Best Lavender Perfumes : My Financial Times Magazine Column

In my new article for the Financial Times Magazine’s fragrance column, The Best Lavender Perfumes, I talk about some of my favorite lavender blends as well as fragrances that use lavender notes.

lavender

Lavender is a much misunderstood perfume ingredient. “Too simple” is a common response from many who’ve long associated it with aftershaves and soaps. Among perfume materials, lavender may not have the femme-fatale allure of jasmine or tuberose, but in terms of versatility, the essence of its tiny violet flowers often outranks more exotic blooms. It can be found in fragrances from all corners of the perfume map. Please read the rest by clicking here.

Climate change and the spread of disease are creating pressures for the production of lavender in France, and I also touch upon this issue in my article.

If you have favorite lavender perfumes, I would love to hear what you enjoy and wear. 

Photo via FT

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122 Comments

  • Sandra: I am a huge fan of lavender. When I visit my husbands cousin in Pennslyvania we go to peace valley- where they harvest their own lavender and have a small shop. There I buy soups and small sachet of lavender and also some herbs. The prices are good, well when you live in NYC- anything seems cheap outside the city. peacevalleylavender.com/

    I also love it in cooking!

    Jersey is my only lavender fragrance I have ever tried- I smelled a a nice lavender dryer sheet August 27, 2014 at 7:25am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you, Sandra! I’m going to send it to my friend in Philly, who might enjoy a trip there. She loves lavender too.

      How do you use lavender in cooking? August 27, 2014 at 3:06pm Reply

      • Sandra: If you eat beets-next time you cook them in the oven you can add dried lavender and oil and then maybe toss them in a yummy salad August 27, 2014 at 3:51pm Reply

        • Sandra: Also- you can add some dried lavender to scones.
          I use it mostly on veggies August 27, 2014 at 6:29pm Reply

        • Michaela: Thank you for the tip! Sounds very interesting. August 28, 2014 at 4:12am Reply

        • Victoria: This sounds very interesting. Thank you so much for the tip. I usually don’t care for lavender in desserts, but I’ve tried it in savory dishes and liked it much more. And I love beets! August 29, 2014 at 9:07am Reply

  • Cornelia Blimber: Interesting article (as always!) but also alarming. Let’s hope lavender will survive. It has always been a favourite of mine. As a teenager I wore Yardley Lavender as my signature scent, and I still have it and wear it from time to time. I also wear Pour un Homme, but in the end I prefer a more aromatic lavender, like Héritage, and Jicky.
    I wear a lot Gris Clair. I don’t have Fourreau Noir, but i spray it on in the mall; love its smokeyness.
    I have a sample of A Taste of Heaven, but to be honest, I don’t understand why it is so expensive. August 27, 2014 at 7:29am Reply

    • jillie: Yardley’s Lavender was one of my earliest perfumes too! I wonder if it still smells the same – it always seemed the most sophisticated of the lavender “Waters” that were available then and I wore it to bed, long before I knew that it was a traditional remedy for sleeplessness! August 27, 2014 at 11:25am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Jillie! To my nose, it is still the same.
        Oscar greets Simba! August 27, 2014 at 12:45pm Reply

        • jillie: Purrs right back to Oscar. August 28, 2014 at 2:30am Reply

      • Karen: I can remember Yardley’s ads – it was around the same time as Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliette, and they captured the romantic vibe of that time. I’m inspired to (re)try some! August 28, 2014 at 5:24am Reply

    • Victoria: The climate change has been affecting lavender a lot, since the rising temperatures are behind the proliferation of insects. And the regulation don’t help either. Right now, Bulgaria is the major lavender supplier, so while we won’t be in a situation of no lavender at all, saving the famous Provence lavender is important.

      I like Gris Clair too for its serene, soft character. August 27, 2014 at 3:09pm Reply

    • Alicia: One of my favorites is Gris Clair over Musc Kublai Khan!! Delicious! August 29, 2014 at 2:16pm Reply

  • rosarita: Interesting read as always, had no idea about the problems facing lavender 🙁 Caron Pour Homme, Gris Clair and Encens et Lavande are my favorite lavender perfumes. Despite my summer crush on Seville l’aube, I never noticed the lavender note, will pay closer attention next time I wear it. August 27, 2014 at 7:45am Reply

