Today we have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations.
How does it work:
1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know how your search goes and what you end up sampling.
2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!
To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link under their comment.
Photography by Bois de Jasmin: Spring in Brussels
333 Comments
Renee: Hello,
I just bought La Panther and I like it so much!It is elegant,yet,in a way,it also feels very confortable and easy to wear.
My question is what does it make it feel like I know this perfume very well,like I had it before,long time ago?Is it because it is a chypre,even modern,or it shares some common bond with other Cartier perfumes?I keep thinking of Must in the dark blue box or,I don’t know…My husband told me the same think,that I used this perfume when I met him,20 years ago!And he doesn’t even have olfactive memory… April 25, 2014 at 7:48am
Jillie: Hi Renee. Perhaps I shouldn’t comment as I haven’t smelt this yet, but from what I have read it is very much a chypre in the old style so I would guess that it is bringing back memories of the sort of perfumes you wore then! And sometimes perfume companies use a base that is common to nearly all their fragrances so you may well be right about it smelling “Cartier”.
It sounds rather lovely as I just love chypres, and I am looking forward to trying it. April 25, 2014 at 8:44am
Renee: If you can,plese try it,you will not be sorry.
Thank you for your comment:-) April 25, 2014 at 9:10am
Alice: I am sure I remember a perfume called ‘La Panthere’ in the 1980s, someone I knew wore it. Maybe that’s what you remember. April 25, 2014 at 12:41pm
Alice: ..forgot to say it was a Cartier perfume April 25, 2014 at 12:42pm
George: Hi Renee, I haven’t smelled “the panther” yet but I’m looking forward to doing so. Are you able to list the perfumes that you wore in the nineties or thereabouts? It might give us a clue as to what it reminds you of. I’m sure that if you list them there will be a chypre among them. I think the thing for me about chypres is that they are a class of perfume, so whereas one perfume with a jasmine note in it might smell very different overall to another with a jasmine note in it, a chypre perfume always tends to smell like a chypre perfume. I think of them of the nice glass of white wine of the perfumery world. April 25, 2014 at 1:00pm
Renee: Hello!
I remember with pleasure what I wore in the nineties-Scherrer 2,Scherrer,Must de Cartier(in the bleumarin box),Kobako by Bourjois,Calandre,Le Feu d’Issey,So Pretty by Cartier,Lauren and many others.I always liked perfumes and had a real pleasure in smelling and finding new gems. April 26, 2014 at 2:33am
George: Kobako is a floral chypre and Calandre has a chypre element to it. It may not be an exact fit with whatever you wore back then but it must at least be nice to have a close approximation. And how lovely that your husband has carried the memory of what you smelled like when you first met with him! April 26, 2014 at 10:54am
nozknoz: Renee, I also had the strong feeling that La Panthere smelled like another perfume but could not figure out which one. My hypothesis is that La Panthere is overdosed with one or two aromachemicals that have been used in much smaller amounts, among many others, in more complex perfumes. April 25, 2014 at 2:41pm
Renee: As I said before,even my husband,who is out of this world when it is about perfumes,said that La Panthere smelled very much like something I used many years ago 🙂 April 26, 2014 at 2:41am
maja: Hi Renee,
I had the same exact feeling, it reminds me so much of something from the past. I don’t know if it is a general vibe to it or something very specific. April 26, 2014 at 8:20am
missyl: Hi Renee, I just tried La Panthere and it reminds me of something I used to wear too! I keep thinking maybe its a little bit of the way Lauren by Ralph Lauren used to smell. How interesting that its reminding so many of us of ‘something we used to wear’. 🙂 I think I’m going to have to buy some just for the nostalgia. April 29, 2014 at 6:13am
solanace: Hi, everyone,
With days getting cooler, I have been reaching for Chergui more and more often. Back to Black smells like the most ordinary pipe tobacco to me, just too literal. Any interesting tobacco suggestions? April 25, 2014 at 7:56am
Sandra: Is Tobacco Vanille do literal for you as well?
I really love back to black, the dry down is powdery on me, but perfect for a cozy day. I get a hint of tobacco in amiez moi by Caron April 25, 2014 at 8:17am
solanace: I really have to try tobacco vanille, thank you! April 25, 2014 at 6:45pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Solanace!
I had the same qestion some time ago and got a list;
Hermès Ambre Narguille
Tom ford Private Blend Tobacco Vanille
Slumberhouse Baque and Sora (?)
Mona di Orio Amber
Lutens Fumerie Turque and Chergui
Etat Libre D’Orange Jasmin et Cigarette
Miller Harris Feuilles de Tabac
Parfum d’Empire Fougère Royale
Demeter Pipe Tobacco and Whisky Tobacco
DSH (?) The Smoking
Quite a list! Some of them I didn’t find, some were too expensive (Mona di Orio, Tom Ford).
Chergui is nice, but for my taste too sweet, I understand you love it.
I found Van Cleef and Arpels Homme: a fine tobacco note, I bought it and love it.
Also Lagerfeld Classic for men is agreable and not pricey.
Good luck sniffing and writing! April 25, 2014 at 8:22am
Cornelia Blimber: question of course. April 25, 2014 at 8:24am
Merlin: Thanks for reposting the list: I especially want to try Van Cleef & Aarpels Homme now! April 25, 2014 at 4:36pm
solanace: Hey, Cornelia! Thank you so much for taking your time to write this list. I adore Fumérie turque (which I see as a rose, though, and completly forgot to mention). All the others are new to me, and it will be fun sampling them.
I have been reading Aristotle, De Caelo, slowly and throughly, with a good friend. Life is good – I only wish my freaking edition had more notes! What about you? Wishing you a weekend full of eudaimonia. 🙂 April 25, 2014 at 7:15pm
Cornelia Blimber: Same to you! I am rereading Plato’s Phaedo, and I must confess that I never finished a text of Aristotle (shame! shame!). I used to find his style too boring, compared to Plato’s elegance. Of course Aristotle was very important and I should follow your example…De Caelo was very influental, maybe I will read it soon.. I will take the Loeb edition, with the translation of Guthrie. What is your edition? April 26, 2014 at 9:06am
Solanace: It’s Stocks’ translation, from the Clarendon Press complete works. For such a hard text, barely any critical apparatus! I have tried to read Plato many times, you know, but I find him too difficult – Aristotle makes me feel more safe-ish. That Protagoras dialogue is a text I completely felt helpless about and ended up throwing the towel – heck! At some point, I will have to study at least the Republic and the Timaeus, though, but gotta say that Plato scares the hell out of me. April 26, 2014 at 5:11pm
Cornelia Blimber: What a pity! Maybe the Protagoras was a little bit dry. (although the image of Protagoras with his pupils is rather funny). Please don’t give up! If Plato is scaring you that much, maybe Timaeus (tremendous influential, but difficult) (maybe not for you, you are strong in mathematics!) and a big work like the Republic are not a good choice to begin with.
But Phaedo is really beautiful, about the immortality of the soul.
The image of Socrates and Phaedrus under the plane-trees is unforgettable.(in the Phaedrus)
My favourite is Theaetetus, about the nature of knowledge.
You could try the famous Symposium.
or a short text, like the Critias (Atlantis!! and then Timaeus).
Enjoy! April 26, 2014 at 5:58pm
Solanace: Oh Cornelia, you are such an enabler! Now I want to ditch the stuff I have to do and go read the Theetetus. 🙂 The Symposium I read, it’s such a time machine book… The wine and water mixing technique to keep the party going is something we should have kept, as a culture. As for the Atlantis part in the Timaeus, I had read no ‘spoilers’, which made it extra amazing when I came across it. Unlike the guy who wrote the notes of the edition I read, I’m totally sold, lol. So, he returns to the subject in Critias? Cool, I’ll check it out. Well, since we are already way off topic, yesterday I (finally) watched Inglorious Bastards. Wish I could kiss Tarantino in the cheek.
Have a glorious and fragrant Sunday! April 27, 2014 at 5:19am
Merlin: Been a long time since I read Plato, but I think my favorite may have been The Apology…Or it could be that The Apology was part of a trio that I enjoyed?
I also remember the Socratic dialogues being a lot easier to read than Aristotle’s writings. The dialogues include some banter and lightness, while I seem to recall Aristotle being hard-going all the way! April 27, 2014 at 6:18am
Merlin: I’m looking back about a decade, but I remember being a little disappointed with The Republic: it seemed a lot of slog with not enough reward. Of course there are some fabulous parts, the cave allegory among them, but long stretches that I didn’t get that much out of? April 27, 2014 at 6:22am
Solanace: Hey Merlin,
I agree Aristotle is hard, but at least I have a feeling that, when I understand a passage, I understood it for good, and even if some better interpretation might appear in the future, it will be somehow straightforward to follow it. But Plato, who is clearly the better writer, is like getting lost in a forest. So many layers, so many ways to read anything! Delicious, in a way, but scary on the other. Sure, I’m talking from our creepy ‘publish or perish’ perspective. Now, If I were Montaigne in my château, I’d be already with the Theetetus Cornelia suggested above in my hands… Anyway, thank you or the encouragement! Next time I go to the beach, I’ll take a Platonic dialogue. 🙂
Have a great Sunday! April 27, 2014 at 7:03am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Merlin! Ha, another defender of Plato. I agree with you on the Republic. (Funny for musicians: the section on the scales). April 27, 2014 at 7:33am
Merlin: Now Montaigne is really someone I know nothing about!
True about Plato: we did some of his dialogues (or perhaps it was part of a dialogue) in a course on the philosophy of language, but the entire dialogue could have been understood in a religious/metaphysical sense!
Cornelius’ descriptions have certainly made me want to take a another look at some of them. These days, though, I’m more likely to be found with something a whole lot less challenging:)
Enjoy your Sunday too! April 27, 2014 at 7:48am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Solanace! I understood that you gave up after reading Protagoras. Glad to know that you actually DID read Plato, and that you call his writing delicious. So why not enjoy? Yes, he is a profound thinker, not exactly easy to read, but he is not missing clarity as well. Maybe you were reading too much explanations in the comments of the viri docti?
I would say (don’t want to be pedantic, but still) Take a copy of the Phaedo, no comments, simply skip the parts that are too obscure here and there , and enjoy the sheer beauty of it! April 27, 2014 at 7:49am
Merlin: I love the title, ‘defender of Plato’, much more noble than anything else I’v been called, lol! Reassuring to have someone who knows so much agree about such a famous text as ‘The Republic’. April 27, 2014 at 7:52am
solanace: Yes, you two defenders of Plato and digression enablers, I surrender. 🙂 Will get Loeb´s Phaedo at the library tomorrow and read it, no commentaries, for fun as the gods intended. April 27, 2014 at 9:06am
Anne of Green Gables: Hi solanace, have you tried Diptyque Volutes? I received a sample last year and have enjoyed it during the winter. April 25, 2014 at 8:22am
solanace: Volutes, of course! I wanted to try it, then completly forgot. To the list it goes, thank you! April 25, 2014 at 7:17pm
Truehollywood: Hi! Have you tried Tabac Blond by Caron or Doolicissmo by Hilde Solani? I also like Tabac by Costamar. I think Le Smoking by DSH is really nice too. April 25, 2014 at 8:36am
solanace: All new to me, thank you so much! April 25, 2014 at 7:18pm
Di: Have you tried Ineke’s Field Notes in Paris? April 25, 2014 at 8:38am
solanace: Nope, to the list bit goes. 🙂 April 25, 2014 at 7:22pm
solanace: it goes, sorry. April 25, 2014 at 7:23pm
Figuier: Hi solanace, seconding Volutes edt – DH selected it as a replacement for Dior Homme, and it suits him perfectly, even though it’s very different from the Dior. It’s office friendly but has a lovely close-range sillage: rich unisex tobacco under a citrussy incense topnote. Needless to say I often “borrow” it to wear myself… April 25, 2014 at 8:45am
solanace: Sounds really good. I tend to gift my husband with perfumes I am interested in myself, for some reason. Dior Homme is next on the list, by the way. April 25, 2014 at 7:26pm
Connie: Tabac Aurea by Sonoma Scent Studio! April 25, 2014 at 8:47am
solanace: Copied. 🙂 April 25, 2014 at 7:26pm
Mals86: ADORE Tabac Aurea. April 29, 2014 at 11:49am
Lucas: Try:
Nu_be Helium
Phaedon Tabac Rouge
Parfum d’Empire Eau de Gloire
Providence Perfume Tabac Citron April 25, 2014 at 10:02am
solanace: Thank you, Lucas! April 25, 2014 at 7:27pm
Cath: Hi,
I was also going to suggest Diptyque Volutes, it has an interesting honey tobacco note, and mellows down to a sweet skin scent, quite comfy.
