Recommend Me a Perfume : August

Bois de Jasmin will return on Monday. Today we have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations. If you’ve asked for a recommendation before, please let us know how your search went and what you’ve discovered.

poppies olives

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 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, Sicily

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283 Comments

  • Vanie: I’d like to know the differences between DK. Cashmere Mist EDP and EDT. I have a sample of one or the other (not sure which), and I’m thinking of getting it for fall using some reward points, because I find it quite comforting (sweater scent! Aptly named, IMHO)

    Also, I recently asked for recommendations of rootbeery fragrances and I got a sample of Annick Goutal Myrrhe Ardente. I only tried it once (in a small amount), but so far I think the opening is spot on what I wanted: rootbeer without the stickyness of too much vanilla that often comes with it. Thanks! August 7, 2014 at 9:13am Reply

    • Hannah: After trying Myrrhe Ardente, I asked for more rootbeer perfumes. But none of them smelled like rootbeer to me. Myrrhe Ardente is the Holy Grail for rootbeer. August 7, 2014 at 10:03am Reply

      • Elisa: Have you tried Huitieme Art Myrrhiad? August 7, 2014 at 11:24am Reply

        • Hannah: no, I wanted to but never got around to it and I forgot about it.
          I’m always interested in myrrh perfumes that do NOT include frankincense, though. August 7, 2014 at 11:38am Reply

          • Elisa: It’s really nice and definitely root-beery August 7, 2014 at 11:40am Reply

    • JanLast: I found one at Black Phoenix Alchemy, It’s called Stimulating Sassafrass Strengthener. It’s the root beer scent like the old A&W August 7, 2014 at 11:30am Reply

    • Tijana: Re. Rootbeery, I have seen some rootbeery comments solicited by Kilian’s Sweet Redemption. I love the fragrance and don’t necessarily see the connection, but then I don’t think I ever had a root beer, so I am not best positioned to comment. But on some fragrance review sites people mention root beer in connection to it. August 9, 2014 at 8:23am Reply

  • WJ: Any suggestions for another Carnation fragrance? I already have Bellogia, Carnation (Comme des Garcons), Malmaison and L’air Du Temps). Thank you. August 7, 2014 at 9:36am Reply

    • Michaela: Here it is a good guide, if you haven’t already found it:
      https://boisdejasmin.com/2005/06/note_of_the_wee_3.html August 7, 2014 at 10:29am Reply

      • WJ: Thank you for the link. I think, I actually missed that. August 7, 2014 at 6:46pm Reply

    • Caroline: Hardly a soliflore, but I get prominent carnation from Malle’s Une Fleur de Cassie. August 7, 2014 at 10:35am Reply

    • Michele: I just read a review of Aedes de Venustas Oeillet Bengale and it seems to be an exotic carnation fragrance. August 7, 2014 at 11:05am Reply

      • WJ: I will have to see that I can get a drop of that one somewhere. Thank you. August 7, 2014 at 6:50pm Reply

    • JanLast: I like CDG’s Stephen Jones, some people get violet, I get big carnation. And Habit Rouge vintage from Guerlain. August 7, 2014 at 11:36am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Dianthus by Etro is a soft carnation.
        Vitriol d’Oeillet by Lutens is to my nose more a soapy rose, and nutmeg suggesting carnation. I like it though, and think it had deserved better critics than it actually got. August 7, 2014 at 11:52am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: I forgot to mention Soie Rouge by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier. I finished with pleasure a 100 ml bottle, but in the end found this carnation was not spicy enough August 7, 2014 at 1:32pm Reply

    • Parfumista: Oriza L.Legrand Royal Oeillet is a beautiful retrostyled soliflore carnation. The carnation note is very natural smelling. August 7, 2014 at 3:38pm Reply

      • WJ: That sounds wonderful. Will put it straight on the list. Thank you. August 7, 2014 at 6:48pm Reply

    • Mary: I agree with Perfumista. Royal Oeillet is the most natural and real carnation I’ve ever smelled in a fragrance. It’s tenacious too! August 7, 2014 at 3:48pm Reply

    • Sylviane: I would also suggest ” Billet Doux” by Fragonard. August 11, 2014 at 9:34am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: I’m a carnation fiend and always searching, searching, searching for the perfect one. Recently a friend gave me a decant of a really lovely soliflore called Loboissiere Carnation. It’s rather inexpensive but hard to find. It is very sheer and a little green, so it’s wonderful in warm weather. Right now it’s up at the top for me with Bellodgia (a staple for me). August 14, 2014 at 10:58am Reply

  • Heather H: Any suggestions for a beautiful floral for fall? August 7, 2014 at 10:49am Reply

    • AndreaR: I was wondering the same thing. August 7, 2014 at 11:06am Reply

      • Heather H: I guess I am a little early, but I am a school teacher. I go back to school in two weeks! Yikes!!! August 7, 2014 at 9:25pm Reply

    • JanLast: Heather, I just bought a FB of Zelda by En Voyage Perfumes, It’s going to be my go-to fall floral. It’s big and gorgeous and a bit spicy. August 7, 2014 at 11:39am Reply

      • Heather H: I can’t wait to try it, thanks! August 7, 2014 at 9:25pm Reply

    • Elisa: Donna Karan Gold if you can find it. Lilies are usually associated with spring but I think the warm amber drydown makes it lovely for fall. August 7, 2014 at 11:59am Reply

      • Heather H: Oh great Elisa, I am a big lily and amber fan. Now I just have to find it. August 7, 2014 at 9:26pm Reply

        • rainboweyes: Artisan Parfumeur Passage d’Enfer is a great lily and incense combo. August 8, 2014 at 3:39am Reply

        • Elisa: I think you can still find bottles online and in those funny mall perfume stores. I have multiple backups! August 8, 2014 at 11:50am Reply

          • AndreaR: Looking forward to trying some great suggestions. Thanks 🙂 August 8, 2014 at 1:36pm Reply

    • spe: The one that is capturing my heart is Tom Ford’s Fleur de Chine. August 7, 2014 at 4:10pm Reply

      • Heather H: ohhh! Can’t wait to try. August 7, 2014 at 9:27pm Reply

  • Anne: Hello everybody,

    I am looking for a Vanilla, Musc or Amber fragrance, but I would like it to not be too sweet or too “dirty”. I am after something clean, easy to wear.
    Many many thanks.
    Anne August 7, 2014 at 11:01am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Anne, The most user-friendly amber in my collection is L’Eau Ambree by Prada. It also has a bit of vanilla in it, so might be worth a try if you haven’t already. August 7, 2014 at 11:26am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Clair de musc by Lutens is easy to wear.
        Un Bois Vanille by Lutens is surprisingly fresh in the drydown.
        Maybe Sublime by Patou could be your amber (with a soft hint of vanilla). August 7, 2014 at 11:57am Reply

        • Steph: My favourites are Fiori d’Ambra by Profumum and Miller Harris La Fumee Ottoman. August 8, 2014 at 3:21pm Reply

      • Tijana: Second Prada L’eau Ambree! August 9, 2014 at 8:25am Reply

    • AnnE: Try L’Artisn L’Eau d’Ambre. It’s very soft and vanilla-y. August 7, 2014 at 12:13pm Reply

    • Mary: Try Vanille Insensée by Atelier Cologne. It’s vanilla note is very light and wearable. August 7, 2014 at 3:51pm Reply

      • Mary: Sorry,”its” vanilla note. Can’t edit here 🙁 August 7, 2014 at 6:16pm Reply

      • Lynley: And Ambre Nue also by Atelier August 8, 2014 at 7:03am Reply

    • spe: Vanille Galante Hermes. August 7, 2014 at 4:11pm Reply

    • Malmaison: Hard to go wrong with Hermès Ambre des Merveilles or indeed any of the ‘Merveilles’ line. I find them all beautifully easy to wear, light but with a warm saltiness that is really appealing on the skin. August 7, 2014 at 8:37pm Reply

    • Lynley: The Goutal Vanille Exquise is a somewhat light and fresh vanilla too August 9, 2014 at 2:04am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: My favorite musk is Annick Goutal Musc Nomade, which is not sweet or dirty. It has an angelica note that I find very refreshing, and I often turn to this fragrance when I can’t think of what else to wear.

      I still haven’t found the perfect vanilla. Amber is also hard if you don’t want heavy or sweet, but if you can ever find some Fendi Theorema, check it out. August 14, 2014 at 11:02am Reply

  • Julie: Coconut!
    I really love the smell of coconut and want to be able to smell it in a fragrance, but if its too strong, sweet or beachy it won’t work for me.

    Any recs for a beautiful, soft coconut note that mixes well with some other lovely notes?
    I enjoy tobacco, leather, white florals, spices…

    Longevity is important as well. Thanks! August 7, 2014 at 11:26am Reply

    • Caroline: Le Labo Lys 41. August 7, 2014 at 11:30am Reply

      • Julie: Thanks, Caroline. I tried this and it was more white florals – which was lovely – than that coconut note I’d like to smell more of. August 7, 2014 at 11:53am Reply

    • Elisa: Try Datura Noir (almond, coconut and white floral notes) or Liaisons Dangereuse (rose and coconut!) August 7, 2014 at 11:42am Reply

      • Julie: I’ve not tried either of these – yay! will do so! August 7, 2014 at 11:53am Reply

        • Katy McReynolds: Pop on over to Black Narcissus and check out his very thoughtful and complete review of coconut fragrances. I love Yves Rocher Coconut perfume but layer it with the lotion to give it some longevity. I like jasmine and coconut and layer Pacifica’s Wakiki Pikake with any coconut, probably would be great with their own bespoke coconut. I do not have a longevity problem with the Pacifica lotions or sprays. August 7, 2014 at 1:32pm Reply

          • Julie: Thanks! August 7, 2014 at 1:59pm Reply

      • Iliana: I’m looking for an orchid pefume. Years ago, Avon had a line named “Floral Prints” and one of their fragrances was an orchid one. I received a lot of compliments and I want to smell perfumes, hoping to find something better than that one. Unfortunately I don’t know what kind of orchid was used on that old body spray but it was totally floral, sweet, not cloying, but fresh, as I remember. Hope you can help me, thanks in advance! August 7, 2014 at 12:13pm Reply

        • Theresa Fritchle: Olympic Orchids has a whole line of scents based closely on different species of orchids. You can get a batch of samples from them for very reasonable price. August 7, 2014 at 2:37pm Reply

        • Courant: Flora Bella by Lalique is full on orchid. All the best August 7, 2014 at 3:34pm Reply

      • Gían: Datura noir should be perfect! I especially think that the lovely Osmanthus note with its apricotty-tea facets really tame down the floral aspect while still smelling, well… Floral.