    • Victoria: I ran out of space or else I would have mentioned Encens et Lavande as well. Makes me want to do a lavender follow up. 🙂 August 27, 2014 at 3:10pm Reply

  • James1051: There are many excellent lavenders. Eau de L’Occitan is good this time of year. Kiki VDE is my favorite for colder weather. August 27, 2014 at 8:03am Reply

    • Victoria: I haven’t tried Eau de L’Occitane for a while, so I really need to revisit it. August 27, 2014 at 3:10pm Reply

  • Alessandra: Love this!!!! My fave lavender blend so far is Jersey, but when autumn comes I also adore Encens et Lavande. I cherish these two treasures. In the summer, l’occitane is a great, delicate variant and I find the bath foam is great all year long – one of the closest things to the real smell, I find! Very relaxing 🙂 August 27, 2014 at 8:35am Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried Jersey in extrait de parfum? August 27, 2014 at 3:11pm Reply

      • Alessandra: Not yet, but will do soonest, as I need to buy something Chanel Les Exclusifs for my birthday in October 😉 August 27, 2014 at 3:50pm Reply

      • Alessandra Tribotti: Dear Victoria, is the lavender note in the Jersey extrait more accentuated than in the EDT? Is it ‘darker’? August 28, 2014 at 11:43am Reply

        • Victoria: It’s less herbal and more almond like. The extrait is sweeter and warmer, less single note musk. August 29, 2014 at 9:08am Reply

          • Alessandra: Aaaah, that’s lovely…. I think I’d like it as much as the EDT, albeit for different reasons, of course! 🙂 Thanks August 29, 2014 at 1:59pm Reply

            • Victoria: It lasts much better too! August 30, 2014 at 6:26am Reply

  • Alessandra: I am so curious about Brin de Reglisse, too, though, as I love both licorice and lavender, and would love to explore the match! August 27, 2014 at 8:36am Reply

    • Victoria: I didn’t realize how great those two work together until I tried Brin de Reglisse. I do wish it lasted longer, but it is so beautiful I am willing to reapply. August 27, 2014 at 3:14pm Reply

  • Alessandra: Sadly, A Taste of Heaven does not suit me AT ALL 🙁 August 27, 2014 at 8:58am Reply

    • Victoria: On my husband it smells almost sour. Very strange. August 27, 2014 at 3:15pm Reply

      • Alessandra: Yes, same on me. It’s VERY abrasive August 27, 2014 at 3:51pm Reply

        • Victoria: On me it behaves differently, so it was surprising to see how wrong it smelled on him. August 29, 2014 at 9:09am Reply

  • Annikky: I used to be a non-lavender person, but then I changed my mind, as I often do. I still don’t like those horrible sachets that will gang up on you in souvenir shops in Provance and suffocate you, but a good lavender perfume is a different story.

    So happy you included Brin de Reglisse which is a wonderful fragrance. I also like Dior’s Eau Noire that I think has a similar concept. I own the Caron and I also love Kiki, but my absolute favourite lavender moment came when I tried Jicky in extrait at Guerlain. I preferred it to Shalimar extrait and that’s saying something. August 27, 2014 at 8:59am Reply

    • Victoria: Natural lavender sachets smells amazing, but the ones in Grasse seem to be artificially scented or maybe spiked with something else, because the smell is piercing, raspy. I did buy some great orange blossom soap, though (also artificially scented, but much more subtle and successful).

      Your description of Jicky extrait is so tempting, Annikky. I don’t have any on hand right now, so I’m going to wear Jersey parfum to make up for it. 🙂 August 27, 2014 at 3:18pm Reply

  • limegreen: What a wonderful article, such a good read. It would be hard to imagine Provence without the lavender fields. I love the plant in my garden but I associate lavender with lavender essential oil in baths and nighttime rituals when I used to have trouble sleeping, and lavender essential oil room mists so I don’t like wearing something too close to lavender on myself as a fragrance! I find Gris Clair wonderful to wear on occasion, it’s so dry and slightly spicy, an intriguing take on lavender, without the medicinal feel. I was once given a sample of Tom Ford Private Blends Lavender Palm but it is too “true” a lavender for me! (It’s been discontinued.) August 27, 2014 at 9:01am Reply

    • Victoria: My first draft of this article included Lavender Palm, a lavender perfume I really love, but a quick research turned up its discontinuation. Which is a shame! August 27, 2014 at 3:20pm Reply