Another one is L’Artisan Parfumeur Havana Vanille. This didn’t work for me, but it has a drier tobacco note that you might like if you find Chergui too sweet. Personally I’m a Chergui lover, I’m on my 3rd bottle. I also love Fumerie Turque but use it sparingly since it’s hard to get. FT feels more like a smoky chamomile honey tea to me. It’s gorgeous. April 25, 2014 at 10:14am
solanace: The two Lutens you mentioned are my favorites. I am crazy to try Volutes, which sounds perfect, and I will try Havanna vanille too – but I have a sweet tooth, so it might be too dry for me as well. Thank you! April 25, 2014 at 7:32pm
Merlin: Korres has a subsidiary line called Kings & Queens. There is one scent called King Solomon. Very nice tobacco note – but I have to admit it does skew masculine. Lovely though! Best of all, its about $20 for 100mls.
Another option no one has mentioned is Mugler’s Pure Havane. The tobacco is strongest at the start but becomes less prominent in the heart (kind of a pity).
And I am going to give yet another vote to Volutes, though I think the EDT is stronger on the tobacco than the EDP which is more stewed-fruity to me.
It goes without saying that there is no Chergui equivalent in the perfume world… April 25, 2014 at 4:33pm
solanace: Of course, looking for another Chergui is a bit like these astronomers looking for another Earth…
As for the Korres, for this price I would buy it blind!
Have a nice weekend, Merlin! April 25, 2014 at 7:43pm
ceebee_eebee: My two favorite tobacco smells at the moment are Violette Fumee from Mona di Orio and Foureau Noir. Although I do love vintage Tabac Blond as well. April 25, 2014 at 4:42pm
solanace: These sound very sophisticated, I will try to get tiny samples of them! April 25, 2014 at 7:45pm
Elia: Foureau Noir is not tobacco…?? April 27, 2014 at 7:37am
ceebee_eebee: FN smells like tobacco on me. Completely pipe tobacco. April 27, 2014 at 2:52pm
Tomate Farcie: Kelly & Jones #3 Notes of Cabernet, cherry pipe tobacco and a great buy! April 25, 2014 at 5:05pm
solanace: Huumm, I love me some cherries. Thank you! April 25, 2014 at 7:46pm
Elia: My top recommendation would be Michael Kors for Men which works beautifully on a woman.
Then Field Notes from Paris, just as sweet as Chergui, less bite though, smoother probably more overtly feminine.
The Dreamer is a good one.
Gucci II although equally a tea fragrance as much as a tobacco one. Also very sweet.
Havana if you don’t mind the drier more masculine and oriental feel.
I can provide you samples of all above.
eliared a][ zoho do][ {om April 26, 2014 at 5:23am
Solanace: Thank you so much for writing this careful list and for your movingly generous offer, Elia! I’m emailing you, let’s see if I have something we can swap. 🙂 April 27, 2014 at 6:27am
Nina Z: Habanita. Someone gave me a vintage mini–so gorgeous! April 26, 2014 at 5:10pm
Solanace: Recently found a vintage mini of KL, the cinnamony one, lost inside a drawer. Ole minis are happy little things. 🙂 I’ll definitely try Habanita. April 27, 2014 at 6:48am
Becky: Many excellent suggestions! I’ll add Atkinson’s The Odd Fellow Boquet. Tobacco and heliotrope. April 26, 2014 at 5:21pm
Solanace: Best name ever! And the notes sound great. April 27, 2014 at 6:49am
Brainfodder: Hello all,
What are your favourite fragrances from Annick Goutal, and can you recommend a wearable Spring/Summer fragrance from the line?
Songes sparked my love of perfume; it’s intensity, richness and evocation of a much treasured holiday. I can’t wear it on a daily basis, but I love to dab and catch the scent whilst gardening. Grand Amour is glorious but too heady for me, but Un Matin d’Orage… I love it.
The fragrances I most often reach for (mostly from purchased samples) include Chanel Bois des Iles, OJ Woman, FM Carnal Flower and L’Eau d’Hiver & L’Air du Desert Moroccain. I also enjoy Philosykos and Knize Ten. Given a larger budget, many of the Chanel exclusives would be included… 31 RdC, Cuir de Russie, No 18… the list goes on 😉
I don’t seem to get along at all well with the Serge Lutens line 🙁 and FM’s Portrait of a Lady and Le Parfum de Therese has been instant brain screeching scrubbers… unfortunately! Guerlain – I’m not there… yet!
Finally, does anyone know where I can purchase AG samples in the UK?
Many thanks in advance! April 25, 2014 at 8:38am
Figuier: Hi Brainfodder, Songes is glorious isn’t it? I own both the edt and the edp and they’re different enough to warrant exploring separately, so that might be a place to start (also, try dabbing v spraying, it makes a big difference)
I don’t get on too well with the more classical AGs – Heure Exquise, Ce Soir ou Jamais and even Grand Amour feel rather staid to me – but the line is packed with beauties:
First there’s her ‘solinotes’, the ones I know are gorgeous:
Chevrefeuille, which is more citrussy than true honeysuckle, but still the most realistic version I’ve found & very joyful; Neroli; Tubereuse is my favourite tuberose of all time, simultaneously raw green and lushly heady.
Then if you like colognes and citrus/light fragrances I can recommend both Eau d’Hadrien & Eau du Sud, although I haven’t tried the new versions.
Mon Parfum Cheri is one of the weirdest perfumes in my collections; it’s a bone-dry patchouli-based chypre cut with a juicy uncooked plum note, & finished off with a hint of candlewax. Actually, it’s a lot more elegant and likeable than my description suggests; in any case, worth trying.
Others to test: Mandragore is mild but pretty & pleasantly unisex, and Ninfeo Mio has the best lentisque note I’ve come across. April 25, 2014 at 8:57am
allgirlmafia: Lol. I found Mon Parfum Cheri ‘nice’ but underwhelming when I first received my sample. Now…I love love LOVE it. real bad. I daydream about the day I will own a full bottle and all will be right in my world : ) April 26, 2014 at 6:24pm
Austenfan: Don’t wait too long to acquire that bottle Mon Parfum Chéri has been discontinued. April 28, 2014 at 4:01am
meganinstmaxime: Hi – I just read on a french blog that this perfume will be released again this year but in a clear bottle like the other feminines and will be 120E for 100ml. May 3, 2014 at 11:54am
Anne of Green Gables: Hi Brainfodder, I haven’t sampled all the fragrances from AG but my favourite so far has been Ninfeo Mio and it’s perfect for spring/summer. If you like fig and green notes, it might be worth giving it a try.
It’s not based in the U.K. but you can buy AG samples from First in Fragrance (based in Germany) and their customer service is excellent. April 25, 2014 at 9:01am
Alita: Hello Brainfodder! My favourite is Mandragore (EDP). In my country you can only find some of AG fragrances. 😀
Regarding Le Parfum de Therese…my dream is to try it but it is not available here and it is very expensive to buy it online. April 25, 2014 at 9:18am
AnnieA: Ditto the AG Mandragore. A friend gave me a bottle and it smells like summer every time I smell it. April 28, 2014 at 4:13pm
Sandra: Hello! I love un matin d’orage “stormy morning” It my favorite spring time scent. I can’t get enough. It’s very easy to wear and radiates off your skin
Not popular on this blog but I like petit cherie. It’s a nice light fragrance
Too and you don’t live in NYC, they just opened a store here. They also gave me some samples when I dropped in. April 25, 2014 at 10:27am
Sandra: I meant to write too bad you don’t live in NYC April 25, 2014 at 10:28am
Sandra: Oh – I forgot to recommend Eau d’Hadrien- I just bought the soap the other day April 25, 2014 at 10:58am
Nina Zolotow: There is something so wearable about the Annick Goutal line. And I don’t get that synthetic vibe that I do from several other modern lines. My staples are Musc Nomade, which I find surprisingly refreshing due to the angelica note, L’Heure Exquise (iris, rose and galbanum), and Neroli (so uplifting–thank you, Victoria!). April 25, 2014 at 11:01am
Alessandra: true, musc nomade is one of the cleanest, most elegant, refined and surprising musks! I adore it. April 27, 2014 at 6:08pm
nozknoz: My favorite is Heure Exquise, and I also love Passion, although I have to say that mine is from the 1990s and I can’t say how well it has weathered reformulation over the years. April 25, 2014 at 2:48pm
maggiecat: AG is one of my favorite lines, especially as summer nears and I can enjoy Neroli, Chevrefeuille, and Eau d’Hadrien, all amazing scents. Hope you can find and enjoy these! April 25, 2014 at 3:00pm
solanace: If you enjoy Philosykos, You might like Ninfeo Mio. April 25, 2014 at 7:47pm
maja: Hi Brainfodder,
I have and like very much Duel and Quel amour! The first is advertised for men but it is wonderfully unisex, elegant and understated. Some tea, a bit of leather and slightly herbal.
Quel amour! on the other hand is a red-pinkish joy, maybe not exactly your taste but it is so cheerful and perfect for spring. 🙂
I also second Mon parfum Cheri, it is absolutely fantastic. April 26, 2014 at 8:31am
Katerina: My only favorites are Duel, Eau de sud and Mon parfum cherie. Their list is long and you should try many of them. April 27, 2014 at 10:09am
Brainfodder: In response to this post from April, I just wanted to say thanks for all the replies to my AG question, and to Anne of Green Gables – First in Fragrance was a revelation! I had a ball selecting fragrances and the customer service was excellent – ‘kid in a sweet shop’ analogies abound – I was so excited!
I ordered Le Chevrefeuille and Ninfeo Mio – both are fantastic, and the Ninfeo Mio is almost gone… it hit the spot and it’s addictive! I’m a landscape architect, and the Gardens at Ninfa have been high on my list of places to travel to – the fragrance lives up to my hopes/expectations – not an ounce of disappointment 🙂
No full bottles as yet – I’m going back for more samples (Neroli, Heure Exquise, Duel… I’ve only had one FB of AG and it was Un Matin d’Orage, which I drained in 2 months, absolutely loved, but my husband couldn’t smell it – such a shame for him!). LC and NM will both be replicated in the next order. June 19, 2014 at 6:55am
Connie: What are everyone’s favorite white florals? My favorite is Songes- I used to get along with Fracas and Jasmin et Cigarette, but just don’t anymore. More recent loves include Gardez Moi by Jovoy and Red Cattleya by Olympic Orchids. April 25, 2014 at 8:40am
Figuier: Hi Connie,
Songes is also my favourite, and for me there isn’t much to match it (although I too have worn Fracas & Jasmin & Cigarette a fair bit in the past) but I really like Nasomatto’s Nuda. It’s quite simple I suppose in that it’s more or less an apricotty jasmine soliflore with a soft musk drydown, but since jasmine itself is such a complex note it doesn’t get boring. Another simple but satisfying one is Do Son, which is cheerful and pretty and very easy to wear. April 25, 2014 at 9:06am
Heather H: I like Amoureuse by Parfums DelRae. April 25, 2014 at 10:03am
Austenfan: Me too, and Emotionelle. But then I love melon in fragrance. April 26, 2014 at 1:15pm
Lauren B: My favorite is Un Matin d’Orage by Annick Goutal. It’s a sparkly gardenia-based perfume that surrounds you but doesn’t choke you out. It has a nice buttery undercurrent, too. April 25, 2014 at 10:27am
Sandra: I second Matin by AG.