        Great suggestion from Elisa as usual- I really share her taste in perfumes. I just recently made a blind buy on one of her recommendations for an OB scent & it was just wonderful! (Please Note: Blind buys are rarely a good idea!!! But in this case the perfume was so modestly priced & d/c’d that it made sense for me & had no noticeable effect on my bank account!) August 8, 2014 at 1:19pm Reply

    • Patricia: If you like fig, Premier Figuier Extreme by L’Artisan Parfumeur is a great combination of fig, fig leaf, coconut, and sandalwood. August 7, 2014 at 11:48am Reply

      • Elisa: Philosykos (same perfumer) has a coconut note too! August 7, 2014 at 11:54am Reply

        • Julie: Yeah, I guess I’m looking for a bit more coconut? This scent is more fig to me. August 7, 2014 at 12:11pm Reply

        • Courant: There’s almond and coconut in a designer fragrance out of Germany. Gabriele Strehle (spelling suspect) which is widely available on line for very little. August 7, 2014 at 3:43pm Reply

      • Julie: Thanks, Patricia. I do like fig (I own Philosykos) but Premier is definitely too sweet for me. August 7, 2014 at 11:55am Reply

    • Austenfan: A great not sweet coconut is Honoré des Prés’ Love Coco. Try before you buy,as it is quite unusual. August 7, 2014 at 12:35pm Reply

    • Terri: Coconut Skin Trip by Mountain Ocean is a great, inexpensive body lotion. It’s nice on its own and also friendly for layering. I buy it at Whole Foods.

      I second Datura Noir, and would also suggest Creed’s Virgin Island Water, though I can’t vouch for longevity. It definitely has a beachy/sweet vibe, but it’s very light bodied, so it might still be enjoyable. August 7, 2014 at 4:35pm Reply

      • Julie: The Creed sounds good, and easy for me to try locally. Thks! August 8, 2014 at 6:57am Reply

    • Sonya: Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess has a prominent toasted coconut to my nose…mmmmm… August 8, 2014 at 2:03am Reply

      • Julie: I’ve tried this a few times and it’s just too suntan lotion-y to me. Thanks for the rec, however!
        Definitely has coconut 😉 August 8, 2014 at 6:56am Reply

    • angeliki: Try estee lauder sensuous nude. Beautiful coconut, with vanilla and musk, and soft white florals! August 8, 2014 at 2:03am Reply

      • Julie: Thanks! I tend to forget about those dept store beauty brand perfumes. I do need to try this one. August 8, 2014 at 6:54am Reply

        • Elisa: I love it but it’s pretty Coppertone-y — be warned 🙂 August 8, 2014 at 11:52am Reply

    • rainboweyes: Have you tried Heeley’s Coccobello? It’s supposed to be a coconut scent that’s not too sweet and beachy. August 8, 2014 at 3:43am Reply

      • Julie: Saw this and was curious. Good idea! August 8, 2014 at 6:43am Reply

    • Irene: I strongly suggest you try Etat Libre dÓrange Fils de Dieu. It´s not only coconut, but a festival of South-East Asian cuisine, with rice, lime, ginger…I´ts very unusual and the only coconut note that I really love. August 8, 2014 at 10:54am Reply

    • Sylviane: I will add three more suggestions : 1) -Intense Tiare- from Montale :more tiare than coconut but very nice.
      2) the weird but interesting- Ginger Ciao- by Yosh
      3° and why not the new Lempicka- Elle l’aime- August 11, 2014 at 9:40am Reply

    • Danica: Bahiana by MPG August 16, 2014 at 10:33am Reply

    • Ada: Virgin Island Water by Creed August 19, 2014 at 7:28pm Reply

  • Hannah: I’ll be getting a package with some 1ml decants in the mail soon. I’m waiting on Christian Dior Leather Oud, Plum Japonais, Fourreau Noir, Bois d’Encens, and some others.
    I’ve been looking for a freakum dress perfume. I tried Tubereuse Criminelle, which gets to make it to the next round, and Tuscan Leather, which wasn’t what I was hoping for. New contenders are Leather Oud (apparently almost everything I like is ”manly” so I’m being delusional and believing everything turns hyper-femme once it touches my skin) and Plum Japonais. August 7, 2014 at 12:00pm Reply

    • Patricia: Have you tried Le Labo Oud 27? August 7, 2014 at 1:08pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Yatagan by Caron? August 7, 2014 at 1:35pm Reply

        • Hannah: I’m not sure that’ll be what I want, but the only Caron I recall trying is L’Anarchist so I’ll seek out Yatagan anyway. August 7, 2014 at 5:33pm Reply

    • Hannah: I got my package so I tried a few. Leather Oud isn’t what I’m looking for. I washed that off so I could try some of the others. Now I’m wearing one called Sumatera and it smells like bubblegum….I like it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ August 9, 2014 at 3:59pm Reply

    • DaveStPaul: Hannah — You’re sounding like a Viktor & Rolk SPICEBOMB girl to me. That’s got freakum dress written all over it. =:o) August 9, 2014 at 6:13pm Reply

      • Hannah: I tried Spicebomb once but I forget what it is like (I tried a whole bunch that day). I’ll try it again. August 11, 2014 at 1:26pm Reply

    • Hannah: Nobody ever compliments me on my perfume except for my mom, but today I got a compliment!
      I was wearing Bulgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Rouge. August 10, 2014 at 4:31pm Reply

      • rainboweyes: I always wanted to try it but it seems to be discontinued 🙁
        Did you get yours somewhere in Germany? August 11, 2014 at 3:40am Reply

        • Hannah: No, I got it from the Perfumed Court. I’m home in the US right now. August 11, 2014 at 10:02am Reply

    • Hannah: I like Leather Oud but it isn’t what I am specially looking for. Plum Japonais gets to make it to the next round.

      I put on Fourreau Noir after my shower last night and it isn’t very different from what I imagined but I was hoping for a bit of a smokier effect. This wasn’t a contender for my freakum dress perfume; I wanted to try it to satisfy an almond craving. I think it’d be a good date perfume (although I wouldn’t reserve it for that, since I never go on dates). I might go to Paris in November so I could buy it but I keep going between ”this can not be the most expensive perfume in my collection” to ”if I like it enough, does it matter?”. I would need more time to determine if I like it enough, though. August 11, 2014 at 1:44pm Reply

  • Iliana: I’m looking for an orchid pefume. Years ago, Avon had a line named “Floral Prints” and one of their fragrances was an orchid one. I received a lot of compliments and I want to smell perfumes, hoping to find something better than that one. Unfortunately I don’t know what kind of orchid was used on that old body spray but it was totally floral, sweet, not cloying, but fresh, as I remember. Hope you can help me, thanks in advance! August 7, 2014 at 12:14pm Reply

    • Katy McReynolds: Dear Iliana, many fragrances call certain notes orchid when they do not reference any actual orchid at all. That being said, I love Vitabaths Asian Orchid and Coconut body wash from their In Bloom line. I do not get a lot of coconut but rather that soft floral that is characterized as orchid. You could see if there is an accompanying lotion and body spray. My favorite Orchid perfumes come from Olympic Orchids. These are artisanal perfumes made by Ellen Covey, herself an orchid grower. Golden Catteleya is do die for and I know Little Stars has its fans. I encourage you to order samples from her website. August 7, 2014 at 12:51pm Reply

    • Andy: As Katy correctly indicates, it may be tricky to find the right fragrance, because orchid tends to be used as a fantasy note in fragrances (I assume, to convey a more exotic image). Real orchids have fragrances that are so diverse that as a whole their scents defy a single classification. Some smell heavily gourmand (dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla), or fresh (zingy, bright citrus), fruity (peach or raspberry, for example), or intensely floral (some of my favorite orchids rival the flowers they smell like–muget, gardenia). I’m on an ongoing, peripheral search for a fragrance that conveys the spirit of orchids, which for me is defined by a connection to something that smells very natural, but conveys an oppressiveness and humidity (of a greenhouse) and oddness at the same time. I agree that the Olympic Orchids line is interesting. The samples are inexpensive, so they are without a doubt worth a try. When I tested them many months ago, I had a bad experience unrelated to the samples and so haven’t touched them since. But today I took them out again, intrigued by your question.

      The two that to me smell the most orchid-like (though none of them really do it for me, unfortunately) are Osafume (an anise-tinged, fresh floral that is set upon an intriguing chocolatey background) and Golden Cattleya (a bright and decidedly “yellow” floral, which makes me think of narcissus and cream soda). Red Cattleya is intensely fruity in an artificial way, Little Stars smells mainly of sweet ylang ylang and little else, and Javanica starts out spicy and promising but soon morphs into a thin, rose tinged floral. Having smelled some of the real orchids these fragrances are inspired by, I can see the resemblance but think perhaps the scents were created with a vision to mimic the orchids rather than make them into full bodied perfumes for the skin. The scents are intriguing but in the case of the latter three I mention, simply don’t have enough backing and balance to make them entirely enjoyable for me.

