Recommend Me a Perfume : September

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, we would love to hear how your search went and what you’ve discovered.

september-breakfast

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, fall fruits

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416 Comments

  • Sandra: I am going to jump in and say how much I adore this thread. Recommend me a perfume is genious! I love reading everyones responses and discussions. For me, this blog has been a great find. Thanks Victoria!
    Since we are heading into my favorite season, Fall, I am starting to wear warmer scents. I love the cool nights with the windows open..so refreshing.
    Today I am wearing Allure. Though Allure is not Chanel’s most popular-I love the vanilla note. Also waiting to possilbe buy the parfum version of coco noir.
    May I have a some of whatever is on that plate! dont deny a pregnant woman 😉 September 18, 2014 at 7:51am Reply

    • Victoria: You smell great! I also love Allure, and I always seem to get a craving for it once the weather starts to cool down. Something about this fragrance evokes leaves turn color and market stalls overflowing with apples and late summer peaches.

      You’re welcome to this whole plate! 🙂 September 18, 2014 at 9:12am Reply

      • SophieC: I was going to say that plate looks divine. Such a beautful evocation of late summer bounty. September 18, 2014 at 9:56am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: A beautiful stilleven, I suppose it is cheese, but could also be icecream. September 18, 2014 at 1:56pm Reply

          • Victoria: Thank you!

            It is fresh goat cheese with my grandmother’s cherry jam. September 20, 2014 at 4:24am Reply

    • zari: Sandra, my mom wears Allure and she’s old school about her perfume – she will only use one bottle until it runs out. I think of her when I smell it. I am wearing Noa by Cacheral today, and am surprised at how appropriate it is for the cool weather. I wore in the summer and against the heat it was like a shade of coolness, and now its the opposite.

      I am looking for a warm, cozy scent that is modern, has amber (but not sweet amber), patchouli, and maybe some flowers, herbs, bergamot… (I realize I’m sort of describing Colette here). Any ideas? September 18, 2014 at 11:13am Reply

      • Tomate Farcie: Neela Vermeire Mohur, I Profumi di Firenze Ambra del Nepal, Barbara Bui-discontinued but you can still find it September 18, 2014 at 4:05pm Reply

        • zari: Lovely recs, thank you. I will try these! September 18, 2014 at 9:22pm Reply

      • Sandra: Thank you for sharing that bit about your Mom! She has great taste in perfume and I only wish I had her discipline!
        Maybe my goal for this year is to finish these bottles before I consider buying anything else.

        Wish I could help with your request. The only Amber I own is Voyage de Hermes, but the perfume (the black bottle). Its not sweet at all, amber and musk September 18, 2014 at 5:15pm Reply

      • monkeytoe: Prada L’Eau Ambree is a great year-round amber/patchouli with a bit of flowers. September 19, 2014 at 8:08am Reply

    • Mel: I wish I could keep my windows open at night but Venice is crawling with thieves! I too am craving panna cotta with cherry compote and fresh figs but not because I’m pregnant. And like you I LOVE this blog. My favorite scents for Fall are Bois de Paradis and Dzongkha and Like This but now I will re-visit Allure. September 18, 2014 at 8:03pm Reply

    • Lizziebr: I would like to add Annick Houtal’s L’Nuit d Hadrien, to the list. It is a nice balance of warm notes, with a bit of citrus, to keep it from getting to heavy. Also, the picture of the figs, brings to mind Hermes’ Mediterranee, which is simply wonderful. September 18, 2014 at 8:03pm Reply

  • melissa: Hi everyone! I’m interested in recommendations for mossy chypre fragrances that are reasonably accessible and affordable in their current formulations. I’m just starting to understand and enjoy these fragrances, and would like to sniff as wide a swath as possible without hitting my head against that reformulation wall too early and often.

    Two that I’ve enjoyed recently are Azemour les Orangers and Une Folie de Rose. Anything to add to my sniff list is deeply appreciated – thank you in advance! September 18, 2014 at 7:58am Reply

    • Michaela: My favorites until now are Agent Provocateur Agent Provocateur and Estee Lauder Knowing (thank you, Elisa). If you don’t already know them, I think these are worth sampling. September 18, 2014 at 8:06am Reply

      • Michaela: And Bottega Veneta, for sure (if you like a leather perfume with violets). September 18, 2014 at 8:10am Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Seconding AP. It really is lovely. September 18, 2014 at 9:22am Reply

      • Elisa: You’re welcome, Michaela! 🙂 September 18, 2014 at 10:24am Reply

      • melissa: Thanks! Agent Provocateur and I are still circling one another warily because of the top notes, but I’m starting to figure it out. September 18, 2014 at 6:29pm Reply

    • solanace: It seems that Thierry Wasser did a great job bringing Mitsouko back to its original splendour. September 18, 2014 at 8:25am Reply

    • Figuier: Not quite mossy, but a lovely example of modern chypres is Goutal’s Mon Parfum Cheri. Or if you try Knowing then at the same time you could check out Lauder’s original Private Collection, it’s beautiful and very old school. September 18, 2014 at 9:36am Reply

      • Michaela: Seconding Private Collection (enthusiastically) 🙂 September 18, 2014 at 9:50am Reply

      • melissa: For some reason I thought of Private Collection as very aggressive, but the reviews sound much more appealing. Thank you! September 18, 2014 at 6:28pm Reply

    • Jennifer: I love a good mossy chypre. My perfume dollars are precious as well, and a fragrance that fits the bill would be Paloma Picasso. There’s an earthy coolness to it that makes me happy. September 18, 2014 at 11:37am Reply

      • Jennifer C: And the great thing about Paloma Picasso is that it’s really easy to find at discounters. I see it at TJ Maxx all the time. September 18, 2014 at 5:18pm Reply

      • Shannon: Paloma is my mother’s signature fragrance. I can pick it out of any crowd. September 18, 2014 at 5:19pm Reply

      • melissa: A great endorsement! Thanks! September 18, 2014 at 6:28pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Houbigant Aperçu and you can pick it up for a song! September 18, 2014 at 5:33pm Reply

      • melissa: That’s a new name to me — thank you! September 18, 2014 at 6:28pm Reply

    • monkeytoe: YSL Y is a great mossy chypre. September 19, 2014 at 8:10am Reply

  • Vanie: That picture is mouth watering!

    I’m on the hunt for the perfect sandalwood perfume. I’d love your suggestions, preferably for things easy to get ahold of. I tried Tom Ford Santal Blush, and although it smells amazing, I found it a bit heavy for my tastes… Too much sillage, I think. I also have samples of Tam Dao (quite resinous), Bois des Iles and Santal Massoïa (which I only tried dabbing and almost couldn’t smell it on me. Need to try it again. Do you think spraying would give me more out of it?). What are your thoughts on those? What others should I get?

    Thanks! September 18, 2014 at 8:06am Reply

    • Sandra: I love the sandlewood note in the older bottles of Samsara. I think you can still find them on ebay.
      Some of my favorite sandalwood perfumes are:
      Serge Lutens Santal Blanc & Santal de Mysore & Santal Majuscule
      You may want to try F. Malle’s Dries Van Noten September 18, 2014 at 8:16am Reply

      • Elisa: Seconding Santal Majuscule, I want a FB when my decant runs out. Also, Champagne de Bois which is kind of an update on the Bois des Iles idea. September 18, 2014 at 10:25am Reply

        • Vanie: Champagne des bois looks amazing! Thanks for the tip! September 18, 2014 at 9:29pm Reply

      • limegreen: Has anyone tried the new Dries Van Noten body butter? September 18, 2014 at 2:04pm Reply

      • Vanie: I guess I need to pay Uncle Serge a visit then! I don’t remember seeing those specific ones in Sephora or Holt Renfrew before however. I’ll check!

        I really should explore the Guerlain’s offerings (I am somehow intimidated… Never know where to start!), since I only tried a mere three of them I think. September 18, 2014 at 9:32pm Reply

    • nemo: May I add 10 Corso Como to this list? It was the perfume that made me want to seek out more sandalwood perfumes (though it also has incense). September 18, 2014 at 8:25am Reply

      • Vanie: I have seen this one mentioned a few times but I have never seen this brand anywhere. Do you know where I could find it? I guess I can look it up online myself… Thanks for the recommendation! September 18, 2014 at 9:35pm Reply

    • limegreen: Hi — did you try the Tam Dao EDP? I like it more than the EDT. September 18, 2014 at 9:58am Reply

      • Vanie: I only got a sample of the EDT. I’ll try the EDP next time, maybe it’ll be a touch creamier and less cedar-y (although I worn the EDT today, and it was smoother than I remembered! Maybe I didn’t try it in the right weather last time)… September 18, 2014 at 9:37pm Reply

    • Julie: That Santal Massoia is so frustrating! I recently purchased a sample and it’s nearly impossible to smell. I think Victoria, or someone, mentioned this yesterday in relation to the new Hermessence Cuir d`Ange — stuff does not last!
      Sandalwood that works for me and I think is quite nice and manageable is Dior’s Dune, Santal Carmin by Atelier (a tad sweet) and starting to fall for Champagne de Bois thanks to Elisa 😉
      I’d like to try some of the Luten’s too and especially interested in those that have the real deal: mysore sandalwood! September 18, 2014 at 12:36pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Santal Noble, Maître Parfumeur et Gantier. September 18, 2014 at 1:58pm Reply

        • Julie: I see this has coffee too – does this come through or not really?
          I’d like to try this one! September 18, 2014 at 2:41pm Reply

          • Cornelia Blimber: Coffee? That would be nice, but no, not to my nose! September 19, 2014 at 6:17am Reply

        • Isis: Yes! Of all the sandalwood I’ve tried, I like Santal Noble best so far. Also: Mona di Orio’s Vanille is very much about sandalwood to me, and its gorgeous. September 20, 2014 at 3:34pm Reply

      • Vanie: I’m moving Champagne de Bois at the top of my list! Thanks for the recommendations! September 18, 2014 at 9:37pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Have you tried 10 Corso Como? or Sonoma Scent Studio Champagne de Bois? September 18, 2014 at 3:35pm Reply

      • Vanie: I haven’t tried neither, but since they were both recommended a few times, I’ll make sure that I do. Thanks! September 18, 2014 at 9:38pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Ava Luxe No 23 is another lovely sandalwood. I particularly like the perfume oil September 18, 2014 at 10:03pm Reply

    • Blinky: Bois des Iles or Champagne des Bois are my votes. Frankly for the price CdB is the better pick, personally I think it’s got superior sandalwood. Samsara, only if it’s vintage. That was amazing, amazing stuff. I’ve always regretted getting rid of my bottles of EDP and Rituel de Parfum (alcohol free version I think that was but sillage was still out of this world) from back in 2000. September 19, 2014 at 6:34am Reply

      • Vanie: I think I’ll order a sample of CdB once SSS get back from their summer break!
        Too bad you regretted getting rid of your Samsara… September 19, 2014 at 6:39pm Reply

    • Alouetta: I’m thirding Santal Majuscule if you’re happy with a jammy rose with your sandalwood. It’s very wearable, but I think suits the cooler months. No. 23 by Ava Luxe isn’t bad either, and very affordable. It’s a much lighter scent, and cooling. I think I’ll be breaking it out again now that the weather is warming up (down under). September 19, 2014 at 8:02am Reply

      • Vanie: I don’t mind a jammy rose: I have a bottle of Lush Rose Jam!
        I have never heard of Ava Luxe before. Where can they be found?

        Thanks for the suggestions! September 19, 2014 at 6:46pm Reply

        • Alouetta: I buy direct from her website (not sure if posting links is allowed here). She has excellent customer service, and I have three of her scents which I’ve found to be very wearable (No. 23, Green Tara, Fig Leaf), but No. 23 is my favourite. September 20, 2014 at 10:34am Reply

        • Alouetta: Oh and I should have said that I have her spray fragrances and can’t comment as to the oil version, though Tomate Farcie above seems to rate it! September 20, 2014 at 10:37am Reply

    • Lynley: By Kilian Sacred Wood, Etro Sandalo, and I think Floris do a sandalwood September 21, 2014 at 1:21am Reply

  • Connie: Please recommend to me irises that you think I would enjoy! My favorites so far are Bois d’Argent, Equistrius, and Cuir de Nacre.
    I’m not a big fan of Iris Poudre (which smells clean and powdery like my grandfather, to me), Iris Silver Mist (too rooty), and Silver Iris (too sweet). Any thoughts? September 18, 2014 at 8:19am Reply

    • solanace: Dior Homme and Dior Homme Intense. September 18, 2014 at 8:27am Reply

    • Patricia: Two of my favorites are Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue and Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile (now only available in EDP). September 18, 2014 at 8:40am Reply

      • limegreen: Second ADP Iris Nobile EDP! September 18, 2014 at 9:59am Reply

    • allgirlmafia: Goutal Heure Exquise. Understated and utterly beautiful. September 18, 2014 at 9:24am Reply

    • Sandra: What about the regular no 19?
      Have you tried 28 La Pausa? September 18, 2014 at 9:28am Reply

    • Figuier: Chanel’s 28 La Pausa is my favourite iris, not too sweet, not too demure, not too dry; although it might be a little too clean compared to Equistrius & co. Maybe you want more iris-leather? In which case how about Traversee du Bosphore , Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur, and Cuir de Russie (try both edt & extrait, they’re quite different) September 18, 2014 at 9:28am Reply

    • SophieC: Another lovely one without the powdery note to such an extent is VCA Bois D’Iris, and I rather love Iris Prima from Penhaligons – somehow an Iris infused with Autumn sun to my nose. September 18, 2014 at 9:58am Reply

    • Bee: Maybe Iris de nuit (Heeley) September 18, 2014 at 1:37pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: Some more ideas: Ramon Monegal Impossible Iris, Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne, Artisan Parfumeur Dzongkha, Chanel 31 Rue Cambon, Histoires de Parfums Moulin Rouge, Jovoy Rouge Assassin, Nicolai Odalisque. September 18, 2014 at 3:36pm Reply

      • rainboweyes: Oh, I forgot Hermes Hiris! September 18, 2014 at 3:39pm Reply

        • rainboweyes: And Diptyque Volutés just came to my mind… September 19, 2014 at 3:55am Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Hermes Hiris in my view an Olivia Giacobetti masterpiece; Ramon Monegal Impossible Iris, Van Cleef & Arpels Bois D’Iris, Parfums DelRae Mythique September 18, 2014 at 4:27pm Reply

    • Annikky: I believe that all my other favourites have been mentioned already, but Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena is a very, very good iris. September 19, 2014 at 4:14am Reply

      • Andy: Seconding Iris Nazarena! For iris, soft leather, and incense, it’s excellent. Another favorite in a similar genre is Dzongkha (already mentioned). September 19, 2014 at 1:40pm Reply

    • Isis: Hiris! We shouldn’t forget Hermés Hiris, is a gem. September 20, 2014 at 3:36pm Reply

  • Connie: And I’d love some animalic recommendations! I don’t really like the crude leather smell (like Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford) and Absolue pour le Soir is a tad much for me, but I love the civet in vintage Shalimar, the powdery civet in Gold Man, the musk of L’Air de Rien… Hit me up with some skank please! September 18, 2014 at 8:24am Reply

    • Carlisle: I like Dzing! and Kiehl’s Musk September 18, 2014 at 9:12am Reply

    • Figuier: Try Bal de Versailles – vintage skank at its best! Also the extrait versions of the other older Guerlains, like Jicky, Vol de Nuit and Nahema. Serge Lutens Musc Koublai Khan is known as lethally animalic but I find it very close to Dzing!, without the popcorn, so you could try that also, along with Sarrasins (floral animalic). September 18, 2014 at 9:32am Reply

    • Elisa: SSS Winter Woods has a great castoreum note. Dirty but not too much. September 18, 2014 at 10:26am Reply

    • melissa: Le Labo Labdanum 18, especially in the oil! A beautiful powdery amber with rich castoreum note. September 18, 2014 at 2:36pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Jicky, Rochas Femme, Muscs Kublai Khan,
      Jasmin et Cigarette, Amoureuse, Amaranthine September 18, 2014 at 4:17pm Reply

    • Cybele: Eau d’Hermes and Yatagan! September 21, 2014 at 3:49am Reply

  • Brainfodder: Help! Any recommendations that will streamline my sample habit before I blow my annual budget would be greatly appreciated 😉

    Are there any gems that you’ve adored and feel they shouldn’t be missed?

