be my next purchase. I also love the Bel Respiro for a light green scent, and to make the scent last, I just make sure to spray it on my clothing. May 6, 2013 at 3:24pm Reply

      • Kate: You were so right on the Guerlains! I am off to the Chanel boutique tomorrow. The experience at guerlain was great, however. The sales person I worked with was warm, professional and generous with samples. But I just couldn’t find that gorgeous, fresh, eye rolling floral that I have made up in my head movies. I am taking your recs and heading to Chanel! Thank you do much for the advice. May 16, 2013 at 1:39am Reply

    • Lila: I would suggest Chamade. It’s a lovely floral. May 6, 2013 at 11:26am Reply

    • rosarita: This isn’t a Guerlain, but L’Artisan Perfumeur Passage d’Enfer is a light incense scent with a lovely lilly note. It’s not heavy and wears beautifully in the summer months. Hopefully someone else can help you with a Guerlain. May 6, 2013 at 12:49pm Reply

    • Austenfan: Maybe try Chant d’Arômes, not green but a lighter Guerlain. The greenest Guerlain I can think of is Chamade. It’s lovely. I am only familiar with the extrait but you could always try the EdT. May 6, 2013 at 1:05pm Reply

    • Andrea: Chant d’Aromes!!!!!!
      Best in the Vintage version May 6, 2013 at 2:04pm Reply

    • Figuier: Rather than going for an “exclusive” boutique scent you could also take advantage of the full Guerlain spread by testing out the extrait formulations, since few standard department stores offer testers of these.

      They’re expensive, but for me some of the Guerlain classics are a bit skeletal now in edt or even edp, whereas Chamade and Vol de Nuit (a glorious chypre) for instance are wonderful in the parfum formulations. You could even try your old standby Shalimar in extrait, it’s really delicious, or for a cheekier (quite civet-y) vanilla, Jicky extrait. May 7, 2013 at 4:16am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Are you sure that Vol de Nuit is still wonderful in the extrait?! It was one of my favorites, but I was very much disappointed by the reformulated edt.
        L’Heure Bleue extrait is not as good as it was, but I still like it.
        If Vol de Nuit extrait has the old quality, then we all should hunt it down!! May 7, 2013 at 11:42am Reply

        • Figuier: I’m actually lucky in a way – I only know the ‘reformulated’ parfum, which is wonderfully rich compared to the edt but which long-time aficionados find disappointing compared to older versions…so depends which way you come at it! May 7, 2013 at 2:19pm Reply

    • Alex: By the way, shalimar: my wife is also very much into Shalimar de Guerlain at the moment, offering me her ankle quite frequently. First I thought that it was concentrated vanilla but then I realized that there is much more to it… May 7, 2013 at 7:41pm Reply

  • Shirley: Hi Everyone!

    I’m a newbie in the world of perfumes but have grown a huge interest in them the last couple of years hence I stumbled onto this wonderful blog.
    I only have a handful of perfumes but these are the kind of scents I tend to gravitate towards: Burberry Beat, Chloe, See by Chloe, Gucci Flora, and Stella by Stella McCartney. I have a bottle of Marc Jacobs Splash in Biscotti.

    I’m not sure what my pattern is in choosing a perfume based on the ones I have. I would love to expand my humble perfume wardrobe. Also happen to be looking for a new scent for spring and summer for day and one for night. Would love to hear some suggestions!

    Thanks! May 6, 2013 at 9:48am Reply

    • key change: Hi Shirley!

      You know, I never really feel even remotely qualified to respond in threads like these, because I, too, am quite new to the world of niche perfume. Having said that, i own some of the perfumes you enjoy, and really like them as well (Flora and Chloe, and I like stella). Are you looking to get samples of niche perfume online? Or are you still interested in stuff you might find at a department store? I really liked the following, and perhaps you might, too: Nerolia Bianca (by Guerlain, their AA line), the original Coach perfume, Miracle by Lancome, I also liked daisy by mark Jacobs but wasn’t a huge fan of the dry-down. I also just received an Ormonde Jayne discovery set, and really liked Osmanthus. May 6, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

      • Shirley: Thanks for the suggestions!

        I’m looking to branch out. I’m thinking of trying one of the L’Artisans or Guerlains or Hermes, but don’t know where to start! Can be so daunting!

        xx May 6, 2013 at 10:53am Reply

        • Cybele: For Hermes I’d say try Jour d’Hermes, Kelly Caleche, Osmanthe Yunnan and Vanille Galante. May 6, 2013 at 10:59am Reply

        • Jennifer: I second the Jour d’Hermes recommendation. Also, you might also try their Jardin series (Un Jardin en Mediterranee, Jardin sur le Nil, and Jardin sur le Toit). These should be pretty easy to find as I think most Sephoras carry them. May 6, 2013 at 3:46pm Reply

          • Julie Ellen: I second the Jardin series–especially sur le Nil and sur le Toit, for spring and into summer. Easy to wear but with good staying power and some complexity. May 8, 2013 at 10:50am Reply

        • Roma: Timbuktu is by far my favourite of L’Artisan’s line, though it’s more of a winter-y fragrance. They had a limited edition one called Aedes des Venustas which was awesome as well. May 9, 2013 at 3:25pm Reply

          • Geneviève: I agree with Timbuktu! It’s such an intriguing and interesting fragrance. It worth that you smell it! May 16, 2013 at 11:20pm Reply

      • solanace: How about Eau de Shalimar, by Guerlain? I think you might enjoy it. May 6, 2013 at 2:14pm Reply

      • Shirley: Thanks ladies for all the great suggestions! Now I have a direction to start. I can start to hone in on specific notes. So much to learn but it’s so exciting!

        xx May 7, 2013 at 8:59am Reply

    • Cybele: Seems you prefer fresh florals on clean musc base. According to your taste but to try something different: Clair de Musc by Serge Lutens and Bottega Veneta Eau Legere May 6, 2013 at 10:55am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: As for Guerlain: try Chant d’Arômes. May 6, 2013 at 11:19am Reply

        • Shirley: Thanks!!

          xx May 7, 2013 at 9:13am Reply

          • mridula: Shirley, I am new to this as well. I have concentrated on sampling as many as possible and as affordably as possible.You mentioned Hermes. I know if you write to them (got to the contact section of their website) and mention perfumes you would appreciate trying they will mail you a few at no cost. Similarly Serge Lutens has a Petit Livres selection – it is booklets of teeny samples of all his perfumes in a solid wax form. Again,, by writing a hard copy letter to the Paris address asking for the Petite Livres samples, I was able to sniff my way through his line. But I have to be honest the wax samples were disappointing for having a mere trace, a faint shadow of what his perfumes smell like. May 10, 2013 at 6:11pm Reply

    • Squirrely: I wear Chloe and Love Chloe to work a fair amount. It sounds like you like florals and don’t mind powdery scents (Chloe reads powdery to me).

      It seems like you like bright abstract florals. I would suggest getting to know more specific floral notes, so you can start naming what does and doesn’t grab you in a scent. For example, I love rose, orange blossom and gardenia, but I’m not crazy about tuberose. I like patchouli and amber, but not musk. If I’m at, for example, Sephora, I know Narciso Rodriguez For Her or SJP’s Lovely are a big “no,” but I adore scents like Marc Jacob’s Woman (it’s a rich, clean gardenia).

      If you’re wanting/needing to remain non-niche for now, maybe try Vince Camuto as a bright floriental. For rose scents, I wear YSL Paris and Jean Patou Joy. I’m no help on spring day/night scents – this is the most difficult season for me to wear perfume in; I feel all over the place this spring, bouncing between Serge Luten’s Fleurs d’Oranger (a powerhouse orange blossom) and Dzing!, which is straw and burnt rubber. May 6, 2013 at 11:06am Reply

      • Shirley: Thanks! May 7, 2013 at 9:08am Reply

    • Andrea: L’Artisan. La chasse aux papillons maybe.
      Jo Malone May 6, 2013 at 2:07pm Reply

      • Shirley: Thanks!

        xx May 7, 2013 at 9:10am Reply

    • Figuier: What about the Aqua Allegoria series from Guerlain – there are a good few sparkling florals on offer there, and although some of them are limited editions, they tend to be available for a while on discount sites and in airport duty frees: Flora Nymphea, which starts as a light floral and then dries down to a warm musky base; for a more tropical vibe, Lys Soleia (fresh lily with a suntan-lotion edge and vanillic dry down); I haven’t tried Nerolia Bianca, but it also seems like a bright summery floral. May 7, 2013 at 4:22am Reply

      • Shirley: Thanks!

        Will make duty free shopping at airports interesting this summer!

        xx May 7, 2013 at 9:09am Reply

    • D: You don’t indicate where you live. If you are near a perfume store, or very high end department store, just go sniff.
      If not, you can buy samples -the two best on line options are Aedes de Venutus and Luckyscent.
      Another option, if you are interested in a niche line, is to buy a “sample set’ or “coffret (fancy name for sample set) which give, for a modest price a number samples 2-10 ml of different scents and often a credit towards buying the one which appeals.
      For summer nights, you might try L’Heure Bleu-a classic Guerlain scent which means The Blue Hour-i.e. just between dusk and nightfall. For summer day, you might want to try the L’Atlier Cologne line which have the lasting power of perfume but are designed with fresh light notes. YOu might like Rose Anonyme. They have travel sizes, which are relatively modest in price (especially for niche) and last a long time. May 7, 2013 at 12:21pm Reply

      • Shirley: Thanks for the suggestions!

        I’m in Ohio. There’s not much available where I am. I’ll have to fly to NYC or Chicago to go sniff some of these scents.

        Thanks for the online sites for samples. Buting samples is actually a fab idea!!

        xx May 8, 2013 at 11:38pm Reply

  • Nancy A.: Annick Goutal’s Orage du Matin, I stand behind Cornelia B. with the Guerlains — L’Heure Bleu, Apres L’ondee & and Eau de Guerlain (very sparkling and refreshing). Iris Poudre & Eau Therese by F. Malle’s Editions des Parfums, Sweet Redemption (Kilian) and the new trilogy takes honorable mention! May 6, 2013 at 9:57am Reply

    • Shirley: Thanks!!

      Looking forward to trying the Guerlains!

      xx May 7, 2013 at 9:11am Reply

  • Abby: I like incense in the winter (Allure pour Homme by Doir, and Fireside Intense by Sonoma Scent Studio are my favorites) and green in the spring (Hermes Jardins collection and Geurlain’s aqua allegoria herba fresca) are favorites but they don’t last.

    I’m looking for something a bit more feminine and floral for summer, but not too manufactured. Heavy florals smell weird on me and give me a bit of a stomach ache. I like the idea of a green floral or a citrus floral but I don’t know where to start. May 6, 2013 at 10:10am Reply

    • Cybele: Have you tried Jour d’Hermes? This could be it. Also try Cristalle in EDT or Vert and -must mention it again- Vetiver Pour Elle by Guerlain. May 6, 2013 at 10:20am Reply

      • Abby: Thank you so much!!!! May 6, 2013 at 10:26am Reply

      • Nina Z: I love Vetiver pour Elle, but it is not exactly easy to find and it is definitely on the expensive side! May 6, 2013 at 11:04am Reply

      • stella: Also try Voyage d’Hermes – it has a bit of spice to it that you might enjoy. May 12, 2013 at 1:01pm Reply

    • Lila: You might enjoy Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier or L’Artisans Seville a l’Aube. Seville has a touch of the incense that you enjoy but the florals in it make it light enough to wear in warm weather. It’s long lasting on me. FdC can be worn all year round also, imho. It starts out green then settles down to a beautiful floral musk. I love them both! May 6, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

      • Abby: Thank you! I just ordered samples! Can’t wait to try them! May 6, 2013 at 6:47pm Reply

      • Abby: I just tried Seville a l’Aube and I really loved it. FdC was a bit sweet, but lovely. Still mulling it. May 10, 2013 at 8:20am Reply

    • Wendi: My favorite green floral is Bel Respiro, in the Les Exclusifs de Chanel line. It isn’t too heavy on the florals and has a gorgeous dry down! May 6, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

      • Suzanna: Bel Respiro is brilliant, and not mentioned nearly enough! For a more accessible similar scent, there’s always Aliage from Lauder.

        (You’ve made me want to wear BR today!) May 7, 2013 at 11:20am Reply

        • Wendi: I agree! It’s such a lovely perfume, and not nearly as popular as it should be, in my very humble opinion! May 13, 2013 at 10:08pm Reply

    • irem: You might also want to try Seville a l’Aube by L’Artisan. It is an orange blossom with a slight incense base. If you find orange blossom too heavy floral, I would strongly second Cybele’s recommendation of Cristalle EdT and Cristalle Eau Vert. The former is great if you love oakmoss, the later is more of a contemporary citrus floral. I would also recommend that you give the new Marni a try. It is not really a citrus floral or a green floral. But it has some green in its top notes, that goes over a rose floral heart into a woody base. I imagine it as the perfect next step into more “feminine” fragrances for someone who wears “masculine” fragrances. May 6, 2013 at 10:55am Reply

      • Theresa: and I “third” Cybele’s suggestion of Cristalle EDT. It is fabulous! it makes me smile when I put it on. May 6, 2013 at 3:28pm Reply

        • Figuier: I love Cristalle edt also, it’s perfect for summer, but I’d try the edp also, it’s slightly fruitier and warmer, but still has plenty of sparkle and is definitely pleasant for summer. May 7, 2013 at 4:24am Reply

          • Suzanna: I run through a bottle of this EdT every summer. There are weeks where nothing else will do. Highly recommended! May 7, 2013 at 11:21am Reply

      • Abby: irem, I loved seville a l’aube. Will try the others soon. Thank you! Can’t wait to try the rest of your recommendations! Thank you! May 10, 2013 at 8:21am Reply

    • Gina: You could try Histoire de Parfums’ Vert Pivoine. It’s a spicy green floral–the pepperiness of the peony all the way through keeps it from being too sweet. May 6, 2013 at 11:46am Reply

    • Heidi Clark: Ligne Trapeze from DSH’s YSL collection is a lovely violet leaf, airy and pretty but not silly. I also really like Aleksandr by Arquiste, another violet leaf with a light leather drydown.

      Another favorite on the blogs is Temps d’un Fete by Nicolai, a beauteous and long-lasting green narcissus that walks the line well between perfume-ey and natural. May 6, 2013 at 12:37pm Reply

    • solanace: Patricia de Nicolai Le Temps d’une Fete. It’s a delicious green floral, very elegant, and has decent longevity too. May 6, 2013 at 2:20pm Reply

    • Connie: Green floral? Try No. 19 by Chanel! May 6, 2013 at 4:21pm Reply

    • Sibylle: For a green floral, I’d recommend one of my absolute darlings: L’Ombre dans l’Eau by Diptyque (EdP). It was love at first sniff for me!
      Even greener than this is The Unicorn Spell by LesNez, a lovely violet without any sugar. May 6, 2013 at 5:58pm Reply

    • Farouche: My favorite green floral is Debut by Parfums DelRae. Just lovely! May 6, 2013 at 6:33pm Reply

    • rosiegreen: I second or third #19 and you may also want to try Eau de Lalique, it is a fresh green scent with dill and cardamom, very refreshing in warm weather. May 7, 2013 at 12:14pm Reply

      • Carolina: Dill and cardamom, swoon! May 7, 2013 at 8:54pm Reply

      • Abby: rosiegreen, I love Jean-Claude Ellena. Thanks for the recommendation. I will try it soon! May 10, 2013 at 8:33am Reply

    • Amer: I have THE suggestion for you. Yuzu Rouge by Parfums 06130 is bound to knock your socks off! I was never a big lover of citrus frags but this floral citrus really is something else. Good for summer wear but not if the heat gets blistering hot as I learned because it tends to turn the composition a bit. May 8, 2013 at 4:19am Reply

      • E.Lime: This was my suggestion, too! I love Yuzu Rouge and it is a delicious, refreshing citrus floral. May 8, 2013 at 2:20pm Reply

        • Amer: great minds think alike 😉 May 9, 2013 at 3:32am Reply

  • Nadja: I’m not generally a fan of spring and summer perfume. I find these scents much too light (as opposed to dark). I hate citrus in scents and there are very few fruits and florals that appeal to me. Florals that I like include carnation, tuberose and iris. My absolute favoite scents are those that have an intriguing concept that really paints a picture of a place or situation.Most of my perfumes are dark spice/tobacco/leather/conifers, that sort of thing… What I would like to find is a spring/summer perfume that is not too light/bright/sparkly(/boring), one that has a bit of darkness and intrigue! Any suggestions? May 6, 2013 at 10:30am Reply

    • Andrea: Did you check out the Aftelier, Sonoma Scent Studio, Tauer, Parfums de Nicolai and Maitre Pafumeur lines? May 6, 2013 at 2:13pm Reply

      • Nadja: I have heard great things about Tauer, Aftelier and Sonoma Scent Studio at least, but I don’t know quite where to start… Do you have any favorite scents from any of those lines? May 6, 2013 at 2:37pm Reply

        • Theresa: I have samples of 10 of Andy Tauer’s scents, and the one that grabbed me the most (and of which I now am the proud possessor of a full bottle), is L’air du desert marocain. That sounds summery, doesn’t it? I also would recommend Salamanca by Olympic Orchids – that has a very intriguingly different scent profile – hot and dusty. May 6, 2013 at 3:31pm Reply

          • Nadja: Is the citrus and the jasmine in L’air du Desert Marocain noticeable? Those nots make me hesitant about sampling this scent… But I love coriander! Salamanca seems really intriguing! Thank you for suggesting these scents! May 6, 2013 at 3:49pm Reply

            • Theresa: I don’t think of citrus when I think of LDDM, and I wear it regularly! the most prominent notes for me are woods, and maybe some quiet spices and incense. It does not seem at all floral. I was just looking at Andy Tauer’s website and see he mentions “a hint of jasmine” – but I don’t recall smelling that, but I am untrained. I love it because it is unique and delicious – smells like nothing else I know. I also recommend Salamanca for the same reason – very different scent which evolves over time. Just go lightly on the application! May 6, 2013 at 5:21pm Reply

              • Nadja: Oh, that sounds great then! 😀 Thank you! May 6, 2013 at 5:41pm Reply

        • Jennifer: Aftelier has several good ones. If you like tuberose I’d suggest trying Cepes & Tuberose. Tango is a tobacco scent that gets a lot of love in the blogosphere too.