  • Austenfan: I just sighed very deeply and contentedly after finishing your article. Though I’ve always liked lavender (I blame my year in Aix-en-Provence for that) it wasn’t a favourite note in perfume till I tried Pour un Homme. It’s one of those perfumes that doesn’t whack you over the head with it’s presence but makes you feel ok with the world, and happy. After that I’ve tried a number of lavender perfumes: Caldey Island, Nicolaï pour Homme, Fragonard’s Lavande, Les Plus Belles Lavandes, Eau Noire, Maharadjah, A Taste of Heaven, Kiki, Jicky, Eau de Lavande, Cologne Haute Provence and more recently L’Impacte de Pour un Homme which kind of left me speechless, much to the amusement of the SA in the shop where I bought it. August 27, 2014 at 9:12am Reply

    • Victoria: What a great lavender list! I’m especially intrigued by Caldey Island. Is it a straight up lavender perfume? August 27, 2014 at 3:23pm Reply

      • Austenfan: It is, with a musky finish. It’s really good especially for the price. Unfortunately due to general insanity concerning perfume they no longer ship to continental Europe. They have made an oil, but somehow I don’t want a simple lavender perfume in an oil. August 27, 2014 at 3:26pm Reply

        • Victoria: It does sound very good! But what a shame that they no longer ship outside of the UK. August 27, 2014 at 3:39pm Reply

      • George: If you visit Roullier White when you are in London, you will find they stock it. August 27, 2014 at 3:31pm Reply

        • Austenfan: Thanks for letting me know, George, I will bear that in mind. August 27, 2014 at 3:34pm Reply

        • Victoria: Thank you, George! I will try to visit it when I’m in London next. August 27, 2014 at 3:36pm Reply

  • Annette: My biggest surprise about lavender scent has been Andy Tauer’s Reverie au Jardin. I had always associated lavender with moth repellent (sorry, people!), this pervading odour of dried flowers that I remember from my childhood hitting me like crazy whenever I visited my best friend. Her parents – sweet and lovely – must have had a real thing for moths:). So, imagine my amazement when I smelt this vibrant note in Reverie. It was nothing like that nightmare to scare poor insects away. Since then I have been open to new experiences. Come, lavender, seduce me:))
    BTW, Victoria, great article!! August 27, 2014 at 9:14am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you, Annette!
      And yes, lavender can be a seductive note. It’s too bad that it has been overplayed in run of the mill aftershaves. But in the hands of a good perfumer, this note can really shine. August 27, 2014 at 3:24pm Reply

  • Tijana: Great article Victoria!

    Taste of Heaven was my first Kilian and I still love it (even though I wear it rarely these days). I like Jersey – it grew on me the more I wore it. In general, I love the calming scent of lavender and often buy products that feature the scent. I even use just the essential oil of lavender when I am in the mood for purity… August 27, 2014 at 9:29am Reply

    • Sandra: I found that about Jersey too..the more I wore it the more I liked it. August 27, 2014 at 2:13pm Reply

    • Victoria: I still have a soft spot for Taste of Heaven, but I wear some of my other lavender more, including the marvelous Caron Pour un Homme. Jersey was a revelation once I tried the extrait, but now I like the EDT more as well. August 27, 2014 at 3:26pm Reply

  • Erin T: Sad to learn of the threat to Provencal lavender! Since I’m a fougere girl, lavender is one of my very favourite notes. A strong contender for my favourite, most “me” perfume of all is Patou’s Moment Supreme – that strange, hybrid beast, the lavender oriental. Also among my most-worn: Jicky, Caron PH, Nicolai PH, Dior Eau Noire and the sadly named Aveda Men Pure-formance. August 27, 2014 at 9:31am Reply

    • Victoria: Moment Supreme is one of the unusual perfumes in Patou’s collection exactly for that reason. It’s like a blend of cool and hot, fresh and unctuous. I have half a bottle left, and I’m using it slowly, savoring every drop. August 27, 2014 at 3:27pm Reply

    • Austenfan: The Aveda Men’s name is a little “off” I think. I’ve never tried it, what is it like? The Patou sounds very interesting as well. August 28, 2014 at 1:22pm Reply

  • Lynne: I’m not a lavendar girl, but Serge’s Fourreau Noir
    is an absolute beauty. It’s lavender with almonds and smoke. Somehow it works! August 27, 2014 at 10:20am Reply