    For info, big loves so far include…
    Frederic Malle: Vetiver Extraordinaire, L’Eau d’Hiver, Carnal Flower, Iris Poudre
    Piguet: Baghari, and Fracas
    Chanel: No 18, Bois des Iles, Cuir de Russie
    Lalique Encre Noir pour Homme
    ELd’O Rien
    Knize Ten
    Ormonde Jayne: Woman, Tolu
    MDCI Promesse de l’Aube
    Tauer: L’Air Du Desert Moroccain, Une Rose Chypre
    VP Rubj extrait
    L’A P: Premier Figuier Extreme
    Ineke: Evening Edged in Gold (would like it stronger though!)

    The ones I keep on going back for a sniff:
    EL Private Collection
    Papillon Angelique
    Ecrivan’s Wilde
    Chanel 31 RdC and No 22
    Tauer Une Rose Chypre
    Annick Goutal: Ninfeo Mio
    Arquiste: Boutonniere No 7
    L’A P Seville a l’Aube and La Chasse
    Guerlain Chamade
    Bottega Veneta

    Really lovely but eaten immediately by my skin:
    Atelier Colognes

    The ones I wanted to love, but didn’t:
    VP Mito 🙁
    Patou Joy
    Nicolai Le Temps

    … and the unfortunate Total Recoils (on my skin ;)):
    FM: Portrait of a Lady (aaaarrgghhh…. take it off!!!)
    SL: Santal Majuscule, Ambre Sultan
    James Heeley: Veritas Vetiver
    Tauer: Le Maroc Pour Elle, Lonestar Memories

    I’m UK based. Thanks in advance! September 18, 2014 at 8:48am Reply

    • limegreen: Hi! I had trouble with FM Portrait of a Lady, too, but love Carnal Flower. (One day I will get the Carnal Flower body butter, though it takes up quite a bit of one’s fragrance budget!) Did you try FM Lys Mediterranee and Eau de Magnolia? (These do not have the silliage of CF.) How about Noir Epices? It’s become a favorite of mine though I normally gravitate toward white florals.
      Have you tried Ormonde Man? It’s wonderfully woody, oud and touch of vetiver and perfect for London fall. I liked it better than Ormonde Woman, though it’s apples and oranges! (Since you’re in the UK, it’s easy for you to get Ormonde Jayne, lucky you.) September 18, 2014 at 9:43am Reply

      • Brainfodder: Thanks limegreen!

        Noir Epices is one of the Malle’s I haven’t tried yet, and I’m not sure why… it sounds great, and I get along very well with most of the line – POAL being a distinct exception to the rule! What is it that you love about NE, and does it compare to any other fragrances?
        I really liked Eau Magnolia, but Vetiver Extraordinaire wins out – it is so glorious on my skin, crisp sparkling lemony start and that woody dry down… I feel I can wear it anywhere, in any weather, and it never feels austere or too masculine – my ready for anything fragrance I suppose. Love Ormonde Woman and will revisit Man if my hubbie hasn’t drained the sample… September 18, 2014 at 11:52am Reply

        • limegreen: Hi Brainfodder — I, too, love most of the FM line. I loved the VE but had to make my purchases carefully. The nice gentleman in the Paris FM boutique I visited told me that it “takes” a while for POAL to develop. I waited a long time and still am waiting. (Unlike you I did not feel it was a scrubber!)

          I would not have tried NE except they had it in the FM smelling column and it was exquisite. So many of the reviews stress the cloves. On me the cloves are not prominent. I have not had enough experience with that many fragrances to compare it with something else but it stands out in my collection of florals and citrus colognes, which is probably why I love it, even when it’s humid here. I have smoky incense perfumes, too, and NE is lighter than these. In fact, the humidity has brought out the orange note in a nice spicy floral way rather than citrusy. The best thing about NE for me because I don’t like heavy vanilla is that this is not a sweet oriental so it is not sweet in the drydown (or at any point). I think in one of those website interviews this was Michel Roudnitska’s objective (an unsweet oriental or something). September 18, 2014 at 2:27pm Reply

        • limegreen: As for other FM frags — Did you like Une Rose or Dans tes Bras? Not on the sweet side so I love them. To my nose, Dans tes Bras seems like a heavier sillage version of L’eau d’Hiver. September 18, 2014 at 2:38pm Reply

        • limegreen: Oops– there is rose in NE, so it may not agree with your skin. Rose and geranium complement the orange in such an aromatic fashion. It’s not a dominant rose note though. September 18, 2014 at 4:16pm Reply

          • Brainfodder: Ooo nice description! I’m still tempted by NE and my fingers are crossed! Both DTB and Une Fleur de Cassie work well on my skin, the latter being the most interesting, but not FB worthy – I only buy 1 or 2 FBs/year. My sample habit has peaked since I started using First in Fragrance – I haven’t ordered from the US yet, though brands like SSS (not in the UK or Europe) and the many decanting sites are sorely tempting. Hence my attempt to narrow things down 😉 L’Eau d’Hiver is a favourite and another anytime/anywhere fragrance. I’ve shied away from Une Rose since the POaL shocker. I should try it on card perhaps – it’s such a monster on my skin – the whole family recoiled too – it filled the whole house ha ha! September 19, 2014 at 4:41am Reply

            • limegreen: We have a lot of skin chemistry similarities but Une Fleur de Cassie is a challenge for me. I revisit the sample now and then to see if I will develop chemistry with it but so far, nope. Powdery is not something I care for, which is why Dans Tes Bras was so wonderful a discovery of non-powdery violet. (Had to laugh at your comments below about Le Parfum de Therese — the melon knocks me out, too. Feels sticky, as if I didn’t wash my hands after eating a juicy melon at a picnic, and then wiped the juice on my t-shirt.) September 19, 2014 at 10:46am Reply

              • Brainfodder: Glad I’m not the only one! Calyx is the same – lots of glorious stuff going on – but the killer melon launches an attack and keeps on clubbing me round the head! September 19, 2014 at 3:29pm Reply

    • Michaela: I don’t know why I think there are chances you could like Terre d’Hermes. September 18, 2014 at 10:29am Reply

      • Karen: Hate to suggest it because of the cost, but By Kilian’s Rose Oud might be something you’d love/like/enjoy(Since you listed Andy Tauer’s Rose Chypre). I feel like Une Rose Chypre is like being wrapped up in a velvet robe, plus it’s one that gets compliments. If you haven’t tried La Fille de Berlin by Lutens that is another stunning rose. September 18, 2014 at 11:12am Reply

        • Brainfodder: Thanks Karen – Une Rose Chypre is one of the few fragrances that elicited an immediate and positive response from my hubbie. It’s wonderful.

          LFdB was surprisingly and overly sweet and jammy berry fruity on my skin – unlucky!

          I prefer less sweet, so have ordered Tauer’s Incense Rose and have my fingers crossed.

          By Kilian – I tried Liaisons Dangereuses and experienced a similar too sweet jammy component, but haven’t tried the Rose Oud yet. Thanks for you suggestion!

          There doesn’t appear to be much of a middle ground with my skin and roses – it either works or it really doesn’t!

          Fruit can be the same – I struggle with the melon aspect of Parfum de Therese and Calyx, though I know they are both gorgeous fragrances, particularly LPdT. September 18, 2014 at 12:16pm Reply

          • zari: La Fille de Berlin has grown on me and I’ll probably associate it with summer because I wore often during this one. It also is sweet-ish and jammy on my skin, and a bit tart. When I think modern rose, this isn’t it. But despite that, it is a lovely interpretation that I now appreciate. September 18, 2014 at 7:44pm Reply

            • Brainfodder: Thanks Zari – I like the idea of a tart rose! SL are very accessible here, so I will have another squirt the next time I pass the counter. September 19, 2014 at 4:54am Reply

          • Mel: You can un-cross your fingers about Incense Rose – it’s one of the most ravishing scents I’ve ever experienced. Guaranteed to blow your mind. September 18, 2014 at 8:12pm Reply

            • Brainfodder: Thanks Mel – that’s heavy praise indeed – my samples should be here after the weekend! I’m really excited to try it, along with Incense Extreme, NV’s Ashoka and PG’s Praline de Santal – getting Autumnal with woods incense leather and nutty figgy gourmands mmmm… September 19, 2014 at 4:49am Reply

      • Brainfodder: You know, I haven’t actually tried it on my skin yet, just a quick spray on a sample card in the department store whilst trying numerous others… thanks for the suggestion Michaela, I’ll try it on skin next time! September 18, 2014 at 11:55am Reply

    • kayliz: Hi,
      Have you tried Oriza L Legrand? They have some exceptional perfumes and a wonderfully cheap sample set. I share several of your likes & loves and have fallen for Chypre Mousse and Reve d’Ossian — not that they are like anything on the lists (Reve d’Ossian strikes me as sth. like a better version of Passage d’Enfer — fresh foresty incense without the pine cleaning fluid feel — and Chypre Mousse is out on its own, unlike anything else I know). September 18, 2014 at 8:11pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Hello kayliz – no I haven’t tried or heard of the line if I’m honest, but your mention of Passage d’Enfer caught my attention. PdE has so many good things going for it – a better version sounds very tempting! Fresh foresty incense is right up my street esp if it manages to steer away from that ubiquitous toilet cleaner vibe. I’ve ordered the sample set – incredible value! Thanks September 19, 2014 at 5:49am Reply

    • Cybele: Manoumalia, Vetiver Pour Elle September 21, 2014 at 3:55am Reply

  • Vanie: Oh! There is a question I have been meaning to ask and always forget to post here (forgot again before I posted my previous comment): anyone who tried both EDP and EDT of Cashmere Mist? Are they different, and if so, in what way?

    Thanks again! September 18, 2014 at 9:29am Reply

  • Eleebelle: Thanks for this! The timing is perfect because I’m apparently on an incense kick and am on the verge of buying CdG Avignon, but I have a nagging worry in the back of my mind that there might be something out there that’s slightly more perfect. I LOVE the church-y incense but I think that deep down, I wish it were just a tiny bit sweeter or creamier. Is that scent out there, or do I just need to start testing out scents to layer it with? September 18, 2014 at 10:00am Reply

    • George: Try the new Serge Lutens- L’orpheline. September 18, 2014 at 10:19am Reply

      • Andy: George, how did you like L’Orpheline? I’m excited to try it, but am consolidating my sample purchases so as to be able to try various new and upcoming launches at once. I was thinking it might be “my” Lutens incense, but based on some reviews I’m not so sure! September 19, 2014 at 1:54pm Reply

        • George: Hmmm, not sure it’s not one of Serge’s more crackpot inventions, but my nose was terribly blocked when I smelled it, and I did so only briefly, so not sure how accurate my take was. But it mainly seemed like a spiced incense with geranium and then a really soft, almost like cold cream/shaving cream element (i.e. why I suggested it for someone looking for creamier incense). I’m not sure what the poetry of it was supposed to be- a warm blanket for a child whose home has just burnt down maybe). Not overly radical in terms of ingredients, but maybe so in terms of its combination of opposites- incense and cream. It didn’t take me anywhere magical, but that might be due to me on this occasion. I will give it another go another time, but feel that I am unlikely to end up adopting it (can you see what I did there? 🙂 ) September 19, 2014 at 2:20pm Reply

          • Andy: Yes, I’m not so sure I’ll be adopting L’Orpheline either. 🙂 The whole idea of a cozy, creamy incense sounds lovely, but I’m not sure it will be what I’m hoping for at all. I’ll have to see. September 19, 2014 at 2:55pm Reply

          • limegreen: George — this has nothing to do with the SL fragrance but I hope you post often. Your witty comments make me laugh, especially at the end of a long day at work.
            “a warm blanket for a child whose home has just burnt down maybe.” September 19, 2014 at 5:49pm Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: Poor child! Her blanket has no longivety. September 20, 2014 at 4:41pm Reply

    • Annette: I love and adore Avignon 🙂 Bought a FB last winter and I couldn’t be happier. But if you want something sweeter, maybe Jaisalmer will be more to your taste? I also love Zagorsk and when I finish my bottle of Avignon, this will be my next incense buy (though it is a woody scent and you want something sweet and creamy). Well, one scent comes to my mind, and that’s Andy Tauer’s Incense Rose. “Drunk rose” – I call it privately, but it ‘s more incense-y than rose-y.
      But… don’t look for perfection 🙂 Enjoy what you enjoy to the fullest and who cares if it’s perfect or not? 🙂 September 18, 2014 at 11:41am Reply