I also love Juste en Reve for a floral April 25, 2014 at 10:51am
Nina Zolotow: Chanel No 22 is a beautiful, wearable (subtle) white flower. The flowers tend to bloom in the heat (after the initial blast of aldehydes). I agree that Amoreuse is also beautiful. I love the new Aftelier Gardenia perfume but boy is that expensive (still it actually has real gardenia extrait in it). April 25, 2014 at 11:48am
nozknoz: Serge Lutens A la Nuit, Diptyque Olene and Mary Greenwell Plum. April 25, 2014 at 2:51pm
nozknoz: Oh, I forgot By Kilian Beyond Love and LAP Nuit de Tubereuse. April 25, 2014 at 2:51pm
Karen: I’ve got lots of favorites, but Van Cleef & Arpel’s Gardenia Petale is beautiful. And I second A La Nuit. April 25, 2014 at 4:06pm
Tomate Farcie: I’m loving Vero Profumo Vol d’Extrait in Mito and I also adore Ormonde Jayne Frangipani April 25, 2014 at 5:50pm
annemarie: I always suggest people clear their minds and give White Diamonds a sniff, even if just for reference. It is quite lovely, comforting, and not as powerful in its sillage as you may expect, given its reputation.
I also love 24 Faubourg for it beautiful orange blossom, and its slightly more relaxed cousin, Ysatis. April 25, 2014 at 6:19pm
Mals86: White Diamonds – especially in the parfum, which I found as a carded mini in my local pharmacy for under $10 – is really nice. It’s one of the fragrances I smell on people all the time (mostly, it’s older ladies at the grocery store, and the sillage really travels!), but it is wonderful applied discreetly. Very complex and rich. April 29, 2014 at 11:53am
dzona: Hi Connie, I love carnation and my favorite one is Dianthus Etro. Very simple, very fresh. My favorite rich floral fragrance is Chanel Beige and its softer version Princess Musk Ajmal which is much more powdery April 26, 2014 at 1:18am
solanace: I really like Chanel 22, with its incense and white flowers. April 26, 2014 at 5:32am
allgirlmafia: I adore chanel 22. It smells the way silk looks and feels. April 26, 2014 at 6:27pm
Katerina: My favourite ‘whites’ so far (this is not my best known olfactory category) are, A la unit, Alien, Ylang 49, Lys 41, Tubereuse criminelle, Olene, Sarrasins, Elie Saab le Parfum, Pure Poison Elixir. I find the white flowers and especially tuberose particularly difficult. They can be pleasant floral scents or unbearable odors. April 27, 2014 at 12:05pm
Isis: I think so far my favorite white florals are Fracas (after a long period of hating it) and A La Nuit, and no. 5. I’ve tried no. 22 but I still prefer no. 5, much to my own surprise. I am currently also deeply in love with my 2ml sample of Une Fleur de Cassie, if I manage to save up the money I think I am going to go for a full bottle.. April 28, 2014 at 6:27am
Alouetta: A la Nuit, Love and Tears, and Une Voix Noir. April 28, 2014 at 6:53am
Bea: I am searching for a good daytime scent for the Scandinavian summer. I would like something discrete and fresh, maybe with flowers. I don’t want anything that is too sweet or citrus-y.
I have used Coco Mademoiselle before as a a summer scent – and still like it – but would like to try something different.
Any suggestions? April 25, 2014 at 9:36am
Heather H: How about Chanel 31 Rue de Cambdon? April 25, 2014 at 10:07am
Asali: Try Jour d’Hermes, very beautiful. April 25, 2014 at 11:21am
Danaki: Just bought Jour d’Hermes in the sale. Great scent for summer. When I first spray it, it is a fresh floral bouquet, then it gets a bit soapy. When it settles, it is lovely again. April 25, 2014 at 12:14pm
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe the new version of Ivoire. Or Ô de Lancôme.
I found the new Karl Lagerfeld charming, flowery, not too sweet. April 25, 2014 at 12:23pm
Alice: You could try the Atelier Colognes range, eg trefle pur. Or Patricia de Nicolai Weekend. Or, more mainstream, l’eau d’issey or one of its flankers (some hate this, but I think its a classic) April 25, 2014 at 12:46pm
Nina Z: Chanel No. 19 is beautiful and a little brisk (“fresh” is kind of a tricky concept). It’s iris, rose and galbanum, so a green floral without being at all sweet. Also, I love Annick Goutal Neroli in the summer–a beautiful green orange blossom scent that is the most uplifting perfume I own. April 25, 2014 at 7:54pm
Cybele: try Baise Vole by Cartier, Lily by Stella McCartney, 28 la Pausa and Bel Respiro by Chanel (exclusive line), also second Jour d’Hermes. April 25, 2014 at 9:36pm
rainboweyes: Second both Chanels, I can imagine they work well in Scandinavian summer. I also like the scents from the Friedemodin line – two young perfumers from Sweden and Germany living in London. Another favourite is Frescoamaro by Profumi del Forte, also their newest release Prima Rugiada sounds very interesting. And there’s of course my beloved Hiris…
Or maybe a fig scent? Ninfeo Mio, Philosykos, Miller Harris Figue Amére or Heeley Figuier? April 26, 2014 at 5:12am
Figuier: Surprisingly, I found the 3 “exotic” Hermes Jardins perfums work very well in Swedish summer weather – try Jardin en Med., sur le Nil, apres la Mousson – they are light & subtle enough but still complex. April 28, 2014 at 4:04am
Rose: Can you please suggest a fruity floral perfume for Mother’s Day? I am also looking for a lily of the valley perfume too. These perfumes will be worn in Spring/Summer.
Thanks! April 25, 2014 at 10:01am
Lucas: Eau d’Italie Graine de Joie is a nice fruity floral, it’s a new perfume in the line. April 25, 2014 at 10:03am
Rose: Thanks Lucas. I’ll give it a try! April 25, 2014 at 10:08am
nozknoz: TDC de Bachmakov and FM Le Parfum de Therese. April 25, 2014 at 2:53pm
Merlin: I didn’t like LOV until I tried Mughetto by Maria Santa Novella. It has a green and spicy twist and I think it would be great for spring and summer. April 25, 2014 at 4:58pm
Tomate Farcie: For lily of the valley I highly recommend Parfum de Nicolai Odalisque April 25, 2014 at 5:10pm
Nina Z: Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay and Keiko Mecheri Peau de Peche (peach scent) are two fruity scents I like (not my favorite genre). I made a close friend very happy by buying her the Jo Malone EDC plus matching body cream! April 25, 2014 at 7:50pm
spe: Fruity floral- jour d’ hermes
lov- muguet by van cleef and arpels April 27, 2014 at 2:15pm
Mals86: I was just thinking about this the other day – spring and summer being the perfect time to relax and enjoy fruity florals. I don’t like them sugary-sweet, but there are several I really like: Parfums d’Empire Osmanthus Interdite (peach/osmanthus/tea), Annick Goutal Petite Cherie (pear/apple/grass/rose), Parfums de Rosine Rose d’Ete (apple/rose), Moschino Funny! (grapefruit/tea/rose)…
Hanae Mori Haute Couture is lovely too (mixed fruit/citrus/jasmine). Discontinued, but I think it might still be available at the discounters and very cheap.
As for muguet, I can’t recommend Diorissimo anymore. DSH LiLi is linden and lily of the valley, very pretty, and I adore Tauer Carillon pour un Ange. In the mainstream, I think Jessica McClintock is rather nice, too. April 29, 2014 at 12:05pm
Lauren B: I’m looking for a perfume that reminds me of the sea. More of a cool winter beach, than a summer beach. Any ideas? April 25, 2014 at 10:36am
Sandra: Eau de Merv by Hermes maybe something to try. Though it could be a little summer beachy, but not anything that smells like suntan oil.
I like how it blends into your skin for a salty ocean kissed smell.
There is also another Hermes cologne that smells aquatic but I can’t remember the name April 25, 2014 at 10:56am
Sunny: Epice Marine? April 25, 2014 at 11:27am
Elena: Maybe Sel Vetiver? April 25, 2014 at 11:21am
Alice: it’s my current favourite image for perfume -‘cool winter beach’ – so I will be interested in the replies. I tried eau de mere but although I like it, it doesn’t quite fit my mental image. Atelier Cologne Mistral Patchouli does not mimic the sea, but is much closer to my idea of it (also smells great). I also like labo neroli 36 (ozonic), and Patricia de Nicole Weekend (used to be ‘Weekend a Deauville’) which is more green/floral, but evocative of Normandy coast April 25, 2014 at 12:52pm
Alice: sorry, that should have been Hermes eau de merveilles April 25, 2014 at 12:53pm
rainboweyes: What about Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel or Artisan Parfumeur Cote d’Amour? April 25, 2014 at 3:05pm
Tomate Farcie: Maybe The Different Company De Bachmakov April 26, 2014 at 1:53am
Lauren B: Epice Marine and Eau des Merveilles didn’t quite have the vibe I was going for, but I’m definitely going to look into these others. Thanks, y’all! April 26, 2014 at 5:01pm
Vanessa: Hi!
I was contemplating the idea of ordering a discovery set from Tauer perfumes, since the descriptions make them seem amazing, and I’ve smelt L’Air du désert marocain on someone and thought it was very nice. However, from some reviews I’ve read, I’m afraid that I would find them too overpowering. I usually like softer scents, like Stella, Eau des Merveilles, Grand Neroli from Atelier cologne, Jo Malone’s Earl Grey, Goutal’s Nuit Étoilée, Phylosikos, etc. I do like also Hypnotic Poison and Armani Code, but only sprayed lightly and not too close to my neck.
I can’t wear Flower by Kenzo for example, since it makes me feel like it’s trying to strangle me whenever I’m not paying attention! Haha!
What do you think?
Any other suggestions, based on what I like?
Thanks! April 25, 2014 at 10:51am
Courant: Try Infusion D’Iris ‘Absolue’. For a cheap thrill Yardley Iris is light and luvverly(it has a lavender vibe at first but that goes and a woody iris comes through) then there is Hiris by Hermes which I think you would love going by your existing. Cheers my dear April 25, 2014 at 3:34pm
Vanessa: Thanks for the recommendations! I have a Prada Infusion d’iris lotion that I quite like, so I shall look into the ones you mentioned. April 25, 2014 at 11:30pm
annemarie: You may find Tauer rather powerful, going on your other likes. But Reverie au Jardin and the linden and vetiver ones are not so strong, although with Tauer there is always something heavy in the base. But I say go for it. The sample set is great value, and you will never know until you try! April 25, 2014 at 6:26pm
Vanessa: I think I will! Thanks April 25, 2014 at 11:31pm
George: If you do go for a discovery set from tauer, don’t choose lonestar memories- that’s the really heavy one. But based on your prefs there’s a lot more lines i would probably direct you to before Tauer. April 26, 2014 at 11:07am
Vanessa: I’d be happy to hear your suggestions, if you don’t mind! Perfume is a newly discovered interest for me, so I have loads of things to experiment. April 26, 2014 at 11:27pm
George: I’d suggest going through the Hermes line- esp. those by Ellena (you can use Victoria’s search engine above, or alternatively fragrantica has a good searching by nose option)
Certain of the les Exclusifs range fall in to a light and refined territory- 1932, Jersey, 28 la Pausa, Bel respiro, No.18, and they also offer a good introduction to perfumery ingredients.
From the Malle range i would try- Angeliques sous la Pluie, En Passant, Bigarade Concentree (and probably the soon to be released eau de magnolia).
Then you have colognes such as Guerlain’s wide range, Chanel’s singular range, and Thierry Mugler’s modern one.
Elizabeth Arden’s green tea and Clarins eau dynamisante seem good matches with your other tastes.
The Aerin lauder range (see Victoria’s review) seems like it might interest you.
You have an absence of more classical french perfumes in your list of liked fragrances- chypre and orientals (and the two fragrances you list as being a bit too much border/fall in to these categories). I would however look at the modern takes on classics- such as Shalimar initial and No 19. Poudre- and compare them with the originals, as you may well be their target customer.
You also have an absence of the heavy hitting post-angel gourmands, so I haven’t included any of them despite their prevalence in the market place.
Accordingly, what I have recommended are quite light and not particularly long-lasting fragrances.
But as you describe yourself as new to fragrance (despite my having done exactly this), I would try and resist the urge to try and define too heavily what your likes and dislikes are too soon- hypnotic poison may be too heavy for you, but another oriental might be just right. Also, the heavier fragrances get, the less of a bias or feeling of type they may have, because of the range and complexity of ingredients the skill of the perfumer in blending them- i.e. they can be more puzzling and captivating because of that- and if you restrict yourself too heavily to liking ‘light soft’ fragrances you might well miss out on smelling something really great. Basically, a heavy perfume can feel like a blunt instrument bashing you around the head, but it can also be an incredible piece of architecture you can stand in front of and admire and admire. April 27, 2014 at 5:56am
Vanessa: Woaw, thanks for all the recommendations! I’ll have to test those.