          You’d probably like Sonoma Scent Studio’s Forest Walk. Have you tried Serge Lutens Fille en Auguilles (the pine/incense/fruit one)? I find it kind of similar to that but maybe a little less overtly piney.

          On the tuberose track, I’d also suggest Loretta by Andy Tauer. May 6, 2013 at 3:58pm Reply

          • Nadja: I can’t help but be intrigued by the Aftelier scents… The combination of tuberose and mushroom is so interesting, and Tango sounds really unique too!

            I haven’t tried Fille en Auguilles and I probably won’t as I’m not fond of incense and fruit… But I’m sure I would love Forest Walk!

            How fruity is Loretta?

            Thanks for your suggestions! 😀 May 6, 2013 at 4:42pm Reply

            • Jennifer: Loretta is sweet up front, and there is a little bit of a grapey note that might be part of the tuberose accord. But I think it has a kind of herbal undertone to it as well, and the leather and vetiver base keeps it from being too cloying. May 7, 2013 at 3:40pm Reply

              • Nadja: That sounds gorgeous! Thank you! May 8, 2013 at 7:30am Reply

          • Suzanna: I wear Fille year-round, and also have just tried–and love–Forest Walk. Forest Walk is brighter and cooler than Fille. May 7, 2013 at 11:23am Reply

    • lila: Serge Lutens has two that come to my mind, Voix Noir and Profundis. VN is actually a gardenia scent but I find tuberose and gardenia to be quite similar. VN has a smoky, spicy, metallic quality while the gardenia just sort hangs around in the backdrop. I don’t know why I instantly thought of Profundis as it doesn’t include the notes you’re after but it so interesting and beautiful. Violets (I think), chrysanthemums and earth are some of the notes and are supposed to evoke a funeral setting. Can’t get much darker than that! May 6, 2013 at 2:17pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe you like also a perfume with a bitter note. Colonia Intensa (Acqua di Parma) is bitter and leathery, I find it very intriguing.
        You could also like Vitriol d’Oeillet by Lutens. i once had the opportunety to buy a tester (in 2001) but I did not do it because it had not the carnation/pepper I expected. I was disappointed. Now I would buy it at the full price: the sharp, soapy, rosy smell is more interesting than I thought and very refreshing in the summer. May 6, 2013 at 2:44pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: p.s. Bois d’Encens evokes a cool, dark church. Not everybody likes it, but when it appeals to you, it is truly great. May 6, 2013 at 2:48pm Reply

          • Nadja: Bitter leather sounds intriguing indeed!

            I like the notes in Vitriol d’Oeillet… The way you describe it it could go either way though, might love it might hate it. 😉

            Cool dark church definitely sounds up my alley!

            Thanks for your suggestions! 🙂 May 6, 2013 at 4:02pm Reply

            • stella: If you want cool dark church in a hot hot place, maybe try the new Tom Ford Sahara Noir? Frankincense/amber/oud, it reminds me of dunes on a summer beach. May 12, 2013 at 1:08pm Reply

              • Nadja: Sounds potentially wonderful!! May 13, 2013 at 4:11pm Reply

      • Nadja: From the fragrantica reviews I just read Voix Noir sounds really intriguing! Profundis might also be to my taste… that depends… I like violet but violet scents tend to have poor longevity on me. Still, it might be worth a try! Thank you for recommending these scents, I’ll have to look them up! May 6, 2013 at 2:46pm Reply

        • lila: If you like “cool, dark, church” then Serge Lutens La Myrrhe is worth checking out too (can you tell I’m a Serge groupie?). Bois de Jasmin has a spot on description of it. It’s probably going to be added to my collection soon! May 6, 2013 at 4:23pm Reply

          • Nadja: La Myrrhe sounds gorgeous!! Myrrh doesn’t always work on me, but if it does with this scent, then I’m sure I would love it! May 6, 2013 at 4:57pm Reply

    • AubreyZ: You need to check out Ormonde Jayne Woman. May 6, 2013 at 3:15pm Reply

      • Nadja: Thank you! Apart from the jasmine that one is full of notes that I love! May 6, 2013 at 4:06pm Reply

        • Annikky: I don’t think you need to be too worried about jasmine here, this one is all about the forest. May 6, 2013 at 5:27pm Reply

          • Nadja: Awesome! I can never get enough of forest scents! Though Norne by Slumberhouse has spoiled me a bit, that one is in my mind the utimate forest scent! May 6, 2013 at 5:43pm Reply

        • Rose D: If jasmine is putting you off, give a try to Ormonde Man. When the florals of Woman became top powdery on my wrist, I switched to the masculine version and fell in love. May 8, 2013 at 3:11pm Reply

          • Nadja: I always am rather more fond of masculine scents than feminine! And the notes ot Ormond Jayne Man are very enticing! May 8, 2013 at 6:16pm Reply

    • irem: Frederic Malle Carnal Flower! Nothing too light, too bright and definitely not boring!! It is a tuberose (one of the best tuberoses out there), perfectly at home in summer, it actually needs warm weather to blossom. May 6, 2013 at 3:41pm Reply

      • Nadja: I have been lusting over Carnal Flower but not yet ordered a sample! Seems that I need to do so ASAP! ;D May 6, 2013 at 4:08pm Reply

    • Annikky: Have you tried Iris Silver Mist? It’s not dark, but it would be an insult to call it light… It’s cold and majestic and if you like iris, I’d say you need to sniff it. Another Lutens (in addition to the ones already mentioned) worth trying is Fleurs d’Oranger – it’s an orange blossom for tuberose lovers. The Three Greats: Fracas, Carnal Flower and Tubereuse Criminelle are of course all amazing, but you probably know them already.

      If you’d like to tone down your conifers for spring (a bit), I second OJ Woman and suggest Forest Walk and Wood Violet by SSS. The last two layer beautifully, too, in my opinion.

      And finally, as a fellow leather fan, it is my personal belief that Cuir de Russie can and should be worn all year round. May 6, 2013 at 3:48pm Reply

      • Nadja: Thank you for all of these recommendations! Most of them are scents that I have wanted to sniff for a while but that can’t be easily be found where I live… This really helps me narrow down the samples I will be ordering though! 🙂 May 6, 2013 at 4:14pm Reply

        • Annikky: Tell me about it… Where are you based? May 6, 2013 at 5:30pm Reply

          • Nadja: Sweden and Finland. Niche perfumes are about as common here as rain in a desert… 🙁 May 6, 2013 at 5:45pm Reply

            • Annikky: I feel your pain, as I’m in Estonia 🙂 Drop me you address at ykkinna at gmail dot com, I can help you out with samples of some of those. May 7, 2013 at 1:21am Reply

              • Nadja: Oh, that would be SO kind of you!! I’ll drop you a line! May 7, 2013 at 11:57am Reply

            • Charlotte: Im in Sweden aswell!
              You can try carnal flower at Cow parfymeri in Stockholm city 🙂 May 7, 2013 at 10:06am Reply

              • Nadja: Oh, awesome! Thank you, I didn’t know that! I’ll have to go there to sniff som Frederic Malle next time I’m in Stockholm! May 7, 2013 at 11:55am Reply

    • Nina Z: Caron Bellodgia, especially in vintage formulation, is a beautiful carnation scent with a bit of darkness to it. A scent I’m crazy about right now is Maria Candida Gentile’s Sideris, that captures the Italian Mediterranean (the landscape, not the sea). With labdanum rose, and incense–just so beautiful! I personally like to wear spicy scents in the summer, and one I love is Diptyque’s Eau Lente–lots of spices and oppoponax. Someone further up recommended Paestum Rose for summer, and that might work for you, as the incense lends a darkness to the sheer rose. You might be a candidate for an old school green chypre (captures Cyprus!). Have you ever tired vintage Cabochard? A green and leather chypre. Or vintage Ma Griffe? The oakmoss in these old chypres bring the darkness. May 6, 2013 at 4:06pm Reply

      • Nadja: Thank you for these suggestions, especially the vintage ones! I have been thinking of ordering vintage decants of Cabochard and/or Ma Griffe. I’m not very fond of incense and I hate rose, but Sideris and Eau Lente sound interesting! Carnation for me is more of a winter scent, but I’m definitely keeping Bellodgia in mind! May 6, 2013 at 4:22pm Reply

    • Connie: Divine’s eponymously named Divine is a great tuberose. Perfectly skanky but still more summery than the average. Songes by Annick Goutal is also worth a try. May 6, 2013 at 4:24pm Reply

      • Nadja: Oh man, there are so many great tuberose scents out there! How will I ever be able to choose between them? A tuberose sample pack maybe… 😉 May 6, 2013 at 4:46pm Reply

    • Figuier: So glad you asked this, as it gives me the chance to sing the praises of my favourite Guerlain, the now-discounted Terracotta Voile d’Ete 🙂 It’s still readily available on the discount sites, usually at a reasonable price, and might well fit your tastes: it’s a spicy carnation with dusty iris that dries down to a sexy but discreet lily-vanilla. Although I wear it all year round, it was conceived as a summer scent, and might be just what you’re looking for May 7, 2013 at 4:28am Reply

      • Nadja: Thank you! That sounds like a wonderful scent! I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for it! May 7, 2013 at 8:41am Reply

        • Figuier: Oh yes, there’s ylang in there also.. May 7, 2013 at 2:21pm Reply

          • Nadja: Oh, I’m not so fond of ylang… is it very noticeable? May 7, 2013 at 2:53pm Reply

            • Figuier: To be honest, I wouldn’t know it’s there if I hadn’t read the notes. For me it appears mainly in the slightly ‘solar’ feel of the mid to late stages…guess you’ll have to try it and see (if you’d like a sample lmk, I’d be happy to send you one) May 8, 2013 at 5:44am Reply

              • Nadja: Well, if you are willing to ship a send a sample to Nortern Europe I would be very thankful! 🙂 May 8, 2013 at 6:19pm Reply

                • Figuier: Great you can contact me at d77j3p at gmail dot com 🙂 May 9, 2013 at 8:44am Reply

    • D: I second the suggestion for Iris Silver Mist. You might also want to consider Fetish (which will be newly available in the US through Bergdorf Goodman) which is a leather wrapped around a tuberose with aldehydes fading into powder).
      Geranium Pour Monsieur is a different summer approach- a big blast of mint fading into carnation. May 7, 2013 at 12:26pm Reply

      • Nadja: Fetish sounds really interesting! Just last week I wore a leather scent on one hand and a tuberose on the other and it hit me that leather and tuberose would be such a lovely combination! May 7, 2013 at 2:05pm Reply

    • Nina Z: How could I forget Guerlain Terracotta Voile d’Ete. It’s a carnation summer fragrance! It’s discontinued but not expensive if you can track it down. It’s a kind of rich, spicy skin scent, with ylang ylang and carnation. May 10, 2013 at 11:05am Reply

      • Nadja: It does sound absolutely fabulous, as long as the ylang behaves itself… 🙂 May 11, 2013 at 7:51pm Reply

  • Wendi: Hello everyone! I’m looking for a perfume for the “next stage”… I went back to school after having 2 kids and I am graduating with my bachelor’s degree this Saturday!

    So, now I NEED a graduation perfume. 😉 I love creamy scents (Serge Lutens Datura Noir is my all time favorite), and have very few dislikes; orange blossom is horrid on me, as is vetiver. (Sad, I know.) Something that speaks to the occasion would be lovely! Any suggestions? May 6, 2013 at 10:42am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: L’Instant de Guerlain! creamy and relaxing.Soothes your nerves. May 6, 2013 at 2:50pm Reply

    • Tara: Hi Wendi

      Many congratulations on your up coming graduation!

      Creamy scents that come to my mind are-

      Amaranthine by Penhaligon’s
      Hypnotic Poison by Dior (fluffy, almondy)
      Fils de Dieu by Etat Libre d’Oranger (lime, rice)
      Cinema by YSL (soft, creamy, almond, jasmine)
      Santal Massoia Hermessence by Hermes (milky, woody)
      But my best recommendation would be Safran Troubland by L’Artisan Parfumeur. It’s rice pudding with saffron and very unique. May 6, 2013 at 2:58pm Reply

      • Nina Z: Great list! Love Safran Troublant! May 6, 2013 at 4:07pm Reply

        • ad infinitum: Seconding Fils de Dieu, it’s a delicious scent! I would add Olfactive Studio’s Lumiere Blanche – it’s beautifully creamy, evokes milk and almonds. May 6, 2013 at 6:13pm Reply

          • Wendi: You’ve made me want to go straight to LuckyScent! 🙂 May 8, 2013 at 12:03am Reply

          • Wendi: So, I ordered samples and they got here just in time…. and Fils de Dieu was the winner! It is absolutely beautiful; my sample is already gone and I’m going back for a full bottle! Thank you all so so much for the wonderful suggestion! May 13, 2013 at 10:12pm Reply

      • Wendi: That IS a great list! Amaranthine is another favorite of mine, and I’ve been wanting to get my hands on Safran Troublandfor! Thanks so much! May 8, 2013 at 12:02am Reply

    • lila: Hermes Vanille Galante comes to mind. It has that creamy vanilla aspect to it but it’s light enough for a spring graduation. Beyond Love By Kilian opens up green but the dry down is softer and creamy (from the tuberose and coconut I guess). Congrats! May 6, 2013 at 3:05pm Reply

      • lila: Van Cleef and Arpels Orchidee Vanille is another creamy perfume you might want to check out. May 6, 2013 at 3:07pm Reply

        • lila: Aaaand another one that I just thought of is Angelique Noire part of Guerlain’s L’Art et La Matière. It has a nice creamy, almond/vanilla dry down. May 6, 2013 at 4:05pm Reply

          • Wendi: I LOVE Vanille Galante and Orchidee Vanille!! Thanks for the other suggestions… Im making a list as we speak. 🙂 May 8, 2013 at 12:05am Reply

    • solanace: Congratulations!

      Chanel 31 Rue Cambon and Coco
      Guerlain Rose Nacrée du Désert May 6, 2013 at 3:21pm Reply

      • Wendi: Thank you! Ooooh ooh ooh ooh I LOVE 31 Rue Cambon! I totally forgot about that one! May 8, 2013 at 12:06am Reply

    • Connie: Creamy and white floral… Another person I can recommend the gorgeous Songes (Annick Goutal) to! May 6, 2013 at 4:27pm Reply

      • solanace: Songes, of course! And Patricia de Nicolai’s Juste un reve, too. May 7, 2013 at 4:41am Reply

        • Wendi: I’m intrigued by the Juste un reve… another must try! Thank you! May 8, 2013 at 12:08am Reply

      • Wendi: I think I tried Songes a long long time ago, and found it to be… challenging. I believe that at the time I was a perfume newbie so I’ll have to go back and revisit that one! May 8, 2013 at 12:07am Reply

    • D: Just about anything with sandlewood in the base will turn creamy.
      But what is the next stage? Are you looking for joining the work force as a professional fragrance? If you’re bachelor’s degree is in accounting, you may want a different fragrance than if your bachelor’s degree is in creative writing, or divinity.
      Or are you looking for an “I AM WOMAN, who is of age and knows my mind” next stage fragrance? May 7, 2013 at 5:03pm Reply

      • Wendi: That is an interesting question… I hadn’t thought much about it. I probably am not looking for a “professional fragrance,” but more of a “next stage” fragrance.