      • Tomate Farcie: L’Artisan Parfumeur Mon Número 10 September 18, 2014 at 5:15pm Reply

    • mayk: You may enjoy Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena for it’s sweetened iris take on incense! September 18, 2014 at 4:52pm Reply

    • Poodle: Heeley Cardinal is a bit brighter than Avignon. September 18, 2014 at 7:38pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: My favourite incense scent is Dzongkha but I also love Iris Nazarena and Exultat by Maria Candida Gentile. September 19, 2014 at 4:00am Reply

    • monkeytoe: You should try Heeley’s Cardinal which is a sweeter and brighter version of churchy incense than Avignon. September 19, 2014 at 2:59pm Reply

    • Isis: I was recently very happy with a sample of Tauers Incense Extreme, I found it churchy but also smooth and enveloping, introspective but comforting. September 20, 2014 at 3:40pm Reply

  • Margot: I am looking for a vanilla licorice scent.. Have tried a bunch (Caron, Serge Lutens) but nothing speaks to me.. Any ideas, I don’t like overly sweet perfumes and I don’t like heavy perfume. Thanks! September 18, 2014 at 10:06am Reply

    • Elisa: Have you tried Reglisse Noire by 1000 Flowers? Really great peppery licorice with a vanilla/patchouli drydown. September 18, 2014 at 10:29am Reply

      • Margot: That sounds great but pachouli does funny things on my skin, smells great on others not on me. September 18, 2014 at 11:04am Reply

    • Aurora: What about the original Lolita Lempicka? Have you tried it? It contains both vanilla and liquorice, is not expensive, and easy to find but you might find slightly too sweet. September 18, 2014 at 10:36am Reply

      • Margot: Yes too sweet and too “big” I crave a dark but not loud scent if that makes sense? September 18, 2014 at 11:05am Reply

        • SophieC: Hello – not vanilla licorice but light and very unusual – Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise. A most elegant vanilla and a light hint of licorice I think from the Anise. September 18, 2014 at 12:33pm Reply

          • Margot: Will definitely try, thanks so much. September 18, 2014 at 8:48pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: SL Jeux de Peau, Huitieme Art Myrrhiad September 18, 2014 at 5:21pm Reply

      • Margot: Thanks, I will try them! September 18, 2014 at 8:47pm Reply

    • Annikky: It doesn’t have much vanilla (although it has some), but if you want licorice without heaviness, I’d say you have to try Hermessence Brin de Reglisse. Unless you have serious problems with lavender. September 19, 2014 at 6:02am Reply

  • Hamamelis: Although it wasn’t officially in a Recommend me a perfume post I received lots of recommendations for an orangeblossom perfume in a post where I replied as a newbie perfumista in August. Especially Gian was very generous with her replies. Since then the world of scent has opened up in so many ways…I can smell now (or have become more aware of?) different notes and the development of a scent and it is wonderful. What helps with my low budget is the discovery of several sites in the Netherlands selling samples at a reasonable price. My favourite of the recommendations I smelled so far is Serge Lutens Fleur d’Oranger, really beautiful and gorgeous, and I love the cumin (but then I love that in my cheese too!) sweaty note in it. Second is Houbigant Fleur d’Oranger which I received a free sample of, and I love the nutmeg in it. SL maybe more nighttime, and Houbigant daytime. I smelled Fleur du Male and it made me laugh, I would have bought if it wasn’t for something in the dry down reminding me of a perfume popular when I was a lot younger (Poison? LouLou?) and I would have kept asking myself: What is it? I liked and bought because it was not expensive Fekkai Sensuelle, I think it is less rich and in a way drier than SL but perfect for day and officewear. I also smelled Code and really liked it as well, and if I would see a bargain I would be tempted.
    I smelled many very different perfumes (also really liked the men’s section Terre d’Hermes Tres Fraiche), I have many questions about perfuming, but I think this post would become much too long! Favourite from everything so far is Champaca by Ormonde Jayne, that was love at first sample sniff. Worth saving for!
    So thank you again for all your help.
    BTW Once the Bottega Veneta Knot would be available in sample it just sounds like an orangeblossom I would love and could afford, something to look forward to, thank you Victoria for the review and everyone here for their kindness. September 18, 2014 at 10:14am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Hamamelis!
      I am Dutch too. Where do you buy the samples? September 18, 2014 at 1:54pm Reply

      • Hamamelis: Hi Cornelia, very nice to read that you are a Dutch (I believe long time and perfume experienced) contributor to this blog. I live in the middle of the Veluwe, no real parfumerie in sight…so I bought samples from: skins, perfumelounge and nederveencosmetics (all .nl). The samples from perfumelounge are so lovely, they sent them in a nice sort of pouch (zakje), with care, a small present. I received the Ormonde Jayne sample box from London as a present, no shipping costs.
        If you have any other suggestions I am very happy to receive them. September 18, 2014 at 2:07pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Hamamelis!
          You are living in a beautiful landscape!
          My problem is: I never pay anything on line. i simply don’t dare it. And samples must be payd on line…
          Did you ever try Parfumaria?
          Marjo Parfumerie Damstraat A’dam has samples of Amouage perfumes, maybe also on line.
          Maybe Annindriya as well. September 18, 2014 at 2:51pm Reply

          • Hamamelis: Yes, I do! I feel very fortunate to live here (and many beautiful natural scents like the heather in bloom right now…) but it means I have to do most (nice) shoppings online…so far I never have had any negative experience buying things on line, but I can understand your trepidation. I think Annindriya is the same as perfumelounge, and I will have a look at Parfumaria, thank you. I am too busy at the moment to visit Amsterdam (we are building our own company…perfume is a good way to relax from the stresses of it), but it is on top of my bucket list to go on a smelling expedition there, and will include Marjo, thank you. I was sent a free (!) Amouage Gold sample but I feel still so ‘young’ in my nose to try it…I am gathering courage! Warm wishes from the Veluwe September 18, 2014 at 3:09pm Reply

          • Hamamelis: Cornelia I just thought of this, if you would want me to order and pay samples online and send them to you, and you transfer the money to me I am happy to help you out (but maybe you have easy access to samples and this is not necessary). Victoria has my email address so you can ask her to mail it to you, and you could contact me. Fortunately there is still a post office close by where I live! September 18, 2014 at 3:16pm Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Hamamelis! Living in Amsterdam, I have plenty of perfume shops around, where I can test and ask free samples (not so easy to obtain, but still). I would buy samples on the Net if I dared. On the other side, this is better for my wallet!
              Your offer is very kind and generous, thank you! September 19, 2014 at 6:25am Reply

        • Austenfan: Parfumerie Céleste in Den Haag also sells samples. They have a real shop and an online one, and quite a nice selection of fragrances. I’m not affiliated but have bought from them both online and in the shop. September 18, 2014 at 3:24pm Reply

          • Hamamelis: Thank you Austenfan, I just had a look at their website it looks very nice, good to know they have a sample service as I am still in the vociferous stage as newbie perfumista! September 18, 2014 at 3:39pm Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: You couls also try Babassu. September 19, 2014 at 6:26am Reply

      • Hamamelis: I saw I used a wrong name for the Houbigant, it is Orangers en Fleurs, not Fleurs d’Oranger. September 18, 2014 at 2:12pm Reply

  • Michael: I have a friend who is incredibly sensitive to fragrance, so he is very picky as to what perfume he wears. He recently smelled Ormonde Man and seemed to like it, so I am wondering if there are any recommendations for perfumes that would be suitable for gentlemen in the woody genre that is subtle and tasteful?

    I happened to stop by at the Frederic Malle concession the other day and the sales assistant suggested that Ageliques sous la Pluie, Bigarade Concentree or French Lover would be suitable for him. I thought perhaps Dans Tes Bras would be an option too.

    Any thoughts, opinions and suggested would be most appreciated.

    Thanks in advance! September 18, 2014 at 10:20am Reply

    • limegreen: There is a cumin-like note in Bigarade Concentree and if your friend is sensitive, he may not care for that note.
      Vetiver Extraordinaire is worth a try to add to the list you have. (There’s a green grassy vetiver note in Ormonde Man that I like.)
      Others to consider:
      Creed Royal Oud (not overpowering heavy oud, very woody)
      Tom Ford Italian Cypress (not as loud as most Tom Fords) September 18, 2014 at 4:08pm Reply

      • melissa: Ditto! I like Bigarade Concentree but it is sweaty. September 18, 2014 at 6:31pm Reply

        • limegreen: Melissa — do you detect the cumin when you wear BC in cooler weather? I am finding the cumin too sweaty and hope that I can wear BC in slightly cooler weather. Or layer it with SOMETHING! (What is anti-cumin?) September 20, 2014 at 5:59pm Reply

    • Anniea: Guerlain L’Instant Pour Homme is elegant and discreet and I sure hope it couldn’t hurt anyone in any way. September 18, 2014 at 6:19pm Reply

      • Annikky: Agree. September 19, 2014 at 6:14am Reply

    • rainboweyes: I think these might be subtle enough for your friend: Odin 04 Petrana, nu_be Oxygen, Huitieme Art Naïviris and Homme de Coeur by Divine… September 19, 2014 at 4:37am Reply

    • Annikky: What about a well-made vetiver? There are many good ones, including the Malle. Personally, I think Chanel Sycomore is one of the most elegant things a man can wear. Some say it’s very smoky, but not to my nose. I find it sophisticated and simply wonderful-smelling. Then there is of course the classic Guerlain Vetiver and my other favourite, Sel de Vetiver by The Different Company. The latter is light and slightly salty and perfect for late autumn.

      Other things worth trying: Ormonde Jayne Woman (I’m a huge fan of both versions), Hermessences Vetiver Tonka and Santal Massoia, Terre d’Hermes family, Lalique Encre Noir, Chanel Bois des Iles, Serge Lutens Chene (less opulent than some of his other perfumes), Guerlain Habit Rouge (not that woody, but great), maybe something from Comme des Garcons. September 19, 2014 at 6:35am Reply

    • George: Eau de Magnolia, Chanel Pour Monsieur, Declarations by Cartier, Voyage by Hermes, a classic cologne, Infusion d’iris by Prada.

      Dans Tes Bras is a bit of a cult choice, but the other’s are good suggestions for Malle, I think. Plus also that cashmeran in DTB can register as concrete or mushroom.

      Not overly woody, but le 3′ Homme by Caron is a nice gentlemanly fragrance. September 19, 2014 at 2:05pm Reply

    • monkeytoe: Comme des Garcons 2 Man, which is a lovely woody incense, Gucci pour Homme which is a spicy incense, Hermes Bel Ami Vetiver and Equipage are both lovely, elegant masculine scents with plenty of woodiness, and Eau de Cartier Essence de Bois which is a lovely cedary eau with a touch of oud. If you are looking for more niche variations I would suggest looking into the Odin New York line which is chock-a-block with lovely unusual woody scents. I am particularly fond of 08 Seylon. September 19, 2014 at 3:08pm Reply

  • Claire: Hi I’m fairly new to perfumes. Reviewing my likes and purchases of the last two years, I’ve come to realise that I basically like male scents. I enjoy citrus scents (Penhaligon’s Quercus, Eau d’Hadrien, Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine), herbal scents (Herba Fresca), incense perfumes like CdG Kyoto and woody scents. I also fell in love with Eau des Merveilles
    Recently I got a sample of Marc Jacobs Daisy Dreams and rather enjoyed it. I am now looking to branch out into florals, but since there are a lot of them and only one of me, I’d love a few tips where to get started. September 18, 2014 at 10:28am Reply

    • SophieC: Hello – I would suggest more restrained florals to start maybe given what you like so far. How about some of the Artisan Parfumeur range – Mimosa pour Moi is one I love and not over the top, I also think you could like Chanel Beige. Another range with a good cariety of florals is Jo Malone and that would give you a good idea of what florals you want to explore in more depth. September 18, 2014 at 12:37pm Reply

      • Claire: Thank you so much for these suggestions. I’m off flat-hunting on Saturday and have promised myself a session in a perfume shop as a reward. Now I know what I’ll be smelling that day. September 18, 2014 at 12:48pm Reply

        • SophieC: Have fun! September 18, 2014 at 12:51pm Reply

    • Annikky: I hesitate to recommend this, because it’s expensive, but Arquiste Boutonniere No 7 is a gardenia on vetiver base and one of my top 5 favourites. Following the same logic – Passage d’Enfer (L’Artisan) has lily and incense and woods. September 19, 2014 at 6:41am Reply

  • Sanne: Ik would like to have some recommendations on fruity chypres. My signature scent is Mitsouko, in summer I wear Mito now, a Vero Profumo scent. September 18, 2014 at 10:33am Reply

    • Elisa: Have you tried Yvresse? September 18, 2014 at 10:59am Reply

    • SophieC: Completely second Yvresse, and also Le Parfum de Therese. If you find So Pretty – discontinued but maybe available online – it has a similar grown up fruity chypre feel. September 18, 2014 at 12:40pm Reply

      • Elisa: I’m wearing So Pretty today! You can find bottles on eBay but they’re pretty expensive. 🙁 September 18, 2014 at 2:57pm Reply

      • Sanne: No, I’ve never tried it. I did use Y, though, I married in it, but it is a bit too green for me. I’ve tried Parfum de Thérèse as well and considered to buy that as a summer scent, but Mito “won”. Thanks, Elisa and Sophie. September 18, 2014 at 4:04pm Reply

    • Patricia: This is a favorite group of mine, too, and I’d recommend Ume by Keiko Mecheri (plum), and two by Parfum d’Empire: Azemour Les Orangers (orange) and Eau Suave (rose, peach, and raspberry). September 18, 2014 at 12:52pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Diva by Ungaro September 18, 2014 at 1:51pm Reply

      • Sanne: Thank you! Those scents are all new to me! September 18, 2014 at 4:06pm Reply

    • monkeytoe: Have you tries Parfum d’Empire Azemour les Orangers? It is a lovely modern, but not too modern, fruity chypre. September 19, 2014 at 3:11pm Reply

    • Bastet: My absolute favorite fruity chypre is Amouage Jubilation 25. September 21, 2014 at 5:38pm Reply

      • Helle: Seconding Jubilation 25! Absolutely stunning. Also Femme by Rochas, I own and love both the newer, reformulated version and the “vintage”. The newer can be had for a song! September 22, 2014 at 7:02am Reply