I think the fact that a lot of oriental and gourmand fragrances don’t work for me comes from a combination of two things: First, I might be making this up but I’m under the impression that my skin emphasizes vanilla notes a lot, which is fine when there is only a touch of it in the dry down, but any more than that and it gets overwhelming for me (may have some thing to do with an experiment gone wrong involving a vanilla perfume for men when I was a kid!). I get headache rather easily, unfortunately. Secondly, most women in my life (aunts, mother-in-law, etc.) have always worn things like Angel, Miss Dior Cherie, Shalimar and more recently La Petite Robe Noire, so I strongly associate these fragrances and their relatives to them… it just doesn’t feel ”me”.
But I think you’re right, and I don’t want to dismiss a great fragrance just because it fits in a category where I haven’t have much luck previously. April 27, 2014 at 11:21am
Mara: Hi to everyone!
My latest olfactory coup de foudre is with L’Artisan Parfumeur’s “Al Oudh” -it’s the most sensual perfume I’ve ever put on!
It captures something of the sweet intimate smell of feminine arousal, a blossom of carnal desire, articulate but not outspoken! April 25, 2014 at 11:08am
nozknoz: Agree – I appreciate this one more and more as time goes by! April 25, 2014 at 2:57pm
Nola: Hi everyone! Do you have any recommendations for a young 21 year old lady who likes original-formula Angel (the reformulation has sickly sweet undertones, whereas the old formula dries to a powdery sweet vanilla and honey scent), L by Lolita Lempicka, and the bold candied jasmine scent of Lush’s Lust fragrance? On men, the drydown of Creed’s Green Irish Tweed is another thing I love.
Anything deep and/or foody WITHOUT being musky will probably be a hit. Thanks so much for your suggestions! April 25, 2014 at 11:12am
nozknoz: You might try Angel flankers, some of which have gotten excellent reviews. Some other perfumes to try are Cacharel Loulou, Sonoma Scent Studio Tabac Aurea, Chanel Coco, Kenzo Amour, Frapin 1647, L’AP Vanille Absolument and L’AP Traversee du Bosphore. April 25, 2014 at 3:05pm
Courant: Deep Red by Hugo Boss or Amor Amor Absolue by Cacharel come to mind. I see Red today. April 25, 2014 at 3:39pm
Merlin: Just wondering if you have tried Alien Essence Absolue? April 25, 2014 at 5:03pm
nozknoz: I tried it and liked it very much the first couple of times that I sampled it. I got a small decant and decided it was a bit too much. I think it’s worth trying. April 27, 2014 at 10:47pm
solanace: Sorry if I am too obvious, but since you are young, have you tried Shalimar? April 25, 2014 at 8:10pm
Snowyowl: One thought is A lab on Fire what we do in Paris is secret? I have wide tastes and like what you like, too. I have really been enjoying this on weekend nights when going out, I get loads of compliments. Good luck! April 26, 2014 at 10:57pm
Sunny: Hi Victoria,
I love reading your blog! Thank you for this post, I think I’ve been waiting for this opportunity! I have many favourites but somehow I am not sure that I found “the one” yet. I absolutely adore Elixir Des Merveilles by Hermes and feel that this is the closest I came to finding “the one”. I also love D&G Light Blue, Allure, Versace Bright Crystal, Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion and Michael Kors Island (summer only). D&G is unfortunately an EDT, and being an EDP believer I haven’t repurchased the EDT. Versace smells a bit too mainstream/common and MK’s Island seems to be discontinued and I think I outgrew it over time. It’s hard for me to choose between Elixir and Gardenia Passion so I wear either one based on my mood or the weather:-) I used to wear Allure but half a spritz too many and I feel like I need to wipe it off. I really feel that there’s something better out there, a spark that needs to happen for me!
On the first spritz I fell in love with Cartier’s Baiser Vole, Tom Ford’s Black Orchid and Sisley’s Eau du Soir, but the Cartier – as refreshing as it is – dryed down too powdery for my taste, tom ford’s became nausiating and Sisley is just too overpowering for me and makes me feel a bit older than I am. Ever since I bought those after a quick smell I learned to really wear it for a day or two before buying. I also have Prada’s Iris, which is a lovely smell but somehow the initial smell gets lost in the dry-down. It doesn’t seem to have the depth that I’m looking for. The same goes for Cartier’s La Panthere. I tried it at a perfume counter and really liked it, but it doesn’t seem to have the depth of perfumes like Elixir/Gardenia passion. I might be wrong because I didn’t pay attention to the development of the smell (I tried others too so might have got mixed up with the smells). Coco Mademoiselle is another fragrance with a lot of depth IMO, but there’s an undertone that doesn’t agree with the oils on my skin – it becomes almost metallic. It does smell fantastic on one of my friends, but hey, what can you do..
I like a good statement in a perfume but don’t like it to overpower the room or give me a headache by noon but at the same time I need it to last at LEAST 6 hours. What I look for in an EDP is something with mistique, something that smells like carmelized, perhaps even burnt orange, hints of pink pepper (like Elixir), tobacco, Ylang Ylang, grapefruit – I love citrus but it has to smokey and not too sweet/sour/lemony. I haven’t smelled all of Annicks or Hermes perfumes and from what I read I think that I might find THE EDP between the 2 houses, however, I am open to suggestions and was hoping that you might have an idea of EDP’s that I could try out (I prefer EDP, EDT’s don’t last more than 2hrs on my skin). I would be sooo grateful!
I hate that Nordstrom and all the other fragrance carriers never have the perfumes I really would like to try out. So here I am looking for my signature perfume. I’m in my early 30’s so I’m way past Britney Spears, J’adore (so generic) and all that other junk you can basically find on the street;-) Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!! I am determined to find that special one this year!
Thank you,
Sunny April 25, 2014 at 11:20am
Di: I mentioned Field Notes from Paris in response to someone else looking for Tabacco, but it is a wonderful (although rather strong) tobacco orange.
YOu may also like Seville D’Abue which is an incense and orange blossom April 25, 2014 at 1:17pm
sunette: Thank you! April 27, 2014 at 11:53am
Courant: Nuit Etoilee by Annick Goutal seems to blend the ones you love already. It has to be the EDP though. April 25, 2014 at 3:42pm
sunette: I ordered a sample, very excited! April 27, 2014 at 11:59am
Courant: Anticipation is a delicious frisson. I know too well. April 27, 2014 at 3:01pm
Tomate Farcie: I agree with Seville a l’Aube, Parfum d’Empire
Azemour, Diptyque Eau Moheli, Parfum de Nicolai Le Temps d’une Fete, A Lab on Fire What We Do in Paris is Secret, Viktoria Minya
Hedonist, MDCI Promesse De l’Aube April 25, 2014 at 6:11pm
Di: If your perfume is giving you a headache, I suggest you read blogs to try to find the actual (as opposed to advertised notes). I find white musk is a headache inducer for me. (Or at least cheap white musk). But everyone is different.
Baiser Voile is a lily scent. While it is a fine one, if you can find a bottle of Donna Karan Gold, that it is a really great lily scent. (now discounted, but for a while it was available on the internet from those companies which sell at a great discount, “outdated” frangrnces),
A sophisticated Iris with a subtle and long lasting presence is Channel No. 19. I prefer the original to the flanker,a nd in an EDP. The lady at Nordstrom’s channel counter may be able to get it for you.
Since you mentioned Nordstroms, I assume you live in the US. If you live near NYC or LA, there are a number of stores specializing in niche perfumes where you can sniff away at rare brands before buying. Many also have internet operations which will sell samples. One, Lucky Scent, even offers regular sets of samples of recent releases May 31, 2014 at 9:26am
Someguy: Can you give me some name of well-blended wood perfume? April 25, 2014 at 11:32am
ceebee_eebee: I recently discovered Wonderwood by Comme de Garcons and I am completely obsessed with it. I’ve read some reviews that say it’s TOO wood-y, but on me it’s marvelous. Give it a shot. Might work for you. 🙂 April 25, 2014 at 4:38pm
Tomate Farcie: I second Tam Dao, also Chanel Bois des Isles and Sonoma Scent Studio Champagne de Bois, Encre Noir April 26, 2014 at 2:54am
Nina Z: Tam Dao by Diptyque April 25, 2014 at 7:46pm
Roberta: Hi Everyone,
I have a wedding next week and I’m wondering what perfume I should wear. I’m not the kind of person that usually combines clothes with scents (I wear Amouage Gold to the gym if I feel like it), but this time I want to give it a try. A few details:
– The wedding will be in Rio, Brazil, a very warm, tropical place, where some perfumes tend to evaporate within the first hour. So, the perfume should be a strongish one.
– It will be an evening wedding.
– I’m wearing a long navy blue dress, with golden jewelry. The style of my dress and jewelry is Greek-chic.
– My go to scents for special occasions are: Tom Ford Black Orchid, Coco, Armani Mania (the original), A LA Nuit, Serge Lutens.-
– I tend to like “feminine” scents (if there is such a thing), girly perfumes.
– I don’t really like powdery perfumes in warm weather (I wear Amoage Golf in Canada, where I live, never in Brazil).
Thank you for your suggestions! April 25, 2014 at 11:53am
Patricia: If you like rose perfumes, try Vengeance Extreme by Juliette Has a Gun. It really packs a punch, but is a lovely dark rose with patchouli. It is also long-lasting and great in warm weather. Might be worth a try! April 25, 2014 at 12:17pm
Karen: Another rose is La Fille den Berlin by SL. Should stand up in the heat! April 25, 2014 at 4:11pm
Patricia: Love that one, too! April 25, 2014 at 6:32pm
Truehollywood: I like la fille den berlin as well. April 25, 2014 at 10:46pm
Karen: I’ve gotten lots of compliments when wearing La Fille, but the one I will always treasure was from a young woman who said it reminded her of her best friend’s mother who had passed away and it was so nice to a reminder of her. (guess that’s not a good sell for a wedding perfume!) April 26, 2014 at 4:18pm
Sandra: Congratulations on your wedding! If you like Rose, you can try Nahema by Guerlain. Stella is also a nice rose
A la nuit would be a great wedding scent if you have that already.
carnal flower is nice too.
L’Artisan Fragrances – La Chasse aux Papillons, though it can be a bit fleeting.
Have you tried any Annick Goutal scents? qual amour! , un matin d’orage, and Songes may be a nice scent for a wedding.
The exclusifs line from Chanel has Gardenia and Beige, they are both very nice April 25, 2014 at 1:29pm
Cornelia Blimber: Congratulations!
I think you will be glamorous in that blue Greek dress (does that mean with draperies?), and so should be the perfume. Amouage Gold being maybe to heavy in the heat, but Amouage Dia is worth a try! April 25, 2014 at 2:04pm
mirrorladybug: I like annick goutal as well…
perhaps cest soir ou jamais
la fille den berlin is certainly very strong and should hold up, but I find it too musky in tropical places.
I also really like fleur d’oranger by SL, a strong white floral.. more jasmine than orange blossom on me, but stronger than a la nuit.
I like layering different perfumes too.. maybe try that as well with perfumes you already own? April 26, 2014 at 2:45am
nozknoz: Victoria Minya Hedonist. April 25, 2014 at 3:13pm
Cybele: I think you should try something fun like Jimmy Choo Flash! (must be the description of your dress) April 25, 2014 at 9:50pm
Caro: Roberta, how about Amouage Lyric or Memoir? Or perhaps TF Noir de Noir or Vero Profumo Rubj?
I think Neela Vermeire’s Bombay Bling could work great too.
Hope you have a lovely time at the wedding. April 25, 2014 at 10:59pm
Snowyowl: I second vero rubj, great in heat, pulsating yet sweet, fresh, alive. One of my all-time favorite scents. Please try! April 26, 2014 at 11:01pm
spe: Hermes vanille galante. Has presence and is feminine, but not overpowering. Your outfit sounds beautiful, so I would choose a scent that is less “glamorous”, but still refined. The lys sol (?) from Guerlain might be nice, too. April 27, 2014 at 2:12pm
Alexia: Hi!
I’m 15 years old and I need a perfume that fits my age, yet is unique and fits spring and summer.