      If you’re looking for a perfume that reminds you of the one you used before, perhaps my best advice would be to further explore the fragrance genre that the Avon perfume represents. Fresh, radiant white floral perfumes occupy a wide category. I mention it a lot, but I’m continually impressed by Estée Lauder’s Tuberose Gardenia, which has a very natural, gauzy feel that smells like catching a whiff of flowers in a hothouse. Jennifer Anniston’s first perfume comes to mind as well, a radiant, beachy take on jasmine. It’s very pretty and relatively inexpensive. And for something that’s filled with springtime, pretty florals, you might like Anaïs Anaïs. On the niche side, Carnal Flower comes to mind. While potentially overbearing, it’s also perhaps one of the most soaringly radiant and beautiful white floral fragrances I can think of, a real compliment getter. I’m sure others can help you with even better fragrance recommendations, but I hope these help. Wishing you the best on your search! August 7, 2014 at 4:15pm Reply

      • Katy McReynolds: Orchid scents are indeed difficult to capture in perfumery. I have a Brassia that when in bloom fills the house with the scent of cedar! I also think that Orchids have a complex and varied scent profile based on temperature, humidity and other environmental factors. My favorite Olympic Orchids fragrance is Dev 1, which is all wood, labdanum and smoke to my nose! August 7, 2014 at 8:08pm Reply

        • Andy: That Brassia sounds so lovely! I used to have a Neostylis that smelled like lily of the valley turned up a notch, it was amazing how such a small plant could produce such profound scent. And while not at all unusual, I love the musky vanilla fragrance that so many oncidiums have. It’s so warm and radiant. August 8, 2014 at 8:10am Reply

        • Andy: Oh, and I should definitely check out some of the other Olympic Orchid perfumes. Some of them sound pretty appealing. Thanks for the reminder. August 8, 2014 at 8:13am Reply

      • annemarie: Thanks for your comment, really interesting. I’m going to swing by a Lauder counter tomorrow to smell PCTG! it sounds delicious. August 8, 2014 at 4:28am Reply

        • Andy: I hope you enjoy it! I love it because it captures such a natural feeling (it remains radiant from start to finish), and reminds me fondly of gardenias and other white flowers grown in greenhouses, as well as a particular type of fertilizer that from a distance smells to me like sheer jasmine or orange blossom (seriously). It was actually that fertilizer note that sold me on it, that being said, Tuberose Gardenia smells nothing like fertilizer! August 8, 2014 at 8:23am Reply

        • Elisa: It’s my favorite gardenia scent. August 8, 2014 at 11:53am Reply

      • Gían: I so wanted to suggest Carnal Flower myself but did think that she might think it too intense. Lovely floral & coconut notes & Yes! Radiant rather than cloying! So I heartily second Andy’s recommendation of FM’s Carnal Flower! One of my all-time faves! August 8, 2014 at 1:27pm Reply

      • Iliana: Thank you so much for your answers! I’m gonna search about every suggestion you made me. And in fact, now that you say about orchid scent, the one that I had compliments smelled a bit like gardenia, so probably I will take that path, floral scents. I hope it won’t be too difficult to obtain those samples, I live in Mexico and here I don’t have access to many niche fragrances, except Arquiste. But I’ll try! Thanks again! August 8, 2014 at 3:18pm Reply

        • Helle: Arquiste has a gardenia fragrance in the line up! Boutonnière 7 I think? I haven’t smelled it but it has a lot of good reviews online. August 9, 2014 at 7:57am Reply

  • Lena D.: Ladies, would any one advise me on perfume boxes. Do you keep them or not? They have been accumulating lately (thank you BdJ); and boxes ARE taking a lot more space then perfume itself! Please let me know how you approach this situation! Thank you all in advance! 🙂 August 7, 2014 at 12:35pm Reply

    • Hannah: I always keep the perfume in the box. I think this might help the perfume last longer but I might be wrong. Hopefully someone who knows will correct me. August 7, 2014 at 12:55pm Reply

      • Katy McReynolds: Keep your boxes. I store my perfumes in a cool, dark place in the boxes. I would not seriously consider buying most vintage without the box. August 7, 2014 at 1:05pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: I totally agree with Hannah and Kathy. The perfume is better protected in the box. August 7, 2014 at 1:37pm Reply

          • Lena D.: Thank you ladies! I will do as you say! Keeping my precious safe! 🙂 August 7, 2014 at 2:20pm Reply

            • Gían: Keep the boxes! Keep all your perfumes that are not regularly worn in their respective box & in a cool, dark place! Admittedly though, I do keep the perfumes I wear in heavy rotation on an old-fashioned mirror tray on my dresser. I just don’t have the time or patience to continually fetch them & get them out of the box to use on a regular basis. Is that really bad? I still don’t think I use even most of those so frequently or heavily that I would have to replace them anytime too soon.

              But this leads me to a question of my own:

              Does anyone know whether storing perfumes in something like a red wine refrigerator would be a good idea? August 8, 2014 at 1:37pm Reply

      • Danica: I’ve kept perfumes stored for over a decade in their box, or out in a dark closet, maintain their scent integrity. One was a vanilla patchouli. Rosine Une Zeste de Rose and a sample of Sacre Bleu come to mind. Boxes insulate from heat and humidity, which is good for perfume. I’ve also had good luck with aluminum atomizers stored in a drawer. August 16, 2014 at 10:57am Reply

    • Austenfan: Keep them in boxes. That way your bottles will at least be protected against direct light and the thicker the box the more insulation it will give against variations in temperature.
      The non boxed bottles I have bought, I keep in old hiking socks. So I agree with all that has been said by others. August 7, 2014 at 4:41pm Reply

    • Sonya: I keep my boxes for the abovementioned reasons, but also for increased resale value. The more obscure the perfume, the more likely it is that a fragnerd such as ourselves will buy it, and the more likely it is that the said nerd will want the box. August 8, 2014 at 2:06am Reply

    • Rowanhill: I like to enjoy the beautiful bottles so I keep most of them in display as that is part of the pleasure. Some precious treasures are however in their boxes like the old formulation Bois des Iles extrait. However The curtains in the room are mainly drawn and the bottles are never in direct sunlight. Then again my collection of some 40 bottles is strictly edited. I use all my fragrances at some point of the year and the favourites I need to repurchase. It would be a pity not to enjoy the beautiful bottles. August 8, 2014 at 5:21am Reply

    • Helle: I used to throw away the boxes because they take up space. Nowadays I keep them, for resale value and because it’s convenient to have them if I need to transport them (when moving for example). But I don’t keep the bottles in their boxes, since I know from experience that I don’t use boxed bottles as much as unboxed ones. There is no rational explanation to this, but I think I have a strong hoarding tendence in general that I need to counteract. I noticed I was feeling “protective” of my perfumes when they were in their boxes. Now I keep my whole collection, unboxed, in a large cardboard box with a lid to protect from light. The empty boxes are stored at the back of closets, in bookshelves, in the basement … oh well 😉 August 9, 2014 at 8:29am Reply

  • Raquel: I just received Kalemat from Arabian Oud and I love it! Would you please review this fragrance, Fendi by Fendi original 1985 formula and Chanel Antaeus. Thank you! August 7, 2014 at 12:42pm Reply

    • Victoria: I will add them to the list and check if I have any samples on hand. Antaeus especially should be easy to write about, since I wear it and love it. August 7, 2014 at 1:14pm Reply

      • Elisa: I have a bottle of the original Fendi. Might be unfair torture to review now though! 🙂 August 7, 2014 at 2:51pm Reply

      • Gían: Oh oh- definitely please review Chanel Antaeus! I bought a bottle in the 80’s of Chanel For Men (it was a cologne & it was NOT labeled “Pour Homme” or “Pour Monsieur”) then I never saw it again. Soon after Chanel Pour Monsieur started appearing on the perfume counters but it did not smell anything like “For Men”. (Also, the “For Men” came in that splash bottle that the Les Exclusifs come in.) When Chanel released Antaeus I thought it smelled very similar to what “For Men” smelled like. Do you know anything about this? It’s been an enduring mystery for me & I’d love to get that solved. August 8, 2014 at 1:58pm Reply

      • Raquel: Thank you Victoria! August 11, 2014 at 11:37am Reply

    • Kat: I second the Fendi review request! 😉 August 8, 2014 at 12:13pm Reply

  • allgirlmafia: I usually reach for heavy sexy slightly dirty chyrpes. Cabochard, Knowing, Aromatics Elixir and so on

    As of late, I’ve been in the need for comfort. The intelligence and depth of a chyrpe without the assertive-sexy-dirty. Then again maybe even a lighthearted fragrance might be nice. I’m not usually a fan of anything linear…any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    thank you August 7, 2014 at 12:45pm Reply

    • Sandra: I like your “assertive-sexy-dirty” chyrpe comment!
      I am not sure what scents are comforting to you, but I find Bottega Veneta, Dune, Samsara and some Atelier colognes (Like the vanilla one) to be very soft and comforting. These wear close to the skin on me.

      I also love Beige by Chanel-the honey note and soft florals are very nice to me-and its not in your face either- but I have only tried the EDT not the perfume August 7, 2014 at 12:59pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Sandra,

        Thank you for your reply. Here I was just a few days ago praising raunch in the scent diary now I want to be coddled!

        Mon Parfum Cheri (edt) and Heure Exquise (edp) both Goutal’s are fragrances I find soothing. Chanel Eau Premiere has had the same effect, then again it is the first fragrance I fell in love with…

        I suppose I want a goodly wholesome gently nurse you back to health perfume….if that makes sense. August 7, 2014 at 2:36pm Reply

        • Sandra: If you like eau premiere – have you tried eau de cologne from Chanel? August 7, 2014 at 4:21pm Reply

          • allgirlmafia: I haven’t. been eyeing the bottles online tho. Will definetly order it soon.

            Do you prefer it to eau premiere? August 7, 2014 at 9:29pm Reply

            • Sandra: I like both. Eau de cologne you can spray all over and even layer it August 8, 2014 at 12:54pm Reply

    • Katy McReynolds: I think Paloma Picasso, which I actually find to be a cheerful Chypre. More Woody, less sexy-dirty. Have you tried the Aromatics Elixir Perfumer’s Reserve? It’s our same gorgeous frag, just stream-lined and and cleaner. If you would consider a masculine, I love that old oakmoss bomb with its fizzy lemony top, Halston Z-14. Maybe the new Cartier La Panthere, a thoroughly modern Chypre. My favorite comfort scent is the best lavender and vanilla perfume ever, Caron Pour Un Homme. August 7, 2014 at 1:00pm Reply

      • maja: Seconding La Panthere. 🙂 August 7, 2014 at 1:42pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Diva (Ungaro). Not dirty or assertive, but definitely chypre. The fruity touch makes it friendlier.
        Or Femme de Rochas, woody with a peach note. (”I love the golden peaches of Femme and the way they are set against the woods and moss. Such an unexpected and elegant contrast”—Victoria). August 7, 2014 at 1:46pm Reply

        • Katy McReynolds: I second all Cornelia’s suggestions! August 7, 2014 at 2:36pm Reply

        • allgirlmafia: Cornelia,

          Never heard of Diva but will have to look it up.