        I hope I’m not being too vague, its just that I’m feeling very non-committal about what comes next. Maybe I should search for a perfume that changes every two seconds… that’s how I’m feeling at the moment! May 8, 2013 at 12:14am Reply

        • D: Well, then it sounds to me that you want a fragrance to reward yourself for your incredible achievement. There were so many luxurious, sophisticated suggestions from the folks above that fit that description.

          My only added suggestion is that you get something that you decide is really special, one that you will wear to your graduation, and then reserve for other momentous occasions (as, of course designated by yourself). That way, whenever your eyes set upon the bottle in the cabinet, you will say, ah yes, that was me, I earned that bottle. May 8, 2013 at 5:24pm Reply

          • Wendi: I really love that idea! Hopefully I will be able to keep my hands off the bottle and save it for, as you said, momentous occasions. May 13, 2013 at 10:17pm Reply

    • Agritty: I think the Hermes Ambre des Merveilles is creamy and lovely but not overbearing. Carnal Flower is super creamy on me after an hour or so… Congratulations! May 11, 2013 at 2:49pm Reply

      • Wendi: Carnal Flower does that to me as well… another one of my favorites! I’ll have to go back and re-smell Merveilles. I know I’ve tried it out before but for some reason I can’t remember specifics. Thanks so much for the suggestions! May 13, 2013 at 10:19pm Reply

  • key change: So I have a confession to make,, and I’m wondering what you guys might think. I used to detest notes of patch in a perfume–like even as a distant third note, but especially if it was detectable near the top. Anyway, that changed when my fiance bought me a bottle of Coco Mademoiselle for Christmas (each Christmas, he picks me out a perfume that he really likes, and I really enjoy this tradition we’ve got–plus I love being surprised!). Anyway, I immediately went online and to my dismay, found that many perfumistas don’t really like what has been termed the “fruitchoulie.” Now, I know I’m not alone in having my heart sink that tiny little bit when your favourite bloggers don’t like the perfume you do, but hey-we like what we like, right? :). So, given that I thinkI now am beginning to like this genre, I’m using it as an excuse to start sampling frags with patchoulie in them. Do you guys have any suggestions that are similar to coco mad, or even frags where patch is present but perhaps not the entire main point? As I’m new to niche, I’m still looking for something relatively accessible. Notes I’m drawn to: green florals, citrus, cleaner musc, apples, leather. Things I’m not a huge fan of are barries or too much wood. Thanks, everyone! May 6, 2013 at 10:54am Reply

    • Elena: CK Euphoria gets some love from those who embrace the fruit-chouli. Should be easy to find inexpensively. May 6, 2013 at 11:16am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Eden (Cacharel) has a lovely fruitnote and also some patchouli. and it’s not expensive. May 6, 2013 at 11:25am Reply

    • Elisa: I’d check out the Thierry Mugler line. Many of them include patch (Angel started the fruitchouli trend) and the flankers tend to be really well done. Also the Lolita Lempickas. May 6, 2013 at 11:48am Reply

      • key change: Thanks, guys! I recoiled when I smelled Angel a few years ago, although it’s possible that my tastes have since evolved, so I’m going to re-sniff! I’ve also heard that the original Jimmy Choo might be something I could wear as well. Thanks again! May 6, 2013 at 12:09pm Reply

        • Elisa: The more I think about it, the more I think Lolita Lempicka is your girl. It’s got apple and licorice notes. May 6, 2013 at 12:59pm Reply

    • lila: You might try La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain. It has a patch base and anise, tea, cherry…..I liked the opening very much. I would describe it as a spicy fruitchouli, maybe. The dry down was a tad harsh for me so the patchouli may be too much for you as well. It’s worth a sniff, though. May 6, 2013 at 5:44pm Reply

    • Farouche: I think you would love Coromandel by Chanel since you already like one of the perfumes in this line. It is gorgeous patchouli and converted this former patchouli hater! May 6, 2013 at 6:40pm Reply

    • solanace: Shalimar parfum initial. And I’m happy to see that wear what you enjoy, kudos! May 7, 2013 at 4:48am Reply

    • AnnieA: To send you off in a different direction: Nombril Immense by ELdO. Not even a little bit hippie-ish… May 7, 2013 at 7:55pm Reply

    • Jennifer: Key Change, have you tried Bulgari Omnia Coral? I don’t think it has patchouli, but it does have some other elements you mentioned that you like. I have a sample I’d be happy to send to you if you want to try it. You can email me at countsjc at gmail dot com if you’re interested. May 7, 2013 at 10:27pm Reply

    • D: I am one of those not Patchouli types. Nonetheless I recommend Atalier Colgne’s Mistral Patchouli as a citrussy patchouli, with a sort of non calzonic ocean breeze as something you may like. May 8, 2013 at 9:43am Reply

      • Anka: Good evening key change,
        I’m usually not too keen on patchouli either, but there are a couple of fragrances where patachouli smells bright and sunny (more yellow than brown).
        What in my opinion comes a bit close to Coco Mademoiselle is Mon Parfum from Martine Micallef. Mon Parfum is more elegant and sophisticated though. Mandarin and passion fruit are nicely balanced with a warm patchouli note. Vanilla, musk and caramel are smoothing the fruitcouli out…
        For my taste it is not a gourmand but – maybe due to the vetiver – offers a very pleasant and satisfying subtle sweetness wearable during the whole year.
        Oh, I’m craving for my sample now! May 8, 2013 at 3:16pm Reply

    • Becky: Have you tried Gucci Rush? It’s definitely my favorite in the fruity chypre genre, but unique enough not to be redundant of you have Coco Mlle. Peach, patchouli, and gardenia. May 8, 2013 at 8:33pm Reply

      • Becky: And perfumistas LOVE it, if that sets you mind at ease. May 8, 2013 at 8:36pm Reply

  • Anne Sheffield: Hello,
    I am looking for something green! And I have been recommended several time Moon Hay by floris. Has any if you ever smelt this??? What does it smell like?
    Many many thanks!
    Anne May 6, 2013 at 11:20am Reply

    • Maureen: I have just been gifted Chanel #19 Poudre for my birthday. It is a lovely soft green fragrance with a lot of iris. Try a sample…you might just like it. May 6, 2013 at 11:31am Reply

    • Beth: I just sampled the JoMalone Osmanthus Blossom and it’s very very green and very lovely. I haven’t tried the Moon Hay tho. May 6, 2013 at 1:01pm Reply

    • Andrea: Is that the discontinued one? Hard to find.

      EVA Santa Maria Novella,
      Eau d’Italie Eau d’Italie might both be worth a try, and if you want more sweet hay it gets rather difficult.
      Jour Ensolleile by Sonoma Scent Studio – might work May 6, 2013 at 2:18pm Reply

    • Nina Z: My favorite green is Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, with galbanum (the green), rose, iris, and sandalwood. I also love Guerlain Vetiver pour Elle, which keeps getting mentioned today but is hard to find. You could also try Untitled by Martin Mariangela and Chanel No 19. (Have never smelled Moon Hay.) If vetiver is “green” to you, check out Sycomore by Chanel and Vetiver Extraordinaire by Frederic Malle (and other vetivers). May 6, 2013 at 4:12pm Reply

    • Connie: The new Mito, by Vero Profumo, is very green. As is Serge Lutens’ Bas de Soie, Chanel’s Bel Respiro, and to a lesser extent Diorella and Cristalle. May 6, 2013 at 4:31pm Reply

      • Connie: And Vent Vert and Chamade! May 6, 2013 at 4:31pm Reply

    • Abby: Un Jardin de Nil! So crisp! May 6, 2013 at 7:53pm Reply

  • Stina: I’m looking for a refreshing, unusual perfume along the lines of Brin d’Reglisse–preferably with some herbal/lavender/licorice notes, and which is at least moderately tenacious (BdR dies in less than an hour on me, which is why it isn’t on my FB list).

    I love sharp, smoky, and dry scents; tea, tobacco, leather, and dried-fruit notes fascinate me (Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel, Egoiste, Coromandel, Jasmin et Cigarette, Ambre Narguile, and Cuir de Russie all wear well on me).

    I also like green florals (No. 19, Vent Vert vintage) and citrus scents (Chanel EdC, Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan, Un Jardin sur le Nil). I’m not a white floral or rose person (yet), but maybe if it has a dry/smoky/herbal edge…

    I’ve got skin chemistry issues with anything that has high levels of lactones or aldehydes; I can’t wear No. 5 or No. 22 becauase of the soapiness, and most fragrances from Ormonde Jayne and Guerlain turn into a choking cloud of mega-talcum powder on me (sad, because I loved OJ Woman and Mitsouko on the scent strip).

    Many thanks in advance for your help, it’s very much appreciated! May 6, 2013 at 11:34am Reply

    • Andrea: Did you try the incense Tauers and Sonoma Scent Studio? May 6, 2013 at 2:30pm Reply

      • Stina: I haven’t tried any Tauers yet, so I’ll move those up on my samples-to-get list. How are Tauer’s perfumes longevity-wise (overall)?

        I have some untried Sonoma Scent samples that I’ll delve into in the next day or so…

        Thanks! May 6, 2013 at 4:26pm Reply

        • Julie Ellen: Hello–be sure to try the Tauers….they have excellent lasting power, at least on me they do! First on your list should be Reverie au Jardin–lavender, herbal, but with a depth beyond any cologne. Also, Incense Extreme–don’t let the name scare you, it is only extremely lovely, and good year round. For more floral, try Incense Rose. Andy has a good sample set where you can select five scents–well worth it. May 8, 2013 at 10:58am Reply

          • Stina: Hi Julie Ellen – thanks for the info on longevity! The Reverie au Jardin sounds lovely, will add that to my (ever-lengthening) sample list right away. May 8, 2013 at 5:59pm Reply

    • Tara: Hi Stina

      What about Lolita Lempicka edp? It has licorice and anise with a herbal edge. It’s also inexpensive which is always a plus! May 6, 2013 at 3:11pm Reply

      • Stina: I’d forgotten about Lolita Lempicka! I tried it a while back on a strip and for whatever reason didn’t like it, but I should really try it on skin (even more so because of being inexpensive…).

        Thanks, Tara! May 6, 2013 at 4:29pm Reply

    • Patricia R.: Osmanthus OOlong by Providence Perfume may be my pick for you (it has tea, leather, fruit), but try other Providence Perfume fragrances as well.
      Other suggestions : Bois D’Ombrie, Din-Dan, Lann-Ael. May 6, 2013 at 3:35pm Reply

      • Stina: Tea/leather/fruit sounds great, I’ll definitely try that (also the other ones you mentioned).

        I’ve seen the Lostmarc’h brand at luckyscent and was intrigued by their labels, which look like illustrations from an Edwardian children’s book. Thanks for the suggestions! May 6, 2013 at 4:35pm Reply

    • Annikky: As I haven’t tried Brin de Reglisse, my recommendation is probably totally off the mark. But seeing the word “lavender” and your other favourites, I need to mention Kiki (Vero Profumo). It’s a fun but complex lavender and both the herbal and sweet qualities are present, although the latter comes from caramel, not licorice. Longevity shouldn’t be an issue with this one. May 6, 2013 at 4:07pm Reply

      • Stina: Thanks Annikky – that sounds a lot like what I’m looking for, especially if it has good longevity. I’ve seen Vero Kern mentioned, but now I’ll look into her perfumes more closely (and I’ll put Kiki at the top of my sample list with the other suggestions here!). May 6, 2013 at 4:44pm Reply

    • Connie: My favorite lavender-containing perfume is Pour un Homme by Caron. Definitely worth a try, and at a great pricepoint too. May 6, 2013 at 4:33pm Reply

      • Stina: I’ve read about Caron Pour un Homme as a men’s classic, but I didn’t realize it was still around–I thought it had gone the way of the original Jicky (which I love, but the modern Jicky is just spindly and sad).

        Will add that to my list; thanks, Connie! May 6, 2013 at 5:03pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: The best adress for dried fruit is Serge Lutens. Very refined in Féminité du Bois, very outspoken in Arabie; in many Lutens perfumes you will find that dried fruit.
          I second Pour un Homme, a magnificent, soft lavender. A more ”fougère”lavender is Héritage by Guerlain, very aromatic.
          There is also a Lutens lavender, Gris Clair… May 6, 2013 at 5:45pm Reply

          • Stina: Now I have an excuse to go on a Lutens sampling spree… thanks (I think), Cornelia!

            Will also try out Heritage; I like fragrances that are very aromatic. May 8, 2013 at 6:38pm Reply

    • Nadja: This is not what you are looking for right now but I think you might enjoy Jeke by Slumberhouse. It is such a gorgeous warm and dry tobacco and leather scent!! May 6, 2013 at 5:53pm Reply

      • Stina: Thanks for the recommendation, Nadja – I just checked out his website and all of his (four) scents sound offbeat & interesting, which is right up my alley. May 8, 2013 at 6:11pm Reply

        • mridula: The slumberhouse sample set is wonderfully affordable and since a drop of his perfume is potent these huge samples will last you for a long time. I sent away for samples and instead of the four I was expecting I received 8. I have heard similar stories from others. The perfumer is very generous. May 10, 2013 at 6:01pm Reply

          • Stina: Good to know that he’s generous to potential customers!

            I love the glass marbles in his bottles; they make for a striking presentation. I try to focus on the juice and not get sidetracked by the bottles, but it isn’t always easy. I just ordered a sample of Jour d’Hermes and I’m hoping it’s FBW so I can have that beautiful bottle on my dresser some day. May 10, 2013 at 6:52pm Reply

    • Cybele: We almost have identical taste! apart from Un Jardin sur le Nil, and I have finally arrived at white flower territory…I think Brin de Reglisse is a very special scent and deserves the effort of reapplying. Although, I have not tried Kiki yet. Dry scents I enjoy but entirely different from BdR are L’Eau Neuve de Lubin, L’Artisan Timbuktu and Jo Malone Lime Basil Mandarin. May 6, 2013 at 10:16pm Reply

      • Cybele: and have you tried Chanel No18? Even though you don’t like roses, this could be interesting. To me their is a distant familiarity with BdR May 6, 2013 at 10:30pm Reply

        • Stina: Hmmm… I’ve steered clear of No 18 because it’s rose-centric, but now I’m intrigued… (off to order a sample!) May 8, 2013 at 6:18pm Reply

      • Stina: Clearly you have very good taste, Cybele (grin). I agree with you about BdR; on skin, it has a lovely green-foliage note that twines in and out that I haven’t noticed in other licorice-type perfumes. Guess I’ll add to my Christmas list for this year and hope for the best!

        What white flower perfumes would you recommend as “starters” for someone with my (our) tastes? May 8, 2013 at 6:17pm Reply

        • Cybele: Hi Stina, here my preferred white flowers: start with Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia and Vanille Galante (lily). Next stage: Carnal Flower and Manoumalia (the latter one is a very special case).

          For green scents have you tried Gucci Envy?
          For rose: Homage Attar Amouage
          No 18 smells pure and anisic somehow like grappa infused rose petals
          Good luck! May 9, 2013 at 1:36am Reply

          • Stina: Thanks for giving me some focus on the white florals, Cybele. I’ll work my way up to the Manoumalia and see how it goes!

            Gucci Envy is on my sample wishlist and I have some Amouage samples already on the way (including Homage Attar). I definitely won’t be able to afford Amouage FBs for quite some time; I had to plan just for some of their pricier samples! But I’ve heard so many good things about their perfumes that I wanted to sniff them for myself.