    • Victoria: I need to try it again! August 27, 2014 at 3:27pm Reply

  • Diane: My favourite lavender scent always has been and always will be Jicky, preferably vintage extrait, and I also love Les Plus Belles Lavandes de Caron and Caldey Island Lavender, particularly as a bed-time scent. My partner adores the ravishing Pour un Homme de Caron and l’Impacte de Caron (the extrait version of Pour un Homme). Fortunately we are both very well stocked up with these loves, but it would be a very sad day indeed if we were to lose the beautiful lavender fields of Provence and elsewhere. August 27, 2014 at 11:25am Reply

    • Victoria: l’Impacte de Caron is also amazing, and although I remain loyal to the original, this version is excellent and memorable. Your mention (a second one in this thread) of Caldey Island Lavender makes me really curious about this perfume. August 27, 2014 at 3:29pm Reply

  • jillie: By coincidence my husband was wearing Pour Homme today – I am sure he finds it calming on a busy day at work (and he smells good too).

    Such an interesting article about a much under-rated note, Victoria. It’s not just for little old ladies!! August 27, 2014 at 11:29am Reply

    • Victoria: Lavender gets a bad rep for being “cheap”, “simple”, “uninteresting,” none of which I agree with. It’s such a terrific note, and of course, whole perfume families like fougere wouldn’t be possible without it.

      Do you also cook with lavender, Jillie? August 27, 2014 at 3:31pm Reply

      • jillie: I have cooked with lavender, but not too much: unlike rose (which I use in as much food/drink as I can!) I find lavender too soapy. It works well if I put it in a marinade with olive oil, orange, garlic, chilli, mustard and honey for lamb, pork or salmon. I’ve tried sprinkling a very small amount of it in baking (lavender shortbread) but can’t escape the feeling that I am eating old fashioned bath cubes. Why does rose work so well for me, but not lavender? August 28, 2014 at 2:29am Reply

        • Victoria: I’m also on the fence about lavender, especially in desserts (yes, it does taste like soap to me!) I like a subtle touch in savory dishes, and I have a French recipe for pork braised in rose wine with onions, carrots, thyme and lavender. Very good, but it is perhaps lavender is very delicate in that final dish. August 29, 2014 at 9:11am Reply

          • Austenfan: The Palais des Thés has a new tea with lavender. I can’t remember it’s name. It’s displayed quite prominently in their shop close to the Grande Place. I rather enjoyed it, but it is sort of on the verge of what I will like in tea. August 29, 2014 at 10:33am Reply

            • Victoria: I remember they had a blend that included a little bit of lavender as well as vanilla and maybe rose, but it was a while ago. I haven’t been drinking much flavored tea lately, so I need to revisit their selection. August 29, 2014 at 10:50am Reply

              • Austenfan: I think it was either their Plaisir Pur à la Lavande or their Jardin des Songes.

                I drink far more thé non-parfumé as well. Apart from Earl Grey. I think I’ve got 5 kinds at the moment. August 29, 2014 at 1:22pm Reply

                • Victoria: I’m too embarrassed to count how many I have. 🙂 August 30, 2014 at 6:27am Reply

                  • Austenfan: One can never have to many teas!

                    I’ve forgotten how to do the smilies but just consider a winking one right here. August 31, 2014 at 4:36pm Reply

          • jillie: That pork dish sounds yummy and so suitable for autumn – I will have a go at cooking it! I have had a passion for thyme lately which is odd as I never used to like it. August 29, 2014 at 11:19am Reply

            • Victoria: I had the same turnaround on thyme. Now, I can’t get enough of it. August 30, 2014 at 6:28am Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: I love the new Dyptique Eau de Lavande.
    The opening is wonderful and the dry down lasts quite a long time. August 27, 2014 at 11:54am Reply

    • Victoria: I really need to try it. Thank you for adding another lavender to my list, Phyllis. August 27, 2014 at 3:32pm Reply

  • El: Not much of a fan of lavender, so I prefer it well blended into the mix 😉 Perhaps the only perfume with a loud and clear lavender note that I love (but oh what a love that is) is Eau Noire from Dior’s Collection Privée <3 August 27, 2014 at 1:34pm Reply

    • Victoria: Eau Noire is still my favorite from that collection! August 27, 2014 at 3:32pm Reply

      • Merlin: I’m thirding Eau Noire – but I only wear it at home because it seems some people are quite repelled by it, lol! August 27, 2014 at 5:34pm Reply

        • Victoria: It can be challenging, but in small quantities, it is fine. I even got a couple of compliments on it. August 29, 2014 at 9:12am Reply

  • Tiffanie: My first and favorite lavender is Roger & Gallet Lavande Royale. I use the fragance as cologne and on linens. I loved the soaps, too. I wish it were still in production.