          V has had me curious to try Femme for a while now. It certainly sounds lovely. August 7, 2014 at 2:49pm Reply

        • Helle: Seconding Femme! Intelligent AND comforting. August 9, 2014 at 8:35am Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Hi Katy,

        I tried Picasso awhile back and it was not good on me. Almost plastic. I purchase a lot of vintage online so it could be that I got a bad/turned batch.

        I recently ordered Aromatics Elixir Velvet Sheer (which is nice enough but I rather have my original) I haven’t tried the reserve yet. Although I’ve been gazing at it online along with La Panthere. However Panthere might be a bit more than I want right now. August 7, 2014 at 2:46pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: What about 31 Rue Cambon?
      To me, Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacré has a very soft and comforting aura.
      And if I need a refreshing chypre, I reach for Vero Profumo Mito. August 8, 2014 at 3:50am Reply

    • annemarie: I’m a chypre lover too but in the last 6 months or more have been greatly enjoying Hermes L’Ambre des Merveilles when I want something different. It perfectly combines sweetness (for comfort) with some of the austerity I appreciate in chypres. It’s not a sticky, heavy amber all. Highly recommended! August 8, 2014 at 4:37am Reply

    • Austenfan: It’s taken me some time to think of a reply, I adore Aromatics Elixir but do not think of it as sexy. However perfume talks to us all in a different way.
      A friendly chypre type fragrance might be Acqua di Parma’s Profumo. I would also recommend their Iris Nobile EDP.
      I personally find ELdO’s Rien very comforting but I suppose it can also be considered as challenging and sexy. It’s a truly great fragrance I think. August 8, 2014 at 12:05pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: I just ordered Iris Nobile Wed night. Very much looking forward to it. August 8, 2014 at 6:10pm Reply

        • allgirlmafia: Thank all of you ladies for your replies! August 8, 2014 at 6:56pm Reply

          • Karen: What about Andy Tauer’s Rose Chypre? Yum yum yum, beautiful, warm, like a velvet robe. August 8, 2014 at 9:14pm Reply

  • Susan: Thanks for the Agent Provocateur reference recently in the cult fragrances post (I think). Bought a small bottle, and am loving it. I don’t know enough yet to contribute much on this website, but I am learning a lot. I am so happy to have had it recommended to me! Thanks to all. August 7, 2014 at 1:14pm Reply

    • Elisa: Great! I love that one. August 7, 2014 at 2:53pm Reply

  • Teddee Grace: What might be the closest scent to the now unavailable Estee Lauder Youth Dew Amber Nude? August 7, 2014 at 2:43pm Reply

    • Malmaison: Hi there – I have literally just (two weeks ago) bought this off strawberry net, so if it’s one where you really can’t live without it there is still the possibility of a backup bottle. It was a blind buy for me based on the reviews at fragrantica and I am definitely enjoying its warmth in a cold Kiwi winter! August 7, 2014 at 6:38pm Reply

    • jillie: Hello, Teddee – I have a feeling that I might have made this recommendation before …. try ordinary Youth Dew layered over a sweet amber (eg Prada). I still see Amber Nude a lot on eBay, but I guess the time will come when it disappears. August 10, 2014 at 3:23am Reply

  • Elizabeth: Last time I ask this question, I promise. Last April I was married in a civil ceremony in Germany where I wore En Passant. The lilacs were in full bloom, and it was a perfect choice! The religious ceremony is in two weeks: Church, champagne-colored lace and tulle ballgown (this one!: http://www.allurebridals.com/products/9022 ), bouquets of roses, the works. I have narrowed my perfume choices down to these three: Frederic Malle Iris Poudre, Annick Goutal Rose Absolue, and Annick Goutal Grand Amour. Which one should I choose? My husband will be wearing Knize Ten. August 7, 2014 at 2:48pm Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Congratulations!
      A beatiful robe, classic and romantic indeed. Asking for Rose Absolue, imo. And rose and leather (Knize 10) is a beautiful combination.
      Grand Amour for your honeymoon! August 7, 2014 at 3:41pm Reply

    • Parfumista: Continue the soliflore perfume theme from April and chose AG Rose Absolue. A minimalistic, highquality fragrance like that could never go wrong, sort of a stable ground. Tha other two could bee too much together with laces, tulle and Knize Ten especially as the weather is warm. PS My husband was also wearing Knize Ten on our wedding (which was also in August), I was wearing Fracas. If I had choosen today I would probably have choosen something less complicated, even if Fracas is one of my all time favorites. August 7, 2014 at 3:52pm Reply

  • Sandra: Hi-
    I am pregnant and my sense of smell has gone crazy! I can smell everything – my husband complains that I am making him shower all the time – but I can smell his sweat! Hahaha
    Anyways- can anyone recommend a light Feminine floral perfume.
    I am currently using a whole lot of Chanel eau de cologne- but looking for something a little less citrusy-and more soft light floral
    Thanks! August 7, 2014 at 4:10pm Reply

    • Sandra: This is only because I normally wear are now headache inducing August 7, 2014 at 4:12pm Reply

    • Blinky: The new FM Eau de Magnolia! August 7, 2014 at 4:26pm Reply

    • noele l.: Jour de Hermes? I love how radiant it feels, and Victoria did a nice writeup on this blog. August 7, 2014 at 8:54pm Reply

    • Heather H: Congratulations! My daughter is turning one years old in August. Pregnancy goes by so fast, so cherish every moment. I miss being pregnant if you can believe it.

      Personally I would wear nothing, and go the all natural route. Lavender my second choice. August 7, 2014 at 9:49pm Reply

    • Michaela: Congratulations!
      Have you tried Stella McCartney Stella? Light rose which lasts and lasts. August 8, 2014 at 5:14am Reply

    • SophieC: Congratulations. I instantly thought of the L’Artisan perfumes and in particular Mimosa pour Moi. August 8, 2014 at 8:47am Reply

      • Sandra: Thanks! jour de Hermes is a bit strong for me right now- but I appreciate the suggestion. Will be a good buy after birth 🙂
        I will try Stella and mimosa August 8, 2014 at 4:23pm Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: This is normal! I went through the same thing. The smell of cooking meat made me especially ill. I’ll think about ideas for fragrances–Chanel No 19 comes to mind. Or maybe just take a vacation from perfume. That’s what I did. And when my children were babies, I intentionally didn’t wear perfume because I felt that them smelling my natural smell and me smelling theirs was very important for us both. There will be plenty of time for perfume later. August 14, 2014 at 11:07am Reply

  • Nancy A.: Dear Sandra,

    First, congratulations on your pregnancy! It’s the hormones that are creating this for you and often times it will ease up. I remember this from a woman who worked at the now defunct L’Artisan Parfumeur boutique and she mentioned how our hormones play such tricks on us. And as you say a soft light floral — something in the rose family. Diptique has a new one – pretty but effective and give a spritz to your baby’s Daddy for good measure. When I experience migraines my sense of scent goes out of whack almost a pervasive bleach scent along with my auras , not pretty. However, in my situation for anyone who also has experienced this, B2 (Riboflavin) has been a great help in warding them off. Also, citrus like Aqua di Parma can sometimes help if I choose to wear any fragrance at all at that time All the best. August 7, 2014 at 4:27pm Reply

    • Sandra: Thanks for the information and advice! August 8, 2014 at 12:56pm Reply

  • Denise: Hi,

    first time commenting. Just started getting into the perfume hobby. A bit of an odd question, but I suffer from depression (smelling nice things seems to help, oddly!). Does anyone know something that conveys just pure happiness and lightness and life?

    One that conveys a depressive mood would be interesting to smell too, i think.

    I’m in my early 20s if that helps! August 7, 2014 at 6:12pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: Hi Denise, I am very new here too, and on a budget, which maybe you are too. Suggestions: Moment de Bonheur Yves Rocher, Victoria commented on YR having good quality fragrance (well crafted), Eau Ensoleillante Clarins (sunshine in a bottle, mimosa and linden blossom), un jardin en mediterranee Hermes because it transports you directly to the Mediterranean! August 8, 2014 at 4:00am Reply

    • rainboweyes: It’s not odd at all! My serious interest in perfume began after my Mum had been diagnosed with a serious health condition. I’m quite often in a melancholic mood and scent can be an immense help. But I think you need to find out for yourself which scents have an uplifting effect on you. I love iris perfumes and and my most comforting scents often contain incense – Artisan Parfumeur Dzongkha is one of my favourites, for example – or tend to be a bit on the gourmand side like Atelier Cologne Silver Iris or Artisan Traversée du Bosphore. August 8, 2014 at 4:10am Reply

    • Michaela: I second rainboweyes, perfume means immense help, but you have to discover for yourself which are the interesting and helpful scents for you. If I were you I would try everything, all sorts of perfumes, all that seems interesting to you. The perfume journey itself is so fascinating that depression should fade away. August 8, 2014 at 5:27am Reply

    • annemariec: I agreeing with others that your own tastes are the best guide as to what helps you the most, but in general, a lot of people find citrus very uplifting, and vanilla quite comforting. You may appreciate perfumes that are transparent and light, and many of the newer Hermes scents are great for this; Rose Ikebana comes to mind, or Osmanthe Yunnan. Perfume critic Tania Sanchez has called Osmanthe Yunnan ‘a perfume of pure happiness’. L’Artisan also has a reputation for fragrances in this style.

      My tastes may be no guide at all but personally I find Estee Lauder’s Pleasures – a clean, green, peppery rose peony scent – is always a great mood enhancer in early spring. Calyx is another, for summer. I can never be sad wearing Calyx. (It used to be made by the Estee Lauder owned brand Prescriptives, but has been re-launched by Lauder itself.)