            So many interesting suggestions in this thread… definitely a fragrant start to summer this year… May 9, 2013 at 12:40pm Reply

    • george: Hi Stina, I second Lolita Lempicka and Caron pour Homme, but add Body Kouros by YSL and Azzaro pour Homme (ignore that these are labelled masculines). May 7, 2013 at 11:29am Reply

      • Stina: Will add them to my sample list. The original Aramis (classic leather chypre) works well on me (it’s softer and less stern than Bandit), so I’ve been looking for other masculine-labeled fragrances that I might be able to wear as well. Thanks for the info, george! May 8, 2013 at 6:27pm Reply

    • lila: Caron has two that you may like. Eau de Reglisse and Pour Un Homme. Pour Un Homme is a great lavender scent. I think it has rosemary in it too. May 8, 2013 at 10:24am Reply

      • Stina: Interesting… I hadn’t realized Caron did a licorice scent! And another thumbs-up for Pour un Homme as well. Thanks, lila! May 8, 2013 at 6:22pm Reply

    • Brie: I second the recommendation for Tauer’s Incense Rose. You may want to give Commes des Garcons Incense Avignon a try as well! May 10, 2013 at 2:33pm Reply

  • Anne Sheffield: Thanks Maureen! I do like it a lot! But it last about 2 second on me….. May 6, 2013 at 11:45am Reply

  • Gina: I used to only wear l’Artisan’s Piment Brûlant until several months ago when I started with Frédéric Malle’s En Passant. Now for some reason, I feel crushed under anything as spicy as the Artisan, and only seem to be drawn to very light florals with something to cut the sweetness (in the case of En Passant, it’s cucumber and wheat)–which means that anything with heavy basenotes are out–no musk, sandalwood, benjoin, etc., and I’ve always hated patchouli. Does anyone have any recommendations? May 6, 2013 at 11:50am Reply

    • Andrea: Apres la mousson? May 6, 2013 at 2:28pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Chanel No 22, which uses incense to cut the white flowers. So beautiful and wonderful in the summer heat. May 6, 2013 at 4:15pm Reply

    • Connie: Apres L’Ondee possibly. May 6, 2013 at 4:34pm Reply

    • Stina: For something cheerful, light, and inexpensive you might want to try Moschino Funny!.

      It’s basically a cross between Prescriptives Calyx and Tommy Girl; it has the tart, bright guava from Calyx and the touch of clear tea from Tommy Girl (Funny! has less tea than TG does), all against a backdrop of very light florals.

      It isn’t particularly complex or challenging, but there’s absolutely no musk, patchouli, or heavy base notes; very easy to wear during the day/at work. And you don’t have to save up for months either… May 6, 2013 at 4:54pm Reply

    • Cybele: Chanel 28, La Pausa
      Hermes Vanille Galante
      Jour d’Hermes
      No5 Eau Premiere May 6, 2013 at 10:40pm Reply

      • Cybele: and Comme des Garcons 3 May 6, 2013 at 11:13pm Reply

    • AC: Chanel 28 La Pausa is lovely.

      If you like the Frederic Malle line – have you tried Angelique sous la pluie? It has a bright green opening, but softens during the dry down. It wears like a light veil. May 7, 2013 at 11:24am Reply

    • george: Gina, I would say a must try is no. 18. It is rose, fruit and ambrette (a floral musk that I dont think your nose would object to), and any other line would probably have dumped a ton of patchouli in it, but Chanel refrained from doing so so it is beautiful and light, and the iris in it cuts through the sweetness. Of course the downside of the lack of patchouli is that it is not particularly long lasting, but- hey- there is only so much one can do within the laws of chemistry! May 7, 2013 at 11:34am Reply

    • Rose D: In this category, I like Armani Prive Pierre de Lune. Basically, it is a bouquet of violets resting on a bed of freshly-cut woods. Something similar in spirit (if you can find it) would be Yves Saint Laurent Paris Pont des Amours.
      If you are in no way attracted to any sort of woods, then I suggest Eclat de Jasmin, also by Armani Prive. Here, the florals rest on green grass. May 8, 2013 at 3:33pm Reply

      • Courant: I am on my third bottle of Eclat de Jasmin and have nearly finished my bottle of Pierre de Lune.
        I love them both but they don’t find favour with my twenty nine year old daughter. Her new love is Elie Saab. I think this fragrance may well be the next Coco Mademoiselle with her age group. May 8, 2013 at 5:19pm Reply

  • Savita: Hello, I’m new to the niche fragrance world and would like to try a niche scent fit for summer but with good silage. I love Chanel Coco Mad, I also love Michael Kors Michael, but its a bit strong for day.I am not a big fan of berry scents. Please recommend a moderately affordable scent.Thanks so much. May 6, 2013 at 12:38pm Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Michael is a rather strong tuberose; perhaps Fracas is the one for you. It is a tuberose as well, but brighter. May 6, 2013 at 2:56pm Reply

      • Savita: What are your thoughts on FM Carnal Flower? May 8, 2013 at 1:22pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: Carnal Flower has lots of tuberose and a very appealing note of something sharp (menthol?) which some people like and others don’t. Also a note of something sweet (coconut?)… all very well balanced. It is a wonderful perfume, but if Michael is too strong for you in the summer, Carnal Flower could be too strong as well. On the other hand, the quality of Carnal Flower is better, on a really high level. Applied lightly, it could be your chosen summer perfume. It is absolutely worth trying! May 9, 2013 at 5:45am Reply

          • Savita: With regards to Michael Kors, at the beginning I get a sort of banana note which I love, is that the tuberose in it? I’m quite new at distinguishing specific notes.
            Oh I almost forgot…..what about SL Tubereuse Criminelle? May 9, 2013 at 9:43am Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Savita! I know what you mean with that banana note (I have a bottle of Michael), but I am not trained in analyzing perfume! I think it is tuberose with another, sweeter flower. banana notes come mostly from Ylang Ylang, so far as i know. (this is perhaps a question for Victoria, Suzanna, Lucas or George).
              Most parfumistas love Tubéreuse Criminelle, so don’t take me too seriously: to me it smells like sweet chewing gum. only the drydown is interesting to my nose.
              One of my favorite tuberoses is Tubéreuse, by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier: it has a beautiful green note (but maybe better in the winter).
              In the tuberose field, there are so many beautiful discoveries to make! May 9, 2013 at 10:48am Reply

              • Savita: Thank you so much for your help. I live in a country where it is summer all year round so many times I end up wearing heavy scents anyway 😉 May 9, 2013 at 7:20pm Reply

                • Cornelia Blimber: You could try a light tuberose, like Fruity Couture (not niche, though). May 10, 2013 at 10:35am Reply

                  • Cornelia Blimber: Sorry, Juicy Couture! May 10, 2013 at 10:44am Reply

                    • Savita: Hey I tried that a few years ago, I liked it but wont go back to it just yet as I love trying new fragrances. I recently ordered a set of samples of niche fragrances from Surrender to Chance which has scents from Lutens, Chanel etc. Can’t wait to receive the package! May 10, 2013 at 6:17pm

    • Figuier: I’d suggest you explore the Chloe line; they’re about the same price as the Chanels, if not a little cheaper. See by Chloe is a little fruity but has no berries – the note is apple; L’Eau de Chloe is a green rose and the sillage can be dialled up or down by moderating the application. Bulgari also has some good options, such as Jasmin Noir and Omnia. Also, to repeat a suggestion I made above, do try the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria, they’re good quality and great value for money. May 7, 2013 at 4:47am Reply

      • Savita: Thank you so much for you suggestions Cornelia and Figuier. I will definitely try these. I have a sample of Chloe eau de parfum which I surprisingly like. This is actually the first rose scent that I like. May 7, 2013 at 11:14am Reply

    • Poodle: Give the Parfums di Nicolai line a try. You might like Weekend, L’eau Chic, or Musc Intense. I find their smaller bottles very reasonably priced too. May 9, 2013 at 5:40am Reply

      • Savita: Hi Poodle, I haven’t heard of this brand until a week ago or so, I’m quite new to niche brands. I will definitely do some research on them, thanks. May 11, 2013 at 9:45am Reply

  • Heidi: I’m crying over Goutal discontinuing Neroli, which is one of my favorite, simple go-to florals. I’m hoarding as much as my budget allows, but can anyone recommend an orange blossom that still has that not-too-sweet indolic balanced with a little citrus and green?

    I don’t really dig the soapier orange blossoms, like Infanta en Flor. Sweet Redemption is a little too sweet on me. Seville a l’Aube was also a little sweet and sticky.

    Budget-wise, i haven’t gone over the $160 high-water mark, but I’d save my pennies for the right one….. May 6, 2013 at 12:44pm Reply

    • Lucas: I recommended it to someone above too – try Orangers en Fleurs from Houbigant. Other suggestions are Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli, Hermes 24 Faubourgh, Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile Sublime, May 6, 2013 at 1:02pm Reply

      • Heidi: I just tried Iris Nobile Sublime for the first time this weekend, and I’m hooked! May 6, 2013 at 1:47pm Reply

    • Beth: You may want to try the Ramon Monegal Entre Naranjos. It struck me as the entire orange tree, including the blossoms to start with. It’s certainly not sweet, and even started off a little bitter on me, but it does dry down sweeter. It’s probably one of the most interesting orange rind, tree, blossoms I’ve smelled. May 6, 2013 at 1:05pm Reply

    • Elisa: Eau de New York from Bond No. 9 has a nice neroli note. My favorite OB soliflore is Frederic Fekkai but that’s DC’ed too! You might also try Lush Orange Blossom which is very affordable but a wee bit soapy. May 6, 2013 at 1:09pm Reply

    • Lara: Is Goutal really discontinuing Neroli? It’s still available on their website. May 6, 2013 at 2:33pm Reply

      • Heidi: They’re d/c’ing the regular EDT and coming out with a new cologne version. Victoria reviewed it a couple of weeks back, and austenfan just below this comment vouches for it.

        It’s not like it’s the most brilliant perfume ever made, but sometimes you just want simple and happy– and I’d thought I’d always be able to get it….. May 6, 2013 at 3:45pm Reply

    • Austenfan: The new cologne is very good as well. I have a small bottle of the EDT, I can see how you would miss that little ray of sunshine.
      I second the Houbigant, I prefer the Goutal but the Houbigant is good.

      Much lighter and a real cologne is Cologne Sologne by Parfums de Nicolaï, just lovely and simple. It doesn’t last long, but then it wasn’t made to last. May 6, 2013 at 3:38pm Reply

    • Connie: Rubj by Vero Profumo and APOM (femme) by MFK are great orange blossoms. At a better pricepoint, you may want to try Mademoiselle Piguet. May 6, 2013 at 4:36pm Reply

  • Nancy A.: Consider Chanel’s 19 or Christalle or worn together is a treat of and green and citrus both. Christalle is sparkling and this is a tried and true green in 19. May 6, 2013 at 1:27pm Reply

  • Kate: Tora – M Micallef Vanille Marine might work well as a summer vanilla. May 6, 2013 at 1:52pm Reply

    • Tora: Oh great! I will order a sample. thank you! May 6, 2013 at 7:30pm Reply

  • lila: Serge Lutens has two that come to my mind, Voix Noir and Profundis. VN is actually a gardenia scent but I find tuberose and gardenia to be quite similar. VN has a smoky, spicy, metallic quality while the gardenia just sort hangs around in the backdrop. I don’t know why I instantly thought of Profundis as it doesn’t include the notes you’re after but it so interesting and beautiful. Violets (I think), chrysanthemums and earth are some of the notes and are supposed to evoke a funeral setting. Can’t get much darker than that! May 6, 2013 at 2:14pm Reply

    • lila: oops, this was meant for Nadja. May 6, 2013 at 2:18pm Reply

  • Andrea: CYCLAMEN. Have been trying to find a scent with a true Cyclamen note – no luck so far.
    How it should smell? Truly dark pink and rather loud. Marry Phlox, Datura, Hyacinth and throw in some light honey…at times sickishly sweet at times ethereal. May 6, 2013 at 2:26pm Reply

    • Lucas: Try La Tulipe from Byredo. Also Histoires de Parfums Vidi has a cyclamen note but you might find it too light. May 6, 2013 at 4:07pm Reply

      • Andrea: Aha! – there must be a sample of Vidi around….Thanks. Will do. May 6, 2013 at 4:22pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe ”Secrète Datura” Maître Parfumeur et Gantier. May 6, 2013 at 5:49pm Reply

          • Andrea: Hi Cornelia,
            I have that – love it, but going too far off into creamy tropical – it’s the cloying sweet that I need from that but without the ‘exotic’. May 7, 2013 at 2:05am Reply

  • Tora: I have a hard time with lighter, floral perfumes. White flowers often smell sickly to me. I can very much appreciate Jour Ensoleille by SSS, or Fleurs d’Oranger by Lutens, Orange Sanguine by Atelier, or Carnal Fower by Malle. When I stand back and smell them, they are all beautiful and so gorgeous, just not for me. It is like they feel screechy or have just too much treble. I mostly wear Bond#9 New Harlem, Bruno Acampora Musc, Ambre Russe, Cologne and Absolute Pour le Soir, and Borneo. I have been trying to wear Un Jardin du Mediterranee, and I like it, but I don’t love it. I want and need to find a perfume that can withstand the Florida heat, that has some sillage and longevity, that captures the essence of summer, and has some bass notes also. I feel like I am asking for a lot!! Help!!! May 6, 2013 at 2:37pm Reply

    • Tara: Hi Tora,

      Have you tried Ormonde Jayne’s white florals?They converted me! Nothing screechy about them. I’d recommend Frangipani for you in the Florida heat. May 6, 2013 at 3:15pm Reply

      • Tora: Thank you Tara. I have not tried that. Only Ormond Jayne Woman which was overwhelming and old lady on me. I will definitely try it. May 6, 2013 at 6:25pm Reply

    • Heidi: How about Premier Figuier by l’Artisan, Gelsomino Nobile by Acqua di Parma, Un Matin d’orage by Goutal, Jardin du Poete by Eau d’Italie, Fleur de Cassie by Malle?

      Cepes and Tuberose by Aftelier is very cool, the indolic white flower has its roots in a vegetal loaminess…… May 6, 2013 at 3:52pm Reply

      • Tora: Ooh, that is a list! I have written them all down to get some samples. I can try the Atelier and the Acqua di Parma at Niemans. Excellent. Thanks!! May 6, 2013 at 6:27pm Reply

    • Connie: Try Hermes’ Eau de Merveilles, and maybe Fire Island by Bond No. 9. May 6, 2013 at 4:37pm Reply

      • Tora: How serendipitous!! I just came home from Saks with a sample of Eau de Merveilles, and Elixer de Merveilles. I am wearing the Elixer which smells like dusty orange candy. (my hubby likes it!) I have to go back there Friday to return the Marni I bought because it turned to insect repellent on me by the time I got home. Then I can try the Fire Island. Thank you for your help! I look forward to trying the Eau de Mervielles later tonight!! May 6, 2013 at 6:32pm Reply

    • Figuier: I completely agree with your list of white florals you admire but can’t wear. Goutal’s Songes edt, however, is a white floral I wear very well, with jasmine and frangipane and a dusky vanilla base. Maybe you could try it, just in case it’s the white floral that bucks the trend? It has awesome sillage and longevity. May 7, 2013 at 5:23am Reply

    • rosiegreen: I second Gelsomino Nobile,it is a lovely strong jasmine with good longevity. May 7, 2013 at 12:22pm Reply

    • D: Perhaps Vetyver by Mono Di Orio. May 7, 2013 at 12:31pm Reply

    • Poodle: Have you tried Hothouse Flower by Ineke? It’s basically a green gardenia, if that makes sense. There’s that white floral note but it’s got a lot of green in it so it isn’t as suffocating as some floral scents. May 9, 2013 at 5:45am Reply

    • Brie: Looks like you favor quite a few fragrances that I love also! I recommend you try Hermes Elixir des Merveilles, one of my favorites for summer. Although many might put it in the autumn fragrance category, there’s something about the orange and ambergris combination that has a cooling effect to my nose, very refreshing. The drydown is one of those “your skin but better” scents, like what you might smell like after taking a swim in the ocean and laying out on the beach for a couple of hours. May 10, 2013 at 2:30pm Reply

  • Ann: I am still trying to learn how to distinguish specific notes and to understand what I am smelling. For those of you who smell perfume like others can read a map, can you suggest reference fragrances for the following categories/notes that I’m still finding elusive:

    Chypre (a simple, basic, if ya wanna understand chypre, sniff this, is what I am looking for—I must own several, but I couldn’t pick them out in a line-up!)

    Marine (What notes are in Marine?)

    Oakmoss

    Labdanum May 6, 2013 at 3:12pm Reply

    • Austenfan: For a streamlined chypre maybe try Chanel Pour Monsieur, not the Concentrée but the original. I don’t know how mossy it is these days, but apparently it is the closest in style to the original Coty Chypre.

