Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates today! In the Orthodox tradition, the main festivities begin today and run until Epiphany on January 19th. I’m celebrating by cooking my family’s favorites, such as garlicky pork belly roasted over cherry branches, beet and mushroom salad, and pampushki (donuts) with rose and almond filling.
Bois de Jasmin will return on Monday, January 12th with its regular schedule. 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.
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
276 Comments
Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and Perfume Lovers, I recently fell in love with Frederick Malle’s Carnal Flower but it is not available in Hungary. Any suggestions of similar scents are welcome. Another question: which Serge Lutens scent would you suggest to me? I love musk, rose, violet, iris, sandalwood notes most. January 7, 2015 at 7:36am
Bea: Hi Nora,
You can order Frederic Malle here:
skins.nl
They ship all over the world and are great to buy from.
Carnal Flower is a blast of tuberose on me. Have you tried Fracas?
From Serge Lutens, try Feminité du Bois (woody) and Bois de Violette (violet-woody). Both are beautiful. January 7, 2015 at 8:43am
Annette: Hi Nora, is Hiram Green available in your country? Because Moon Bloom is very similar to Carnal Flower. January 7, 2015 at 9:28am
Austenfan: For Rose Lutens has Sa Majesté la Rose, Rose de Nuit and La fille de Berlin.
For Iris: Iris Silver Mist, rooty turnippy iris and Bas de Soie
Musk: Muscs Koublaï Khan, Clair de Musc
Sandalwood: Santal Majuscule, Santal Blanc, Santal de Mysore.
Alternatives to Carnal Flower: the suggested Moon Bloom, but it is very expensive and has little sillage. Or just use the tuberose tag on this blog and read reviews, that is how I have often found fragrances.
Good luck January 7, 2015 at 10:05am
limegreen: Hi Nora — I love Carnal Flower and there isn’t any fragrance that I feel is like it.
1. The Frederic Malle website (select France) ships internationally.
http://www.fredericmalle.com/eu/
2. Why not combine tuberose and Serge Lutens and give Tubereuse Criminelle a sample test? I found the notorious menthol opening quirky (but not off-putting) and now love the perfume. It is a beautiful tuberose after the opening. I consider TC the “yin” to CF’s “yang”! January 7, 2015 at 10:32am
Karen: Agree with limegreen’s suggestion, and was actually going to make the same! I, too, fell in love with CF, but not at that steep price tag! January 7, 2015 at 12:39pm
Jennifer: How about Santal Majuscule – a rose and sandalwood – so lovely! January 7, 2015 at 12:21pm
Hera: Madonna’s Truth or Dare is similar to Carnal flower and less expensive January 7, 2015 at 1:39pm
cassieflower: I would give Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia a try. The opening notes are different but the drydown is similar, and its sillage and longevity are wonderful. It’s also much less expensive. January 7, 2015 at 2:42pm
Mia: Dear Nora!
Madison Perfumery on Andrassy street carries F. Malle’s Carnal Flower! January 7, 2015 at 3:49pm
Karen: I could not remember the name of the store, as I wanted to pass that along! Got Portrait of a Lady there and a sample of CF. The sales woman I had was incredibly nice and very helpful. January 7, 2015 at 5:36pm
Gentiana: Hello, Nora,
you may order from the Frederic Malle site. I received two years ago the 2012 colection of miniatures directly from them.
And check out the Madisson perfume shop on the Andrassy Ut, because the Madisson in Bucharest has Frederic Malle, and they have the same products, as being the same company. January 22, 2015 at 8:07am
Cornelia Blimber: Merry Christmas, Victoria, have a good time! January 7, 2015 at 7:43am
Victoria: Thank you very much! January 7, 2015 at 1:21pm
angeldiva: Yes! Wishing you a wonderful happy Christmas Day, Victoria!!!!
Peace January 7, 2015 at 1:33pm
Victoria: Thank you for your warm wishes! January 7, 2015 at 1:34pm
Therése: Merry Christmas Victoria! Mmm, donuts with rose and almond filling sounds divine.
I was wondering if someone could recommend me a really cold and airy perfume. Something aloof and chilly that makes one think of scandinavian or russian winters and whirling snow. Anyone? January 7, 2015 at 8:15am
Michaela: Do you think L’Eau Froide feels chilly enough? https://boisdejasmin.com/2012/03/serge-lutens-leau-froide-fragrance-review.html January 7, 2015 at 8:20am
Cornelia Blimber: Russian winters and whirling snow…beautiful image. Maybe Zagorsk (pine, incense, rather chilly and dry) (Comme des Garçons).
Or Bois d’Encens (dry incense, pepper).
Or Bas de Soie (frozen orris and hyacinth). January 7, 2015 at 8:32am
Therése: Cornelia, thank you! They all sound interesting. I’m especially curious about Zagorsk, I will try to find a sample of that. January 7, 2015 at 8:50am
Therése: L’Eau Froide sounds very promising! Thank you. January 7, 2015 at 8:38am
Bea: Have you tried Silver Mountain Water from Creed? January 7, 2015 at 8:54am
Therése: I haven’t tried it but I will! I now there is a barber in my hometown that carries Creed. Thank you! January 7, 2015 at 9:50am
angeldiva: Love This! January 8, 2015 at 3:49pm
SophieC: Hello I find that sometimes No 22 feels crystalline like snow, especially if you wear it in cold air. January 7, 2015 at 9:11am
Therése: You are absolutely right, it does smell a little crystalline! January 7, 2015 at 10:52am
angeldiva: Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio.