  • Savita: Hey guys, I’m looking for a scent that is like Serge Lutens Rahat Loukhoum but less synthetic smelling. The Lutens reminds me of car air freshener. Any recommendations? September 18, 2014 at 11:04am Reply

    • Elisa: For almond/cherry, maybe People of the Labyrinths Luctor et Emergo? September 18, 2014 at 12:24pm Reply

      • Savita: Thanks for your suggestion….I never tried that one so I will definitely look into this one. It is less synthetic than the Lutens? September 18, 2014 at 12:32pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Hypnotic Poison. September 18, 2014 at 1:52pm Reply

          • Savita: Hmmm, I actually have a sample of HP but to me I don’t really get any cherry scent in it. It is a lovely scent though….thank you! September 18, 2014 at 2:47pm Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: No cherry, but almonds and lovely vanilla–Enjoy! September 18, 2014 at 2:55pm Reply

        • Elisa: Haven’t tried the Lutens so I can’t say! It’s a cult favorite though. September 18, 2014 at 2:58pm Reply

          • Savita: I am placing an order for a sample of it today….can’t wait to try! September 18, 2014 at 3:08pm Reply

            • Savita: Ordering the POTL scent that you recommended that is…lol September 18, 2014 at 3:19pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: try Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum September 18, 2014 at 5:27pm Reply

      • Savita: Thanks for your suggestion, I will try to sample it. How does it compare to Lutens RL in your opinion? September 19, 2014 at 9:41am Reply

        • Tomate Farcie: It’s less sweet and more powdery. There’s also Traversée du Bosphore and Montale Sweet Oriental Dream. September 19, 2014 at 1:15pm Reply

    • solanace: Two nice cherry notes that are also easy to find: La Petite Robe Noire edT and the original Lolita Lempicka. September 19, 2014 at 10:32am Reply

    • George: I add the following as related perfumes
      Portrait of a Lady (no cherry or almond, but huge gourmand rose)
      Louve (cherry and almond specifically)

      and second the following as related perfumes
      Luctor et Emergo
      Hypnotic Poison
      Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum
      Traversee du Bosphoree September 19, 2014 at 1:58pm Reply

      • Morelle: I was going to mention Louve, but George beat me to it. In a very similar style there is also Alessandro by Mezzolari, but of the two I prefer Louve because it has a is much more pronounced cherry note. September 19, 2014 at 8:03pm Reply

  • irem: One of my beauty resolutions is “Smell good, always.” but I don’t.
    And I love perfume – at least intellectually, but don’t wear much.

    I always tend to collect classic ‘5 star’ fragrances – Mitsouko, LHB, Vol de Nuit, Shalimar, Ch Cuir de Russie, No. 19, Bois de Violette etc – I appreciate them but I don’t wear them. They are the equivalent of a ballgown that sits in the corner of the closet. I end up wearing jeans and tees and no perfume.

    As much I do love these fragrances I find them tiring – from acquisition to wear: reading the reviews, getting samples, hunting after a bottle, the expense and never feeling fully at ease in any one of them.

    I am aware that I am saying something against the very grain of being a perfume lover and a reader of this blog. I am a very long time reader (since 2005) and enjoy reading the blog. But it’s mostly on an intellectual level.

    I so want to pop into a Sephora or even Macy’s and casually buy a bottle of fragrance that smells good, feels good and gets worn. Sometimes I pass a woman and she smells simply good. I want to be that woman. I want my clothes, my coat, my scarf to smell good.

    I want to find a fragrance that
    1. smells good
    2. is easy to wear
    3. yet is not too simple/generic
    4. has good silage (but not suffocating)
    5. smells good on clothing the other day
    and
    6. relatively easy to find and afford: Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks etc. – but we can always make an exception here.

    I know that smells good is a very vague description. I could supplement it with warm, comforting, womanly, at ease, not too sweet and not too sharp.

    I will try all suggestions with an open mind. Thanks for all your help. September 18, 2014 at 11:13am Reply

    • zari: Hi, I just wanted to say you’re not alone in feeling that way. I’m a tee shirt and jeans girl at heart as well, though I have to dress a little formal for work, though it hasn’t stopped me from loving Shalimar, Samsara, and Coco for example. I was thinking this a few days ago – how nice it would be if I wasn’t voraciously reading about scents, and I could walk into a store and just pick up something that smelled great without having done research on it beforehand or hesitating to buy and going home an researching it, etc. The “intellectual” aspect becomes very numbing and too calculated.

      With that said – how about these to try: Noa by Cacheral, Narcisco Rodriguez for Her EDT (or EDP if you like), Colette by Tocca, Nirvana White (or Black) by Elizabeth and James, and Bottega Veneta by Bottega Veneta? good luck! September 18, 2014 at 11:26am Reply

      • zari: sorry – too many “though”s in one sentence! September 18, 2014 at 11:27am Reply

      • irem: Hi Zari, you’ve expressed my sentiment much better than I did! Thank you for your recommendations, they all sound spot on – I am familiar with most, but never considered wearing them. I will audition each of them, without reading reviews first 🙂 BV and Nirvana Black were on my “try” list, already.
        Thanks again! September 18, 2014 at 11:38am Reply

        • zari: absolutely :). I hope you like some of them and find something! September 18, 2014 at 12:51pm Reply

      • Elisa: I also thought of NR for Her and Bottega Veneta as easy go-to signature scents with good sillage but not too complicated. Maybe also try Flower by Kenzo, 24 Faubourg, and the Atelier Cologne line. September 18, 2014 at 12:29pm Reply

        • irem: Hi Elisa, thanks for your recommendations. I have always adored 24 Fabourg but have been afraid to wear it. It will be the first one to try. That beautiful bottle makes me weak in the needs. September 18, 2014 at 1:33pm Reply

          • irem: oops, weak in the knees, of course! September 18, 2014 at 2:14pm Reply

        • zari: 24 Faubourg is beautiful – golden, elegant, cozy, rich; like an autumn afternoon spend inside a clean house with the sun shining through the windows. September 18, 2014 at 2:28pm Reply

          • zari: spent* September 18, 2014 at 2:29pm Reply

      • Eleebelle: I’ll also throw my enthusiastic support behind BV. And even though I don’t usually like florals, I ended up finding Nirvana White to be MUCH easier to wear than Nirvana Black. I also thought Love, Chloe was pretty without being too dressy. It’s a little sweet and a little girly, but it conjures up my childhood memories of spring in Central Park so I love it even though I never wear it. Elisa suggested Flower by Kenzo below and that’s a nice, easy-to-wear one, too. If florals and powders don’t do it for you, I think don’t think Eau de Merveilles has a dress code. September 18, 2014 at 1:02pm Reply

        • irem: Hi Eleebelle, many thanks for your recommendations. I have added Eau de Merveilles to the list 🙂 September 18, 2014 at 1:35pm Reply

        • Michaela: Second Eau des Merveilles.
          I would add Lalique Encre Noire for Men and L’Eau de Chloe for their easy-to-wear, comfortable quality, and wonderful tenacity, although these are not warm. September 19, 2014 at 4:19am Reply

          • irem: Thank you Michaela. EdM is on must-get-a-sample status now. September 19, 2014 at 9:27am Reply

    • Samar Rizwan: Bottega venetta eau legre September 18, 2014 at 11:47am Reply

      • Margot: Oh ditto, such an easy scent, but zero lasting power on me September 18, 2014 at 10:36pm Reply

      • irem: Thank you Samar Rizwan. September 24, 2014 at 2:37pm Reply

    • SophieC: Oh I so know what you mean! Smelling good should be simple and depend on nothing more and less than your mood and activities that day – to make you and others feel good. Much as I love the amount of knowledge available on perfume I also wish I could be more spontaneous and not research it so much first.

      I too wear relatively formal clothes for work and even off work tend to the classic variants of jeans and cashmere sweaters or such like but I remember from school (a French school) how so many people smelled simply good while being like that – and to my mind perfumes that capture that feeling are Mimosa pour Moi (again), O de Lancome or similar perfumes, Clarins Samsara, Iris Prima, Clarins Eau Dynamisante, Chanel Allure, the new Rosa Nobile and I agree with Zazi’s suggestions too. Also – oddly – First -has a fresh simplicity/elegance that I recall loving when I wore it as a signature as a student. September 18, 2014 at 12:46pm Reply

      • SophieC: Sorry – Guerlain Samsara not Clarins! September 18, 2014 at 12:47pm Reply

      • irem: Hi SophieC, many thanks for your reply. I love Eau Dynamisante, and Samsara was my very first perfume back in 1994. I don’t recall ever trying on Allure. I do remember the old adds with all the different women and a tagline about allure. First is another fragrance I adore, it paints a similar picture to 24 Fabourg in my mind. I’ve never tried it, I will do so. September 18, 2014 at 1:42pm Reply

      • Michaela: First feels so elegant and easy to wear for me, too. September 19, 2014 at 8:19am Reply

    • Claire: What about the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria line, maybe Mandarine Basilic or Herba Fresca? I really enjoy that one and think of it as a straightforward day perfume. I’d also second the Atelier Cologne suggestion. I really like Eau des Merveilles, which may be slightly too pricy. I think it’s marine, sweet goodness, feminine in a non-standard way. Hope this helps. September 18, 2014 at 12:47pm Reply

      • irem: Hi Claire, thanks for your recommendation. I have bumbed up Eau de Merveilles’ position on the “try” list. On my very first Sephora visit I am going to ask for a sample. September 18, 2014 at 2:05pm Reply

        • Cybele: Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney Lily, Jour d’Hermes, Infusion Iris Absolue, Chanel Cristalle try all versions. I recently discovered that I find Stephen Jones (the first one-black bottle) very wearable. September 22, 2014 at 5:29pm Reply

    • Patricia: I would suggest going to a Jo Malone counter and sampling a few of their fragrances, which tend to be well-crafted and fairly uncomplicated. I’ve found the sales staff to be more knowledgeable than most, and happy to provide samples. September 18, 2014 at 12:58pm Reply

      • irem: Hi Patricia, many thanks for your recommendation. I agree, they are very generous with their samples. I will make sure that I try one or two of their fragrances every time I pass the JM counter at my local Nordstrom. September 18, 2014 at 2:01pm Reply

      • limegreen: I agree with Patricia. When I am in a rush in the morning to get to work, and have no time to think about a fragrance, I usually reach for Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay or Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’eau. Both last the day for me.
        (I heard that the JM Vetyver will be discontinued to make room for the new Wood and Sage. It’s too bad, I think Vetyver is sparkling.) September 18, 2014 at 3:48pm Reply

    • Hannah: I can relate to this in a lot of ways. And I’m like this in every single aspect of my life.
      Once I went to a department store with the intention of buying macarons, but I got distracted by the Serge Lutens counter and I walked out with Muscs Koublai Khan. That was the first time I tried it. And I had barely read about it before, which I’m happy about, because after I bought it I looked up reviews, and many of the negative reviews say it didn’t live up to its reputation and I can’t tell if they didn’t like it or were disappointed that it wasn’t what they imagined.
      Anyway, so I think maybe the best thing is to try to get out of the state of mind you’re usually in. Asking for recommendations may still be intellectualizing the experience.

      But if you still want recommendations, do you have a Neiman Marcus nearby? You might want to see if the Donna Karan perfumes are available near you. I think many of the Diptyque perfumes fit what you ask for. I also think Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger does as well, but some of the reviews make it seem a lot more sultry than what I get. Don’t know if its an issue of reformulation or what. And I’m also not sure if you can find it easily offline. September 18, 2014 at 1:15pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: I agree with Hannah: maybe you are thinking too much.
        Easy but not insignificant:
        Idylle Eau Sublime, Guerlain
        Eau de Chloe, the green, mossy one
        Florabotanica, Balenciaga
        In Love Again, YsL
        Diorella, Dior
        Ivoire, Balmain, the current edition
        Kelly Calèche., edp.
        and maybe you like Mlle. Coco. September 18, 2014 at 1:47pm Reply

        • irem: Hi Cornelia Blimber, thank you for all your recommendations, all went onto my list. You are absolutely right: I think too much. It is a side effect of reading too many reviews and blogs.
          On another note, I remember when In Love Again first came out in the late 90s: the colorful bottle, the accompanying lip and eye makeup compacts, and the colorful ad. I didn’t know it is back again. I’m looking forward to revisiting it. September 18, 2014 at 1:59pm Reply

      • irem: Hi Hannah, I absolutely love your story about purchasing a bottle of MKK on a trip for macarons. Unfortunately I don’t have NM around, also no SL. I remember liking Black Cashmere from DK. When it first launched, I was a pure grad student, and it had disappeared from the shelves by the time I had budgeted for it. DK has brought it back I think. I will find a sample or two since . Thanks for your recommendations. September 18, 2014 at 1:51pm Reply

        • Hannah: Black Cashmere is back, but it is only at Neiman Marcus as far as I know. Signature and Chaos are also worth a try, but the limited distribution is an issue.
          And I can definitely relate to things disappearing by the time my budget could account for them. But actually, more often in my experience, by the time I have the money, the price has doubled XD September 18, 2014 at 2:02pm Reply

    • Courant: Noa, so simple, so understated, although silage is a bit lacking. Yardley Iris has me hooked too, I layer the talc, body spray and EDT September 18, 2014 at 3:21pm Reply

      • irem: Thank you for your suggestion, Courant. I am on a hunt for some Noa in the US 🙂 September 22, 2014 at 2:44pm Reply

    • limegreen: I wonder if you would like Chanel Cristalle EDP?
      Your description of wanting everything to smell nice makes me want to recommend a nicely fragranced oil or cream instead of a fragrance for everyday wear. When I wear an oil or body butter/cream, it will scent my clothing, scarf, etc. (and into the next day!). I don’t take baths but I love putting on the Jo Malone bath oils on dry skin all over (after showering) and the sillage is surprisingly nice, especially Red Roses. Very good value as a 250 ml bottle lasts a while, too. September 18, 2014 at 3:26pm Reply

      • irem: Hi limegreen. I love Cristalle EdT and wear it almost exclusively. I’ve drained several bottles in the last few years. You are so right about body products. I switched to fragrance free everything in skin care due to sensitivities and my clothing stopped smelling nicely since then. Thanks for your suggestions. September 22, 2014 at 2:47pm Reply

    • Sandra: Irem-
      I can understand how you feel. I do have some very nice perfumes, like Nahema, Shalimar, however I don’t really wear them that much.