      If you want to smell the separate notes maybe you could order some of the Via del Profumo raw materials. He hasn’t got oak moss, but has a lot of other things. I think there are other kits available though I wouldn’t know who would sell them. I seem to remember that Robin of NST once mentioned them. May 6, 2013 at 3:32pm Reply

      • minette: chanel pour monsieur is a lovely chypre. not the concentree, the original.

        if you can find vintage derby by guerlain, i would also try that.

        and, strangely enough, i have found an oil at a local “magic”shop that is called “chypre” and smells quite a bit like a good chypre perfume. not bad for about $8. you can probably find the same oil online.

        you could also order some oakmoss essential oil from a site – there is a good source of oils here in houston – gritman essential oils – and i think they still carry it. they used to make an oakmoss soap that was heavenly. May 6, 2013 at 3:44pm Reply

        • Jennifer: I just looked at Gritman’s site (I’m in Houston too– hi!), and it doesn’t look like they have the oakmoss anymore, which is a shame. It would be nice to have a source close by.

          I’ve gotten oakmoss from a company called Eden Botanicals. They sell a kind that’s low in atranol and IFRA-compliant. They sell samples of all their oils and absolutes for $2-3 each. I’ve ordered a lot of stuff from Eden, and I’ve been really happy with them. May 6, 2013 at 4:08pm Reply

          • minette: sorry gritman no longer has it! they do a great job of sourcing – her now-dead husband had in-person sources in the middle east, and they would go on buying trips there. so she knows the real deal, and also makes her own, using flowers and plants grown in her garden. i’m talking about the mom. the daughter is also well-versed in essential oils.

            they do some interesting courses, if you get the chance. nice to have them in the area. May 7, 2013 at 2:55pm Reply

        • Ann: I love that you actually bought something called Chypre from your local magic shop! It makes it worth googling! May 6, 2013 at 5:50pm Reply

          • minette: the name of the shop is the magick cauldron. it’s on montrose in houston, texas. they have lots of oils, and chypre is apparently a traditional one in magical circles. you could also find some khus, or vetiver, at a shop like this. vetiver is also used a lot in protection spells, i gather. not surprising, i suppose, given its origin and the fact that it smells so earthy and grounding. May 7, 2013 at 2:59pm Reply

      • Ann: I will have to get my hands on a sample of Chanel Pour Monsieur– thank you! May 6, 2013 at 5:44pm Reply

    • george: The problem with identifying chypre is that it is sort of a base that is then flavoured, so you probably need to smell three and detract the difference. As easily accessible ones for you to smell, i would suggest Mitsouko (peach chypre), Y by Ysl (green chypre) and Diorella (floral citrus chypre). I think Y is the most classic of these.
      Marine normally means Calone (a synthetic that became popular in the nineties. The two classic calone using fragrances are L’eau D’issey, escape by Calvin Klein. It’s a sort of melony smell.
      As Austenfan said, you can order samples of individual materials, and the site I know of (but haven’t used so can’t recommend) is The Perfumer’s Apprentice. May 6, 2013 at 4:08pm Reply

      • Ann: Ohhh. I don’t like either L’eau D’issey or Escape, but never tried to figure out why. Next trip to Sephora I will study those two! May 6, 2013 at 5:46pm Reply

        • george: Having looked at all the excellent recommendations from the others here, I guess marine can be divided in to about four different types.

          Calone- Escape/L’eau Di’issey and pretty much anything from the nineties in a blue bottle.
          Salty- G of the sea by Gwen Stefani (I am NOT recommending this scent, but the note is prominent, and the bottle is “supercute”!)
          Ambergris- literally marine- lots of creeds, my recommendation being Aventus
          Rotting seastuff- Secretions Magnifique. May 7, 2013 at 5:34pm Reply

    • Lucas: for chypre try Coty Chypre, MDCI Chypre Palatin, Bottega Veneta, Chanel Cristalle.

      oakmoss: Guerlain Mitsouko, Diptyque Jardin Clos, Chanel Antaeus,

      To me marine perfume has ozonic, oceanic notes, salty, sometimes sandy, often cucumber, melon, synthetic calone. May 6, 2013 at 4:13pm Reply

      • Ann: One less mystery for me! Thank you. May 6, 2013 at 5:47pm Reply

    • Andrea: For ‘Marine’ try
      Heeley Sel Marin
      Il Profvmo Aria di Mare
      Hermes Apres la Mousson
      Rosine Ecume de Rose
      Lost march Iroaz
      Etat Libre Secretions Magnifiques
      Miller Harris Fleur de Sel
      plenty of ‘men’s stuff’
      CB I hate perfume M.Hulot and the other beach themed ones
      Bond No.9 Fire Island

      For Chypre do try
      Alliage Estee Lauder
      Y YSL
      Chamade May 6, 2013 at 4:19pm Reply

    • Connie: One big marine that I haven’t seen mentioned yet is 1966 At the Beach. May 6, 2013 at 4:39pm Reply

    • Tora: Ann, I am an aromatherapist, and I have pure oak moss, and labdanum. They are both sticky gooey tar like substances. I hardly ever use them, and I would be glad to put some of each into some little pots and mail them to you. Email me if you would like. No charge or anything. [email protected] May 6, 2013 at 6:36pm Reply

    • Cybele: Chypre: Givenchy III, Diorella, Magie Noir Lancome
      Marine: Armani Aqua di Gio, L’Eau D’Issey, Cool Water
      Labdanum: maybe Le Labo Labdanum 18 May 6, 2013 at 11:05pm Reply

    • kal: Hi Ann, I would say for Chypre go with Chanel Pour Monsieur (again, not the Concentrée) or Mitsuko, but for both, the Chypre smell comes mostly in the drydown. For Marine, I would try Creed’s Millésime Impérial; one of the Marine’s (now) classics. Oakmoss is an ingrediant in Chypre, for which Mitsuko, again, is the best example (sorry Ann! I couldn’t separate Chypre from Oakmoss!) and for Labdanum I’d certainly try L`Air du Désert Marocain, though not a pure Labdanum perfume, it should give you a very good idea about Labdanum (and L`Air du Désert Marocain smell great by the way). Hope that helps! -kal May 7, 2013 at 7:39am Reply

    • Robert: La Via del Profumo has oakmoss samples (muschio di quercia).
      http://is.gd/Rikea7 May 8, 2013 at 12:55am Reply

  • ad infinitum: Hi, all!

    Like many of you I am looking for a new summer scent. I’ll be spending my summer in Hong Kong, which is especially sticky, hot and humid, so I’d love suggestions for a very light scent that still has some character. The problem is that I’m usually drawn to richer, more opaque scents – spicy teas like L’Artisan’s Tea for Two, milky almond scents like Lumiere Blanche – but I would love some suggestions for lighter tea scents… I tried Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea but it was really not my thing. May 6, 2013 at 3:17pm Reply

    • irem: What about Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan? A very nice and summery tea based fragrance, very refreshing in hot and humid weather. May 6, 2013 at 3:59pm Reply

      • Nina Z: Strongly second this suggestion! Beautiful tea scent that is very sheer but complex and long lasting. Also CB I hate perfume has a Russian Caravan tea scent that smells more like Earl Grey tea to me (with bergamot). May 6, 2013 at 4:20pm Reply

      • Annikky: I second this. In addition, Bvlgari The Vert is a classic for a reason. And if you happen to have a L’Occitane shop somewhere around, they have a few decent green tea scents: they just launched one in their Grasse collection, but I prefer the older (and cheaper) version with jasmine. May 6, 2013 at 4:24pm Reply

        • nikki: I agree: Bulgari Eau du The vert and the Extreme version are perfect scents full of tea and citrus and so refreshing. They can also be sprayed often which is a plus in summer heat…nice to keep them in the fridge and then spray..a lot. May 6, 2013 at 5:45pm Reply

        • ad infinitum: There are quite a few L’Occitane shops here but for some reason I’ve never really considered their scents…! Thank you for this suggestion! 😀 Their prices seem more amenable to my budget as well. May 6, 2013 at 6:22pm Reply

          • Merlin: The ordinary L’occitaine Vert is really wonderful. Secretly I think I prefer it to The Pour un Ete as it has more presence and also a hint of strong black tea which makes me feel caffeine-ated!

            Another nice tea frag is Osmanthus Interdite from Parfum d’ Empire. A soft, sweet and floral tea. May 7, 2013 at 5:41am Reply

        • D: I fully second (or by now third) Bvlgari The Vert. Still the best after all these years. May 7, 2013 at 12:32pm Reply

      • Stina: I third (fourth?) the Osmanthe Yunnan recommendation; it’s tart, refreshing, and long-lasting (over 6 hours even on my fussy skin that likes to “disappear” perfumes).

        I also second the suggestion for CB IhP Russian Caravan Tea, which to me smells like unsweetened clear black tea with a big hit of lemon. It’s like iced tea for your skin. May 6, 2013 at 5:34pm Reply

      • ad infinitum: Thank you so much for the suggestion! That’s one that I’ve been wanting to try for a while, but I live near no Hermes boutiques. Time to bite the bullet and buy a sample online methinks. 😀 May 6, 2013 at 6:19pm Reply

    • Allison: Although not tea scents, you might want to try Cologne du 68 by Guerlain, which is an unusually complex eau de cologne that to my nose has an herbal warmth that works in the heat. And I also recommend Hermes Eau du Gentian Blanche which has notes of white musk,gentian root, iris, and incense. May 6, 2013 at 4:34pm Reply

      • ad infinitum: Iris and incense are both notes I love, too, and quite an unusual pairing! I must check these out. 😀 May 6, 2013 at 6:26pm Reply

    • Connie: Summer tea scents:
      Sweet Dreams 2003-A Lab on Fire
      The pour un Ete- L’Artisan Parfumeur
      Un Zest de Rose-Rosine May 6, 2013 at 4:40pm Reply

      • ad infinitum: I’ve been meaning to try The pour un Ete! Thanks for the suggestions. 😀 May 6, 2013 at 6:28pm Reply

    • Ariadne: Hello AI,
      Bulgari au The Rouge has the dried tea element but is more sultry than their Au The Verte or Blanc. I LUV the Rouge!!!
      Your mention of liking richer more opaque scents made me think of another frag I always wear in the Summer but only in the EDT concentration, and that one is Bal A Versailles believe it or not.
      I can still be my”bombshell” self but with a lighter saucier interpretation. ;+) and I am always asked what frag I am wearing with BAV.
      Happy summer to you! May 6, 2013 at 6:15pm Reply

      • ad infinitum: I really must try these Bvlgari scents! And Bal A Versailles is one perfume that just doesn’t work on my skin, but I’m sure it smells gorgeous on you. 😀 May 6, 2013 at 6:32pm Reply

    • Figuier: What about ‘the other’ L’Artisan tea perfume (now the only one I believe, since they’ve discontinued Tea for Two), The pour un Ete? Lovely & bright. Nicolai’s Fig Tea might also be worth testing, it’s light on fig and is more a sheer fresh tea to my nose. May 7, 2013 at 4:54am Reply

    • Asali: I’d recommend you try Guerlain Voyage Olfactif London, it has tea and rhubarab for freshness, but still with a bit of cardamom and a soft woody drydown. I really like this one for spring and summer, even if I too normally prefer the denser perfumes. Good luck May 7, 2013 at 5:13am Reply

    • Merlin: And one not yet mentioned Chanel: Cristalle eau Verte. When its suffocatingly hot the lemon in this is wonderful. May 7, 2013 at 5:45am Reply

  • ChristineB: hi, I’m looking for a fragrance to evoke the scents of the Mediterranean for me. I live in England and will not be getting away this summer but would love to be transported in fragrance to the idea of a Greek hillside, the scent of herbs and warmth. I have tried a number of fig fragrances but they do not hit the spot. Whilst I like the opening of Philosykos, it ends up too sweet for me. This has made me wonder if I should be crossing the gender divide and looking at more masculine fragrances? Any suggestions, masculine or feminine appreciated! May 7, 2013 at 2:31am Reply

    • Figuier: I know the smell you’re talking about – and have to admit my suggestions are all mere approximations: I’m guessing from your comment that you’ve already tried Hermes Jardin en Med – it’s unisex, with a hint of fig, but not too sweet at all. For ‘dry herby foliage in summer’ you could try

      Parfumerie Generale Bois Blond
      Santa Maria Novella Ginestra
      Pantelleria Dammuso (slightly more beachy)

      Classic mens fougeres might also be a good place to look. May 7, 2013 at 11:06am Reply

      • ChristineB: Thanks for your suggestions,Figuier. I have tried Hermes Jardin en Med, but a long time ago, so I obviously need to revisit it. I haven’t tried any of the others so I shall get sampling. Pantellaria Dammuso is sounding particularly appealing from the reviews. May 7, 2013 at 12:08pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: On Greek hillsides I mostly smelled the wonderful Greek thyme. Perhaps Eau de Guerlain can transport you to Greece! May 7, 2013 at 1:04pm Reply

    • Annikky: I only tried it once in Paris and do not recall all the nuances, but I loved L’Artisan’s Caligna. If they had it in a smaller bottle, I would have bought it on the spot. It’s a lighter take on the Mediterranean theme, but I found it quite complex (definitely more complex than Philosykos) and remember herbs and hay and some gentle flowers. Despite the lightness, I’d say it’s rather unisex. May 7, 2013 at 12:54pm Reply

      • ChristineB: Cornelia, yes the scent of thyme and I think oregano and also juniper or pine? is what I think of. I shall add Eau de Guerlain to my sample list.. Annikky, thanks for reminding me. Caligna has been on my wish list. May 7, 2013 at 2:00pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: oh yes, you are absolutely right, that marvellous oregano! a lady in a Greek bus gave me an armful of oregano, how could I forget it–thank you for the memory! As for pine (very Greek too!again you are right) try Fille en Aiguilles, Lutens.
          Are you Greek, if I may ask? May 7, 2013 at 3:30pm Reply

          • ChristineB: No, I am not Greek. I’m English but do have some Greek family connections and have holidayed in various parts over the years. It has been our rather dreary UK winter and early spring that have had me thinking rather longingly of warmer climes but we now have some really lovely late spring weather – hooray! May 7, 2013 at 5:52pm Reply

    • Austenfan: The driest herbal scent I know is Diptyque’s Virgilio. It is however discontinued, so it’s maybe not fair to recommend it.
      Less sweet than Philosykos more greens and citrus but still with quite a prominent fig note is Goutal’s Ninfeo Mio. Not the greatest name but a lovely fragrance.
      Some vetivers are quite dry and herbal. MPG Route du Vetiver is worth trying anyway, you may loath it but it’s got plenty of character. May 7, 2013 at 4:34pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: I second Route du Vetiver . Another MPG vetiver, easier to wear: Racine. May 7, 2013 at 4:49pm Reply

        • ChristineB: Thanks, Cornelia. Vetiver is a note I have not really explored and I obviously ought to rectify this. May 8, 2013 at 12:36pm Reply

        • Austenfan: Racine is wonderful! RdV may be more original but Racine is so elegant and wearable and just plain gorgeous. May 8, 2013 at 4:15pm Reply

      • Annikky: Hi, Austenfan! Glad to see you back. Do I recall correctly (and apologies in advance if I don’t) that you haven’t had the chance to try the Chanel exclusives? I have been meaning to tell you – and anyone else who’s interested – that Copenhagen Airport (the big tax free shop) now carries both Chanel Les Exclusifs and Dior Collection Privee. Not an ideal environment for testing perfume, but if you happen to travel through Copenhagen… May 7, 2013 at 5:18pm Reply

        • Austenfan: Yes I was on holiday, which was great.

          I tried Les Exclusifs for the first time in I think late March of this year. But I was indeed very late to that party, so you remembered it well. Thanks for mentioning the Copenhagen airport duty free shop. They must be really well stocked to have both Les Exclusifs and La Collection Privée. Did you try any of the Diors? Thanks for letting me know anyway! May 8, 2013 at 4:13pm Reply

          • Annikky: Oh, I missed your reply:( I did try Grand Bal and Oud Ispahan on paper. I found the first not groundbreakingly original, but lovely nevertheless. The Oud I need to try on skin, I think, to get a better idea.

            What about you and the Chanels? Did you find any to like?