I have very different taste from my peers, I do find the VS fragrances pleasant, but everyone wears them. Besides, I despise cheap and boring perfume.
I have a very divided taste. I like Shalimar, “L” by lolita lempicka, miss dior cherie, Brazil dream by Estée Lauder, classique by Jean Paul Gaultier, various fragrances from the Aqua Allegoria line and midnight rose by Lancomel
I want to try something exotic and oriental, yet befitting a young lady and not so heavy.
Thank you!! April 25, 2014 at 12:06pm
Sandra: You have great taste!
I would suggest Prada, the one that is just labeled “Prada”
If you want to add a rose perfume, Stella by Stella McCartney is divine
If you like the aqua allegoria line, you can check out Hermes garden collection – I think it would be a great summer scent-any one of them.
Though a bit pricey, Annick Goutal makes great perfumes. I would give them a whirl April 25, 2014 at 1:37pm
Ariadne: Hi Alexia, your tastes in perfume sound familiar to my own. It may sound like a bizarre recommendation on paper but I try Bal A Versailles eau de toilette for a sophisticated summer choice. BAV EDP is too heavy for that season and also lacks the bright playfulness of the EDT. It’s an oldie but still goodie that can be found at reasonable cost on several web sites but perhaps not many of your peers will even know of it. April 25, 2014 at 1:44pm
Alexia: Thank you guys, I will definitely look up the fragrances and try them, it will be a little hard (since I live in Sweden), but I’ll travel to France this year and I will hopefully be able to find them there:) April 25, 2014 at 2:35pm
Anka: Hi Alexia,
for something exotic and oriental I would highly recommend Fils de Dieu from Etat Libre d’Orange! Victoria once wrote in a review that it’s a modern take on Shalimar, it reminds me of Shalimar Initial l’eau plus an exotic atmosphere. April 25, 2014 at 4:07pm
Alice: Just to add my vote to l’Etat Libre d’Orange – they are very ‘diferent’ and would be good hunting ground for something unusual.
Parfumerie Generale also has a wide selection of woody/spicy, but modern, orientals. April 26, 2014 at 2:57am
nightporter: There’s a good selection of perfumes to be found in Stockholm. N.K. is great, and COW parfymeri is definitely worth checking out. You can find Annick Goutal, Diptyque, Frederic Malle, L’ Artisan, Parfumerie Generale and many other interesting brands. April 26, 2014 at 12:34pm
Alexia: I’ve been to N.K many times but I didn’t know they had such a big selection in perfume!
I will definitely check it out!!
Thanks!! April 27, 2014 at 1:54pm
nightporter: You’re welcome!
It’s been two years since my last visit (I live in Finland), but at the time N.K. had a very nice selection. COW parfymeri is not far away from N.K. (Mäster Samuelsgatan 9). I really liked their customer service. April 28, 2014 at 12:44pm
nozknoz: I want to second Annick Goutal and add L’Artisan Parfumeur, which has such a range of excellent scents. Also, L’AP sometimes offers coffrets of smaller bottles, which would give you a perfume “wardrobe.”
There must be some very nice perfume shops in Sweden – it would be worth some internet research to find the ones nearest you. Try to find a shop that will give you samples, which would allow you to test over a few days, or an online service that offers samples. I’m in the U.S.; European commenters would know better if there are sources worth recommending. I hope you have fun and let us know what you discover! April 25, 2014 at 3:42pm
Cybele: Here some suggestions- each of them very pretty in their own right: Safran Troublant by L’Artisan, What We Do in Paris is a Secret and Voyage by Hermes April 25, 2014 at 8:50pm
rainboweyes: Another vote for Fils de Dieu and Safran Troublant! I’d add Artisan Traversee du Bosphore to the selection and maybe also Lokhoum Eau Poudre by Keiko Mecheri… April 26, 2014 at 10:02am
Asha: Hi Everyone!
I am new to fragrance and learning so much from this site! At the moment I’m obsessed with finding a lovely rose scent – more on the fresh side for daytime wear rather than a heady, sexy rose. I bought Stella recently and love it but also looking for something with a bit more projection and longevity. I’m also into grapefruity/slightly bitter citrus fragrances for summer – had a quick try of Hermes Orange Verte and Pamplemousse Rose at the store and liked both but again not sure about their longevity.
For background I just turned 30 and would describe my current tastes as kinda spicy, heady and woodsy. Current faves are Prada Prada, Serge Lutens 5 O’Clock Au Gingembre and Feminite du Bois. I also like Bulgari Jasmin Noir. If I could afford it (I can’t) I’d also invest in Armani Ambre Soie. Roses and citrus are a bit of a new direction for me so would really appreciate your suggestions. April 25, 2014 at 2:36pm
Anne of Green Gables: Hi Asha, the recently released Roses De Chloe is lovely and I also like Diptyque Eau Rose which smells quite natural and fresh. If you liked Pamplemousse Rose, you could also try Hermessence Rose Ikebana but you might find the longevity to be an issue again. April 25, 2014 at 3:12pm
Courant: My daughter is your age and amazingly she loves perfume. Well whaddaya you know? Haha. Her new love is Eau de Protection AKA Rossy de Palma by ELdO. April 25, 2014 at 3:47pm
Alice: I also love ‘Eau de Protection’, in fact its my favourite rose as its so unusual, it completely avoids any suggestion of pot pourri, face powder, soap etc, which can be a problem with rose, and has a beautiful chocolate note.
By Killian liaisons dangereuses is also very pretty. April 26, 2014 at 3:01am
nozknoz: Annick Goutal has a couple of roses that are worth trying. SL Fille de Berlin is an interesting rose. I’m dying to try Ann Gerard Rose Cut, myself. Atelier Rose Anonyme is a relatively light and appealing take on the classic rose oud combo. Don’t overlook Guerlain Nahema. Then there’s a whole line of roses, Parfums de Rosine, and you can get their sample set online. April 25, 2014 at 3:54pm
Alicia: Four roses I love:
Tauer, Phi: une rose de Kandahar
Amouage: Lyric
Frederic Malle: Portrait of a Lady
Guerlain: Nahema
and finally YSL: Paris (rose and violet) April 25, 2014 at 5:08pm
Merlin: For a fresh rose you may like to try Lutens’ Sa Majeste la Rose…
For citrus: I love Guerlain’s Pampelune – and find that it lasts very well. It is, however, a polarizing scent!
Rather than Orange Verte you could try Concentree Orange Verte which is supposed to have better longevity: I like to wear it together with Terre d’Hermes sometimes:)
O de Lancolm (the original) is also a lovely lemon and herbs. And, for lime you could try Eau de Rochas which has amazing longevity!
I just went through a phase of citrus mania myself, lol! April 25, 2014 at 5:15pm
Tomate Farcie: Eau d’Italie Jardin du Poete, my all time favorite, Lostmarch Din Dan, Serge Lutens Fleurs des Citronnier. Have you tried Bombay Bling? for Rose Ann Gerard Rose Cut or Diptyque Ombre Dans L’Eau April 25, 2014 at 6:02pm
Nina Z: Habanita (someone gave me a vintage mini and it’s gorgeous). April 25, 2014 at 7:38pm
Nina Z: Okay, that’s in the wrong place! For you, I was going to say Jo Malone Red Roses for a fresh rose. Also, second Sa Majeste La Rose from Serge Lutens (La Fille de Berlin is a darker rose). A rose to end all roses is Montale Highness Rose (which you can only buy a few places)–the rosiest rose ever. I love vintage Nahema myself, but that is not a fresh rose, it is more fiery. April 25, 2014 at 7:42pm
Sandra: My Favorite Roses are:
Que Amour! By annick goutal
Nahema-Guerlain
Le Fille de Berlin -Serge Lutens
Shanti Shanti- always smells like a fresh rose to me.
Stella-which you have, and I love
For something different, since you like Prada and Bulgari, have you every tried Bottega Veneta? It may not have the projection your looking for, but Bottega Veneta Essence Aromatique is a fresh, floral, oriental fragrance with touches of zesty citrus. April 26, 2014 at 8:42am
allgirlmafia: I strongly second the poster that recommended YSL Paris. It is ‘prettier’ than I usually look for my fragrances to be but it is so delightfully feminine and certainly worth experiencing.
Also seconding the suggestion for Annick Goutal. I cannot adequately express the beauty of Grand Amour. Like Mon Parfum Cheri. I find it so lovely that it is very personal to me. Quel Amor is another Goutal rose. That one is a bit ‘pink’ for my tastes tho. April 26, 2014 at 7:02pm
Asha: Wow – everyone, thanks so much for all these suggestions. I had a brief try of Sa Majeste La Rose and wasn’t blown away but think I should give it another go.
I now have a nice long shopping list to work on! April 26, 2014 at 7:43pm
Alexia: What perfume do you think Lizzie Bennet would wear, and what perfume do you think Natasha Rostova would wear?
Just wondering:P April 25, 2014 at 2:49pm
annemarie: I’ve always thought that Le Temps d’une Fête would be great for Lizzie – youthful, warm but also intelligent. Or Infusion d’Iris also maybe, or NR for Her? In the winter I’d love her to wear Dioressence but it maybe a bit spicy for her. 24 Faubourg perhaps, for dances.
Of course a girl of her times and situation would at most have worn a splash of toilet water sometimes. She might have had a bath once a week and a wash from the wash stand on other days. April 25, 2014 at 7:16pm
Alexia: It is intresting to ponder what perfume one of your favourite heroins would be wearing:) April 25, 2014 at 7:34pm
Cynthia Coker: I am in love with two perfumes from Sonoma Scent Studio, YIN &YLANG and CHAMPAGNE DE BOIS. YIN & YLANG is a stunning feminine scent with true orange blossoms and a white floral bouquet. The drydown of Mysore Sandlewood, amber and musk is heavenly. Equally as gorgeous is CHAMPAGNE DE BOIS. If a perfume can sparkle, this is it! it is so unique and woodsy with a very sensual drydown. I am in perfume heaven! April 25, 2014 at 3:00pm
nozknoz: Thanks for mentioning this – I really need to try Yin and Ylang. April 25, 2014 at 3:55pm
Mals86: Those are both lovely!
Sadly, my small bottle of CHampagne du Bois has become very sweet, sweeter than I remember it being when I first got it and now uncomfortably too sweet. I don’t know why. COuld be my taste has changed, too, though it was always sweet and rich under the aldehydic sparkle.
Yin & Ylang is wonderful. April 29, 2014 at 12:09pm
Dariia: I would be very thankful for advise!
What can replace Vertiver Tonka Hermessence? April 25, 2014 at 4:28pm
Merlin: I don’t know Vetiver Tonka very well. Which aspects of it do you like in particular? So far as vetivers go – though Prada has a scent called Infusion de Vetiver, I personally prefer Infusion d’Iris EDP which has quite a strong vetiver note – but it is softened and rounded by the floral. Another of my favorite vetiver scents is also not a pure vetiver – its Terre d’Hermes and the vetiver is softened here by cedar and possibly tonk a as it has a soft warm dry down.
Popular vetivers include Chanel’s Sycamore, Lalique’s Encre Noire, Guerlain’s Vetiver. Lutens’ Vetiver oriental is mentioned less often, but I personally think is very nice! April 26, 2014 at 8:35am
Victoria: Dariia, have you tried Etro’s Vetiver? It has a milky hazelnut note, which makes me think of Vetiver Tonka, but it’s not as sweet.