      My go to house is Chanel.
      Today I am in a sweatshirt and jeans, and wearing Allure.
      I find that most of Chanel’s perfumes are easy to find at department stores and samples at Sephora.
      In the morning my go to is No 19 poudre (doesn’t get great reviews on some perfume blogs, but I don’t give a…) or Cristalle eau verte. At night I like more of anything from the Coco line..noir, mdm. I interchange this-some days I switch it all around. Just a suggestion. I only own a 2 FB of these, the rest is just samples from sephora or other department stores.
      I find that Chanel lasts on clothing and in my hair-my scarves smell like a mix of some of these.
      This is just my opinion-hope this helps September 18, 2014 at 5:09pm Reply

      • Sandra: Also- Coco Mdm body oil is nice if you don’t want a perfume and coco noir body cream
        Both divine for the fall September 18, 2014 at 5:10pm Reply

      • irem: Thank you so much for your suggestions Sandra. I never gave Allure or Coco Mlle any skin-time and they are on my first to try list. A wardrobe of Chanel fragrances sounds so lovely. Chanel surely knows how to make a woman feel special. September 22, 2014 at 2:51pm Reply

    • Anniea: Atelier is at Sephora and their Orange Sanguine is a perfect weekend (ie non-office/dressy) scent. Cheerful and uncomplicated. September 18, 2014 at 6:22pm Reply

      • irem: Thank you Anniea, I will give it a try. September 22, 2014 at 2:52pm Reply

    • pyewacket: Wow, irem, you’ve read my mind. You have expressed everything that I have been feeling. Thank you! September 18, 2014 at 9:05pm Reply

      • irem: 🙂 September 23, 2014 at 10:47am Reply

    • rainboweyes: When I don’t want to bother much about the perfume I wear, I usually reach for Hermes Hiris or Chanel 28 La Pausa. I used to wear Kelly Caleche (EdP) a lot but I haven’t got any at the moment. I absolutely second Bottega Veneta (I love the Eau Legère version) and would add Balenciaga Paris, Marni and Hermes Eau de Narcisse Bleu to the other recommendations. September 19, 2014 at 4:49am Reply

      • irem: Thanks rainboweyes. I’ve added your suggestions to my list. Apparently I must try some BV. You also made me curious about Kelly Caleche EdP. September 22, 2014 at 2:55pm Reply

    • Annikky: I tend to analyze everything to death, so I’m just gonna write down what I’ve worn lately on days when I’ve hadn’t had time to think (and there have been many of those lately):

      – Chanel Cristalle
      – Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche: not that easy to get, but it’s just so lovely and extremely comfortable to wear and smells wonderful on cashmere sweaters etc. I really think you should try this.
      – Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt: has kind of replaced Blackberry & Bay in my rotation. September 19, 2014 at 7:01am Reply

      • rainboweyes: I wear Lumiere Blanche a lot, too – it’s spicy coolness is great in the heat but it’s also wonderful on a cashmere scarf. September 19, 2014 at 8:34am Reply

        • Annikky: I think it’s quite exceptional how it works in any weather. September 19, 2014 at 9:43am Reply

      • irem: Thanks Anniky. Cristalle is my go to. I have two bottles in heavy rotation (dresser & bag). I am also sure that I have a Lumiere Blanche sample somewhere. Apparently I have to find and try it ASAP. September 22, 2014 at 2:57pm Reply

    • monkeytoe: I think the Hermes Merveille range and the Prada range will give you a decent shot at what you are looking for in an easy to wear warm perfume. Cartier Baiser Vole is another good one to try that should be easy to sample and buy. September 19, 2014 at 3:15pm Reply

      • irem: Thank you for your suggestions monkeytoe. The list is growing and I am looking towards some fun trying all those fragrances. September 22, 2014 at 2:58pm Reply

    • Sheri: Seconding (or thirding or fourth-ing) Bottega Veneta Eau Legere, and suggesting one of the Bvlgari tea scents – Au The Blanc is my favorite, but I know Au The Vert gets a lot of love here. September 19, 2014 at 7:59pm Reply

      • irem: Thanks for your suggestions, Sheri. I will try BV and revisit the Bulgari Tea scents. September 23, 2014 at 10:47am Reply

  • Brainfodder: I’m perhaps being a little over-demanding since I’ve already posted a question above (!) but it’s a timely question so thought I should slip it in before Autumn is in full swing!

    I have a real soft spot for Bois Des Iles, and definitely think of it as golden.

    Which of your favourites would you describe as golden and most suited to Autumn and Winter? September 18, 2014 at 12:27pm Reply

    • Elisa: Champagne de Bois! Also Safari is pretty golden. September 18, 2014 at 12:31pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Seconding Safari. I don’t wear it often but it is outstanding. September 18, 2014 at 2:55pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Thanks Elisa/allgirlmafia – is it the vintage Safari you recommend? I read an unfavourable review of contemporary Safari by The None Blonde.

        Elisa – Champagne De Bois sounds right up my street… I’m just a bit concerned that once I’ve made the decision to order something from the US, the flood gates are open! September 19, 2014 at 4:59am Reply

    • SophieC: Le Parfum de Therese feels full of golden sun to me. Also Iris Prima and Ambre Fetiche. September 18, 2014 at 12:49pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Ambre fetiche! I love sampling the Goutals and this is one I haven’t sniffed yet – thanks for the recommendation SophieC. My skin takes the glorious LPdT and throws back a melon in my face – I love every other aspect, nut the melon is quite a thwack 😉 September 19, 2014 at 5:02am Reply

    • Patricia: Hermes L’Ambre des Merveilles is a wonderful, warm golden fragrance and a great favorite of mine for fall and winter. September 18, 2014 at 1:03pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: I was thinking of Ambre Sultan: golden September 18, 2014 at 1:49pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Thanks for your suggestion Patricia – an easily accessible fragrance, and exciting because it’s one that I haven’t tried yet. Definitely one for me to try on skin I think – I’ve found some of the Hermes fragrances utterly beautiful but very thin and fleeting (e.g., Jour d’Hermes) – fingers crossed that my skin doesn’t eat it up! September 19, 2014 at 5:12am Reply

        • Patricia: I don’t think you will be disappointed…this one lasts! September 19, 2014 at 7:12pm Reply

    • zari: 24Faubourg and Colette by Tocca (I’ve a sweet spot!). They both are warm and evoke warm sun on a cool day/cool place for me. September 18, 2014 at 2:36pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Thanks for your suggestion Zari – same again, this is another Hermes I haven’t tried, so will double up when I sample AdM. September 19, 2014 at 5:17am Reply

    • limegreen: It’s not “golden” in color (like Ambre Sultan, which you did not like, I think, from your previous post) but Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles is really special for cool weather, and I can’t wait for the weather to cool down here so I can wear it again. It’s pine and plum and smoky. September 18, 2014 at 3:32pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Sounds fantastic! This hasn’t been on my radar at all, but the SL range are easy for me to sample, so I’ll give it a whirl. Thanks again! September 19, 2014 at 5:19am Reply

    • Bhama: Sonoma scent studio’s Nostalgie and Parfums Delrae Bois de paradis smell perfectly golden and fall appropriate. I like to wear Nostalgie in the fall and Bois de paradis in the winter. September 18, 2014 at 4:11pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Thanks Bhama – more reasons to sample some of SSS’s line! They’re not available in the UK/Europe which is why I haven’t tried them yet, but they seem to get very favourable reviews and I love the fact that they are often described as parfum strength. Winter Woods sounded promising too – though maybe not golden. September 19, 2014 at 5:22am Reply

    • Courant: Here’s something off the wall. I bought a bottle of Loris Azzaro’s Couture in autumn and went back to it every day. Golden in colour, golden in style, it’s a cheap thrill. Chandler Burr reviewed it when it was released. Contains five absolutes, a well crafted perfume. September 18, 2014 at 5:12pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: Haven’t seen or heard of it before, but what great value – thanks for the top tip! September 19, 2014 at 5:24am Reply

    • NikNik: I’m loving AL02 by Biehl for these early fall days, and it will be a great comfort scent in the winter. It is a beautiful light spicy, incensy, fruity floral. Don’t let the friuity floral scare you. The fruit smells deep and rich like stewed or baked apples and pears, and the flowers are subdued. Not a sweet fragrance at all – very beautiful and golden smelling. September 18, 2014 at 7:34pm Reply

      • Brainfodder: NikNik – thanks for drawing my attention to the Biehl’s range – I knew nothing of them, but it appears First in Fragrance stock them and therefore samples are a go-go! Have you tried any others from their range? September 19, 2014 at 5:34am Reply

        • NikNik: I have GS03 as well, and love it!!! It is bright and crisp, though, so probably not what you are looking for right now. MB02 is lovely too, very elegant.

          I love the Biehl line and concept. It is kind of like Fredrick Malle in that the creator thinks of it as a gallery in which perfumers can create without being limited by briefs and marketing gimmicks. I think the names keep some people away, which is unfortunate because the perfumes are really great! September 19, 2014 at 10:02am Reply

          • Brainfodder: The names lack a little of the poetry of some other brands (Evening Edged in Gold springs to mind as a gorgeous example) but like you, I love the concept and will definitely give these a go. If the Germans make perfumes the way that they make most other products, this should be a quality discovery – thanks! September 19, 2014 at 3:25pm Reply

  • allgirlmafia: Hello All!

    Angel, Lolita and Ambre Sultan all stand out to me as thick, complex, voluptuous fragrances.

    Though I don’t think Ambre Sultan is a gourmand the smell is so that it is ‘delicious’

    Can you recommend others like these? September 18, 2014 at 2:02pm Reply

    • Elisa: Try Alahine and Hanae Mori Butterfly September 18, 2014 at 3:00pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Alahine sounds promising (though expensive!) Based on reviews Hanae Mori may be a tad bit mild for my tastes. September 18, 2014 at 9:28pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: The Teo Cabanel sampler is so inexpensive! I wish they had a boutique in the US that could ship to me! September 18, 2014 at 9:40pm Reply

    • Savita: Have you tried Alien? I think it has that same ‘thick’ character that you look for. September 18, 2014 at 3:05pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: I’ve not tried Alien, and am not a jasmine fan (which I think Alien is based on) but I like the structure of Angel so much I’ll give it a try. September 18, 2014 at 9:27pm Reply

        • Savita: I don’t think it smells like a typical Jasmin scent, it’s worth a try though 🙂 September 19, 2014 at 10:07am Reply

    • Courant: MPG’s Ambre Dore compares well with Ambre Sultan; it carries an oud component that takes it into different territory, is thick in winter, lasts forever and is deliciously obscure (no one else will wear it) Very androgynous. September 18, 2014 at 4:59pm Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Ohhh. ‘deliciously obscure/ androgynous’ this sounds like temptation…. September 18, 2014 at 8:02pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: definitely Aroma M Geisha Noire perfume oil plus it’s well priced! September 18, 2014 at 8:15pm Reply

    • Annikky: Have you already tried the rest of Lutens line-up? I think many perfumes of his can be described as thick, complex and voluptious. But from a different house – Parfum d’Empire’s Aziyade is all this and more. The most sophisticated fruit syrup ever:) September 19, 2014 at 7:06am Reply

      • Annikky: And I just put some Lubin Korrigan on me and that fits the bill, too. September 19, 2014 at 8:24am Reply

        • George: I need to try that: what do you think of it? September 19, 2014 at 1:50pm Reply

          • Annikky: I like it a lot. On me, it’s a boozy, nutty, sweet wood that is somehow slightly dry at the same time. It’s a strange fragrance in a good way. But it seems to act very differently on different skins, in some reviews I don’t recognize it at all. Although I can see how it might turn into cloying and weird sweetness that some people mention. It just doesn’t quite do it on me. September 20, 2014 at 5:14am Reply

            • George: Thanks Annikky! I shall definitely try. I notice that LT gave it 5 stars. September 20, 2014 at 5:56am Reply

      • allgirlmafia: I haven’t, but I intend to. I have samples of Daim Blond and Ambre Sultan and like you mention, both have similar thick/complex qualities. Just like I like the structure of most Goutals I expect I will probably like the majority of Lutens. September 19, 2014 at 8:39am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: Casmir is thick, heavenly vanilla and not expensive. September 20, 2014 at 4:47pm Reply

  • Joy: I love all of the suggestions and comments. I had given up on perfume for a number of years. Too many; too fast. My workplace became perfume free, and even hand creams would cause people to have fits.
    Because of this website, I have become so enthused with perfumes again. Also watching Selfridges on Masterpiece made me just want to walk into the store and sample and buy from Miss Kitty! I love to be able to buy samples from the sample companies that people on this site have recommended.
    I do miss my beloved classics such as Diorissimo, Diorella, Cabochard. This spring Diorissimo was still sold on Dior’s website. Now it is not. If these discontinued perfumes are being sold on websites such as even Amazon, what are they really selling? How are they reproducing these scents, and who is doing it. I did have a bad experience with a bottle of Cabochard. The fragrance seemed so faint, but after many sprays almost too strong and not pleasant.

    It may be that the best advice that I have read so far was not to look back. Yet, so many memories that I have are associated with these fragrances, I feel compelled to at least sample them again.
    Joy September 18, 2014 at 2:35pm Reply

    • jillie: Joy, don’t panic! Diorissimo is still in production and you will find it listed on Dior’s website under the category “Les Creations de Monsieur Dior”. Although it isn’t quite the same as it once was ….. reformulation has toned down that lovely lily of the valley greenness and is much heavier on the jasmine. Don’t go for the eau de parfum, which was actually meant to be a different “take” on Diorissimo. The eau de toilette is better. Good luck! September 19, 2014 at 3:10am Reply

      • Joy: Thanks so much for pointing this out. I don’t know how I missed it on the Dior website.