      On scents with a depressive mood, Chanel No 19 EDP has done this for me sometimes, as does Paloma Picasso. I think the Paloma thing is just a personal association . I was wearing it at a rather lonely time in my life and I really can’t go back to it. August 8, 2014 at 5:44am Reply

    • Lynley: Jasmine. Like A La Nuit or Tawaf by AbdesSalaamAttar- the more real the better.
      There’s a study online where they tested the antidepressant qualities of a number of essential oils on mice, and it indicated jasmine oil being by far the most anti- depressant (eucalyptus oil the biggest depressant).
      When I suffered severe depression a few years ago I found perfume in general helped boost my mood, and on tough days then and now- jasmine. I also use Nuda by Nasomatto but it can be pretty hard to come by now.
      Best wishes x August 8, 2014 at 7:26am Reply

    • MontrealGirl: Denise, I too suffered from depression and the perfume passion really helped lift me out of it. It wasn’t one perfume in particular but whenever I felt low I would plan a visit to one of the perfume counters and the walk, exploration and ambiance always helped lift my spirits. These days one of the ‘walking trips’ I make is to L’Occitane en Provence for a whiff of their Fleur d’Or & Acacia which smells of pure summer. Lavender is also a good choice and I wear that to bed. August 8, 2014 at 8:12am Reply

    • MontrealGirl: …and Atelier Cologne’s Orange Sanguine is pure sunshine and happiness in a bottle for me… August 8, 2014 at 8:19am Reply

    • Annette: Have you tried Andy Tauer’s Noontide Petals? That is one of my latest loves. Pure sunshine in liquid form. When I wear it I am instantly transported to one of Claude Monet’s gardens, I hear children’s laughter, see the shimmer of muslin and silk on beautiful ladies, smell the joyful aroma of trees in bloom. There is also some note of melancholy in it, in the sense that all this beauty is so fragile, so flitting, so transient, and it urges us to take it, enjoy it while it lasts.
      Well, maybe my imagination is running away with me?:)
      Anyway, I sympathize with your condition. Perfume, and scents in general, will help you, I am sure! August 8, 2014 at 8:21am Reply

    • SophieC: Hello I find Mimosa pour Moi smells of new beginnings rebirth and gentle Springtime joy. On a different note I would also think about Joy as it is unique and almost smells of life and sun and flowers in a dramatic way. I find that these perfumes both go with sun but can also bring the feeling of sun on grey days if needed. August 8, 2014 at 8:55am Reply

    • Kat: Hi Denise!

      My number one mood booster is Annick Goutal’s Neroli. I also like Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea, which is inexpensive, but very cheerful. 🙂 Hope this helps… August 8, 2014 at 11:58am Reply

    • Claire: I suspect it will depend very much on your own taste, but I’d suggest Marc Jacobs Daisy, which I’ve discovered (somewhat to my snobbish dismay) I really like. It smells very pleasantly floral and the bottles are very pretty too. Another pick me up of my own is Eau d’Hadrien. If I’m craving comfort I’ve got a decant of Vanille Abricot by Comptoir Sud Pacifique, which I find incredibly soothing.
      Hope that helps. August 8, 2014 at 12:21pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Lol @ snobbish dismay August 9, 2014 at 8:58am Reply

    • Irene: Hi! I’ve also suffered from depression and must say that for me, the most uplifting notes are neroli and orange blossom..Wearing something like SL Fleurs d’Oranger or Azemour les Orangers can really make my day! At the end, feelings triggered by perfume are very personal, but I’m sure you will find some treasures that can bring your mood up! Good luck in your search!! August 8, 2014 at 4:57pm Reply

    • Cybele: Hi Denise,
      try Osmanthe Yunnan, Lime Basil Mandarin by Jo Malone, Bel Respiro, Cristalle EDT and Eau Premiere all Chanel, and Jour d’Hermes. August 13, 2014 at 9:13am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: I find that orange blossom is very uplifting. I find that Annick Goutal Neroli is especially uplifting. A richer alternative that I also find cheering is Seville a L’Aube, which is very beautiful while also being relaxing (maybe because it also has lavender). You can explore other orange blossom or neroli scents.

      According to Ayurvedic medicine, jasmine is also an antidepressant so you could explore jasmine scents, of which there is a huge variety. Lavender is also recommended (though I’m a bit bored with that note as its rather overdone in the area where I live).

      I think you are on to something regarding the effect of scents on your emotions. I will try to think of some other ideas for notes for you to explore. August 14, 2014 at 11:15am Reply

    • Danica: Visa by Robert Piguet has an uncanny power to lift away my feelings of loss and abandonment. It’s the peach fruit smell, then wonderful cotton candy and suede. I love it! Also Incense Extreme by Andy Tauer feels like it cleans and grounds my spirit. August 16, 2014 at 12:15pm Reply

  • Elise Solomon: I’m new to collecting perfumes, and I find myself gravitating to Oud and other woody fragrances (I have Tom Ford Oud Wood and love Italian Cypress). My first perfume was Coco, which I liked but grew tired of. I recently tried on Dark Saphir by Agonist and was really wowed by the dry down! I’m looking for an everyday fragrance that is no more than $100. Any suggestions? August 7, 2014 at 6:50pm Reply

    • Danaki: That’s a hard one as the perfumes that contain Oud are generally overpriced. The cheapest oud fragrance I know about is PdN Rose Oud, if you buy the 30ml you might be able to stick to your budget. August 8, 2014 at 10:12am Reply

    • Elisa: Sonoma Scent Studio makes beautiful and affordable perfumes, a lot of which revolve around a woody base, e.g. Champagne de Bois. Other affordable ideas: Rose Anonyme, Nirvana Black. August 8, 2014 at 11:59am Reply

  • Raul: Hi everyone,

    Any idea for something earthy, wet and green? August 7, 2014 at 6:53pm Reply

    • annemariec: Chanel No 19? August 8, 2014 at 5:45am Reply

    • Lynley: Maison Martin Margiela Untitled? Bandit? August 8, 2014 at 7:32am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: J.L. Scherrer
        Futur (Piguet)
        Palais Jamais (Etro)
        Magie Noire (Lancôme)
        Route du Vetiver (Maître Parfumeur et Gantier)
        Vetiver Extraordinaire (F. Malle)
        Silences (Jacomo) August 8, 2014 at 11:02am Reply

    • DaveStPaul: Hi Raul,

      Two possibilities:

      Diptyque’s L’OMBRE DANS L’EAU

      Parfumerie Generale’s PAPYRUS DI CIANE Now Smell This’s review used for an image that Millais painting “Ophelia” — that’s about as earthy, wet and green as you can get! =:o) It’s also just very interesting. August 8, 2014 at 8:43am Reply

    • Courant: Penhaligon’s LP No 9 is wet, earthy and green, so is Apres L;Ondee. Both entirely unisex August 8, 2014 at 4:29pm Reply

    • Irene: I suggest Oriza Legrand’s Chypre Mousse and Bois 1920 Vento di Fiori…Also for me, the opening stages of Angeliques sous la Pluie are “earth after the rain”, which i absolutely love, but it’s very fleeting and i don’t know if it turns that way on everyone… August 8, 2014 at 5:03pm Reply

    • JanLast: Dip your toes into the Slumberhouse line. They are from the wet, green northwest, Portland, Oregon to be exact. Their scents Mare and Norne are right up that alley.
      Tauer Pentachords Verdant also comes to mind. Testa Maura has Carticasi, which is a heavy, somewhat bitter green. August 9, 2014 at 11:58am Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: I’m currently in love with Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa August 9, 2014 at 12:52pm Reply

    • Rebecca: I think you might like Chanel Cristalle EDT. I always found that to be exactly as you described. August 15, 2014 at 6:48pm Reply

    • Danica: Chypre Mousse by Oriza. LeGrand is a forest in a bottle. Outstanding. August 16, 2014 at 12:22pm Reply

  • Wendyr: I adore AG Songes. Also love Chanel Beige. Any suggestions? I am a flower girl at heart with spicy undertones. I would wear Songes everyday, but would enjoy a rotation for variety. August 7, 2014 at 7:39pm Reply

    • Heather H: Parfums Delrae has some beautiful florals! Ann Gerard Rose Cut is pretty too! August 7, 2014 at 9:54pm Reply

      • Heather H: Sonoma Scent Studio has some beautiful roses, and violets. August 7, 2014 at 9:55pm Reply

        • Wendyr: Thank you, I will try a few decants:). Appreciate your suggestions. Always looking for a beautiful new fragrance. August 7, 2014 at 10:21pm Reply

    • Rowanhill: Chanel 31 rue Cambon might fit the bill. August 8, 2014 at 7:18am Reply

      • Wendyr: On my decant list. Thank you. August 8, 2014 at 8:37am Reply

        • Rowanhill: Also Bottega Veneta or Serge Lutens Daim Blond could be something you would enjoy. August 9, 2014 at 5:23am Reply

          • Wendyr: Got it thanks. Lots of fun fragrance ahead. August 9, 2014 at 7:58pm Reply

    • Lynley: Parfums de Nicolai Juste un Reve
      Tom Ford Shanghai Lily
      Guerlain AA Lys Soleia August 8, 2014 at 7:36am Reply

      • Wendyr: Thanks for the reminder of Shanghai Lily. Love Guerlain, will also try your suggestions. Such fun and thank you. August 8, 2014 at 8:39am Reply

    • Elisa: Lush Lust is sweet jasmine similar to Songes. Also try Sacrebleu from PdN — lovely floriental. August 8, 2014 at 12:00pm Reply

      • Wendyr: Will do. Decant purchase list just got longer! Could have worse addictions:). August 8, 2014 at 2:12pm Reply

    • JanLast: Ineke has a great floral line, is reasonably priced, and if they made a dog wash, I would probably wear it. Poet’s Jasmine, Scarlet Larkspur and Sweet William are my favorites. August 9, 2014 at 12:01pm Reply

      • Wendyr: Never heard of them. Will try:) August 9, 2014 at 7:50pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Hiram Green Moon Bloom August 9, 2014 at 12:53pm Reply

      • Wendyr: Never heard of this one either, thanks for expanding my horizons. Will find a sample. August 9, 2014 at 7:51pm Reply

    • Danica: New Look 1947 is great, sheer white floral set within a subtle wood and coconut base. Warm and wearable and very pretty. August 16, 2014 at 12:26pm Reply

  • May: Hello everyone, perfume newbie here….