And if you haven’t tried Lalique Encre Noire (for men), then I highly recommend it. It’s also not as sweet as Vetiver Tonka, but it’s one of the most perfect vetivers out there. April 26, 2014 at 2:49pm
Alessandra: agreed on encre noire. haven’t tried etro’s vetiver, yet! April 30, 2014 at 12:22pm
Isis: Nothing can. Just get another bottle of VT. April 28, 2014 at 6:21am
Merlin: I now have enough perfume to last a long long time, and I do keep them in the dark, at a stable temperature etc, etc. Still, I’v never seen a list of perfumes that are particularly vulnerable to ‘turning’. I have heard of one or two Malles being prone to this, but otherwise not many names have come up. I was wondering if any of you have perfumes that have turned – either just in the top notes, or otherwise altogether. If you do could you name them and give a rough estimate of how long it took and the conditions it was kept in? I think that would be really helpful for all of us who are still in buying mode! April 25, 2014 at 5:24pm
Victoria: The only perfumes that turned in my collection were Jean-Claude Ellena’s fragrances: Frederic Malle L’Eau d’Hiver, Hermes Jardin en Mediterranee, and Hermes Jardin sur le Nil. All kept in a cool, dark place. April 26, 2014 at 2:51pm
Patricia: Oh no, that’s sad. I own the Jardins in 15 ml. bottles, and a partial bottle of L’Eau d’Hiver. How long did it take for them to turn? April 26, 2014 at 5:03pm
Merlin: Thanks Victoria! I only have Jardin Apres la Mousson, but perhaps I better use it more often. The only large bottle I have of JC Ellena (I think) is Terre d;Hermes. but I have not yet heard any mention of this one turning…
Sorry about your L’eau d’Hiver:( But on a positive note, 3 seems a pretty good record! April 26, 2014 at 5:51pm
Merlin: And perhaps I need to watch my Bois Farine… April 26, 2014 at 5:54pm
Austenfan: My first Jardin en Mediterranée turned. But after an email to Hermès and after sending the unfortunate turned bottle I got a new one instead. Which hasn’t turned yet.
If I ever acquire l’Eau d’Hiver it will have to live in the fridge however. I’m not taking chances with a perfume that expensive. April 27, 2014 at 4:26pm
Merlin: Thats good service! Yeah, I know what you mean, a Malle perfume is serious investment-type money. April 27, 2014 at 4:55pm
Mals86: I’ve heard that AG Petite Cherie (SO not your taste, Merlin, from what I remember of it 🙂 ) turns easily. I keep my bottle of that in the fridge and the rest of them in a dark cabinet, and so far very few things have turned. April 29, 2014 at 12:11pm
Michele: I’m looking for a new perfume–probably a floral green appropriate for spring and summer. I’d like it to last 4-6 hours, but not two days–so not too strong. I have been testing perfumes at Nordstrom, and so far am leaning toward Cartier Baiser Vole–EDT as it is more flowery.
My current scent is Prada Infusion d’Iris–but I’m in the mood for something new. I historically have tended toward orientals, but I’m currently looking for a green scent. I also love Frederic Malle’s Lys Mediterranee. I have been test driving Hermes Eau des Merveilles and am intrigued by “water” scents.
Any other suggestions for summer? Or even a light floral-oriental for fall? I’m thinking I need two new perfumes this year, at least.
I don’t mean to be quite so all over the place, but I guess I am. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions. April 25, 2014 at 8:05pm
Alice: I’ve also historically preferred orientals (especially woody) and rather dismissed florals, especially green/aquatic – but lately have been loving the latter (not sure if this is permanent or just to welcome the spring!). You could try: Miller Harris la plui, by Kilian water calligraphy, le labo neroli 36, Patricia de Nicolai Weekend. (I bought a tiny bottle of L’Eau d’Issey edp on impulse and liked it more than I thought, so its worth testing the numerous versions in case one appeals: edt, absolue, floral, lotus, etc, not least because its a lot less expensive.) April 26, 2014 at 3:20am
Anne of Green Gables: I tried the new version of Balmain Ivoire recently and liked it very much. It’s a very elegant green floral which smells classical. If you like Infusion d’Iris and wants to try another iris with more green aspects, Chanel N°19! April 26, 2014 at 4:32am
Bastet: For green florals, I second Chanel 19 and the new Ivoire. Another favorite is Guerlain Chamade. April 26, 2014 at 7:40am
Cornelia Blimber: If you can find it: Fidji by Laroche. Very green and uplifting floral. April 26, 2014 at 10:59am
Michele: Thanks for all of the suggestions–I’ve only been able to try the Issey Miyake. I’m looking forward to trying the others when I can get to them. 🙂 April 30, 2014 at 6:19pm
Cybele: Hi all, I am looking for a fragrance for my best girlfriend. She went through phases of L’Eau d’Issey and Chanel Allure but does not wear any fragrance since she had her son (6 years ago!). Since the she does not enjoy any typical perfumy scents anymore. I tried Ambre 114 (she hated it: too strong) and showed her Bergamotte 22 by Le Labo, which she kind of liked. Her type is sweet and female but strong, somewhat similar to Lea Sedoux. Any ideas????
By the way, sometime ago I had asked for suggestions for another friend and ended up getting her Guerlain Petit Robe Noir (EDP) with great success! Thanks again! April 25, 2014 at 8:43pm
Caro: If she enjoys Guerlain, she might like L’Instant (I don’t know if it has been reformulated but I remember it as a lovely musky honeyed magnolia). April 25, 2014 at 11:04pm
Cybele: I tried to say sweet and feminine but not girly…was too tired yesterday. April 26, 2014 at 10:49am
Alessandra: Artisan’s Safran Troublant, maybe? April 26, 2014 at 12:02pm
Alessandra: P.s.: Léa Seydoux LOVES safran, hahaha April 26, 2014 at 12:03pm
Cybele: it is a nice one, thank you for the input I will show it to her. I know she does love the L’Artisan bottles. April 26, 2014 at 3:17pm
Alessandra: they’re lovely, aren’t they 🙂 April 26, 2014 at 5:16pm
Ashley Anstaett: Hi everyone! I’m curious to sample some perfumes that have a strong honey note. I love Chanel Beige, and also frequently spritz Honey & the Moon from Tokyo Milk. I am interested in both the sweet, warm side of honey and the more animalic side, which I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced. Also a lover of Serge Lutens’ Chergui. April 26, 2014 at 12:17am
Courant: I love the honey in Alahine by Teo Cabanel but the Chanel is better behaved. I have heard nice things about Honey & the Moon. Cheers April 26, 2014 at 1:00am
annemariec: Ginestet Botrytis is one of the classic honey scents, so dark it is almost bitter. Elie Saab Le Parfum has (for me anyway) a lovely juicy honey note and is my favourite of the genre. Guerlain’s AA Flora Nymphea is worth a try; it is probably d/c now but you may still find it online. The Body Shop has just introduced a line of honey products but I have not tried them. April 26, 2014 at 1:02am
Tomate Farcie: Serge Lutens Miel de Bois, By Kilian Back to Black, and the classic Van Cleef & Arpels First April 26, 2014 at 2:17am
Cybele: Back to Black April 26, 2014 at 3:58am
Anne of Green Gables: Hi Ashley, if you like Chergui and wants to try other warm, dark honey perfumes, you could try Hermessence Ambre Narguile, Diptyque Volutes (both with tobacco and honey) and Etro Messe de Minuit (incense with beeswax candle). I don’t know if it’s just me but I always think of Guerlain Nahema as jammy rose, dripping with honey. April 26, 2014 at 4:14am
Bastet: Ungaro Diva is a fabulous honeyed rose chypre. April 26, 2014 at 7:42am
Vanessa: I just smelt yesterday at Crabtree&Evelyn (or whatever it’s called) their blossom and honey line, specifically the body butter, and it was the closest to real honey scent I ever found! April 26, 2014 at 9:49am
George: Absolue pour le soir by F Kurdijian. The drydown smells like spiced honey cake and male undercarriage. April 26, 2014 at 10:56am
AnnieA: Occitane Miel & Citron is pleasant, if uncomplicated… April 28, 2014 at 4:23pm
Sandra: I second Nahema if you like Rose April 26, 2014 at 8:34am
Alessandra: @ Victoria: EU HEADQUARTERS!! 🙂
Haha.
Hello everybody! Happy Springtime!!
What’s the best Serge Lutens perfume for this time of the year? What should I go for, right now? Un lys? La fille de Berlin? Santal Blanc / Majuscule? Gingembre?
I want a Serge but all the ones I love are mostly wintery… I mean, I know they can be worn anytime, but you know… I can only wear Ambre Sultan in the evening, when it gets warmer / balmy.
Thanks in advance for your opinion! It matters to me, as I feel indecisive… I feel like Chergui and Santal Majuscule, for example, can be equally warm and refreshing, so they’re pretty adaptable, I guess… other beloved Serges of mine are wonderfully cashmerean, therefore (FOR ME) only wearable in the evening, when it gets hotter… but maybe anything is OK? April 26, 2014 at 12:01pm
Anka: Happy Springtime Alessandra!
For me, Iris Silver Mist is perfect for spring – but it’s a hate it or love it kind of fragrance…(I love it, my husband hates it). April 26, 2014 at 2:08pm
Alessandra: Haha, I am afraid I really hate it… I also hate to say that I hate a serge but I found it unwearable on my skin 🙁 thank you anyway!!! 🙂 April 26, 2014 at 5:17pm
ceebee_eebee: Fille de Berlin is a lovely rose but it never lasts on me. You might have better luck. Iris Silver Mist is great. But my favorite Lutens is De Profundis. I have never smelled anything quite like it. Worth trying a sample and seeing what it does on you. April 26, 2014 at 3:28pm
Cornelia Blimber: Iris Silver Mist is always perfect. In warm weather, I love Vitriol d’Oeillet. Rehreshing, peppery, (maybe more rose than oeillet), soapy. April 26, 2014 at 4:09pm
Alessandra: Fille does last well on me, but I have not tested De Profundis yet. Will do!! I have a solid sample of it 😉 April 26, 2014 at 5:18pm
Nina Z: What about Fleurs d’Oranger (orange blossom), which could be lightly applied, or Fleurs de Citronnier (lemon blossom). If you like rose, maybe Sa Majeste la Rose is more spring-like than La Fille de Berlin. April 26, 2014 at 5:18pm
Alessandra: Not too fond of roses specifically, but do love la fille de berlin and yes, I also like sa majesté, I have to say!!! I LOVE fleurs d’oranger but it’s quite opulent – wonderfully so… maybe fleurs de citronnier is fresher, yes! Thank you for your input 🙂 April 26, 2014 at 5:22pm
Merlin: A few people I know went crazy in spring for Bas de Soie. Personally, I don’t like it at all, but perhaps you might?
I find the menthol element in Tubereuse Criminelle really refreshing, bit i couldn’t wear TC daily. April 27, 2014 at 5:57am
Alessandra: Hahaha no, I find bas de soie disconcerting – in a negative way. But thank you! I have grown to like tubereuse but I think it’s more of an evening thing, for me 😉 April 27, 2014 at 6:11pm
maja: Hi Alessandra,
I’ve been wondering about the same thing recently. ISM for me is a perfect early spring perfume but not for the end of April or May. I’d like to sample Un Lys better, I only had a solid little one and it seemed ok. Everything else by Lutens seems out of place during these days. 🙂 April 27, 2014 at 3:30pm
Alessandra: I understand you!!! But I suspect maybe some Lutens might indeed be accessible, this time of the year… I, too, only have Un Lys under solid perfume form… I love it, though I do wonder whether it’s dramatically different under fluid form? Should not be too dissimilar. It’s quite lovely…. and has Catherine Deneuve’s seal of approval for the season! Haha April 27, 2014 at 6:13pm
maja: Everything she approves is a must. 🙂 April 28, 2014 at 12:43pm
AnnieA: No question – Bas de Soie is spring in a bottle. April 28, 2014 at 4:23pm
Alessandra: maybe i’ll give it another try, then…. I hope I won’t find it as disgusting as I did the first time 🙁 April 30, 2014 at 12:23pm
FeralJasmine: Hi, I’ve spent years misguidedly avoiding patchouli notes and am just discovering patch; can anyone recommend favorite patchouli-vanilla scents? April 26, 2014 at 2:50pm
Victoria: People rate Christian Dior Patchouli Imperial highly for the blend of patchouli and vanilla, but while it’s good, it’s too expensive.