        I am loving many of the Annick Goutal fragrances, but many do not stay with me. September 19, 2014 at 3:38pm Reply

        • jillie: I find the same with the Goutals. But I suppose it means that I have to spray more often! September 20, 2014 at 9:47am Reply

  • Christie: Hi! I love this site and am a first time comment-er. I’m so impressed with everyone’s knowledge and love of perfume. I fell in love with the original Dolce & Gabanna (the kind with the red plastic cap) perfume a few years ago and have was heartbroken when they discontinued/reformulated it into their ‘femme’ fragrance. It was one of my favorites to wear in the winter (lightly applied mind you) and I always feel nostalgic for it when the weather begins to cool. What I love about this perfume is it’s soapy aldehydes and sandalwood notes along with it’s sillage. Any similar perfumes out there on the market currently? September 18, 2014 at 3:21pm Reply

    • Hannah: Not sure how similar it is, but you might want to try Samsara by Guerlain. September 18, 2014 at 5:30pm Reply

      • Christie: Thanks! I appreciate the recommendation! September 18, 2014 at 6:15pm Reply

        • Hannah: I looked it up on fragrantica, and to the side is “people who like this also like…” and the first 2 perfumes are Coco by Chanel and Samsara by Guerlain. I’m not sure they’re in any particular order, but those are your 2 recommendations here, so you should definitely check those out! September 18, 2014 at 10:40pm Reply

          • Christie: Wonderful! I am definitely checking both out and they look widely available, so that makes things easy! September 19, 2014 at 9:15am Reply

    • Elisa: I haven’t tried it but it sounds like it might be similar to Coco. September 18, 2014 at 6:20pm Reply

    • George: From what I have read, it’s a sort of version of Chanel No.5, so I would try the different Chanel No. 5’s if you haven’t’ already, and then maybe Baghari, Rive Gauche or Guerlain Liu. However, it’s is also reported as being Balsamic, so maybe Coco too. I don’t think Bois Des Iles will be too close, but maybe that as well. September 19, 2014 at 1:49pm Reply

  • Shannon: I would love to find a fragrance with a pronounced labdanum scent. I love the smell of it as an essential oil but have never found a perfume that smells like it, even if it is mentioned as one of the notes.

    Today I am wearing Ambre Russe, yesterday was Tom Ford’s Tobacco Oud, and I also love 10 Corso Como, Nest’s White Sandalwood, Lavande Ombrée… actually there are too many perfumes that I love to list. September 18, 2014 at 5:28pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Histoire de Parfums 1740 Marquis de Sade, Opus Oils Les Bohemes Heavy Sugar, Tom Ford Sahara Noir, Amouage Jubilation XXV, also look at Frapin September 19, 2014 at 1:34pm Reply

      • Shannon: Thank you!! I’ve been trying 1740 Marquis de Sade, althought I’m not sure it’s quite right. I’ll have to sample the rest of your suggestions. September 21, 2014 at 7:01pm Reply

    • Carolyn: Sonoma Scent Studio’s Incense Pure might be something you’d enjoy. I can definitely smell the labdanum in it (it’s a favorite scent of mine as well). September 22, 2014 at 11:50am Reply

  • Kristine: I searched a long time for a perfume that wouldn’t give me a headache! So many are beautiful from afar and too powerful for me up close. Love Opium, must use Tylenol by end of night! The answer is For Her by Rodriguez
    Narcisco, the pink bottle. It doesn’t ‘t have long lasting power but it is spicy nd earthy yet powdery. I recommend it for all those who have sensitive noses but still want perfume, September 18, 2014 at 9:26pm Reply

    • Savita: How about Cacharel Noa? It’s soft and lovely and I find it to have reasonable longevity. September 19, 2014 at 10:11am Reply

  • Michaela: I met wonderful people and perfumes here, I just wanted to say I can’t thank you enough. To Victoria, all the contributors and all the commentators on this blog. My latest newly discovered great love is Pour un Homme, which I hesitated so long to try, being afraid of ‘manly lavender’, and I finally did it, after the recent Victoria’s article about lavender perfumes. Breathtaking, serene and warm, it’s going to stay with me during the cold days to come.
    Thank you. September 19, 2014 at 9:05am Reply

    • jillie: Michaela I just wanted to tell you that I too discovered Pour un Homme through a lovely person on this site, and I now love smelling it on my husband. Victoria and her friends really do open up a whole world of discovery … and enablement! September 21, 2014 at 3:34am Reply

      • Michaela: I’m in Heaven when I discover a new perfume for myself, but when it’s for the dearest ones I feel even better! 🙂 September 23, 2014 at 3:18am Reply

    • Annette: Michaela, what a lovely post! And my sentiments exactly. I had been a lurker for a long time and finally – at the beginning of August – plucked up enough courage to join in. I am happy to be here and I am happy you are here. This is a wonderful place with a wonderful host and wonderful people.
      Thank you all. September 21, 2014 at 5:19am Reply

    • Victoria: I’m so happy that you and Pour Un Homme have met! It is a gem, no doubt about it.

      This place is made special by all of you, so thank you in turn for visiting and sharing! September 21, 2014 at 4:21pm Reply

  • Annette: Dear fragrant people, maybe it’s a bizzare request, but could you think of any perfumes that would be associated with Scotland? Being a Dorothy Dunnett fan through and through I can’t help dreaming of the day when I open one of the Lymond books smelling of the main character’s homeland. You know: total immersion 🙂 Can you suggest anything to this crazy woman? 🙂 September 19, 2014 at 9:18am Reply

    • Hamamelis: Hi Annette, I am still very green in perfume, but love Scotland dearly, so maybe this helps: when if first smelled Ormonde Jayne’s Woman I associated it with with the unsettling beauty of Scotland (the woodsy notes in it, and something mystical?). I love your question btw, I hoped I would find a perfume that reminds me of the early morning safari’s I had in SAfrica (when it was winter there)…and then I smelled a sample of Sables which to my nose had the sweet, earthy and sandy scent of the bush. September 19, 2014 at 9:53am Reply

      • Annette: Oh, lucky you! I mean the safaris and the perfume you associate with them.
        Thank you so much for you recommendation! Woman goes on my list.
        And may Sables be always with you:) September 19, 2014 at 10:00am Reply

        • Hamamelis: Yes, I still feel very fortunate to have been there (and now have a smell souvenir after the fact!) Your question still keeps me thinking (thank you!) about Scotland, and one of the things I always find with Scotland is that you can feel that the land is so very old (esp. when seeing the ancient standing stones), almost timeless. I don’t know enough perfumes to know if there is one that smells ancient and timeless…primal. If you find a perfume that embodies Scotland for you I hope you post it back here! September 19, 2014 at 10:18am Reply

          • Annette: I most certainly will!
            BTW, when you talk of old stones and ancient things, I get a new perspective in my search. I kept thinking flower-wise, heather etc., but this… this opens a most interesting vista. Stones half eaten by moss… Oh, boy, that is brilliant. Thank you! Or should I say thenk ye! 🙂 September 19, 2014 at 10:31am Reply

    • limegreen: The Diptyque creators / perfumers enjoy encapsulating their travel memories into their fragrances, wonder if they did one for Scotland? There was one, L’ Eau Trois, that was all about the the coastline and mountains of Greece. (loved the concept, did not love the fragrance) September 19, 2014 at 11:04am Reply

      • Annette: And there I go on the Diptyque quest! Thank you! Will report back:) September 19, 2014 at 12:01pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Speaking of perfumes and landscapes: There is a perfume created for the touristoffice of the English town of York. The name is ”Norse Power” and it smells like a Viking from the 13th century: blood, sweat, alcohol and fish.
        Vikings where important in the history of York, that’s why.
        (from the Dutch newspaper ”Trouw”). September 19, 2014 at 12:07pm Reply

        • Annette: That’s fascinating! That perfume might go with Ms Dunnett’s King Hereafter (about the historical Macbeth). Now, how do I get me to York? 🙂 September 19, 2014 at 12:17pm Reply

      • Annette: Limegreen, sadly no Diptyque scents inspired by Scotland. But thank you for your comment! September 19, 2014 at 2:39pm Reply

        • limegreen: Oh well, maybe in the near future. I love the stories they create with some of their fragrances. The one for Volutes was wonderful. September 19, 2014 at 5:55pm Reply

    • George: Haven’t smelled, but http://www.unionfragrance.com/holy-thistle.php
      http://www.unionfragrance.com/celtic-fire.php September 19, 2014 at 1:33pm Reply

    • Bastet: So glad to see a comment from a Dorothy Dunnett fan! I will be having surgery on my shoulder soon. I bought the Lymond series and am looking forward to reading them for the first time during my 4-6 wk recovery period. Let us know if you find a perfume that matches the books! September 21, 2014 at 5:56pm Reply

      • Annette: Oh, I will! This is such fun contemplating what scents might suit the books. I have two candidates for two sub-plots (Zagorsk and Incense Rose), but won’t say more for fear of spoiling things for you:). The main character still eludes me, he is too complex.
        Anyway, I hope your surgery goes well. Have fun with the books, they are worth every minute of your time! September 21, 2014 at 7:33pm Reply

  • DDJ: Some time ago I asked here about sources for incense to use in a new meditation hut I’d built and received many wonderfully helpful replies.

    Today I’m looking for similar help.

    I’ve made a number of large, heavy, ‘Gothic’ candle sticks to hold pillar candles.

    I’ve seen posters here, from time to time, talk about scents reminiscent of the churches of their youth; perhaps Roman Catholic or Greek Orthodox. I’m not sure.

    I have no such scent memories and so I’m looking for recommendations of both manufactuers and specific scent names

    …for candles/scents you remember or find evocative of sacred places; connection with the Spiritual side of life … perhaps a little Gregorian Chant in the background : )

    Thank you all, in advance. September 19, 2014 at 12:43pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Top of the line Cire Trudon, the Spiritus Sancti candle or the Carmelite. Thy are divine… September 19, 2014 at 1:39pm Reply

      • DDJ: Thank you so much.

        I just now looked at them online and it turns out they have a dealer right here : ) …. which is a little rare.

        Carmelites in stock; more Sancti on the way. I’ll be picking one up tomorrow. September 19, 2014 at 5:08pm Reply

  • solanace: Does anybody knows if the current Ma Griffe is still good? September 19, 2014 at 3:22pm Reply

    • Victoria: It’s sharp and green, but the drydown is not bad. September 20, 2014 at 4:26am Reply

      • Solanace: Thank you, Victoria! If you think it’s sharp, I’m not getting it unsniffed! September 21, 2014 at 8:52am Reply

  • Poppy: I’ll be travelling overseas in a couple of months – any suggestions on unusual scents to buy duty free? I belileve I’ll be at the airport in Shannon, Ireland if it makes a difference. September 19, 2014 at 3:34pm Reply

    • Victoria: Not sure about specific perfumes, but Guerlain, Yves Saint Laurent and others often have duty free only perfumes. And of course, nice gift sets. September 20, 2014 at 4:28am Reply

  • Pascale: Hello! Relatively new to the world of perfume here, but I have to say I’m addicted to this blog – the reviews are exquisite (and all that SAT vocab! Victoria, I’m a fan.) I’m only just beginning to discover what I like, but my small collection has grown from one to eight in less than a year! I’d be much obliged if you could suggest me a few 🙂

    Favorite notes: Rose (of all colors), powder (cosmetic, not baby), iris, jasmine, leather, sandalwood, vetiver, incense, pink pepper, musk, oakmoss.

    Perfumes I love:
    Shiseido White Rose (lucky enough to have a FB!)
    Love, Chloe
    Hermes Caleche
    Amouage Lyric Woman
    Chanel No. 19
    Guerlain L’Heure Bleue
    Chanel Coco

    I’m not a fan of sweet perfumes or strong gourmands, and patchouli is often, but not always, a dealbreaker.

    Would be thrilled if you could give my future discoveries some direction! September 20, 2014 at 3:20am Reply

    • Victoria: Pascale, welcome! Your list of favorites and favorite notes makes for some diverse recommendations. Have you tried L’Artisan Traversee du Bosphore? It is a creamy, powdery rose-iris, with a kick of woods and leather. Also similar is the new by Terry Rouge Nocturne.

      Have you tried Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin, another dark, moody rose? September 20, 2014 at 4:33am Reply

      • Pascale: Thanks Victoria! (A little starstruck here, haha) I actually haven’t tried L’Artisan and the Terry! I’ll have to order samples right away 🙂

        La Fille de Berlin really is spot-on, it’s actually already on my buy list! Unforgettable brooding intensity from the first whiff. September 20, 2014 at 3:12pm Reply

    • Lara: Definitely try SL La Fille de Berlin if you like rose and pink pepper. The rose is very moody, lush. Victoria’s review is spot-on. September 20, 2014 at 2:09pm Reply

      • Pascale: Thanks to you too Lara! There should definitely be more roses of this type on the market, they’re absolutely captivating. 🙂 September 20, 2014 at 3:13pm Reply

    • AnnieA: Pascale, a couple of random suggestions: Malle Lipstick Rose, Smell Bent Bollywood or Bust, a CdG incense like Avignon. Have fun with the hunt… September 20, 2014 at 5:50pm Reply

      • Pascale: Haven’t tried any of these yet, but sure will! Thanks so much!! September 20, 2014 at 6:53pm Reply

      • Pascale: Just did a bit of research and Avignon sounds lovely – my parents are Catholic and took my to church every Sunday when I was little, so that incense smell is bound to hit me right in the memories. Thanks! September 20, 2014 at 7:00pm Reply

    • limegreen: Hi Pascale! Roses worth sniffing:
      Jo Malone Red Roses (my first rose fragrance)
      Diptyque Eau Rose EDT (wonderful hand cream, too)
      Chloe Roses (very similar to Eau Rose, not as sparkling IMO)
      L’Occitane de Provence Rose et Reines (used to be Rose 4 Reines) — easy to wear (affordable, too)

      darkish:
      Frederic Malle Une Rose (truffle earthy note)
      Tom Ford Noir de Noir (patchouli is not pronounced)
      Tom Ford Cafe Rose September 20, 2014 at 6:25pm Reply

      • Pascale: I have actually tried all of those roses and own a bottle of my favorite! (Diptyque Eau Rose). Lovely on its own, and a dream to layer too, I found.

        The darkish ones, I haven’t had much time with, but all of those are certainly going on my test list. Thanks so much! September 20, 2014 at 6:55pm Reply

        • limegreen: Sorry to be redundant! 🙂 You’ve been busy then!
          re: your incense memory:
          A Tom Ford SA told me that he did NOT care for Sahara Noir because he grew up Catholic and it was too close to the church smell! (I love SN — not Catholic.) September 20, 2014 at 8:46pm Reply

          • Pascale: No no worries! I studied abroad in Paris last year and most of my free time was spent sniffing around the city – I was bound to come across them 🙂

            I’ll take note of that then! I was pondering a blind buy, but now I’ll sample it first for sure! September 20, 2014 at 9:29pm Reply

    • Figuier: For a slightly cosmetic, silky rose that’s also beautifully rich, try Mohur. The other rose I like is the woody but elegant Rose Oud by Kilian.