    Thank you for the review of current lavender fragrances. And I thank everyone for their comments, they are a goldmine of fragrant ideas. August 27, 2014 at 1:44pm Reply

    • Victoria: R&G really needs a good lavender in their range. It seems an oversight not to have one (unless I’ve overlooked it). August 27, 2014 at 3:33pm Reply

    • jillie: Great minds think alike, Tiffanie! I used to use the R&G as a linen spray too, and haven’t found any that I like as much since.

      The Jo Malone Lino nel Vento is possibly my favourite now, but it doesn’t have the rich woodiness of the R&G. August 28, 2014 at 2:40am Reply

  • Nancy A.: True, somehow or other lavender not unlike Vetiver is misunderstood. Sure, it can be a love/hate thing given how its incorporated into a perfume and I guess I’ve gravitated away from this scent even in a candle unless there’s a huge spray of its live buds scenting a room especially when I arrive at Union Square Farmers Market from the stinky subway and smell Serge’s lavender (propagated in Greenport, NY) wafting through. It’s purple haze! August 27, 2014 at 2:26pm Reply

    • Victoria: I know Serge’s lavender! How much do I miss Union Square Farmers Market. Although there are good markets around Brussels, I just loved that NYC place. August 27, 2014 at 3:35pm Reply

      • Sandra: I second my love for Union Sq farmers market. My husband’s ritual is to go every saturday morning ( and I mean morning-very early)-and if I am off of work I will go with him August 27, 2014 at 3:56pm Reply

        • Victoria: It is a good time to go. I’d always get a cup of coffee and a pastry too, since there is so much to choose from there. August 29, 2014 at 9:13am Reply

  • Caro: Well, Kiki extrait is definitely my favorite lavender.
    Sometimes I wear Caron pour un Homme, but nothing beats Kiki for me. August 27, 2014 at 2:28pm Reply

    • Victoria: I’m still courting Kiki. So far, it’s been without success, but I know that it’s a perfume loved by many. August 27, 2014 at 3:34pm Reply

    • Figuier: Snap! Kiki extrait is my favourite lavender too. And then, in second place, Caron Pour un Homme. Terrifying thought that lavender in Provence is under threat 🙁 August 28, 2014 at 7:43am Reply

  • rainboweyes: Although I love lavender on my linens and towels, I don’t like it in perfume. The only lavender scent I use is Andy Tauer’s Miriam. It’s such a lovely and feminine perfume! August 27, 2014 at 4:10pm Reply

    • Victoria: I don’t remember Miriam well, so I need to try it again.

      I buy lavender water from a pharmacy to spray on my sheets. Few scents are more inviting before bed. August 29, 2014 at 9:14am Reply

  • MontrealGirl: I tried various lavender perfumes but fell in love with Penhaligon’s Lavendula because I find it smells of the slightly sweeter English Lavender. It’s my nighttime perfume. August 27, 2014 at 7:24pm Reply

    • Victoria: Another perfume to try! Thank you so much. August 29, 2014 at 9:14am Reply

  • Cynthia: I prefer natural compositions for lavender perfumes. For a softer comforting lavender I prefer Roxana Illuminated Perfumes Vera. And for a rich, swoon worthy lavender experience try Ajne de Lavende. Both are gorgeous. Of the ones listed above I like Penhaligon’s. August 27, 2014 at 8:03pm Reply

    • Victoria: Do you ever use natural lavender oil? It doesn’t last as well as a perfume, but it’s complex enough to be worn (diluted, of course) as a fragrance. August 29, 2014 at 9:15am Reply

    • Amber: If you like natural perfumes try Phoenix Botanicals Lavender Noir. It’s a lovely dark mysterious lavender, the tonka bean in the base gives a nice caramel note. See review here- http://www.eaumg.net/phoenix-botanicals-lavender-noir-perfume-review/
      I also really like her Linden Moon perfume in solid form. August 30, 2014 at 1:56am Reply