            Copenhagen Airport seems to be upgrading their perfume offerings, so it’ll be exciting to see if they add anything else more niche/exclusive. May 13, 2013 at 4:08am Reply

            • Austenfan: I kind of liked Bel Respiro, and would have liked 28 La Pausa had it been available in a stronger concentration. No.22 was interesting, I need to revisit that one. 31 Rue Cambon is, I suppose, beautiful but not me. According to the Guide it shares some of it’s character with La Promesse de l’Aube, and I swooned at that one. I liked Sycomore, but not enough to want to own it. Jersey’s top note I loved (lavender), No.1932 I disliked. No.18 was nice but merely nice. The SA told me that 18 always reminded him of Doyenné pears. And he is right.
              The only one I was tempted by was Cuir de Russie. I will have to revisit it in extrait as well. Although I still have a few to left to try in the Les Exclusifs line, I think that all in all they are not for me. Overly refined is what I kept thinking. It’s odd though, I adore perfume, but somehow one of the most revered houses’ offerings leave me cold on the whole. I must be a philistine at heart! May 13, 2013 at 5:12am Reply

              • Annikky: Ha! Not likely. Your taste is simply so refined that even Chanel has to work hard to meet your standards. And while I’m generally more enthusiastic regarding the exclusifs, I more or less follow your pattern. Cuir de Russie is my absolute favourite, I plan to get a bottle for fall. La Pausa is beautiful, but so frustrating; Rue Cambon is great and I was kind of surprised that I am able to wear it without any problems (I suspected it would be too sophisticated for me); Bel Respiro is a lovely little thing and if I somehow happened to acquire a bottle, I think it would actually get a lot of wear. From the ones you didn’t try (?), Bois des Iles and Coromandel are my favourites. The rest I like, some more, some less and while some people find Chanel too polished and therefore demanding to wear, for me they are effortless, no-brainer scents. The only one I cannot wear (yet) is No 22, but I am working on my aldehyde problem. And 1932 is underwhelming. May 14, 2013 at 3:27am Reply

                • Victoria: I still can’t get over my disappointment with 1932. It’s so lackluster, and yet, it had so much potential. May 14, 2013 at 4:01am Reply

      • ChristineB: Thanks, Austenfan, route de vetiver certainly sounds worth a sniff. I have tried Ninfeo Mio and think that it is in many ways a lovely fragrance and do enjoy the fig note in it, but sadly it seems to go slightly urinous (is that a word?) smelling on me. May 8, 2013 at 12:33pm Reply

    • Sibylle: Maybe Pyrgos by Sigilli would suit you? Notes are bergamot, fennel, lavender, orange, oregano, aniseed and cinnamon. It’s a very warm, herbal scent, and not particularly sweet. I’d say it’s unisex. May 7, 2013 at 6:32pm Reply

      • ChristineB: Pyrgos sounds an interesting fragrance, thanks. When searching on the word Pyrgos, I came across articles about the discovery of an ancient perfume factory at an archaeological site at Pyrgos, Cyprus. Is the perfume meant to recreate one of these scents? May 8, 2013 at 12:54pm Reply

        • Sibylle: Yes, it seems so. One of the amphoras discovered at the Pyrgos site contained traces of various scent oils, with the same combination of notes as given for the Sigilli scent.
          After recommending it to you, I dug up my sample and wore it today. It really evokes a hot Mediterranean summer day for me. I’m considering a full bottle …
          You could order a sample at First in Fragrance; I’ve never encountered the Sigilli line anywhere else, and the scent is so unusual that I would not advise an unsniffed buy. May 8, 2013 at 6:44pm Reply

          • Cornelia Blimber: Fascinating! Thank you very much, Christine and Sibylle! May 9, 2013 at 10:56am Reply

    • Caroline: One of the most Mediterranean-evoking scents I’ve tried lately is Vero Profumo’s Mito. Luckyscent & some of the decant sites do have samples. Also AG Eau d’Hadrien, but I have an older bottle, and I hear it’s no longer as good. May 8, 2013 at 8:01am Reply

      • ChristineB: Thank you for your suggestions, Caroline. I adore Vero Profumo’s Kiki so I must try Mito. May 8, 2013 at 12:57pm Reply

  • Karima: can someone recommend a refreshing scent for the summer that is not citrussy or acquatic. i would like it to evoke the feeling of cool white veils blowing about one’s body (summers in vienna are tropical) yet with a sultry note. longevity and sillage are also a must, as is complexity. am i asking too much? thanks in advance! May 7, 2013 at 3:08am Reply

    • erry: I don’t know if these evoke the feeling of cool white veil, but I would reccomend them anyway:

      Hermes Eau Claire des Merveilles
      Hermes Jour d’hermes
      Carnal Flower ==> I think tuberose scent blooms beautifully in summer
      Chanel Cristalle ==>for me it’s a perfume for all season May 7, 2013 at 4:36am Reply

      • AC: Second the FM Lys Mediterranee and Carnal Flower – cool white veils indeed, and both lasts quite a while, at least on me.

        This may not fit the longevity/sillage requirements, but have you tried Chanel’s 28 La Pausa? It’s a light iris floral over white musk, luminous and suitable for applying with abandon in warm weather. May 7, 2013 at 11:15am Reply

    • erry: I forgot to mention FM Lys Mediterranee. May 7, 2013 at 4:44am Reply

    • Nina Z: Chanel No 22 has cooling incense and aldehydes combined with white flowers. That sounds like cool white veils to me! May 7, 2013 at 10:49am Reply

  • Andrea: Naturals are a perfume in themselves. With the right access to the ingredients, I would just mix 10 grams of sambac with 90 gr of EtOH… It is delicious! IFRA wouldn’t be so happy about my decision, but I am not selling it anyways :p. May 7, 2013 at 4:18am Reply

    • Andrea: I meant that as a response to Karima on top…. May 7, 2013 at 4:30am Reply

  • AC: Dear all – can someone recommend a light orange blossom fragrance for someone who is not so sure about the note?I’ve tried Serge Lutens, Le Labo and By Kilian’s take on it, and while I can appreciate the beauty and quality of the scents, I couldn’t wear most of them (feels heavy?). I do have a large decant of Prelude to Love, though I very rarely wear it nowadays… May 7, 2013 at 10:57am Reply

    • AndreaR: Perhaps Jardin du Neroli by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier ? May 7, 2013 at 11:02am Reply

      • AC: Haven’t tried that one before, thanks for the suggestion! May 7, 2013 at 11:07am Reply

    • Figuier: It sounds like a simple not-too-expensive scent might be the place to start. Fragonard Fleur D’Oranger is simple but high quality, and quite inexpensive (stocked in marks and spencer), as is Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom (she also does a nectarine blossom and honey cologne, which might be a less full-on alternative). May 7, 2013 at 11:10am Reply

      • AC: Thanks for the great suggestions. I’ve heard good things about Jo Malone and her style of fragrances, but haven’t gotten around to trying them. Putting them on my “to try” list. May 7, 2013 at 11:19am Reply

    • rosiegreen: For a light orange blossom I really enjoy Artisan by John Varvatos. I bought it for my husband but I think I wear it more than he does. May 7, 2013 at 12:28pm Reply

      • AC: I think I have a sample vial of that somewhere in my drawer. Thanks! May 7, 2013 at 2:10pm Reply

  • Cybele: Hi there, I am looking for a addictive modern version of an oriental in the tradition of Coco, Opium, Must de Cartier, Moschino…It should be rather female/not too unisex and a complex blend as I find straight ambers too linear, for example. Did not work for me: Ambre Narguile, Anne Pliska, Bois de Vanille, Labdanum 18, Musc Ravageur, Hypnotic Poison, Bulgari Black. Close came: Coromandel, Noir Epice. Tolu is still on my list to try. I would greatly appreciate your suggestions! May 7, 2013 at 3:40pm Reply

    • TheFrenchMistress: Cybele, I wonder if you might like Canyon Dreams, one of Keiko Mecheri’s Bespoke creations. It’s definitely complex, with a citrus top and a warm ambery base à la Shalimar, with more than a nod to Jicky (however, I find it has more substance than either of these now). There’s a certain powderiness, and a slight dirtiness, in there at points, too — don’t know if that’s your thing. May 8, 2013 at 6:29am Reply

    • Nina Z: Oriental Lounge by The Different Company. Though complex, it is lighter than the ones you mentioned not working for you, and the curry leaf note gives it a very interesting twist. Definitely check out Tolu, as it is great. May 8, 2013 at 11:11am Reply

    • Nina Z: Apparently I’m going to be thinking about this one all day. It is right up my alley as I wore Coco for many years, and my small collection includes full bottles of Coromandel, Noir Epices, and Tolu. So here are the other fragrances in that ballpark that I own: Fendi Theorema (spicy, lighter amber, but discontinued), Jungle L’Elephant (plum cardamom, related to Coco), Eau Lente (very spicy with oppoponax, related to Opium), and Parfumerie Generale Indochine (cardamom and benzoin–I prefer this to the Jungle L’Elephant). May 8, 2013 at 12:24pm Reply

      • Cybele: Thank you! I bet I would love Theorema- to bad it is gone…Elephant is unfortunately not for me, although, it does smell nice- I somehow find it too dominantly spicy, in a sense of kitchen shelf spice…maybe I should try it again. The other ones are new to me. May 8, 2013 at 6:05pm Reply

        • Nina Z: You can still find Theorema if you try! So maybe purchase a sample to find out whether or not you love it. In the meantime, I asked some perfume friends for further advice and they suggested three more: Etros – Paisley and Rajasthan (which I now must try myself!) and Safran Troublant. Safran Troublant is a saffron, rose and vanilla scent, more of a gourmand than an oriental, so I’m not sure why it was suggested. But I totally love it so maybe you will too! May 9, 2013 at 10:46am Reply

  • Cybele: oh, and pretty close comes Donna Karan Signiture May 7, 2013 at 3:43pm Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: This one is not modern, but maybe you like it: Byzance, Rochas.
      Or perhaps Bornéo 1834. May 7, 2013 at 4:39pm Reply

    • george: Is Mitzah by Dior still available???? Maybe that? May 7, 2013 at 5:27pm Reply

      • Cybele: Thank you so much to all of you for your suggestions, I am not familiar with most of them and will definitely seek them out! May 8, 2013 at 5:59pm Reply

  • Vanessa: Hello!

    I am looking for a new signature scent.

    In the past I have gone for soliflore “pretty” white floral scents. I have tried many perfumes, many of them extremely beautiful, but I feel I have not yet found ‘the one’.

    I was talking to my best friend last night and she told me that a “pretty” scent, not even an “exquisite” scent would be right for me. Instead, she told me the best fit for me would be a perfume that is “melancholic, ethereal and otherworldly”..she said the ideal scent for me would leave a lasting trail, be bold yet airy and ethereal…something reminiscent of the moon. She also said that I should go for something not like “velvet” but like “silk.”

    Strangely enough, I had thought of this description before (even down to the reference of the moon) as the ideal scent for me but I feel as though I have never found this fragrance.

    Does anybody have any ideas?

    Thanks,

    Vanessa May 7, 2013 at 5:27pm Reply

    • AC: Do you like iris scents? “Melancholic and otherworldly” brings to mind Serge Lutens’ Iris Silver Mist. I’m not sure it’s exactly silky though, and it’s certainly not “pretty”, but very very “interesting.” May 7, 2013 at 5:35pm Reply

    • george: Someone asked a very similar question on Katie Puckriks blog recent;y. She suggested Comme Des Garcons 2, l’artisan cote D’armour or chanel No.19.

      I would suggest you venture in to the world of irises, as the qualities you are looking for are most commonly associated with that as an ingredient.

      It is also an ingredient heavily featured in the Chanel exclusives line, so that’s a good place to start.

      Actual fragrances I would suggest are Apres l’ondee by Guerlain, Mon numero 8 by L’artisan parfumeur, Chanel No. 19 original or poudre, and Chanel 1932.

      I haven’t tried Iris silver mist (Victoria has a review of this on here, and also the ability to search by iris note), but it does come highly recommended.

      But the one I think will really rock your world is Chanel Cuir de Russie, because it has the dazzling white light of iris but also the dark blue of leather for contrast (or night sky, if you are feeling poetically inclined)

      However, I would also say that there are a lot of great fragrances out there to enjoy, so don’t necessarily get too hung up on having one scent that is “you”. After all, part of the fun of scent exploration can be discovering an appreciation of scents that you don’t think represent yourself, and then figuring out that maybe you did have that side to your personality all along.

      You never know it might be a filthy bestial concoction that ends up rocking your world. May 7, 2013 at 5:57pm Reply

      • Ariadne: Hi Vanessa,
        I would also like to echo George’s advice about finding the one signature scent. You will be so much more fulfilled if you focus on claiming a signature note, emotion, or reaction for yourself with your perfume choices.
        I will also second Liz K’s post about Sonoma Scent Studios offerings. I found most of them possess a marvelousmelancholy and time travel element to them.
        Also definitely a sample try Mandy Aftel’s Sienna. This one makes you imagine Daguerrotype (SP?) images in your mind’s eye! May 8, 2013 at 6:43pm Reply

    • ChristineB: I wonder if Guerlain Apres l’Ondee would be worth consdering. I know that some people do find this to be a wistful, melancholic fragrance. May 7, 2013 at 6:25pm Reply

    • Cybele: maybe Timbuktu, CDG Avignon and CDG 2, S-Parfum Sex, Chanel No 18 and No 22 May 7, 2013 at 6:44pm Reply

    • Liz K: To me violet can be a cool ethereal scent. Have you tried SSS Wood Violet or To Dream? May 7, 2013 at 8:46pm Reply

      • Cybele: that crossed my mind too, would like to add CDG Stephen Jones and SL Bois de Violette. Frederic Malle’s En Passant/Dans te Bras/Angelique Sous la Pluie could be interesting too. Would be really curious to hear what you find in the end! May 7, 2013 at 9:03pm Reply

        • george: seconding Cybele suggestions from the malle range. May 8, 2013 at 6:00am Reply

          • Scarlett: Thirding Cybele sugestions May 10, 2013 at 2:39am Reply

        • Vanessa: Hello!

          In case anyone is still interested in one I came up with…I’ve tried many fragrances over the past few months and enjoyed many of them, but I ended up purchasing Guerlain’s L’heure bleue in the EDP concentration. I am very much enjoying it thus far.

          Thanks again to everyone for all of your help!

          Vanessa June 16, 2013 at 12:08pm Reply

    • E.Lime: Maybe try Serge Lutens Bas de Soie? Iris that’s very pretty. May 8, 2013 at 2:28pm Reply

    • Maureen: I also think you should try Chanel #19 or #19 poudre, especially is ethereal. I would say most of the Chanel’s are beautiful…a good line to sample. May 9, 2013 at 10:55am Reply

    • leathermountain: Hi Vanessa, reading your description I thought of my first whiff of Apres L’Ondee.

      At first smell it was “the one” for me…. for the moment. There have been others. Why not?

      Apres L’Ondee might not leave the lasting trail you mentioned. But to me, evanescence seems fitting for this fragrance.

      Best of luck!
      lm May 9, 2013 at 2:16pm Reply

      • Lila: I just ordered a sample of Apres L’Ondee today. Every description I read about it makes it impossible to pass on. May 9, 2013 at 4:24pm Reply

  • Maggie: Anne Gerard’s Cuir de Nacre is an elegant, ethereal Iris fragrance and when it first came out, several years ago, it was called Pleine Lune! May 7, 2013 at 6:32pm Reply

    • Maggie: Sorry, should have been reply to Vanessa. May 7, 2013 at 6:40pm Reply

      • Vanessa: Wow–I don’t know how to reply to all of you at once, but thank you so much for your wonderful suggestions! I really appreciate your responses.

        I haven’t tried most of the perfumes that you all suggested, which is exciting because it gives me alot to look forward to! I plan to go perfume hunting within the next week or so. I will let you all know what I come up with.

        Thanks again!

        Vanessa May 9, 2013 at 5:49pm Reply

  • Julie: Hi, All!

    I know about next to nothing about perfumes but would like to find a nice, light scent but with complexity for summer. I have shied away from perfume in the past because it tends to either make me sneeze or give me a headache or just plain irritates me. Many moons ago I wore Dior Hypnotic Poison, Donna Karen Cashmere Mist and J’Adore, but I that’s more more because my mom wore them and I didn’t have any scents of my own. However, at the time there were parts to them I liked. .

    I’ve smelled the popular ones while browsing through the make up counters at Macy’s or Sephora, but nothing jumps out at me. I want something that works with my skin and smells more like an essence rather than a harsh chemical/man made odor. Maybe something warm? Would that be okay with the summer months coming? Maybe something citrusy or fresh? That doesn’t quite sound right either. To make it easier, how about some Summer favorites that you’ve found to blend well with your skin? I’m looking for that scent that people will smell and do a double take because it’s so soft and enticing and something they cant’ place since it’s like nothing else they’ve smelled before. Tall order? Maybe. But I’ throwing this out to the pros!