Fresh Patchouli Pure is also quite nice. Parfums de Nicolai Patchouli is also excellent, but it might be discontinued. April 26, 2014 at 2:57pm
Cybele: Coromandel April 26, 2014 at 3:20pm
Nina Z: Second Coromandel. Also recommend Montale Patchouli Leaves. April 26, 2014 at 5:19pm
Isis: Coromandel is the one that made me realize my hatred of patchouli was misguided!! April 28, 2014 at 6:17am
Caro: Von Eusersdorff Classic Patchouli April 26, 2014 at 4:00pm
Tomate Farcie: Les Nereides Patchouli Precieux, wait for the drydown or Montale Patchouli Leaves April 26, 2014 at 4:58pm
Alessandra: Coromandel, no doubt about that for me April 26, 2014 at 5:21pm
allgirlmafia: Not sure if it has any vanilla but the patchouli in Goutals Mon Parfum Cheri put a song in my heart. certainly worth a try : ) April 26, 2014 at 7:10pm
Merlin: Jovoy’s Psychedelic is interesting too! April 27, 2014 at 5:52am
Michael: I would definitely recommend Coromandel if you prefer strong fragrances, otherwise Dries van Noten by Frederic Malle is an alternative. I’ve been wearing the latter today and the drydown is absolutely beautiful – warm, creamy, sweet and slightly spicy. April 27, 2014 at 7:05pm
allgirlmafia: I have a weak spot for the vintage /classic. Estee Lauder Knowing, Cliniques Aromatics Elixir, Balmain Jolie Madame, Chanel no 22, Guerlain Mitsouko are some favorites.
Annick Goutal Mon Parfum Cheri and Grand Amor along with Guerlains Shalimar Initial and Prada Infusion de Iris are a few newer ones I love
Based on these…can you recommend me a perfume? April 26, 2014 at 5:54pm
Alicia: There are so many wonderful fragrances, but here are a few suggestions: Dior Miss Dior, Scherrer #1, Guerlain Chamade, Rochas Tocade, C&A First, YSL Paris, Caron Farnesiana… April 26, 2014 at 8:12pm
allgirlmafia: I currently have two vintage bottles of YSL Paris. It is lovely! It is one of those I choose to enjoy alone as it is so uber feminine I don’t believe it is exactly ‘me’ but I still am so delighted by the overwhelming beauty of it.
The only Dior I’ve ever tried was ‘Le Parfum’. I could tell it was quality but it was a bit linear and unexciting for my taste. I would be curious to try some vintage Dior tho. April 27, 2014 at 8:55am
Alicia: Miss Dior is a classic. It has gone through many reformulations, but it is still worthy of a try. Please, read Victoria’s review of it.
If you want headier vintage fragrances, you might try two other great classics, Bandit (leather) and Fracas (tuberose). April 28, 2014 at 3:00am
Safran: You might like La Panthere, the new Cartier scent. It’s also a floral chypre, like most of your favourite scents. I like the modern and at the same time elegant retro vibe about it a lot! April 27, 2014 at 7:54am
Katerina: Mauboussin, Fleur de peau (K. Mecheri), Rose Kashmirie, Rose d’amour, Une follie de Roses(P. de Rosine), Bandit, Baghari, Visa, Calypso (Piguet), 1000, Sublime (Patou), Cuir mauresque, Sarassins (S. Lutens), Vol de nuit… Here are some ideas they could inspire you. April 27, 2014 at 1:23pm
allgirlmafia: The reviews for Mauboussin have caught my eye a time or two.
Also, I have a mini little bottle of Patou’s Joy. I have been curious to try 1000 And Sublime tho. April 27, 2014 at 4:23pm
spe: My tastes are very similar to yours with regard to your classics. Currently in my rotation- bandit, Stephen Jones cdg, so pretty, odalisque, fleur de Cassie, amouage dia and gold, 31rue cam on, lipstick rose ( a great #22 update). I recently purchased dans tes bras. On my wish list: amouage ubar, jub 25, maybe opus III, de profundis, sarrasins, la myrrhe (still testing longevity of this one).
I highly recommend une fleur de Cassie or hub 25 for a classic vibe. Stephen Jones or dans tes bras for more modern. I’m really interested in what you end up choosing! April 27, 2014 at 2:02pm
allgirlmafia: Our tastes are quite similar. I have a mini eau de parfum of So Pretty. While I appreciate the floral chyrpe-ness of it, it is quite ‘pretty’ for my liking.
Amouage Dia and Gold, Lipstick Rose and De Profundis are on my dream wish list.
I’m very curious to know how you feel about Dans Tes Bras. V’s review made it sound breathtakingly beautiful… April 27, 2014 at 4:15pm
spe: Beautiful but with an edge. It took me several attempts to like it, then several more to crave it. Re: Dans tes bras April 28, 2014 at 11:12pm
Nina Z: 31 Rue Cambon and Amouage Jubilation 25 are both great modern chypres (since you like chypres). April 27, 2014 at 2:41pm
allgirlmafia: I am interested to try 31 Rue Cambon as well as the Cuir and Beige from Chanels exclusifs. April 27, 2014 at 4:00pm
Cybele: second Cuir de Russie
Rose Barbare and Rose Nacree du Desert both Guerlain
Le Labo Rose 31
Habit Rouge
and in case you have not tried it Infusion d’Iris in the Absolue version is great April 28, 2014 at 9:23am
allgirlmafia: Retro, I think is a great way to define my tastes. I read Victorias review on Panthere and immediately went to ebay to search for samples. I have not ordered yet but when I do this may very well be love.
I forgot to add Tom Ford Violet Blonde, Juliette had a Gun Calamity J, Annick Goutal Charlotte Ralph Lauren Safari and Bottega Veneta as other favorites. April 27, 2014 at 9:05am
Katerina: Oh, I should mention La Perla and Eau de Soir! April 27, 2014 at 1:34pm
allgirlmafia: Thank you ladies for taking the time to offer your input. I appreciate your suggestions! April 27, 2014 at 4:26pm
nemo: I have a question that is perfume related, but not about recommending a specific type of perfume. What do you do when your VSO has different tastes in perfume from you? For some reason, it makes me very sad even though I know perfume tastes are completely subjective. It also puzzles me because I have tried so very many perfumes at this point and how has he really not liked any of them??? He doesn’t wear any himself (though before we started dating he used to wear Versace Blue Jeans in high school, so a long long time ago). Any suggestions would be most appreciated! Does this call for a joint perfume smelling trip? I am not sure how he would feel about that. I also secretly fear he decide he really loves super feminine fruity florals… April 27, 2014 at 2:28pm
George: Not liking something is not the same as disliking something; I wouldn’t worry about it, unless he actually expresses dislike. Besides, some people just don’t get perfume, in the same way others don’t get porcelain, power tools or skydiving. April 27, 2014 at 5:18pm
Isis: Love the comparison between perfume and powertools 🙂 April 28, 2014 at 6:16am
Merlin: I’v finally instituted a system with my own b.f. It seems that he is entirely neutral to most scents. So, I ask him for a rating: 0 is absolutely neutral. If he gives a desultory flap of the hand, I would once have interpreted it as a negative, but actually he means that the scent is just like a chair in the room. It’s actually a 0 rating. If he has just the slightest aversion, he is to give me a -1. He generally veers between 0 and 1. There are two or three scents in my collection that would score a 3 with him – i.e. he loves them, but they tend to be intoxicating white florals which I do not wear frequently. He is mildly averse to Carthusia’s Ligea which I find strange because for me it is quite a sensual fragrance! Also, he tends to be more or less neutral to most of the perfumes I adore. This is a bit hurtful, because I don’t understand how he is unable to see the appeal! Basically though, its like everything else in our relationship – we are different people with different tastes in some things and we accept each others individuality. Ok, I sometimes still struggle with difference, but I’m trying, lol! April 27, 2014 at 7:01pm
Michael: Does anyone have any first hand experience with Le Labo and Byredo fragrances? Somehow I get the impression that they are not as good as established brands like Chanel Exclusifs, Frederic Malle and Miller Harris, even if the prices are comparable. April 27, 2014 at 7:10pm
Julie: I’d like to learn more about Le Labo too. I picked up a sample of Rose 31 & Fleur d’Oranger this weekend and do think they’re both lovely but cant justify the cost.
FM is art in a bottle, Bryedo tries to hard, Chanel exclusives are excellent and Miller Harris should not even be mentioned among this group of stellar brands…IMHO of course. April 27, 2014 at 11:02pm
George: I recently smelled Byredo Rose Noir and then had to go and get a bottle of malle’s Lipstick Rose to check my nose was working properly, because it put me in a bad mood. This and another Byredo I previously experienced just smelled bad to me. A third- m/mink- was interesting but not something I would wish to wear. Unless I hear a lot of raving about another of their scents, I won’t be rushing to try any of the others. I would tread carefully with them, and before buying, make sure you have tried some alternative brands to weigh up the cost. Le Labo has some interesting fragrances, which I just don’t love enough to buy a bottle (and also some less interesting ones). I would again be circumspect. For any of the scents I have tried I can generally think of better alternatives (with the exception of patchouli 24- even though I think a reformulation has lessened it’s delightful wrongness). April 28, 2014 at 3:53am
Merlin: Given the amazing variations of very good dark roses out there Rose Noir is just a very large question mark. As in WHY? It not only fails to be a dark rose, but also fails to be an interesting perfume. The following from Byredo have had great critical acclaim: Pulp, M/Ink and Bal d’Afrique. All 3 were scrubbers for me. Accord Oud I like very much (though not enough to pay Byredo prices) and I also quite like Baudelaire – only it’s a little too soft and lacking in longevity. They also have an iris leather called 1996 which is very good – and a decent strength, but too moody for me. I think it received an award or several awards – for whatever that is worth!
Miller Harris is most famous for her L’air d’Rien. It’s far too animalic on me, but it has a near-cult following.
Among the Chanel Exclusifs, Coromandel, Rue Cambon, Cuir de Russe and Sycamore all have large followings. That being said: most of the range is on the ethereal side and longevity is a big problem. April 28, 2014 at 7:32am
Merlin: (Le Labo is not available in my country, so I can’t comment!) April 28, 2014 at 7:33am
George: I think my issue with Rose noir is that the listed top note is Grapefruit and it means sticking a load of sulphurous molecules into a rose perfume that at that price should have a decent amount of on rose absolute: if rose absolute is used, it is a waste, because the whole thing is just Ribena in a bad mood. Other perfumes I will happily describe myself as liking or not liking, but Rose noir is just incompetent perfumery. April 28, 2014 at 8:08am
Merlin: Thanks for the analysis, it’s even more interesting to know why it doesn’t work. Now I actually want to go smell it again:) April 28, 2014 at 9:22am
Heather H: My vote is for Le Labo.I don’t like Byredo.Ugh! Le Labo has some pretty beautiful perfumes. I like Lys 41 and their Iris. April 28, 2014 at 1:11pm
Heather H: If you are going to spend your hard earned money-spend it on Chanel. Chanel is the best in my humble opinion. April 28, 2014 at 5:44pm
AnnieA: Le Labo and Byredo are expensive for what they are, I find. I did end up buying a bottle of Patchouli 24, though. April 28, 2014 at 4:26pm
spe: FM and Chanel use high quality ingredients and – for FM – scent is pretty much all this company does. FM first place for modern classics, Chanel first place for classics. The other companies you mention are no comparison to the artistry and quality of the aforementioned two. They put le labo in hotel rooms, for goodness sake. April 29, 2014 at 3:28pm
Isis: I was wondering: does anyone have an opinion about Majda Bekkali as a brand? I am thinking about ordering a sample of Tendre Est La Nuit, and I need to decide if I want to explore her other perfumes too… If you’d like to share wether you have a favorite from this line or how the line as a whoe strikes you, do let me know! April 28, 2014 at 6:14am
Ana: Hello
I have fallen in love with Labdanum 18 by Le Labo, but unfortunately the company doesn’t send to my country (some stupid regulations about alcohol content). Sometimes amber perfumes turn a bit sour on me, but Labdanum 18 remains really soft, sweet and “round”, there are no sharp edges. Can you recommend me something along the same lines? April 28, 2014 at 7:10am
George: Can’t they send you the perfume oil?: I think it has no alcohol in it. April 28, 2014 at 6:14pm
Estrella: Hi,
I would like to ask you, which perfume would you recomment me. During winter I was using Moschino Couture, but they stopped its production. In summer I bought Shiseido Zen, because I absolutely fell in love with, but on me I feel something really weird, that I cannot stand it on my skin. Do you have some tip for similar fragrances? To have better image, I also like a lot: Winter: Lancome Hypnose Senses, Burberry Brit. Summer: Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir, Chanel Chance Eau Tendre.