  • marlene: Lavender is a comforting,clean scent for me. Couple that with my favorite earl grey tea and you have Breakfast In Paris by Stash. This lovely tea with it’s lavender scent is a great way to start your day. August 28, 2014 at 12:52am Reply

    • jillie: The smell of lavender tea is gorgeous, but no matter how hard I try (and I have experimented with many different blends) I just can’t drink it – it just won’t go down! I really feel that I am missing out. August 28, 2014 at 2:36am Reply

    • Victoria: I need to try that tea. I had a couple of Stash blends, and they were very good. August 29, 2014 at 9:16am Reply

  • des esseintes: My favourite lavender happens to be my favourite perfume of all time, Jicky. I’ve been wearing it since I was teenager. That’s 25 years.
    I also enjoy Carons’ Pour un Homme. It’s funny that those two aren’t very fresh at all. I find PuH a bit simpler than Jicky.
    The ‘problem’ with lavender is it’s lack of longevity. It vanishes too quickly. But maybe that’s part of it’s charm. A lavender lasting for hours would be very strsnge. August 28, 2014 at 3:30am Reply

    • Alessandra: Hi! Can I ask you what version you wear of the perfume? I generally wear the EDP and love it but so want to try the extrait. It’s so expensive tho 🙁 August 28, 2014 at 11:50am Reply

    • Victoria: Yes, lavender is a top note, so in order for the impression to last, it needs to be extended by other ingredients. But the beauty of it is the initial shimmer it provides. August 29, 2014 at 9:18am Reply

  • solanace: Kudos, Victoria, for warning about the threatened Provence lavander fields in your FT article!
    Jicky was the first classic Guerlain I liked, this article reminds me that I must revisit it. I really enjoy Chanel Jersey, would love to get a bottle and use it as a bed time scent. And I absolutely have to try Caron Pour un Homme! August 28, 2014 at 5:09am Reply

    • Austenfan: Please do! It’s a brilliant take on lavender and I think on the whole a much more interesting lavender perfume than Jersey. And it is relatively cheap. I got mine for 10 € on ebay. August 28, 2014 at 1:11pm Reply

    • Victoria: It’s a serious issue for the region, and I really hope that they will find at least a partial solution.

      I highly recommend trying Pour un Homme, especially if you like lavender. It’s a gem. August 29, 2014 at 9:19am Reply

  • Karen: Great article Victoria! inspired to retry my Gris Claire sample A few years ago, I bought a lavender cookbook. Have not tried many of the recipes, but it is fun to read. And about 20 years ago I entered some lavender jelly at our county fair and won best in show! Worked well with little cookies and cakes, but I agree that roses are my choice for cooking.

    There is interest in lavender farms as part of the small farm agri-tourism business. August 28, 2014 at 5:42am Reply

    • Victoria: Congratulations on that win! 🙂 Was it based on apple? August 29, 2014 at 9:20am Reply

  • Aurora: What an interesting article so different from magazines usual contributions!

    During my trip I will try and discuss the disease affecting lavender with the locals and will report back.

    As far as I knew R&G still made lavender soap as recently as last year; I bought some in Gare Montparnasse for a gift.

    The disappointing sachets mention may be due to their containing lavandin (stronger but less nuanced and cheaper) versus lavande. Make sure to check the label and go for pure lavender (or even better wild or high altitude) or a mix of lavande and lavandin. August 28, 2014 at 6:17am Reply

    • Victoria: I think that they are also additionally scented (and with the less expensive lavandin), so the fragrance becomes overpowering. I buy natural lavender sachet from one lady in Brussels, and the difference is incredible when they are made with 100% lavender flowers, no extra oils added. August 29, 2014 at 9:22am Reply

      • Aurora: I’m so glad you found a good supplier in Brussels; yes, real lavender sachets are truly the best!