    Thanks in advance for your help! May 9, 2013 at 8:44am Reply

    • Theresa: I’m hardly a pro! have you tried Bulgari pour Femme, which is available at Sephora? I got a sample of it recently when there was the discussion of mimosa scents, and find it delicious. Pretty and light. May 9, 2013 at 2:55pm Reply

      • Austenfan: I second the Bvlgari Pour Femme. It is a gorgeous floral, it often gets overlooked unfortunately. Another Bvlgari that you might want to try as it is really good for summer is Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert. It wears very close to the skin and is very elegant. Thé Rouge might be worth a try as well.
        Have you tried any Prada’s? You may want to give both Infusion d’Iris and Candy a go. They are quite different but share a certain softness and restraint. They last well and are very easy to wear.
        Another brand I would suggest is Hermès. They have quite a few lovely fragrances.
        I would recommend trying Kelly Calèche in both EDT and EDP. Give the Jardins a go as well. There are four of them now. The only one I’m not that fond of is Un Jardin sur le Toit. They share an outdoor feeling, and a certain crispness.
        If you liked bits of J’Adore Jour d’Hermès might be interesting. It is less sweet ( I think, I haven’t sniffed the Dior in ages), and a very radiant floral. For a skin scent try Voyage d’Hermès.

        I hope you find what you are looking for, but sometimes the trying is enough fun in itself. May 10, 2013 at 7:19am Reply

    • E.Lime: I know I always recommend this one, but Yuzu Rouge is a really great summer fragrance–to me, it’s both citrusy and warm, because the rose just mellows on my skin like it’s blooming. The perfume is crisp at the start, and then almost plush towards the end.
      If you’re looking more for an essence or soliflore feeling and you like jasmine, you could try Serge Lutens A la Nuit. It is really intensely jasmine for about the first ten minutes, but then it dries down to a delicious jasmine skin scent. May 10, 2013 at 1:39pm Reply

    • Liz K: I just ran across my sample of Diptyque’s Vetyverio and remembered that I had marked it as one of my migraine safe, ethereal skin scents. It really is quite pretty and different and might be worth a try. May 10, 2013 at 9:51pm Reply

    • Cybele: -Summer favorites that you’ve found to blend well with your skin:Osmanthe Yunnan Hermessence, Clair de Musc Serge Lutens
      -it’s so soft and enticing and something they cant’ place: Chanel Coromandel, Chanel No18, Comme de Garcon White May 11, 2013 at 11:01am Reply

      • Cybele: have you tried Bottega Veneta? May 11, 2013 at 11:11am Reply

    • Di: If you want to wear something that sufficiently rare for people to feel like they never smelled it before, I suggest you explore niche fragrances. I think Eau De Italy line might satisfy your desire for unique fresh summers. I am fond of Au Lac. May 12, 2013 at 1:12pm Reply

  • Scarlett: I am still a newbie, and right now my interests are centered on Angel. However I’m looking for a new fragrance, I’m thinking Sweet Redemption or Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. May 10, 2013 at 2:36am Reply

    • Victoria: You could try Chanel Coco Noir. It has the sweetness of Angel, but it’s softer.

      Or Miss Dior Cherie (it’s now called just Miss Dior) is a good choice. I haven’t tried Blooming Bouquet though. May 12, 2013 at 9:28am Reply

  • Karen: Morning from England,

    I’ve flirted with many samples since I really began to explore the joys of perfume last year. It transpires that my perfume choices are very much led by the weather, by their longevity and very much by their dry down. Perfume flirting is a glorious pass-time, but day to day I love the comfort of a scent that pervades my clothes and bedroom and makes my family snuggle into my clothes and build a vivid scent memory.

    Songes was my first perfume revelation, but not one I could wear day-to-day (wonderful, but too swooningly heady for me for a whole day). Bois des Iles has been my first absolute perfume love, and my constant and glorious companion through Winter and through our very cold Spring. I find it be absolutley perfect in its warmth, complexity, longevity… and I love the faded remnants of it on my clothes and watch strap. It feels so right on my skin. I bought myself the EDT, and my husband bought the parfum for Christmas. I love them both for their respective bright sparkle and their enveloping warmth.

    Despite valiant attempts, my Spring/Summer perfume is yet to reveal itself, though Chamade remains a serious contender, and something about White Linen keeps making me want to go back and sniff it again. Neither of these have samples available in-store and I like to have lived in the scent for a few days before committing… and Chamade is such a slow tease!

    Background info: Perfumes from a previous existence… I am using up perfume from my bottles of Diptyque’s Philosykos, and Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess – I enjoy both of these, but am looking for a perfume with that something more. Previous staples (from the 90’s onwards…) included Angel, Black Orchid, Coco, Acqua Di Parma Magnolia Nobile. Coco is the one that I still pay attention to, but has been over-shadowed by (to me) the warmer, softer, enveloping Bois des Iles.

    Diorissimo I really wanted to love, and the first ‘in the air’ spritz was delightful… but there was too much screeching up close on my skin, and it disappeared within 3 hours. Similarly, Jour d’Hermes – glorious to begin with, but then slightly screechy on my skin and faded to nothing. Bottega Veneta has a warmth I love, and makes me feel like I’ve thrust my head into someone else’s very expensive handbag… but not enough richness is left in the dry down. Naheema – gorgeous but too heady for day to day. Baiser Vole – on my skin, the dry down doesn’t live up to the opening. Mitsouko – I’m not there… yet! No 5 – it’s the absolute scent of another family member, but also not quite me. Lolita Lempicka – lovely, but not quite up there with Chamade. Santal Majascule, Feminite de Bois – again, like Songes, I inhale them from my wrist and thoroughly appreciate them, but they are not a scent I can wear all day. Petit Fracas – I felt that somewhere, under all that cloying sweetness, there is potential. Vol de Nuit – my Grandma! I don’t know this for certain, my Dad doesn’t have a clue what she wore, but at the first sniff, for me, it was her. Thrilling, but not me. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria: Pamplelune, Herba Fresca, Neroli Bianca – all delightfullly fresh (my friend got me a travel selection – I’m going to really enjoy wearing them when I’m at home in the garden) but too fleeting. Chanel Egoiste (not the sport) – my husband wears this, and Eau Sauvage and Pour Monsier – all glorious and all have real presence and staying power.

    Perfumes I haven’t tried, but am looking forward to, include; Fracas, Seville a l’aube, Tubereuse Criminelle, and a whole host of others…

    Any recommendations would be whole heartedly welcomed! May 10, 2013 at 8:00am Reply

    • Figuier: Wow, that’s a full survey of your testing – and includes loads of lovely scents. I own, or have owned in the past, many of your favourites, so fingers crossed my recs will match your taste.

      For daytime spring/summer maybe a quieter jasmine than Songes would be nice? I find Nasomatto Nuda glorious, it’s heady for the first 15 minutes or so but dries down to a discreet but rich jasmine, and lasts most of the day. By Kilian Love and Tears is a radiant soprano of a jasmine in comparison, but also lasts well – it has some of the dewy-ness of Jour d’Hermes without the abrasive edge. Lys Mediterranee is summery and lush without being oppressive. The suntan vibe in Bronze Goddess and Songes is done differently but well in Terracotta Voile d’Ete.

      For florals in (vaguely) the same family as Chamade you could try Nicolai Le Temps d’Une Fete (and Odalisque), Chanel Cristalle (edt and edp are different, but both worth testing), Goutal L’Heure Exquise, Grand Amour (edp).

      For a leather in the style of Bottega Veneta you could try Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur; can’t recall how the drydown goes though.

      Happy testing! May 10, 2013 at 10:33am Reply

      • Karen: Hello Figuier – thanks for your very considered reply.

        Looks like you’ve added a whole scrumptious bunch of potions for me to try, and you also reminded me that I meant to try and get a sample of Le Temps d’Une Fete – how did I forget?!

        Grand Amour is another gorgeous swooner which I loved, but ultimately decided was too sweet for every day immersion.

        The Nasomatta, Heeley and By Killian sound intriguing – I’ll attempt to hunt them down. Cristalle, I haven’t tried yet, but will do.

        Many thanks, Karen May 11, 2013 at 4:06pm Reply

    • george: It sounds like your tastes pretty much match up with The Guide. I don’t know whether this is coincidence or that you have used it to introduce yourself to perfume, but if you haven’t, do buy, because all the four and five star reviewed perfumes that you haven’t tried would probably be a good match to your tastes based on your previous choices. Yes, the Piguet line sounds a good place for you to look- concentrating on the Cellier classics of Fracas and Bandit, but also including Futur, Visa and Baghari. They have brought out a lot of new perfumes recently but I’ve not been convinced- each of them have seemed to be a deliberate attempt to create a perfume of a genre, and haven’t been that interesting. My recent loves have been Dries van Noten by Malle (oh that dry down! spray on clothing), La Fille de Berlin by Serge Lutens, Portrait of a Lady by Malle and Absolue Pour la Soir by Francis Kurdijian (and probably his oud, although I have not got around to trying this, but from what I have read it falls it sounds great). I think they all complex and interesting enough to satisfy your tastes. (and your husbands too, as I don’t see why he would want to try these too). If you are in London, Liberty seems like a good visit for you. May 10, 2013 at 12:22pm Reply

      • Karen: Hello George, and thanks for your excellent and informed reply.

        Yes, you’re quite right – The Guide, Bois de Jasmin, NST and Make-up Alley (amongst others) have been very well referenced over the last year!

        The Piguet line are accessible relatively locally (hence the Petit Fracas reference – I was given a sample) , so I think a return visit is in order. I tried Visa at the time, and was quite charmed by it. I didn’t know it then, but I really should have tried Fracas too…

        Portrait of a Lady had caught my attention, purely through reviews, and I was thinking samples from Les Senteurs would be the next logical step – I considered ordering samples last Summer, but felt over-whelmed by choice. We’re visiting London in a few weeks – I think Liberty could very well justify a visit (though I never need an excuse to go!).

        I also realised I’d mentioned Tubereuse Criminelle – my brain must have been hi-jacked, because I was actually thinking of Carnal Flower.

        Again, many thanks for your time! May 11, 2013 at 4:41pm Reply

        • george: I recommend Tubereuse Criminelle as well. If you thinking for def on a big tuberose you’ll be able to do contrast and compare on Fracas, Carnal Flower and Tubereuse Criminelle at Liberty. (they carried all three the last time I went there). Though you might reach that personal quandary of them all being different enough to justify- at least from a perfumista’s point of view- if not their bank manager’s- all three!
          However, to take in more than that in one visit might be too much, so samples of the others (or indeed the above fragrances, except I don’t think they stock Tubereuse Criminelle) from Les Senteurs (or Liberty upon visit) might be a good idea.
          Have fun! I don’t know how much time you are spending in London but it’s a great place to spend an afternoon smelling stuff and there are great clusters of perfume shops around Knightsbridge/Belgravia and also within close proximity to the length of Oxford Street. if you need any advice on what you can smell where, don’t hesitate to ask! May 12, 2013 at 11:52am Reply

          • Cornelia Blimber: Great recommandations, and if you love tuberose, Beyond Love is worth sniffing as well. May 12, 2013 at 12:25pm Reply

          • Karen: Brilliant – a combination of Liberty and Les Senteurs samples will probably be the best option – limits my choices… and keeps the rest of the family happy!

            Any thoughts on the tuberose family of fragrance; favourites? ones that are hard to handle/pull off? Is there likely to be an every day fragrance amongst them? May 13, 2013 at 3:19am Reply

        • george: Those three are my favourites, but so because they are very different to each other, and because I feel they are the most ‘reference’-like of the Tuberose fragrances that I have tried. (I also like Gardenia passion by Goutal (apparently one of Madonna’s favourites along with Fracas. I haven’t tried Beyond Love, but on my next visit to Harvey Nichols I will give that a go, as I suspect I will like that.)
          By “everyday fragrance” I would interpret that as just meaning that you would want to wear everyday, but suspect that you might also mean something that is not going to get up other people’s noses too much. Personally, with tuberose, i say “go big” though maybe stop short of vintage Poison, and if you want something more retiring, go for a different type of perfume. Recently, Suzanna reviewed Flor y Canto by Arquiste on this blog, and asked for comments on what sheer tuberose people might recommend, so that’s worth a read through though. However, from the l’artisan parfumeur range, a good slightly lighter bet is Chasse Aux Papillons for a more floral take on tuberose, and Nuit de tubereuse deserves a sniff too, just because it is so different a take too. To complete the picture, maybe try Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs for Her and Madonna’s Truth or Dare (tuberose with a bit of Candy- as in Prada) thrown in, to get an idea of the department store offerings and a different price range (and whether you think the higher priced merchandise is justified). With regard to which of these fragrances are hard to handle or pull off, I must add (and make obvious) my particular bias though, which is that as a someone who wouldn’t look like they would be wearing Fracas in million years- a fifties goddess in new look pink satin ballgown I am not- but who does- that you are really getting advice from someone for whom that whole self-appropriateness thang was ditched a long, long time ago. May 13, 2013 at 5:46am Reply

          • Karen: George, I love wearing big fragrances… but perhaps in a small way – under my clothes so it wafts around with me and sprayed under my hair… it boils back down to the longevity and the lasting quality of the dry down, which I find is usually more convincing in the power houses.

            My husband really enjoys fragrance, but only notices the heavy hitters. For example, Un Matin d’Orage (thanks for your very well informed reply Annikky, you’re right – I do like it!)… I wore it last Summer and the bottle was finished within 3 months, he was completely oblivious to me wearing it… and I just kept on spraying…!

            I like the lasting quality of the Chanels (Coco and Bois des Iles), so Cuir de Russie and Cambon are worth a visit to Selfridges… and I’ll try Cristalle.

            I shall attempt to source samples of the following: Chasse Aux Papillons (I remember reading about and thinking it sounded lovely); the tuberose recommendations; the Piguet line; Portrait of a Lady; Le Temps d’Une Fete; the Nasomata and the By Kilian recommendations.

            Brilliant advice from everyone, and very much appreciated – I don’t feel quite so like I’m wandering around in the dark anymore! May 13, 2013 at 7:14am Reply

            • george: O my, you have a good time lined up! Enjoy! May 13, 2013 at 8:04am Reply

            • Victoria: Karen, if you would like a sheer tuberose, definitely try Do Son by Diptyque. It’s gauzy, but has enough character to be memorable. George and others have given you such terrific advice that you should be set. I foresee lots of fun explorations! And of course, please check in to let us know how it’s going and what else you would like to try.

              (Some other sheer tuberose recommendations are here in the comments:
              https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/04/arquiste-parfumeur-flor-y-canto-perfume-review.html) May 13, 2013 at 8:26am Reply

              • Karen: Thank you! Diptyque is easily accessible here, so that gives me a good starting point…

                Contacted Parfum de Nicolai in London – I’ll have to wait until next month for samples… arrgh! A whole month!

                Les Senteurs are sending the Carnal Flower, Portrait of a Lady, Fracas… and the very kind lady has offered to choose a surprise sample based on my fumbling description of what I’m looking for – how exciting! May 13, 2013 at 8:57am Reply

    • Annikky: Hi, Karen!

      As we share many favourites/almost favourites, I’ll chime in, too. Since you love Bois des Iles, I wonder if you have tried others from the Les Exclusifs line-up? Many of them are great for summer, I especially love Rue Cambon, La Pausa and Bel Respiro during warmer days (Cuir de Russie is probably my absolute fravourite).