      But there are so many different fragrance families on your list of favourites, so I’d say just go with the flow and keep testing widely. September 22, 2014 at 5:36am Reply

      • Pascale: Sure will, thanks a lot Figuier! So hard to choose just one! haha 🙂 September 23, 2014 at 10:20am Reply

  • Melian: I’m looking for recommendations for perfumes that smell like bourbon. Not necessarily boozy, but deep, warm, rich and lightly sweet. September 20, 2014 at 6:25am Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: maybe Parfumerie Generale Cozé or Frapin 1270 or 1697. Do you like or have you tried Diptyque Tam Dao or Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan September 20, 2014 at 2:39pm Reply

  • Cornelia Blimber: I bought a new bottle of Fille en Aiguilles, and I think it is thinner. I can’t compare, my old bottle is empty (and in the dust-bin).

    Does anybody have the same impression? September 20, 2014 at 6:46am Reply

    • jillie: Hi, Cornelia! Can’t speak for Fille, but practically every time I have bought a new bottle of a favourite recently it is always thinner – and I am talking of perfumes that were only created a couple of years ago and which you would not expect to be reformulated yet.

      I have a conspiracy theory: with the first run of fragrance they capture your attention, then they dilute subsequent bottlings hoping you don’t notice and thus saving them money! And I suspect that if challenged they will say it’s not true, or that they will blame IFRA for forcing them to reduce the percentage of perfume!! September 21, 2014 at 3:27am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: You could be right, I suppose. Money makes the world go around. September 21, 2014 at 4:20am Reply

  • loledinburgh: Hi!
    I am looking an iris perfume that is beautiful as well as affordable if possible lol…, any ideas ?
    I own Infusion d’Iris by Prada and I love it .

    My other question is about finding a perfume similar to my beloved and discontinued L’Arte de Gucci;I have tried Diva by Ungaro and although very nice it isn’t what I’m looking for.
    Thanks and have a wonderful weekend ! September 20, 2014 at 4:59pm Reply

    • Pascale: For the iris, have you tried Guerlain’s Après L’Ondée ? Mesmerizing. My favorite part is the drydown, but it’s a soft whisper and evaporates from my skin before long. Maybe try your luck with it to see if it holds for longer on you!

      May or may not fit into your definition of affordable – but I think if it works with your chemistry, it’s worth every penny. 🙂 September 20, 2014 at 9:33pm Reply

      • loledinburgh: thanks Pascale!
        I haven’t tried it in a long time so I’ll make sure I retry it the next time in town.
        I think I read you were wondering about incense perfumes earlier in the thread, right?
        Avignon is perfect IMHO and Bois d’Encens by Armani is also spot on, really dry and cool at the same time
        , just pure beauty!!!, September 21, 2014 at 6:21am Reply

        • Pascale: You’re welcome and thanks loledinburgh! 🙂 I will be sure to order samples of both!! September 23, 2014 at 10:21am Reply

    • rainboweyes: What about Hermès Hiris for an unique but affordable iris? Or maybe Diptyque Volutés as a warmer iris scent? September 21, 2014 at 10:16am Reply

      • rainboweyes: a unique, of course 🙂 September 21, 2014 at 10:18am Reply

  • allgirlmafia: Quick question- speaking vintage Rochas Femme, how is the cologne concentration ? I am curious to try the vintage because I’ve heard it is more beautiful than the newer version.

    Anyone familiar with the vintage EDC? I generally buy Parfum or EDP. September 20, 2014 at 5:58pm Reply

    • Victoria: The cologne concentration is sharper to start with, and it’s very nice. The only thing is because it contains more citrus, it tends to go off quicker. Unless you can smell the perfume before buying, it’s a riskier purchase than the EDP or the parfum. September 22, 2014 at 9:09am Reply

      • allgirlmafia: Thank you, V. I appreciate that. September 22, 2014 at 11:42am Reply

  • Denise: Hiya. New to perfume. Recently I’ve been experimenting with layering. Not with very much thought, just experimenting. However I’ve noticed that sometimes if I spray 2 perfumes that are individually long lasting with great sillage on top of each other, sometimes the resulting mix just fades in seconds! What gives? September 20, 2014 at 9:42pm Reply

    • Victoria: Hmm, I’m not quite sure. Perhaps. the combination by itself isn’t balanced properly, so you don’t perceive the scents the same way as you would if you were to smell them on their own. September 22, 2014 at 9:11am Reply

  • Nancy: I am looking for something new for Autumn. My loves are Tonka Vanille by PDN, Indochine by PG, and Angelique Noire by Guerlain. As you can see, I like my scents to be gourmand (but not sugary), a little spicy, and a good dose of flowers or fruit. My hates include tobacco, heavy roses, and cumin. Do you have any ideas for me? Thank you. September 21, 2014 at 3:02pm Reply

    • Hannah: Some possibilities: Idole de Lubin (cumin is in the notes but I don’t think it stands out), Ambre Russe by Parfum D’Empire, Feminite Du Bois and Arabie by Serge Lutens, 1740 by Histoires de Parfums. September 21, 2014 at 6:07pm Reply

      • Victoria: Yes, Idole de Lubin used black cumin, which doesn’t smell at all the same as the regular kind (no sweaty notes).

        Also, I would try Olfactive Studio Chambre Noire and Lumiere Blanche. Both are very different, but very soft, comforting and have nice sweetness. Hermessence Ambre Narguile is another option. September 22, 2014 at 9:12am Reply

    • rainboweyes: Maybe Traversée du Bosphore by Artisan Parfumeur or Equistrius by Parfums d’Empire? September 23, 2014 at 6:34am Reply

  • Salina: Wow, I love this thread!

    I recently purchased Hermes Un Jardin En Mediterrainee after smelling it at Sephora. At first I didn’t like it because it’s unlike anything I own, but as it developed on my skin it truly became something else. My only gripe is that for such an expensive perfume, it doesn’t last more than 2 hours on me. Does anyone know of a similar scent that has better lasting power?

    Other scents I love:
    Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
    L’occitane Cedre & Oranger (I literally followed a stranger around to ask what this scent was!)
    See by Chloe
    With Love by Hilary Duff (the only sweet, warm spicy scent I’ve ever liked)
    Givenchy Ange Ou Demon Le Secret
    Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey
    Marc Jacobs Fragrance

    Absolutely cannot stand gourmand fragrances like FlowerBomb and Lancome La Vie Est Belle.

    I would love to explore more scents, especially ones that are more green and woody. I think I like fragrances with notes of bergamot, orange blossom, neroli, and white florals.

    Please let me know if you have any suggestions – thank you!! September 21, 2014 at 8:43pm Reply

    • Figuier: A less expensive Hermes Jardin en Med could be quite hard to pin down, as it’s quite an unusual scent, & the only similar ones I can think of are dearer! But even if you’re trhing to save, you should try Annick Goutal Ninfeo mio if you get the chance, for a different & definitely more long-lasting take on some of the same notes. The other thing you might like to try is Demeter’s Fig perfume; the brand also does a Tomato Leaf one; both are quite photorealistic representations of notes that dominate in the Hermes…

      Another way you could look at the challenge would be to search out bright fruity fragrances that are light on syrup; Cacharel’s a great house, and its Amor Amor is very good value. Or try Roger & Gallet’s fragrances; their fig one is sweet, but their Bois d’Orange might be just your thing. They do small bottles that aren’t too pricey. September 22, 2014 at 5:52am Reply

      • Figuier: Oh, and for neroli, Yves Rocher Neroli is a must; my favourite neroli, and one of the cheapest also! September 22, 2014 at 5:54am Reply

        • rainboweyes: Roger&Gallet Fleur de Figuer is a lovely but inexpensive fig scent (created by Kurkdjian, btw) September 23, 2014 at 6:38am Reply

        • Salina: Thank you! Will definitely give those a try 🙂

          I actually smelled Balenciaga’s Florabotanica today and was very surprised find how similar the opening is to Hermes Un Jardin En Mediterrainee, but it then developed into something much sweeter. September 23, 2014 at 9:20pm Reply

    • Cybele: give Jo Malone Lime Basil Mandarin a try and also Diorella September 23, 2014 at 8:46pm Reply

  • Tia: Ahh my first time here! Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Looking for a smoky, mysterious, delicious, but not overpowering perfume (now live in hot climate). My favorite fragrances include: Cartier l’heure 13, Annick Goutal Myrrhe Ardente, Le Labo Gaiac, L’Artisan Parfumeur Passage d’enfer. September 21, 2014 at 10:47pm Reply

    • Victoria: Hi Tia, and welcome! I read your list and wondered if you’ve tried Atelier Cologne Bois Blonds, which is a soft, pale incense, but it lasts really well.

      Another interesting perfume with incense that doesn’t smell at all heavy is Serge Lutens L’Eau Froide. September 22, 2014 at 9:14am Reply

      • Tia: Thanks! Bois Blond didn’t impress me for some reason, though I made 2 attempts to like it 🙁
        Gotta give L’eau froide a try! September 22, 2014 at 10:16pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: maybe Tom Ford Shanghai Lily, Heely Cardinal, Parfumerie Generale Felanilla, CB I Hate Perfume 7 Billion Hearts Water Perfume September 22, 2014 at 2:22pm Reply

      • Tia: Thank you! Out of those I am only familiar with TF Shanghai Lily… But do not like white flowers there. Adding the rest to my list! September 22, 2014 at 10:18pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: Have you tried Maria Candida Gentile Exultat? September 23, 2014 at 6:41am Reply

      • Tia: Thank you. Not familiar at all with that line. Where can I find in the US? September 24, 2014 at 6:15pm Reply

    • Cybele: Try Hermes Voyage especially the perfume version (black bottle) September 23, 2014 at 8:44pm Reply

  • Shirley: Hi Everyone,
    I’m looking for something new for autumn and winter. Every autumn and winter, I wear the same staples: Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille, Frederic Malle Une Rose, and some days Stella by Stella McCartney. I would love to get some new recommendations. Thanks! September 23, 2014 at 7:00pm Reply

    • Cybele: try Guerlain Rose Barbare and Le Petit Robe Noir in Extrait September 23, 2014 at 8:42pm Reply

      • Cybele: you might also like Safran Troublant September 23, 2014 at 8:48pm Reply

        • Shirley: Thanks! I’ll have to go try them out! September 24, 2014 at 11:42pm Reply

  • Nicki: Hi! Can you recommend a perfume for me? I’ve loved Chanel 19 forever but can’t find another perfume I like. I think the reason why I like 19 so much is that it smells good to me, but I don’t know how to describe it, if that makes sense. In a way I don’t like Jo Malone or those perfume that smells very strongly of 1 note.

    Thank you so much! September 23, 2014 at 8:38pm Reply

    • Victoria: No 19 has plenty of green notes, iris, vetiver and very soft leather. I think that you might enjoyEstee Lauder Private Collection, Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, Jacomo Silences, and Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa. September 24, 2014 at 3:57am Reply

      • Nicki: Thank you! My first time here and this blog is really helpful! September 24, 2014 at 6:12pm Reply

    • George: I think you need something different but complex. I also am not keen on the one note approach: as soon as I smell something I can too easily get my head around, I am bored. In general, it just means that if you want to try a type of fragrance, you just need to go to the one or ones that are considered a classic. i.e. if you want a tuberose, you skip over the Jo Malone and the various serviceable ones in most perfumeries, and reach for Fracas or Carnal Flower. If you want a vetiver, you skip past the Paul Smith one or the Tom Ford one and reach for Guerlain’s, or Chanel’s Sycomore. You will also probably find a lot of chypres do it for you because they are generally- by their nature- complex. Mitsouko, Chanel pour Monsieur and my new favourite Eau de Magnolia are some of the ones I’d recommend. In general when you shop, the bottle the sales assistant is holding and will want to douse you in will be the least likely to hold your attention: you want the one’s that looks old-fashioned (especially true at the Guerlain counter), and is probably at least twenty year old. Another person’s work you could look at is perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, who often uses a lot of interesting and different notes. Mohur- for example is very interesting. Also, go through Victoria’s blog (or search out Perfume: the Guide) and look at the five star reviewed fragrances: if a scent is well done but not particularly interesting, it usually at best gets a three star rating. September 24, 2014 at 10:42am Reply

      • Nicki: Thanks! September 24, 2014 at 6:21pm Reply

  • Eastofeden: I am looking for a low silage intimate scent to wear at my new job. Personal fragrance is frowned upon (although they have these horrible offense cans of fake vanilla and apple scented air fresheners in all the bathrooms!!!) in the office.

    My all time favorite scents are Estee Lauder’s White Linen and Auzuree (Monsters that will not be worn on workdays from now on 🙁

    I am thinking Prada Infusion d’Iris would be good. To me it smells soft, feminine, powdery and slightly metallic..You have to be very close to become aware of it…

    Anyone have any other suggestions? September 24, 2014 at 12:24am Reply

    • Victoria: What about Martin Margiela Untitled for something fresh and green or Love, Chloe for something soft and powdery? September 24, 2014 at 3:59am Reply

  • Jeff: Thanks for your wonderful blog.

    I’m new to the world of fragrances, but have found that I’m really enjoying exploring different scents and am in the quest to finding my own signature fragrance. Truth be told, whenever I try new scents, I seem to be drawn more to the feminine side of the aisle rather than men’s fragrances.

    Right now, I’ve been using Clarins ‘Eau de Jardins’ for a while and have received quite a few compliments. What are your thoughts on this fragrance (for a guy), and what other fragrance would you recommend that I try. I also like L’Occitane ‘The Vert au Jasmin’, Roger et Gallet ‘Cedrat’ and ‘Gingembre’.

    I look forward to exploring and would love your feedback. September 27, 2014 at 12:28pm Reply

    • Victoria: You could try Bulgari Eau Parfumee au The Vert. It’s a green tea fragrance, almost a cologne, but with a twist of violet to make it interesting. Hermes Jardins series (Jardin en Mediterranee, Jardin sur le Nil, Jardin Apres La Mousson) would all be interesting for you to explore. R&G Bois d’Orange–have you tried that one? And Chanel No 19! I have a couple of male friends who wear it, and it smells amazing on them. Great perfumes are beyond gender, really. September 27, 2014 at 1:58pm Reply

      • Jeff: Victoria, Thanks so much for the recommendations. I’ve been thinking of trying Bvlgari Jasmin Noir (your thoughts on it), but will also check out the Eau Parfumee au The Vert. I’ve tried the Hermes Jardin Apres La Mousson but seem to have trouble finding it now. I will be in Paris in October and will definitely buy a bottle of R&G Bois d’Orange.