    I started my perfume journey thinking I liked clean, fresh scents. I had a brand new bottle of Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea…I also tried a few other samples – namely Clinique’s Happy to Be and Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gio.

    But I’m bored!

    None hold my interest. I need a complex scent that doesn’t get boring…something that will hold my interest for a longer period of time. A formula that has depth and is ever changing in smell….not predictable or shallow…

    Any recommendations? Preferably budget friendly but doesn’t have to be, since I can always try getting samples. August 7, 2014 at 8:48pm Reply

    • Hannah: I think Serge Lutens’ Tubereuse Criminelle is fresh and clean but it is also unusual and goes through a lot of development.
      Some people have called it challenging, so if you were to get a sample and don’t like it I recommend holding onto it for a while.

      That’s really the only fresh fragrance I wear, but some things that might work and are easy to find (and you may have already tried them…): Dior J’Adore? Stella by Stella McCartney? Thierry Mugler Alien? Bulgari Black? August 7, 2014 at 11:32pm Reply

      • Hannah: You might also want to try perfumes by Hermes: Eau des Merveilles, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, Un Jardin En Mediterranee, Terre D’Hermes (with the men’s fragrances). I say this because they’re clean and fresh but not in a boring way, but now I’m pretty sure I misread your comment and you do not want fresh fragrances because now you think you don’t like them….but maybe they will help you discover your tastes anyway!

        Bottega Veneta was very well-received, so you may want to give that a try. August 7, 2014 at 11:55pm Reply

        • rainboweyes: Second the Hermes line and Bottega Veneta! Hermes Hiris was the beginning of my perfume journey years ago but I still love it and wear it a lot. Also their last year’s release Eau de Narcisse Bleu is a great, unusual scent. August 8, 2014 at 4:18am Reply

        • Canadianpetite: I seem to collect compliments every time I wear Bottega Veneta. Been seriously thinking of misleading people by giving some obscure, hard-to-get fume because two people have now gotten themselves their own bottle after I told them it was BV they were admiring on me. August 11, 2014 at 12:35pm Reply

    • Lynley: Jour d’Hermes to add to the great Hermes recs..
      Calyx now by Clinique
      Maybe something like Lumiere Blanche by Olfactive Studio- clean and fresh in a different way..
      Baiser Vole by Cartier August 8, 2014 at 7:41am Reply

    • Danaki: I second the Hermes line. Also, I would recommend Miller Harris fragrances if they’re available to you. I really like the woody ones, boid d’iris and fluer de sel, but the citrus scents are fresh in an interesting way. August 8, 2014 at 10:07am Reply

    • Kat: Have you tried Ormonde Jayne Woman? August 8, 2014 at 12:06pm Reply

    • Irene: Not at all fresh and clean, but definitely perfumes that really take you on a journey, will never bore you, and will expand your senses, are any Guerlain classics in parfum concentration. And super expensive, but worth sampling, the Amouage range. August 8, 2014 at 5:08pm Reply

    • Sofie: Hi May, another newbie here :-). Like you, I thought I was in to ‘fresh’, aqua and citrus… I’m only just starting to recognise a few patterns in my ‘likes’. My advice is to smell and sniff everything you can get your hands and nose on… You can find interesting perfumes in all kinds of forms, but I think we have to learn what we like first, and it might take a little while. Why not go on some sniffing trips to department stores or order some batches of samples, maybe categorised (rose, woods, incense, …). As for me, I’m getting really interested in vetiver fragrances and keep getting back to shalimar (original and perfume initial). Good luck! August 9, 2014 at 9:51am Reply

      • Nina Zolotow: What a great comment! And vetiver is a very interesting note that I will describe as “brisk” rather than “fresh.” August 14, 2014 at 12:01pm Reply

  • noele l.: Hello, lovely fragrance people.

    Today I’m craving a fragrance that’s reminiscent of bread without any heavy sweetness. Maybe a slight bit of sugar, or pepper? Can anyone suggest something? It’s cold and windy in San Francisco, my job is coming to an end, and I really just want a comforting scent to envelop myself in.

    I’ve tried L’Artisan Bois Farine and like it a bit, but there’s a peanut/raw peanut butter cookie dough note that keeps me from wearing it too frequently. I’m looking for something more reminiscent of baked bread or unsweet dough.

    Any help very appreciated 🙂 August 7, 2014 at 8:53pm Reply

    • annemariec: Serge Lutens Jeux de Peau? I’m not that familiar with it, but is said to be a scent associated with bakeries. May be too sweet for you though … August 8, 2014 at 5:51am Reply

      • Danaki: This is a good option, I personally find it very comforting – so it might be what you’re looking for. Good luck with your future job search. August 8, 2014 at 10:03am Reply

      • Courant: I don’t think Jeux de Peau is overly sweet, however 5 o’clock Gingembre is not sweet at all, is incredibly masculine to my nose and is so evocative of afternoon tea that I quiver with delight. I must buy some for my husband Haha! August 8, 2014 at 4:50pm Reply

    • Blinky: Don’t know if you can still find it, although I believe it’s still in production, but Tartine et Chocolat’s Gransenbon scent (used to be in a pink trim frosty glass bottle) was exactly that to me – a light scent that always reminded me of the air when you step into a bakery. August 8, 2014 at 7:00am Reply

    • Elisa: To me, iris scents often smell like bread so you might explore there. August 8, 2014 at 12:04pm Reply

  • Tati: I recently discovered Saffron, Amber, Kardamon (yes that’s the name…-.-) by Korres. It’s a warm soft amber with oud and a little spice, no florals, not too sweet (if vanilla then it’s very shy) and woods. It dries down very woody, I love it. But the downside is that it simply won’t stay on. I constantly have to reapply. Do you have any recommendations that are alike but last longer? It’s a very harmless scent, not a crazy oud. Maybe someone knows it and can help me?

    Thanks a lot! <3 August 8, 2014 at 3:55am Reply

    • limegreen: I have the Korres and it is very fleeting. I have found the Jo Malone Cologne Intense Saffron to be a “smoother” sibling (less cardamon?) and it lasts longer than the Korres, but this is only relative to the Korres, not to other perfumes. Since you don’t mind reapplying the Korres, you may find the JM Saffron a welcome change! It becomes a pleasant skin scent on me which is fine, as I do not like anything too strong. But I will catch whiffs of the fragrance now and then. If I reapply, it would be four or five hours later? Unfortunately the JM Saffron costs much more than the Korres and only comes in 100 ml sizes. I had a sample first and found myself really wanting more when the sample was gone so I took the plunge and bought the full bottle. No regrets though. (First-time post but longtime reader. Love the blog and the community of the blog! As noted by many, Victoria’s writing is elegant and thought-provoking. And so much useful information as well, thank you so much.) August 8, 2014 at 10:41am Reply

    • limegreen: To clarify: By “smoother” I mean less spicy than the Korres, so if you like the spicy note then you may not care for JM Saffron. I like the saffron note in Korres, and that was what drew me to the JM. August 8, 2014 at 1:20pm Reply

      • Tati: Thanks for the tip! I’m definitely gonna try it. Even though I have always been disappointed with the Jo Malone fragrances because as you said they don’t last that long and second because they are very simple (mostly). Nonetheless I recently tried the Oud Bergamotte one I believe and really liked it but then again after 30 minutes it was gone…maybe I’m quite the evaporator O.O August 8, 2014 at 4:04pm Reply

      • Tati: Thanks for the tip! I’m definitely gonna try it. Even though I have always been disappointed with the Jo Malone fragrances because as you said they don’t last that long and second because they are very simple (mostly). Nonetheless I recently tried the Oud Bergamotte one I believe and really liked it but then again after 30 minutes it was gone…maybe I’m quite the evaporator O.O August 8, 2014 at 4:04pm Reply

        • limegreen: You are welcome! The Oud/Bergamote disappeared on my skin as well but the JM Cologne Intense Velvet Rose Oud has loud silliage! The Saffron was a pleasant discovery (somewhere in between the two) and it was one of those things where I was thinking about it long after my sample was gone. The fragrance lingers softly for a long time (unlike the Korres which disappears after an hour or two, which is too bad). I’d be curious to hear if you end up smelling the similarities btw the Korres and the JM — we all perceive notes so differently and are drawn to different dimensions! August 8, 2014 at 5:44pm Reply

        • limegreen: btw this is not at all like the Korres but your comment about the woods in the drydown made me wonder if you have tried Tom Ford Sahara Noir? I discovered it when I was on a saffron kick (I really love the note and prefer it without rose.). SN is the polar extreme of JM Saffron, like twins separated at birth, really dry woods (with frankincense). And a little goes a looonnng way — no reapplication needed! Both are in the same price range. August 8, 2014 at 6:02pm Reply

          • Karen: I have been trying a bunch of rose Oud samples, JM Velvet Rose Oud is really beautiful as is Sahara Noir. I have already recommended Andy Tauer’s Rose Chypre to another post, but will re-recommend it here!

            It is stunning, lasts long and just wraps you up in this cocoon of stunning beauty! (At least it does for me).

            Try a variety of samples, it’s a great way to figure out what resonates for you. Recently got several Stephan Humbert Lucas 777 samples and was relieved that I did not love love love them as they cost about 1 million $$ (or thereabouts!) – more like $500, which may as well be a million! August 10, 2014 at 7:36pm Reply

  • lynn ash: Hello everybody..
    I really needs everybody help here. I’m planning to buy serge lutens, parfum d nicolai and killian perfumes after I read all good reviews in here. But it is going to be a blind buy since all 3 brands still not entering Malaysia’s market. I have friend in US that will make purchase for me.

    I like floral and floral-fruity based perfume with strong scent. Strong jasmine and orchid will gave me headache. I already have coco mademoiselle, chance edp, guerlain idylle, nahema, l’instant de guerlain, AG quel amour, petite cherie and le muguet, chloe edp, elie saab le parfum edp, narciso her.

    From my current collection, please give me suggestion which I might love in those 3 brands. Thanks all readers for your suggestion. Sorry anyway for my not so good english been using here.