      I am also a tuberose-lover and I urge you to try all the big ones you mentioned and that others have recommended. But there is a chance they will fall into the same camp with Songes, as they can be a bit much for day (not that I care:). For a day-time appropriate tuberose, I suggest Arquiste Flor y Canto – not as glorious as the classics, but lovely nevertheless. And I was thinking, to replace Songes – what about another Goutal, Un Matin d’Orage? I think it’s beautiful and ligher than Songes. I also agree with Figuier about Le Temps d’une Fete, in fact the entire line is wonderful. May 13, 2013 at 4:30am Reply

      • Karen: Hi Annikky – many thanks for your help – it’s much appreciated! I wrote a reply to yourself and to George, which on my browser, is posted above your comment – K May 13, 2013 at 7:16am Reply

  • mridula: I am relatively new to the perfume world and am trying to figure out how By kilian’s Rose Oud compares to Dior’s Oud Isaphan? In terms of balance of oud versus rose, of clarity, sillage? I have samples all three but it is as if I cant retain the impressions long enough to compare them and now my samples are done and memory is serving me poorly. The only thing I know for certain is Oud Isaphan lasted and lasted and lasted on me. I also felt Oud isaphan had an incensy heart and at times reminded me of Andy Tauer’s roses – Rose Chype and Insence Rose. But I dont see anyone else comparing the Dior rose with the Tauer roses. So is my impression inaccurate? I am also very interested in how Malle’s Portrait of a Lady compares to the By Kilian and Dior perfumes. Anyone? May 10, 2013 at 5:58pm Reply

    • Cacomixtle: I haven’t tried the Kilian, so I can’t help there, but I agree that there is a shared element in Tauer’s Incense Rosé and Oud Ispahan, especially further into the drydown where the rose, cedar, and incense predominate more.

      It does have incredible longevity too, on me it often lasts over 48 hours… it’s truly one of my favorites! May 10, 2013 at 8:16pm Reply

  • Cacomixtle: I’m looking for recommendations for animalic, and specifically civet (vintage real thing or modern synthetic) leaning perfumes with a vintage feel. I especially like heavy orientials and old style chypres, and don’t care much for more modern fresh or sheer perfumes. I also strongly dislike laundry musks, and prefer musk when blended with civet.

    For reference, I adore vintage Bal á Versailles, Le Nuit de Paco Rabanne, Tabu (the very old vintage formulations), original formulation Youth Dew, and Rochas Femme, as well as modern fragrances like Jubilation 25, Onda, Ambre Russe, and Absolue pour le Soir.

    Cumin (and any other spices) and general skank not a problem (obviously, heh), although I prefer my skank well blended, especially with amber and moss notes.

    I would so appreciate it if anyone could recommend some other fragrances that fall along these lines! Thank you in advance. May 10, 2013 at 8:28pm Reply

    • mridula: Cacomixtle, I have not sampled from this house but it is high on my list because I am an amber lover and their amber I have heard is animalic to the extreme: i Profumi di Firenze Ambra Grisea is the one I want to sample. I have been reading the recent crop of reviews about their Ambra de Nepal which must be getting attention because it is newer perhaps and available. The problem for those of us in the US is that Grisea is not available here. I am saving upfor a decant offer I saw recently on Facebook Fragrance Friends.

      Here is a description from elsewhere: By Nathan Branch: Ambra Grisea faithfully adheres to the general blueprint I’ve come to expect from an i Profumi di Firenze fragrance. Linear, bittersweet and the epitome of animalic, Ambra Grisea takes ambergris and features it in a way that showcases its fleshy, dirt strewn qualities. I’ve enjoyed ambergris in Profumum’s Ambra Aurea and Fiore d’Ambra, but this is the first time I feel like I’ve really experienced it in a way that’s true to its “whale phlegm that’s been coughed up onto the surface of the ocean and baked in the sun” nature. May 11, 2013 at 12:19am Reply

      • Cacomixtle: This is one I’ve wanted to try as well, I’ll have to track down a sample, thanks 🙂 May 13, 2013 at 11:35am Reply

    • Rose D: Have you tried Chanel N5 in the extrait version? It is heavily animalic from the beginning and very different from all the other concentrations.
      A more contemporary suggestion would be Armani Prive Cuir Amethyste. The violets here are practically non-existent, leading to a strong leather and woods accord. May 12, 2013 at 10:10pm Reply

      • Cacomixtle: Oh no, I wouldn’t have thought of Chanel No. 5, thanks for such an intriguing suggestion! Armani Prive Cuir Amethyste sounds very interesting as well, thank you for the suggestions 🙂 May 13, 2013 at 11:33am Reply

  • Savita: Hello everyone,
    What are your suggestions for a rich chocolate scent and a great coffee fragrance?
    They must have good staying power. May 10, 2013 at 10:45pm Reply

    • mridula: Have you tried Ava Luxe’s Cafe Noir? It’san oriental style coffee scent. Here are the notes:

      Top: Black coffee bean, Allspice Berries, Cardamom, French Lavender
      Middle: Attar of Roses, Cedar, Patchouli, Vanilla, Mocha
      Base: Sandalwood, Siam Benzoin, Ambrette seeds. May 11, 2013 at 1:49am Reply

      • Savita: No I haven’t even heard of it but it definitely sounds like a must try. Thanks. May 11, 2013 at 9:37am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: You may like Mugler : Angel le Goût du Parfum or SL Bornéo 1834 May 12, 2013 at 5:09am Reply

    • Annikky: I suggest trying Arquiste Anima Dulcis. May 13, 2013 at 4:34am Reply

  • Mary: Hi everyone! I have lurked for SO long and have only posted once so here goes….(takes deep breath)

    I am looking for a “white T-shirt” scent for spring and summer. Something that takes little thought, is perfect for daytime running errands, lunch with the girls or whatever the day might hold. I don’t want something that is fleeting, tho. I love to be able to get whiffs of what I’m wearing during the day.

    Here are some fragrances I’ve discovered that I just love and wear for specific occasions (some do frustrate me because they don’t last very long, but I love them nevertheless): Puredistance Opardu…JM Orange Blossom…Le Labo Jasmin 17…SL Clair de Musc…Any form or flanker of Shalimar…Kiehl’s Musk…Calyx…Hiris…Prada Candy…Tauer Zeta…Joy…Helmut Lang…On the Beach 1966…EL Bronze Goddess.

    Any thoughts or recommendations welcome!! May 11, 2013 at 9:41am Reply

    • Cybele: Prada L’Eau d’Ambree
      Bottega Veneta Eau Legere
      Bulgari The Blanc May 11, 2013 at 11:10am Reply

      • Mary: Thanks! I’ll try these May 11, 2013 at 12:49pm Reply

    • Victoria: Welcome, Mary! You’re really an orange blossom lover. (Even that Le Labo is an orange blossom perfume, despite being misnamed Jasmin). I also love orange blossom, and most of my t-shirt perfumes are in that category. I would recommend Annick Goutal Neroli (especially if you can find the EDT), SL Fleurs de Citronnier, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, and Hermes Jour d’Hermes. May 12, 2013 at 9:36am Reply

      • Mary: Yum! Those also sound heavenly. My STC order just got bigger.;). Thanks so much, Victoria! May 12, 2013 at 12:28pm Reply

        • Mary: Victoria, I bought a bottle of the Hermes yesterday, it was love at first sniff! It is so interesting with the notes all flowing into each other so that no one stands out.

          Sporting it today I am realizing that my skin has eaten it leaving nothing behind. I can re-spritz but am wondering if the body lotion might help. Have you heard anything about the lotion by chance? May 13, 2013 at 10:33am Reply

          • Victoria: Can you ask someone around you if they can smell it on you? Sometimes our noses get overloaded with our scent and that’s one of the reasons we stop becoming aware of them.

            Otherwise, yes, try any regular lotion underneath to keep your skin moist. Also, apply it in places where the perfume won’t be rubbed off easily–back of your neck under the hair, stomach, below the knees. Giving a light spritz when you’re fully dressed is another good way to make perfume linger. May 13, 2013 at 10:50am Reply

            • Mary: Brilliant! Thanks thanks thanks. May 13, 2013 at 11:22am Reply

  • Bilanxa: Can someone please recommend a fragrance with a prominent beeswax note. TIA for all replies! May 12, 2013 at 3:20am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Maiître Parfumeur et Gantier Magnolia Pourpre . May 12, 2013 at 5:11am Reply

    • Victoria: There are many choices if you like this note, but some of my favorites are L’Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse Aux Papillons Extreme (the regular version doesn’t feature it much), Kiehl’s Orange Flower and Lychee, Serge Lutens Muscs Koublai Khan (you have to like raunchy, but the honey-waxy note here is amazing), d’Orsay Tilleul and Tilleul Pour La Nuit. May 12, 2013 at 9:26am Reply

    • giovanka: Dolce vita by Dior smells like honey. May 12, 2013 at 1:50pm Reply

  • stella: I’m still new at this whole perfume thing…
    I thought I liked citrusy green perfumes (I have Voyage d’Hermes, which is also spicy I think, and Bvlgari The Vert) but recently I’ve been drawn to warmer fragrances. I just bought Lutens’ Jeux de Peau (gourmand; burnt caramel popcorn) after lusting after it all winter and then immediately fell in love with Tom Ford’s Sahara Noir (I liked his other Noir too, but this is so much better). I’ve also been trying Habit Rouge whenever I come across it but am still too ambivalent, it has good days and days where it smells too mannish (I’m a woman, although rather a tomboy).

    What else should I try? The only thing that strikes me as a common factor is that all of these fragrances are unisex, this seems to be important. I would love to try more things that smell like Sahara Noir (frankincence/oud/amber, super dry on me – I get a parched Mediterranean brush landscape), especially if they are less pricey. May 12, 2013 at 6:46pm Reply

    • Victoria: I would definitely recommend that you explore more woods and ambers. If you like Sahara Noir and Jeux de Peau, try other Lutens like Ambre Sultan, Serge Noire, maybe even De Profundis. Other options Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant, L’Artisan Passage d’Enfer, Etro Shaal Nur.

      Please let us know how it goes during the next round, and I’m sure we can find more interesting recommendations. May 18, 2013 at 11:46pm Reply

  • Tanya: Every spring I have trouble finding the right fragrance to wear. It just seems that springtime brings with it the desire to wear something brighter, cheerier and decidedly fresh! Maybe even breezy!

    Trouble is my likes tend toward the deeper, more complicated. Here are a few of my favorites – Niki de Saint Phalle, Chanel Coco, and Vicky Tiel (apparently now called the original and very unloved!) I also love layering!

    So for the past month I’ve been searching for a spring fragrance realized that formulas have been changed, could be changed more, and found a new vintage (eek) love – Jolie Madame! Not a spring fragrance so now I’m asking for recommendations. May 15, 2013 at 3:27pm Reply

    • Tanya: This thread seems to be dead. Guess I shouldn’t make submission to any thread older than a week. Lesson learned! May 18, 2013 at 11:25am Reply

      • Annikky: 🙂 Tanya, I’m pretty sure there will be a new one in near future, although it might be too late for your spring perfume request.

        My default recommendations for light but complex scents are Parfums de Nicolai (Le Temps d’une Fete is a spring favourite of many) and Chanel Exclusifs – if you like both Chanel and chypres, maybe 31 Rue Cambon? And I’m thinking, what about Arquiste Aleksandr as a lighter replacement for Jolie Madame? The back story is set in winter, but I believe this light violet-leather would work well in spring, too. May 18, 2013 at 1:19pm Reply

        • Tanya: Thanks for the reply!!! I’ve decided to get a spring fragrance even if it’s the dead of winter since I’ve had this dilemma a while now

          I have thought about a Chanel. Would have sprung for Chanel No 19 Poudre unsniffed were it not for the $! And violet-leather sounds yummy. May 20, 2013 at 8:24pm Reply

      • Victoria: Sorry, Tanya. Threads do quiet down after a while. I personally continue replying, but with some delay, since I also have to juggle writing new content and other admin responsibilities. Anyway, you can always repost your request in our new “recommend me a perfume” thread.

        So, as to your question, what about Chanel Bel Respiro? It is complex, but breezy. I would also look through other green chypres (Hermes Kelly Caleche) or even orientals like Etro Shaal Nur (it has a warm incense note, which is great). L’Eau de Chloe is another favorite, a green, mossy rose, which is fantastic. May 19, 2013 at 12:00am Reply

        • Tanya: Sounds like I will definitely need to sniff some Chanels! I’ve never thought of myself as someone who loves green chypres but I honestly don’t know what that smells like. I do remember being very young, smelling both Chanel 19 & Cristalle *and* not liking one because it was too *green?!* I’m not sure but I thought it was Cristalle!

          Also thanks for answering my question (and stella’s). I think I have too many questions at the moment. I’m just in shock over all the formula changes so this is going to be a big fragrance year for me! May 20, 2013 at 8:41pm Reply

          • Victoria: It can be overwhelming! But I hope that we can help each other, so don’t hesitate to post your questions.

            By the way, try the Eau de Parfum version of Cristalle. It’s less green and has more lush floral notes. May 22, 2013 at 9:11am Reply

    • Elia: Hi Tanya,

      I can only claim a little familiarity with Coco and nothing else you list, and I’m not one for seasonally changing scents, but in the recent heat I’ve found Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune very refreshing and lovely.

      You seem to be keen on green, so maybe go all out green with Sisley eau de Campange.

      I tried Lady Cool by Dueto Parfums today and I think it could be a fit for you. It has a refreshing fruity quality from the pear but it also has a deep rose. Not typical light fair, but not heavy. Very smooth.

      And I’ve worn Oscar De La Renta Pour Lui in the heat and it fits well. A lovely leather chypre you might realy like. May 18, 2013 at 3:07pm Reply

      • Tanya: Thanks Ella! I don’t recognize any of those so it will be fun sniffing them. I’ve asked luckyscent for suggestions. I don’t remember what I exactly told them but they recommended Olene by Diptyque, Vanille Extasy by Montale, and Vanille Fleur by M. Micallef. More that I’ve never tried!!! It will also give me an opportunity order a sample of La Fille de Berlin Serge Lutens which sounds wonderful but is apparently not a spring fragrance!

        I will definitely be trying these plus all the other suggestions. There’s got to be one spring fragrance out of the bunch! May 20, 2013 at 9:07pm Reply

        • Elia: too green would be Cristalle. Although I find it weak and forgettable.

          I don’t think of Vanilla as a spring thing. I’ve also not tried your luckyscent suggestions, but if I were to select a vanilla based scent for spring I’d take Vanille Intense by Parfums de Nicolai May 22, 2013 at 9:07am Reply

          • Tanya: I agree about vanilla not coming across as very spring but then I remembered my neighbor’s jasmine and how strong that is in the springtime. Would love a scent like that! But it still for some reason makes me think of a hot summer evening more than spring.

            I know this sounds funny but I’d like to find a stronger tuberose than Fracas. Maybe it just isn’t that strong on me. Or I’ve got an odd reformulation! May 24, 2013 at 3:11pm Reply

  • Elia: well from memory, Fracas is a white flower sledgehammer, so that’s weird, but if strength is the requirement then Serge Lutens always delivers and you could try Tubereuse Criminelle. It’s not suitable to all tastes though.
    My favourite tuberose is Chinatown by Bond No9. It’s fabulous and I find it plenty strong.

    A little more discreet but still packing a punch is Ophelia by Heeley. Wonderful clarity.
    And Histoires de Parfums has Tubereuse 2 Virginale which is on the strong side. Cool tuberose with sweet undertones of mandarin and cherry. May 25, 2013 at 6:48am Reply

  • Belle: Hello!

    As someone who’s mother never wore perfume, or even cologne, the world of perfume to me is like venturing into a new planet. I live in a a very humid country, a non-temperate one, similar to Singapore. Which families, accords, or notes will work in this type of weather? Such a shame if orientals don’t wont here, when I actually live in the Orient! June 4, 2013 at 12:24pm Reply

    • Victoria: Generally, many different notes can be interpreted to be light and airy, so it depends on what your tastes dictate, but if you’re just starting out, why not explore several families: citrus (colognes, orange blossom colognes, perfumes with lemony, orange or bergamot notes); green or green florals (perfumes with leafy, grassy notes), woods (something not too heavy, clean cedarwood, cedarwood mixed with citrus), even light white musks. Not sure what brands you have available to you, but when we do our next Recommend me a Perfume this month, you can give us more details and we will try helping with some specific suggestions. June 4, 2013 at 6:07pm Reply

  • Ines Hourani: My body chemistry has changed over the past 5 years, I’m nearing 50 and I can’t seem to find a scent; they ‘turn’ on me after the initial spritz. The last one I tried and had somewhat success is – Eau Demoiselle De Givenchy Perfume by Givenchy, Eau Mega Perfume by Viktor & Rolf & SO ELIXIR Eau De Parfum by Ives Roche. Lastly for my birthday – Dioressence by DIOR (which is not the same as the original)
    I use to be able to wear – Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior, Angel by Thiery Mugler, Emporio Armani Diamonds Perfume by Giorgio Armani.
    My ‘retro’ favs are Patchouli by Coty, White Musk or Musk by Jovan.
    I’ve been looking into attars? or making my own with essential oils? I’ve recently found Arabian Oud and they have a store listed in Lebanon in which I have family – what would you recommend from them? June 17, 2013 at 3:53pm Reply

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