        When I need a hit of lavender I reach for my high altitude eau de lavande which smells very true and lasts comparatively well. Like many I also enjoy Jicky, and your description of Beige and Brin de Reglisse make me want to try them. Thank you for having devoted a whole article to this ‘poor little sister’ of the perfume world. September 2, 2014 at 6:06am Reply

        • Victoria: I now feel like exploring more of lavender! When doing research on this article, I realized how many lavender favorites I already have. 🙂 September 2, 2014 at 11:04am Reply

  • Sunette: Wow! I was JUST looking for a mens perfume as my mother-in-law always asks me to pick perfume for everyone and it is usually for women, but this time she asked me to pick something for my father-in-law. I know what my husband likes but I know he won’t be super thrilled if I get something similar for his dad so I went searching…this morning I was thinking of getting him Creed’s Royal Scottish Lavender, however I have never tried it and it says it is for women as well. Has anyone tried it here and if so, would this be something that would suit an older man? I ask this because I doubt he would like something too feminine but I think he would like Lavender. On that note, I have not tried Caron PH yet!! Adding this to my list!! Great article – thank you! August 28, 2014 at 7:13am Reply

    • Victoria: I haven’t tried that Creed, but for my money Caron is much better and better quality. August 29, 2014 at 9:23am Reply

  • Kaisa: I love Jicky edp! It’s powdery soft lavender… August 28, 2014 at 10:11am Reply

  • Kat: I loved Yardley’s Lavender Inspirations line unfortunately it’s no longer produced. I still got a bottle Ginger & Lime. And there was also a Juniper & Rose line. I liked them both for summertime. My mother has a lavender room perfume that she uses in her bedroom. I was never quite convinced that it helps you with sleeping problems but then I bought a sleeping mask filled with lavender – it’s heavenly. August 28, 2014 at 11:34am Reply

    • Victoria: I could never sleep in a sleeping mask, but the idea of one filled with lavender sounds wonderful! August 29, 2014 at 9:24am Reply

      • Kat: Oh, I was the same. I just wouldn’t believe that you can sleep with something on your eyes. But now that I’ve tried it I won’t go back. It’s really great – and somehow my mind has already made the connection: soft touch on eyes plus lavender scent = stop the clockwork, go to sleep. August 29, 2014 at 3:29pm Reply

        • Victoria: Where did you get it, Kat? I’m now tempted (of course!) by your beautiful description. 🙂 August 30, 2014 at 6:29am Reply

          • Kat: I got mine from Holistic Silk, they are a bit pricey since they are made of silk and cotton velvet. Reviews of cheaper products mentioning scratchy frills and strange smells from synthetic materials sealed the deal for me as I have very sensitive skin. A word of warning before you enter their shop: that’s a dangerous place if you like beautiful things. August 30, 2014 at 9:24am Reply

  • Marsha: My favorite lavender scents would have to be Jicky extrait and Creed Royal Scottish Lavender. But with all the mentions of Caron Pour Homme in these answers, I have had to order some! August 28, 2014 at 8:07pm Reply

    • Victoria: Please let me know how you like Caron. 🙂 August 29, 2014 at 9:25am Reply

  • Buka: Lavender is a very familiar and soothing sent and a must stop for me to smell the flowers, whenever I see them:-)
    After visiting a local lavender farm, I happily brought back an essential oil of Maillete Lavender, which my nose liked the most out of three varieties offered.
    Also, the perfume of that trip was Luberon – Maria Candida Gentile, and I think my warm relationship with lavender shall continue… August 29, 2014 at 12:12am Reply

    • Victoria: Did you participate in a lavender harvest on the farm or was it just a stay? August 29, 2014 at 9:25am Reply

      • Buka: At the time there was a regional lavender festival, but not much activities at that particular farm, nevertheless I would desribe the whole experience: fragrant, memorable and wonderful!:-) August 30, 2014 at 12:28am Reply

        • Victoria: The scent of lavender warmed by the sun is just amazing. And it’s so uplifting. So, lucky you! Sounds like a great experience. August 30, 2014 at 6:30am Reply

  • Shannon: I just discovered Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger’s Lavande Ombree which is like a somewhat more linear and modern version of Bandit with leather and tobacco. I’m addicted! August 31, 2014 at 2:08am Reply

    • Victoria: Sounds very interesting, Shannon! I haven’t tried it myself yet. August 31, 2014 at 4:25pm Reply

  • Jane: Well, I have fallen in love with Chanel Jersey, it is such a cuddly lavender. SL Encens & Lavande is probably the most magical lavender I’ve sniffed, but I don’t know if I could wear it. It’s almost too precious. September 3, 2014 at 7:30pm Reply

    • Victoria: Jersey is growing more and more on me, I have to admit! And Encens et Lavande is wonderful and very comforting. September 4, 2014 at 1:00pm Reply

  • Anna: The link to the article doesn’t work anymore. I would love to read it though, since I love lavender perfumes! May 14, 2021 at 12:57am Reply

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Latest Comments

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