    Thanks August 8, 2014 at 6:04am Reply

    • Victoria: Lynn, what if you buy a set of samples from Surrender to Chance first? They should ship to Malaysia. The truth is that those three lines have characters that are very different from what you currently wear. It doesn’t mean you won’t like the perfumes, but many of their offerings might be an acquired taste. Better start with samples and then move onto full bottles.

      For samples, I’d recommend Serge Lutens Nuit de Cellophane, Parfums de Nicolai Weekend a Deauville, Kilian Water Calligraphy, Bamboo Tea and Good Girl Gone Bad. They are either light florals or have fruity notes blended with flowers. August 8, 2014 at 6:42am Reply

      • lynn ash: Victoria, thank u very much. Your suggestion to buy sample first is very good idea. I hope they can ship to malaysia 🙂 Luckily I found your website. Your writing is so inspiring and had developed my love towards niche perfumes. Thanks August 8, 2014 at 12:38pm Reply

  • MontrealGirl: Victoria, I love the photo of the poppies in what appears to be an olive grove. Did you take it? I do miss the sight of poppies as they are so cheerful and delicate. Here in Canada you just don’t get them growing wild like they do in Europe. August 8, 2014 at 10:57am Reply

  • Kat: General fragrance question: does perfume really get rancid? Or rather…how will I know the difference between a decant that has ‘turned’ and one that is, perhaps, a vintage chypre that I just don’t ‘get’? I am housebound so have ordered dozens of decants from on-line sources…only to be disappointed, somewhere, in each order. After reading glowing reviews of a particular scent, I wonder if I received a bad sample or if it’s just that my nose is inexperienced. Does all rancid perfume smell similar? (the dreaded ‘old-lady-smell’) Thank you, in advance, for any help on this subject… August 8, 2014 at 12:27pm Reply

    • annemarie: Perfume that has turned completely has a very distinct smell like nail varnish remover, or paint thinner. You really can’t mistake it for anything else. ‘Turning’ is a gradual process though; the top notes will go first, and smell a bit nasty, but after that the perfume may recover and still be wonderful. Stored in the right conditions fragrance can last for years but the top notes will decline first.

      So if you are buying samples from a reputable supplier like Surrender to Chance or The Perfumed Court, it’s more likely that your nose is unfamiliar with what you are smelling, especially if you are buying classic fragrances of an earlier era. (Those ‘old ladies’ were young once, and had superb taste!)

      Oakmoss and funky materials like civet are not fashionable any more, and you may be perceiving them as ‘musty’ or ‘dirty’. By contrast, modern releases tend to be resolutely clean and polite.

      Don’t give up ! I’m sure you will find something wonderful to love ! August 8, 2014 at 6:22pm Reply

      • Kat: Thank you, annemarie! Yes, I believe it was the civet in Knowing and Paloma Picasso that were a challenge for me. Other samples definitely had that strong varnish smell that you describe. I will have to assume that they were stored incorrectly and probably for many years. August 8, 2014 at 9:28pm Reply

    • JanLast: Kat, I think it can go the other way, too. I was going through an old box which had been in the basement in the cool dark since the 70’s or early 80’s. I found a boxed bottle of Avon’s Bird of Paradise, and out of curiosity, opened it. It was gorgeous, none of those alcohol top notes, just mellowed fragrance. August 9, 2014 at 12:08pm Reply

      • Kat: That’s good to hear, JanLast! From now on, I will make sure I only buy from reputable companies, as annemarie suggested.

        I hope I didn’t offend anyone–by using the term ‘old-lady smell’, I definitely meant to suggest that particular rancid odor that often comes from one or a combination of the following:

        a favorite fragrance that one might not be able to part with for sentimental reasons, but needs replacing (possibly difficult to locate)

        anyone on a limited budget, who refuses to ‘waste’ fragrance, even though it’s turned…..or…..

        a wearer who has a limited sense of smell and tends to over-spray (smokers might also fall into this category). Too much of anything can exude a sharp and offensive sillage.

        I realize that the above conditions could describe a person of ANY age, esp if their fragrance has not been stored well.

        I’ve greatly enjoyed getting to know some of the vintage fragrances which were once wore with pride by thousands of perfume patrons of the past! Even as I type, I’m enjoying lovely wafts of my Rochas Femme. 😉 Thanks, again!! August 9, 2014 at 6:30pm Reply

  • yetty: I am an avid reader of this blog and love perfumes. I love perfumes but not a fan of musk .can you please recommend a long lasting strong feminine perfume ?I wear cartier baiser de dragon ,channel no 5 and 19 .I love jasmine ,roses and citrus (orange and mandarin) I love fragrances but I need a wow factor as a signature perfume. August 8, 2014 at 1:03pm Reply

    • spe: Amouage and Serge Lutens make strong perfumes. If you’re interested in something more accessible, maybe Alien? Some of the Bond frags are strong (Broadway Nite), if you prefer a more modern, less classic approach. August 8, 2014 at 10:13pm Reply

    • Hannah: What is your budget? You might like By Kilian Love and Tears, but it is really expensive.
      I stumbled upon a review of Amoreuse by Parfums Delrae just now…I’ve never tried it but Victoria’s review here sounds interesting.
      Maybe Samsara by Guerlain. August 8, 2014 at 10:41pm Reply

  • Buka: I would like to express my gratitude to all readers (from the previous discussion on the same topic) who helped me to make an imaginary trip to Italy, thanks to the kind suggestions of an Italian perfume houses:-)
    The trip was delightfull and unforgettable: I had a chance to experience a lot of beautiful fragrances (along with some music, movies and food)!

    Thank You! August 8, 2014 at 1:17pm Reply

  • Rebecca: Hi everyone! I’m definitely new to the fragrance world. Thank goodness there are so many knowledgable writers and commenters at this site. 🙂

    Any recommendations for the following?: I absolutely love Tom Ford’s Shanghai Lily, but the price is really on the high side. Any alternative fragrances that might fit the bill? Spices, sandalwood and vanilla are all nice on me, including 5 0’Clock au Gingembre, Burberry for Men EDT, even Jungle l’Elephant (to a degree, it’s a little on the strong side).

    Thank you – looking forward to reading all of the recommended scents for today! August 8, 2014 at 4:25pm Reply

    • Courant: Hi Rebecca, Donna Karan’s Gold is discontinued but still widely available around the traps, online and main street.
      The EDP is wonderful and verra’ strong if you like it that way but it’s also very inexpensive! Madonna’s Truth Dare Naked? Tried that? Is cheepy cheepy cheap cheap. August 8, 2014 at 4:56pm Reply

      • Rebecca: Thanks, Courant – I’m looking them up right now! Have a nice weekend. August 8, 2014 at 6:03pm Reply

        • Katy McReynolds: Try Cartier Baiser Vole Essence. There are 3 different iterations, but the essence has a beautiful smoky vanilla base and of course a beautiful fresh lily note is what this fragrance is all about. I bought a big bottle at Nordstrom but I bet you can find it for less….. August 8, 2014 at 8:32pm Reply

          • Rebecca: Thanks so much, Katy! I have yet to try a Cartier fragrance, and smoky vanilla sounds wonderful. August 9, 2014 at 4:22am Reply

      • Nina Zolotow: Second Gold. It is very beautiful and VERY inexpensive at this point. Another beautiful lily that is not so expensive is Amoureuse by Parfums Delrae. Gold is a much better deal, though, and discontinued so maybe grab it while you can. August 14, 2014 at 12:05pm Reply

    • Tijana: Hi Rebecca – I too love Shanghai Lily, but find it very expensive. I do know that the “inspiration” behind it was YSL Opium and while they are different, they do feel like distant cousins. Hope this helps. August 9, 2014 at 8:38am Reply

      • Rebecca: Thanks, Tijana – I didn’t know about the inspiration for it. The good thing is I can sample this at Macy’s – for free! 🙂 August 9, 2014 at 3:55pm Reply

    • SophieC: Hello – not a lily at all but for very smooth sandalwood and vanilla try Samsara. August 11, 2014 at 8:46am Reply

    • Sylviane: On me Shangai Lily smells very much like Songes by Annick Goutal. Might be worth checking on your skin. August 11, 2014 at 9:53am Reply

      • Rebecca: Thanks, Sylviane – I have a sample of Songes and it smells divine out of the bottle, and does remind me of Shanghai Lily. Unfortunately, on my skin it smells like a really lovely kind of soft jasmine and a cumin or body odor type smell. Very unpleasant. It just does not like me! 😉 August 13, 2014 at 12:49am Reply

  • carole macleod: Hello to everyone,
    Has anyone tried the Huitieme Arts line? or Passarelle, by Tommi Sooni? I bought several H. Arts, and Passarelle. I wanted something beautiful for myself plus something really good to give to my brother. He loves Eau de Campaigne: is Aube Pashmina too feminine for a man? The boxes sit here in their cello wrappers, waiting for me to make a decison! August 10, 2014 at 8:18am Reply

    • rainboweyes: I only know Naïviris from the Huitieme Art line and like it a lot. It’s a delicate iris scent with a woody base that’s perfectly unisex and can be worn by a man. August 10, 2014 at 11:45am Reply

      • carole macleod: Cool! Thank you 🙂 August 10, 2014 at 2:51pm Reply

  • Therése: Can someone recommend me a scent based on my favorites? I’d like to find a scent that is deep, dark and mysterious, while still clean and elegant.

    For years and years I wore Gaultiers Fragile Edp until it was discontinued. Lately my favorites include Stella, Sel de vetiver, Portrait of a lady, Montale Roses Musk and Roses Petals.