        Thanks again,

        Jeff September 27, 2014 at 2:07pm Reply

        • Victoria: It’s an ambery floral, but it can be sharp and verge on too sweet. Definitely try it on skin first.

          I also recommend you try Hermes Eau de Narcisse Bleu, which is another fragrance that is an interesting one, and again not at all predictable.

          If you don’t mind richer, sweeter options, then I can’t recommend Guerlain highly enough. Try Shalimar, Jicky and Habit Rouge. They’re rich with citrus, but they also have warm, enveloping drydowns. September 27, 2014 at 2:16pm Reply

          • Jeff: Thanks again Victoria.

            The Guerlain Jicky sounds intriguing so that may be a good place to diversify some.

            At my age (57), I’m at the point where it’s ok to wear what I like… so gender be damned! September 27, 2014 at 2:50pm Reply

          • Jeff: Any thoughts on Estee Lauder ‘Muse’? September 28, 2014 at 10:48pm Reply

  • Hannah: I think I am just going to go ahead and buy all the perfume that I’ve been thinking about. This will be: 21 (Costume National), Cuir Ottoman (Parfum D’Empire), Idole (Lubin), and Tubereuse Criminelle (Serge Lutens). Maybe Plum Japonais, as well. This will give me a collection of 10 or 11–the others being my existing collection of Comme des Garcons, Bulgari Black, Muscs Koublai Khan, Alexander McQueen Kingdom, Donna Karan Black Cashmere, and YSL M7. That’s not too outrageous, I suppose. September 27, 2014 at 2:23pm Reply

    • Victoria: Sounds nice and varied enough, Hannah! September 27, 2014 at 2:31pm Reply

      • Hannah: Tubereuse Criminelle is going to be my summer perfume, since a lot of my collection doesn’t work very well in hot weather. So that is most important to me, although I won’t need it until March or so.
        I’m not sure about Plum Japonais, because the price, obviously. I’ve been wearing my Feminite du Bois sample, but despite the similarities, they have totally different moods. So, unfortunately, I’m not swayed. But I’ll wait a bit before I make that decision. September 27, 2014 at 8:41pm Reply

  • Alicia: I am brand new to this site. I have been searching for a “signature” fragrance for years – and I am not lying when I say YEARS – and my friend’s mom introduced me to this site. Reading all of this, I feel very, very naïve. I LOVE fragrance but am horrible at picking those that work well for me, which is a constant source of frustration (and expense!) So with all that said, I just read the post about the 80s and Obsession because that is the only fragrance I have ever worn that I constantly and consistently received compliments on. I learned through reading it that it is Amber based (didn’t know that). Many fragrances turn so sweet or powdery on me that I can’t stand them. Can anyone recommend some special/unique fragrances that might work well for me in the Amber family? September 27, 2014 at 9:19pm Reply

    • Victoria: Do you have any other favorites? You might like Coco Noir, which is ambery but not powdery. It can be a bit sweet, so try it on skin a couple of times first. September 28, 2014 at 10:25am Reply

      • Elizabeth: I could have written most of Alicia’s post. I was a teen in the ’80s and came to this blog via the ’80s post. I love fragrance but am not a fan of “modern” overly sweet fragrances. My mainstay fragrance in my teens and 20s was Teatro Alla Scala by Krizia, sadly long since discontinued. I loved the fragrance for its warmth, allure, depth and staying power but it was also a true 80s “monster”, so I feel like it would be much too overpowering for today’s sensibilities. I occasionally use a dab of Chanel #5, but I’m not totally in love with how it evolves on me – it goes from mysterious and alluring to blandly sweet at the end of a 5 or 6 hour wearing. I’m not girly-girl nor a stanky patchouli wearer. I am pretty sure I tend towards orientals/woods/ambers, maybe leather/spices, and would love a few modern recommendations for something fall-winterish. I’m ok with unisex brands or indie ideas as I do like unconventional things that aren’t just trendy or weird for weird’s sake. September 29, 2014 at 7:28pm Reply

        • Victoria: A few ideas that come to mind: Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur, Guerlain Bois d’Armenie and maybe also Guerlain Tonka Imperiale, Hermes L’Ambre des Merveilles, Yves Saint Laurent Opium (it has been reformulated, so it is very different from how it used to smell, and it’s very polished, ambery/woody), Tocca Colette, Prada Eau de Parfum. September 30, 2014 at 10:29am Reply

    • Hannah: Obsession has been my mom’s signature since it was new. She also likes Dune and Opium.
      What is you budget and do you live in the US or Europe or somewhere else?
      Are you looking for another oriental powerhouse or just a fragrance that shares some qualities? September 28, 2014 at 11:03am Reply

    • limegreen: Hi Alicia — don’t know if you’ll see this but I don’t like sweet or powdery drydowns either and I like my amber spicy, not sweet. I’ve enjoyed the body cream for Bond No 9 New York Amber. The perfume is really strong but maybe you would like the cream and layer something over it now and then.
      I like Musc Ravageur, too, much more special/unique than Bond NY Amber, but found to my surprise that I really love Malle Dans tes Bras (more than MR). It does not go powdery or sweet on my skin and is very unusual. October 5, 2014 at 11:36am Reply

  • Ahana: Hi,
    Firstly, I love this blog, I nearly always read up on perfumes here before making a purchase. Now, I’m not too certain of my ‘perfume group’, so I was hoping for a little help and recommendations. Some of my favourites are Paloma Picasso, Dior’s Tendre Poison, Le Parfum by Elie Saab and Estee Lauder’s Pleasures Intense. I also like Elizabeth Arden’s Spiced Green Tea and Paco Rabanne’s Pour Elle.
    So…any recommendations based on this jumble? September 28, 2014 at 6:07am Reply

    • Victoria: Not a jumble at all, but a wide, diverse range. 🙂 You seem to like moss and white flowers as well green notes and spicy woods. So, the first option I thought of was Chanel Cristalle, the mossy green Eau de Toilette. Chanel No 19 would also be great, I think, or Calvin Klein Euphoria (intense green note over a gourmand heart). For a modern chypre, I recommend Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum. September 28, 2014 at 10:41am Reply

  • Emilie: Hey guys, I know I’m SUPER late to this thread but I’ve just now discovered it. If anyone is still reading through these I’d really love some recommendations.

    I recently tried Serge Lutens’ fleur d’oranger and fell in love with it. My favorite ever interpretation of orange flower. Sadly however the scent faded down to nothing in under 2 hours 🙁

    Can anyone recommend another great orange flower scent? October 5, 2014 at 12:18am Reply

    • limegreen: Hi Emilie (your post showed up on Latest Comments on the Home Page) — I had a similar experience with SL Fleurs d’Oranger. Did you try it with a sample or from a tester or did you buy a bottle? I think my sample may have been the culprit. I don’t like perfume to be overpowering so the the lack of longevity did not trouble me and it was so lovely a fragrance. I later had an opportunity to try spritzes from a tester and it was really powerful and longevity was not an issue, even smelled faintly on my wrists into the next morning. October 5, 2014 at 11:54am Reply

  • neo: Hi, I am mid age female, and just need a few perfumes recommendation. don’t really know anything about them except what I like-

    -love all citrusy,fresh//and allure sensuelle as well–the thing is I spend half the year in England and other half in india where it’s hot and humid and perfumes don’t last v long on the skin–

    so I would love to get a few citrusy, mandarini recommendations for day time and maybe something a bit jasminy or magnolia or ‘mysterious’ 🙂 for evenings..

    ( but NO amber..I got one annick goutal ombre and really don’t like it.. and Nothing Sweet.)

    I managed to buy one tom ford (and now don’t use it because it’s so bloody expensive)!! .. so not buying him again..

    something less bank breaking would be lovely..
    also something with staying power..

    thanks for all any any suggestions..

    this site itself feels like a summers’ afternoon in goa..

    warm regards you all
    xo
    neo October 7, 2014 at 10:58am Reply

    • Victoria: Fun question! Do you have any perfumes you wear right now, or some that you’ve enjoyed in the past? October 7, 2014 at 12:48pm Reply

      • neo: Hi victoria

        sorry I didn’t know you or anyone else had replied to my question.

        I’ve actually gotten quite a few perfumes after reading about it here–

        so the ones I got and didn’t like were annick goutal’s mon cheri and ambre fetishe and what I did like was ninfeo mio.

        (what are the notes in the two I didn’t like, for my information?)

        Others I cleverly bought on my own:

        Attimo by ferragamo is quite lovely although I am not sure it lasts.

        I love allure sensuelle (although I believe it’s not citrusy?)–is there a great difference between allure and a.sensuelle?

        I keep hovering around chanel au fraiche something everytime I am at the airport but seems too expensive for a edt??

        I long to have perfumes that smell of orange groves with a large corner for grapefruit, a dash of bergamot, many many mandarin trees, but all this fruit without a little twist –some body –would be pointless..so something to anchor them.

        If you know of Life candles–a tomato and rhubarb one–sounds weird and is incredible..

        but see what I mean? a little twist to the plot is critical for lasting satisfaction.

        warmest and thanks very much
        Neo November 3, 2014 at 10:21am Reply

        • Victoria: Neo, we have a new thread on this top on the front page today, so if you like, you can repost your questions there! November 3, 2014 at 6:36pm Reply

      • neo: also another question–I have abs no knowledge of perfumes ..just like and dislike some:
        should you spray on clothes or skin–clothes like shorts and t shirts that you don’t mind messing up a bit?
        2.nd question: how many spurts are enough to last some hours ? say for autumn in england or 30 degrees in goa?
        cheers
        neo November 3, 2014 at 4:30pm Reply

  • Jordi: Hi

    I am somewhat new to perfumes and only the last months I have been seriously into them. I am looking to expand my knowledge and variety of perfums I can wear. I kow and like Terre d’Hermes, Bel Ami vetiver, most of the Hermessence series. I’ve tried and liked Dior Homme, Eau Sauvage but I don’t like Guerlain’s Homme Ideal and totally can’t stand Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino.

    I’d like to know what “families” of perfume I still need to try or what direction should I go from there to discover new things I may like.

    Thanks in advance!! October 7, 2014 at 2:48pm Reply

    • Victoria: It sounds like anything mossy, woody (cedarwood especially) and dry leathery can fit. Homme Ideal is totally different from your favorites, and it is very sweet, whereas other perfumes you like aren’t. Have you tried Cartier Declaration or Frederic Malle Cologne Bigarade? October 8, 2014 at 7:41am Reply

      • Jordi: I havent tried anything by Frederic Malle, it’s along with Serge Lutens the great unknown in my city, I haven’t found them anywhere altgough I’ll keep searching and bothering my usual stores until they have them :p Regarding Declaration I heard it’s also JC Ellena creation and somewhat similar to Terre. In all honesty I get lost with Declaration, there are so many variations of it that I am never sure if Ive smelled the original so far. Of all Ive tried the most surprising was dior homme I didnt expect that Id like that cocoa floral sweetness quite different from the rest I think. I wore yesterday ambre des merveilles and I liked how it evolved on my skin, great longevity awesome dry down and interesting touch of sweet on me. Convinced me even more that femine/masculine classifications are quite artificial and too limiting. October 8, 2014 at 9:12am Reply

        • Victoria: The original Declaration is the best. And since we’re talking Cartier, I recommend trying Eau de Cartier, the original. It’s a terrific blend of violet leaf, bergamot and peppery woods.

          And yes, the feminine/masculine divide is artificial. October 8, 2014 at 9:16am Reply

  • jenifer: I would really like to find a perfume that I love. I used to wear Fendi and I always got complements when I wore it. The new Fendi is not the same for me. I hope you have something for me to try. I also wear Chanel 22 but only on very special occasions such as anniversary/Date nights… A friend gave it to me to wear on my Wedding day! October 8, 2014 at 11:31pm Reply

    • Victoria: Can you please describe your tastes and what you are looking for a bit more, to help out those who may not know the original Fendi? October 9, 2014 at 9:37am Reply

  • Debra: I’m looking for a new fragrance that would be elegant, a little sexy and stay on my skin (which is my biggest problem). I love Armani Prive Rose Alexandrite, but it lasts about 2 hours. I wear Fresh Sake (which I wear by default, since it says well and works well on my skin), Serge Lutens Five Au Gingembre (It’s a bit too heavy for most days), and Dior Hypnotic Poision. I love Bottega Venetta, but by itself it’s too masculine on me, so I layer it with flowerbomb. I live in the south, so it’s hot 90% of the year. Any recommendations on fragrances I should try? October 17, 2014 at 1:15pm Reply

    • Victoria: Debra, we will have a perfume recommendation thread soon, so I recommend that you post your question there, since this thread is already quiet. But in the meantime, I was wondering if you’ve tried Stella McCartney Stella? It’s a light, citrusy rose with a beautiful amber base. It’s transparent, not heavy and has many nuances. October 20, 2014 at 9:36am Reply

  • Ari: Hello all. I’ve recently stumbled over this blog and it’s FANTASTIC!

    I’ve been taking scent allot more seriously of late – and with this change in perspective I feel a bit lost in Wonderland.

    I am looking for a perfume that approximates the original Hermes Eau des Marveilles, but which has good or very good silage. I find it’s a very elegant scent but lasting power is very weak on me.

    To give you an idea, I like Atelier Cologne Silver Iris and Carmin Santal, Aerin Evening Rose. Main stream: Miss Dior and Hermes eau de Mandarine Ambre. November 2, 2014 at 11:28am Reply

    • Victoria: Ari, we will have a new thread tomorrow, and I suggest that you repost your question there, because this one is already quiet.
      Have you tried the parfum version of Eau des Merveilles? It’s very long-lasting on me. November 2, 2014 at 11:32am Reply

      • Ari: Thank you, Victoria. I’ll repost the question and will try the perfume version. Though the perfume seemed a different scent.:) November 2, 2014 at 2:24pm Reply

  • kiki: hi! i’m trying to find a scent that reminds me of a discontinued body cream by ojon: batana body cream. the key ingredients were buriti oil, cacao seed butter, and coffee seed oil. i like the nutty, warmth of the fragrance, which also reminds me of a scent i’ve smelled on others but was too shy to ask about. any ideas? thank you! December 9, 2014 at 2:25pm Reply

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