Thank you very much for the answer! April 28, 2014 at 8:23am
AnnieA: Isn’t it awful when your skin fights with a perfume you like? Hmm, maybe EL’s Private Collection Jasmine White Moss? April 28, 2014 at 4:30pm
Estrella: Yeah, that´s crazy – the most favourite fragrance makes me feel sick when it is on my skin… I was checking your recommendation, and this fragrance by E.L. is not anymore available in my country (I’m from middle Europe)… 🙁 April 29, 2014 at 4:07am
Heather H: Hi Guys,
I am having a difficult time choosing my LOTV perfume for May. The choice is between Diorissimo parfum and Debut by Parfums DelRae. Which one? Help! I love them both! April 28, 2014 at 1:08pm
Victoria: It’s a tough choice, but if you love both, why not figure out what you love the most about each. For instance, Diorissimo parfum is more of a delicate floral, while Debut has lots of green notes. Do you want a handful of flowers or do you crave some leaves too? I personally would pick Diorissimo because I love its crystalline purity and freshness. April 28, 2014 at 4:06pm
Heather H: Thanks Victoria. You’re the best! April 28, 2014 at 4:23pm
missyl: Can you help me pick a rose fragrance for spring/summer? I wore SSS Velvet Rose and I went through two bottles of Stella last year. They smell great and last on me but I’d like to try something new. I loved the green rose of Rosine but it only lasted about five minutes on me.. all of the Rosines have been fleeting but this one I adored really disappeared. The Hermes roses disappeared too. I tried Rosabotaica and the Chloe Rose- it was ok. I liked the new La Panthre alot- just wished it were rosier! Any suggestions? Thanks! April 29, 2014 at 6:24am
missyl: Oh and I meant to add, beaides rose I love ambergris ( Eau de Mervilles is a favorite), amber, tuberose-I dislike aldehydes and cumin. Keep wondering why Hermes doesn’t make a rose centered flanker to the Eau De Mervilles. Maybe it wouldn’t work? April 29, 2014 at 9:30am
Estrella: Hi, maybe you can try DKNY Pure A drop of Rose, or Yves Rocher Rose Absolue (which is well-done compared to some others by YR), but as you mentioned, I would try Roses de Chloe – good choice for warmer days I think, but it is nothing extraordinary – depends what you are looking for… April 29, 2014 at 2:35pm
Anne of Green Gables: Hi missyl, have you tried Tocca Bianca? It is somewhat similar to Un Zeste de Rose. It’s quite lovely and lasts whole day on me. Diptyque Eau Rose and both Annick Goutal roses (Rose Absolue and Rose Splendide) might be worth trying. I hope that you can find something you like. April 30, 2014 at 2:56pm
Julie Ohara: Hello! I’ve been a reader for some time now, but this is the first time I’ve commented. I recently bought a “history of perfume” sampler from Perfumed Court which included vintage Houbigant Fougere Royale EDC. I fell in love, but this is virtually unattainable. I’ve heard the reissued version is very different (correct me if I’m wrong). What I love is the lavender. It’s not too sweet or soapy, but it’s unmistakably lavender, and it dominates on me. Can anyone suggest something that smells similar or that showcases lavender? I’ve looked at other fougeres, but I’m not turning up anything that sounds promising. Thank you! April 29, 2014 at 8:47pm
Anne of Green Gables: Hello Julie, here are some lavender perfumes you could try:
By Kilian A Taste of Heaven
Caron Pour Un Homme
Guerlain Jicky
Hermessence Brin de Reglisse (unusual lavender and licorice combination) April 30, 2014 at 2:46pm
Julie Ohara: Hi Anne: Thank you so much for the ideas. I do like Jicky, but it’s not quite right for me. I will DEFINITELY try to sample the other 3! May 1, 2014 at 12:17pm
Victoria: If you like lavender, how about something like Caron Pour Un Homme? It’s one of the best lavender fragrances. Penhaligon’s Sartorial and Serge Lutens Gris Clair are also excellent. April 30, 2014 at 2:46pm
Julie Ohara: Hi Victoria! Thanks for the warm welcome. I’m declaring Caron a must-try. I did come across Gris Clair when searching, so I’ll try to get a sample of that one. There a few Lutens I’m dying to smell. Thank you so much for the ideas! May 1, 2014 at 12:19pm
Victoria: Another Lutens to try is Encens et Lavande. It smells as if lavender has been smoked and mixed with ashes. Very good, but on some people it turns sharp. So, a thorough skin test is a must. May 1, 2014 at 1:23pm
Victoria: P.S. Welcome, Julie! It’s a pleasure to meet you. 🙂 April 30, 2014 at 2:47pm
Susan: I have recently become mildly obsessed with finding my “ideal” perfumes – I don’t think I have the most sophisticated nose just yet, and sometimes have a hard time identifiying exactly which notes of a scent I love/hate, but I’m rather picky, as I grew up with a mother for whom many scents cause migraines (she wore Chloe – the original – for years, but I am not a lover of aldehydes). I fell in love with Fracas for my fall/winter scent, which with my body chemistry is nearly a skin scent at times (crazy, I know) – it settles into a very creamy, warm scent for me, with limited sillage. I also enjoyed Calvin Klein Euphoria and SL Datura Noir, but ultimately found these a little on the sweet side.
Now I am hunting a spring/summer scent(s) – I love tuberose (obviously, given Fracas!), orange blossom, honeysuckle, white/aquatic/fruity florals in general. I’ve liked Amouage Ciel and En Passant, and recently fell in love with Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom (the only actual purchase I’ve made). AG Eau de Charlotte swings a bit too soapy for me, while MH La Pluie ends up a bit too herbal and earthy for my taste. Un Jardins Sur le Nil went straight to PineSol on my skin. I tend to not like strong rose, patchouli, or wood notes. I am a single professional in my 30s and don’t want to smell like a teenager, which is what I always worry about when I love the sweeter florals… but don’t want to smell like a grandmother either! I prefer a limited sillage, though obviously that may not be completely predictable. Help? April 30, 2014 at 4:33pm
Victoria: You seem like a big white floral lover, and you’ve come to the right place, since many of us share your tastes. If you like Fracas and Datura Noir, you might like to explore more tuberose and orange blossom perfumes. For instance, Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage or even Gardenia Passion, Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia or Serge Lutens Fleur d’Oranger (rich and heady!) Almost every line today has at least one white floral or tuberose option, so if you ask at the counter for something alone these lines, you might find many other options. May 1, 2014 at 5:32am
Tricia: I have been looking for a signature scent for years, and finally found two I love: Le Labo Rose 31 and Marni (original). But, Rose 31 is so expensive and didn’t really last on me. Marni is more reasonable, but doesn’t stick with me either. Any suggestions as to something similar that has more staying power? Thank you! April 30, 2014 at 5:25pm
rachel: Hi! I am interested in scents like Chamade and Aromatics Elixir, is their another one you could recommend? I really love them but they are just a little to intense. I want something for a lack of a better word cool, but elegant. May 1, 2014 at 1:03pm
Victoria: Have you tried Prada Infusion d’Iris? It might fit the bill, and also I would check Atelier Cologne Silver Iris. For a mossy floral in the same family as Aromatics Elixir, you might like to try Cartier La Panthere. It’s definitely softer and much easier to wear, but it still has plenty of elegance. May 1, 2014 at 1:47pm
rachel: Thank you so much I will try these and let you know. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Rachel May 4, 2014 at 8:34am
Cybele: try Chanel 19 and also Chanel Cristalle EDT May 3, 2014 at 9:45am
rachel: Chanel perfumes smell so good on other people, I gave my Mom #19 it got sharp on me, Cristalle is one I have not tried it does smell amazing on my friend and she moved so I will try it. Thank you great suggestions! May 4, 2014 at 8:40am
Kristina: Hello to everyone!This is my first time posting anywhere for help about perfume,but well,it seems like it is a time..I am quiet new to niche,only about a year since first tryed it..and now looking for a soft summer scent,but i have no idea where to start…I live in north-Russia and enjoy mostly warm,soft scents …My favourites are SL Chergui, Byredo La Tulipe and Bal d’Afrique ,Orchidee Vanille by Van Cleef & Arpels,and last summer i loved Chloe Eau de Parfum,but each time i try it now,it seems so empty to me…I’ve also enjoed Parfumerie Generale jardins de kerylos a lot recently,but it fades away so quickly!It’s different with L’artisan’s figue,but i dont like it that much.I dislike citrus-fruits,orange blossoms,tuberose,aquatic,ylang ylang,teas.Please help me choose where to look!Thank you very much in advance,and i am sorry for any mistakes in my English! May 1, 2014 at 2:45pm
Victoria: Welcome, Kristina! You have such a wide range of favorites, and it’s fun to think of other options for you to try. To classify them broadly, it seems like you like orientals, but also green and fresh florals (like La Tulipe), and some white florals. So, maybe, you might like to try something like a rose with oriental notes (L’Artisan Traversee du Bosphore, Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin, Chloe Roses de Chloe or even Stella MacCartney for a lighter option). Also, vanilla accented white florals could be interesting like Chanel Beige, Annick Goutal Songes, Killian Beyond Love (it does have tuberose as some of the notes, though), Serge Lutens Vierge de Fer.
P.S. Your English is very good! May 2, 2014 at 9:34am
Michael: Chanel are re-launching their No. 5 flanker Eau Premiere, in the classic bottle next week here in the UK and selected venues were giving out complimentary camellia shaped ceramic ornaments that have been infused with the fragrance.
I tried both the No. 5 EDP and Eau Premiere but didn’t have the time to sample the No. 5 Extrait de Parfum. The former smells sweeter and opaque on the drydown, whereas the latter is powdery and translucent (at times it reminded me of the mimosa-like note in Frederic Malle’s Une Fleur de Cassie).
Is the No. 5 Parfum noticeably different from the EDP? I know that they were composed by two different perfumers but I am reluctant to buy extrait de parfum as I’m not sure I will finish using up the bottle before the scent begins to go bad. May 3, 2014 at 7:00pm
Victoria: You might like this link
https://boisdejasmin.com/2011/02/chanel-no-5-perfume-edt-edp-review-and-fragrance-poll.html
I like Eau Premiere very much for days when I want something less serious No 5. May 4, 2014 at 6:41am
Michael: Thanks for the link. The two things that struck me when I tested both the Eau Premiere and No. 5 EDP was how smoothly the scents transitioned from top and heart to base notes, and how they smelled so subtle but classy and stylish. I love your comment about how Eau Premiere is almost transparent as compared to the opaqueness of the No. 5 EDP.
At the moment, I am gravitating towards the latter, as I prefer complex fragrances with more substance, but the former is growing on me and is probably more suitable for the summer. I’m going to try the No. 5 Parfum before I make a decision. At the Chanel counter, I was also given a sniff of the classic No. 5 heart (rose de mai, jasmine and ylang ylang), which smelled quite different from the finished products.
On an unrelated note, the sales assistant informed me that an EDP for Bleu de Chanel will be launched later this year. May 6, 2014 at 7:50am
Victoria: Oh, that sounds interesting, and I wonder how it will differ from the EDT. If you compare, please share your thoughts, Michael. May 6, 2014 at 10:29am
The Blue Squid: Hello everyone. I was asked for a perfume recommendation by a work colleague today that had me completely stumped! Here goes… Is there something that is in the style of Chanel Allure eau de parfum available, but less expensive? I am not familiar at all with this perfume, and I am usually only good at suggesting perfumes that are more expensive 🙂 By the way, the Allure substitute is to be given as a gift. May 5, 2014 at 7:03am
Duval: Does anyone have a recommendation for a leather perfume that’s not too sweet? I really liked Santa Maria Novella Nostalgia, but felt like it was a little bit too masculine for me to wear personally, and a lot of the more feminine perfumes that I’ve tried (Boxeuses, Cuir Ottoman) smell very sweet and gourmand on my skin. Basically, I’m looking for a sort of dry, not-sweet leather scent that isn’t overpowering. I’m thinking maybe something with a green accord or a bit of salt might work well for me? May 16, 2014 at 10:46am
RDR: Hello,
I’m looking for a new scent I can wear for work, I’m currently using Issey Miyake’s eau de florale which lasts for all about 5 minutes on me. I tend to love mandarin orange/orange + jasmine fragrances. I really like Bvlgari’s Mon Jasmin Noir and have been wearing armai code for women for years. I’m looking for something fresh and light and have been scouring the blogs but have not been able to narrow down my choices well. Any thoughts or suggestions? May 19, 2014 at 2:31am