    Suggestions? August 11, 2014 at 3:28pm Reply

    • Victoria: It looks like you enjoy a variety of fragrances, from dry woods like Sel de Vetiver to classical white florals like Fragile to the oriental roses. I recommend two Atelier Cologne perfumes, Vetiver Fatal and Rose Anonyme, as they both with your favorites. You might like Annick Goutal Songes, a beautiful white floral with jasmine. Or L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons for a light tuberose. Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin is another rose I recommend to you. August 11, 2014 at 3:35pm Reply

      • Victoria: P.S. I realized that you wanted something deep, dark and mysterious, so I will narrow down my choices to La Fille de Berlin and Songes. Also, Lutens’s Vierge de Fer is another interesting idea, which is not too dark, but it makes a statement. August 11, 2014 at 3:36pm Reply

        • Therése: Yes, my taste is all over the place 🙂 So I will put all your suggestion on my to try-list. The Atelier Cologne scents sound intriguing, and so does Songes. Thank you! August 11, 2014 at 3:44pm Reply

  • Rose: Dear Victoria,

    I recently came across the fact that a couple of years ago the House of Worth have released their closer-to-the-original version of “Je Reviens Couture”. I was quite surprised that there seems to be no “agiotage” around such a legendary perfume of fine pedigree. I personally, haven’t yet had the possibility to smell it, so I would be grateful to find out your thoughts on it. August 11, 2014 at 4:24pm Reply

    • Victoria: I haven’t seen it anywhere, to be honest. I recall posting the news, but I’m yet to find a tester. I will be sure to review it as soon as I can. August 11, 2014 at 5:20pm Reply

  • Regine: Dear all, I am new to perfumes and not good in explaining the nuances. Yet I am looking for a nuanced perfume! I always seem to be drawn to deep, spicy fragrances, but I’m not at all the type for it — I need something which is more fragile and flowery but with an edge to it, something as complex as Tauer’s Une Rose Chypree but light, elegant and European and not as dominant. I know, quite the opposite really, but I’m mentioning URC mainly because of its complexity… I’d like something feminine but with an edgy, curious note (more Kate Moss than oriental beauty). I once smelled a perfume which had a soft scent but there was something like a boomerang in it, another scent which caught me off guard which made the whole sensation somehow a sweet-sour one, as if the heart was jumping when one is in love. I also love sea breeze smells. Nothing too sharp or too velvety. Bottom line is I’d like to have an ambiguous fragrance and appreciate any advice. Always enjoy reading your posts and comments. August 11, 2014 at 5:39pm Reply

    • Victoria: Can you please tell us what favorite perfumes you have? Nuanced is such a wide concept, so it is hard to give precise enough recommendations, but with few extra pointers we can help out. August 11, 2014 at 5:48pm Reply

  • Regine: I understand. I must have completely failed in my attempt to describe… The problem is that I don’t have favourite perfumes yet that would fit my descriptions. So far I have liked deeper ones that don’t fit my type – some Tauer perfumes, room scents like True Grace Library and Sacristy, it doesn’t make much sense mentioning them. Florabotanica could be a hint in the right direction, but only because of my lack of experience. I’m not crazy about that one. August 11, 2014 at 6:14pm Reply

    • Courant: My daughter, 29, always looking for knock out type perfumes, loves Eau de Protection AKA Rossy de Palma, a huge rose with epic silage. For the sea breeze it’s hard to go past Eau de Merveilles. My go anywhere fragrance is Annick Goutals Nuit Etoilee (must be EDP) I am hopelessly devoted to Chanel No 19 ‘for special’ August 11, 2014 at 8:41pm Reply

      • Regine: Thank you Courant for taking the time to answer. I will try your recommendations. August 12, 2014 at 7:16am Reply

    • Victoria: What about Stella MacCartney Stella? It’s a beautiful rose, not too sharp, not too velvety. August 12, 2014 at 1:10pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: Have you tried Parfums DelRae Panache? It’s an elegant floral with a classical, European touch.
      I also second No. 19 and would add 31 Rue Cambon from the Chanel Les Exclusifs range. And the Ann Gèrard line is worth exploring too! August 16, 2014 at 9:46am Reply

  • Hannah: I’m wearing a sample of Fourreau Noir now and when I was smelling it, I remembered Or des Indes by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier. I used up my sample of that a long time ago, so I can’t compare. Does anyone know how similar they are?
    Or des Indes doesn’t have almond or tonka but I think the overall effect may be very similar. August 11, 2014 at 9:03pm Reply

    • Courant: I own a bottle of Or des Indes. Luca Turin said of it ‘MPG does Shalimar. Buy Shalimar’ I own the EDP and the difference between the EDT and EDP is marked with the EDP softer and more luminous. There’s a honeyed hesperidic opening then the makeup bag. It’s closest to L’Heure Bleu. It’s better than modern LHB. This is the strongest makeup lipstick vibe perfume in my collection, except for the Dior Homme that my husband misappropriated. LOL. I don’t remember Fourreau Noir but I think MPG is underrated generally, it’s great value. August 12, 2014 at 2:39am Reply

      • Hannah: I’ll get a sample from luckyscent.

        What is the current Jicky like? August 12, 2014 at 10:22am Reply

        • Courant: Victoria would be a better judge of how Jicky shepes up; when I smelt it at a counter recently I thought it was the most gorgeous lavender base, perhaps this is what you remember from Fourreau Noir. August 12, 2014 at 3:37pm Reply

  • Mccnx: My really good friend describe my natural scent as male mcmale. I should try which fragrance to go with my strong natural odor? August 14, 2014 at 1:24pm Reply

  • J. Robert Hopkins: Hi Everyone! You may remember my quest for Shalimar or something similar back in June! I received so many wonderful comments back then! Thanks again to all! First of all, I did end up buying Shalimar edt in the Helsinki airport before a trip with my wife to Greece. I am so glad I have Shalimar now. It fit in so well with the Greek sun and the warm, balmy evenings. I’d been interested in Shalimar ever since I learned that my mother, who died when I was 16, had used that perfume. I was wondering if the scent would bring back otherwise lost memories. To be honest, I didn’t recognize the fragrance. My sister said our mother probably used the extrait de parfum; I don’t know if that would make much difference as to whether I would recognize it or not. Anyway, my first impression after applying the edt was of something I can only call “brassy.” I was surprised at first, but I used Shalimar almost every day and came to love it more and more. My sister-in-law, who had originally told me about my mother having used Shalimar, said she herself disliked the perfume. She found it “incensey, smoky and heavy.” I was so happy when I met my sister-in-law in Boulder, Colorado this summer! At one point she said: “Oh, you smell so good!” I laughed and said: “Please say that again!” That was the Shalimar! 🙂

    I was so hoping to find the perfumes of Patricia de Nicolai or Serge Lutens at Heathrow when I passed through there this summer, but they were not to be seen. What I did end up with is Jour de Hermes. I was very drawn to Chanel No. 19 and YSL Opium also, but Hermes is difficult to find in Finland, and the scent of Jour was one that immediately struck me as heavenly. I love its transparent radiance and soft spoken elegance.

    But, my quest for perfumes will continue. I still crave a more dark, warm, mysterious fragrance. Perhaps Caron Parfum Sacre or Opium? I don’t know but I’m looking forward to my ongoing journey into the world of perfumery! Thanks again to all for your comments! August 17, 2014 at 1:39am Reply

    • Courant: So pleased you carried your torch and re ignited the flame. All the best for your fragranced world August 18, 2014 at 3:49pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: What an enthousiastic comment on Shalimar! i like this kind of perfume stories, thank you for sharing. I hope you will find more perfumes to make you happy ( I bet Opium will be a good choice). August 19, 2014 at 5:04am Reply

  • Pavel Dewari: What is the best perfume for men in 2014? Could anyone give me any suggestion? August 17, 2014 at 8:03am Reply

    • Hannah: I’m looking at basenotes’ ”popular with the boys” page. Some of the most popular, and for good reason, are: Terre d’Hermes (Hermes), Encre Noire (Lalique), Dior Homme (Christian Dior), Fahrenheit (Christian Dior), Egoïste (Chanel), Habit Rouge (Guerlain), Bulgari Black (Bulgari), Antaeus (Chanel), and Kouros (Yves Saint Laurent).
      My favorite out of that list is Encre Noire. August 17, 2014 at 6:49pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Marvellous list. my personal favourite: Dior Homme and Dior Homme Intense. August 19, 2014 at 5:07am Reply

  • Sarah V: Dear All – Longing to find my true, signature scent! I am nearing the end of a bottle of Prada Milano (which I like very much) – In the past I have enjoyed Private Collection (Estee Lauder – quite heavy but somehow resonates with me and would always draw comments), Chanel No19, Chanel No 5 (on my adored late Mother especially…), Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille (wonderful on my husband!). Despite having had many lovely scents over the years, I am still to find ‘the one’. I love the delicate scent of Oleander (but do not see it listed in your fragrance finder selection?) Also; almond, vanilla, musk, amber, sandalwood, mandarin and fresh citrus too. I do not like anything with a heavy jasmine scent, nor anise. I am looking for a long lasting, powdery yet fresh scent if such a perfume exists. Can anyone help with some suggestions please? Ps So happy to have found this marvellous site. Congratulations! x September 17, 2014 at 5:55am Reply

    • Victoria: Sarah, maybe you can’t find the one, because your personality and moods are so complex and multifaceted that a single perfume won’t encompass it all. But discovering something new is always much more fun. If you like Private Collection and No 19, try Chanel Cristalle, Jacomo Silences, Aqua di Parma Iris Nobile and Hermes Eau de Narcisse Bleu. They are delicate and have green notes which are beautiful.

      A fresh “recommend me a perfume” thread will up tomorrow, so if you like, you can repost your question there and get more suggestions from others. September 17, 2014 at 8:02am Reply

      • Sarah V: Thank you Victoria – I will get into the swing of your page here! I am determined to find out the answer to my Oleander question too – does it have another fragrance name perhaps? By the way, you are absolutely right about moods – how could any woman possibly encompass her entire personality in one signature scent! Shoes and perfume…aah!! September 17, 2014 at 1:56pm Reply

  • Miriam: I have worn Jean Patou 1000 since the 70s, and have recently been searching for its body lotion, preferably in green glass pump bottle (but tube is acceptable). I’ve read that it’s no longer available and I wonder if that’s true. I’d appreciate a recommendation of a similar scent line which includes a body lotion. If it is not true, suggestions of where the JP1000 body lotion could be purchased would be appreciated. I live in Canada but happily purchase online. October 30, 2014 at 1:53pm Reply

  • Lisa Starke: Hello- I am trying to find the scent of Gucci No 3. Being a novice to “what is perfume”, I am still no closing in finding a similar scent nor understanding the “language” of the industry. Lol. I would surely appreciate any perfumes that would come close. I thank you. November 24, 2014 at 8:09pm Reply

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