P. January 8, 2015 at 3:51pm
Annette: I second Zagorsk. Absolutely wonderful.
You might also try Siberian Snow from D.S. & Durga. January 7, 2015 at 9:25am
Therése: I’m so intrigued about the D.S & Durga scents! I will absolutely hunt down a sample of Siberian snow. Thank you! January 7, 2015 at 9:57am
briony hey: I find Ormonde Jayne’s Ormonde Woman very aloof and chilly. There’s also Agonist’s Arctic Jade. I don’t find that particularly chilly myself but that’s what it’s meant to evoke. It’s beautiful anyway. January 7, 2015 at 9:33am
limegreen: This isn’t a pretty perfume but Demeter’s Snow smells like winter in the north. We got it for my homesick sister-in-law who misses white Christmases. She can’t believe how it smells like a blast of the cold outdoors! She uses it as room spray for the feeling of real winter. January 7, 2015 at 10:39am
Therése: Thank you Briony and Limegreen, all your scent suggestions are now on my “to try”-list! January 7, 2015 at 10:44am
Parfumista: Celine Ellena’s De Bachmakov (The Different Company) is the olfactory image of the frozen taiga. January 7, 2015 at 2:10pm
Therése: I’va had my eye on that for a while, I need to find a sample. Thank you for reminding me! January 8, 2015 at 2:36am
Elisa: Try Andrea Maack Craft — very chilly aldehydic incense! January 7, 2015 at 8:49pm
Therése: Never heard of this brand before, how exciting! Thank you! January 8, 2015 at 2:58am
Tomate Farcie: 4160 Tuesdays Doe in the Snow January 8, 2015 at 2:11pm
Jennifer C: The Different Company’s De Bachmakoff (sp?) has kind of a snowy feel about it. You might also try Arquiste Aleksandr. January 9, 2015 at 5:08pm
Rowanhill: Kelly Caleche is pretty cool to me, although I believe the mid winter has passed and the snow is already melting in that one, and the days are longer. There might even be a brave crocus or two sticking their buds through the snow.
Mind you try both Edt and EdP as they are very different. I can’t remember now which one is the cooler, EdT or EdP as exceptionally I do not have a bottle. January 10, 2015 at 9:30am
Michaela: Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate now!
Victoria, I’m planning to pay you a visit tonight to test that pork belly and beet salad and pampushki. I can almost smell them. Where did you say you live? 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 8:33am
Victoria: Anytime! 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 1:21pm
breathesgelatin: I’m seeking advice and feedback from anyone who has tried the current (late 2014 reissue) formulation of Oeillet Sauvage. Good? Bad? Ugly? Worth a blind buy? January 7, 2015 at 9:07am
Victoria: Still haven’t tried it, so I’m curious to hear what others think. January 9, 2015 at 4:57am
Polinia: I have tried it once but it left no impression. I couldn’t feel much carnation and generally it sounded very weak for me. Sorry, it might be my untrained nose. But I wouldn’t advice a blind buy. January 12, 2015 at 7:20am
SophieC: Merry Christmas Victoria!
No questions, but just to say you have inspired me to try kutya (maybe with rice or buckwheat) and uzvar. Thank you for this beautiful blog and the endlessly elegant and uplifting pieces on here. January 7, 2015 at 9:13am
Victoria: Thank you for your nice words, Sophie! Hope that you liked uzvar and kutya. 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 1:30pm
Lara Anderson: Merry Christmas Victoria! I’m wearing Costamar’s Tabacca to warm up the cold spell we’re having here in Florida. This is only our second one this year and so looking forward to moving to a cooler climate. The winters here just don’t feel like winter should. January 7, 2015 at 9:20am
Victoria: Sounds wonderful on a cold day! I admit that I miss snow if I don’t see it too often. January 7, 2015 at 1:31pm
jillie: Happy Christmas. Those pampushki sound so delicious – any chance of the recipe? Rose and almond would be such a lovely combination, both to eat and to wear. January 7, 2015 at 9:54am
Bea: I too am drooling over the description “donut with rose and almond filling”. It sounds lovely! January 7, 2015 at 11:28am
Victoria: I’m jotting down the quantities as I make them, so I will try to write up the recipe soon. I got a few requests for it already. 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 1:31pm
Lena D.: How lovely! I was about to ask you if you made those rose and pistachio marzipan squares yourself.
I tried almost every recipe you posted; some of them became favorite of my whole family! You also inspired me to mix my own spicy concoctions! Thank you for sharing and inspiring!:) January 7, 2015 at 3:28pm
Victoria: Yes, I did, but I need to work on the recipe, since it’s a bit unpredictable. I love the color so much.
Well, you made my evening, Lena. 🙂 I’m so happy to hear this. January 7, 2015 at 3:32pm
Austenfan: Have a great Christmas! Are you making fires with Cherry branches in Brussels? 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 9:59am
Victoria: You just add a few branches under the meat as you bake it in the oven. No need to concern the local firefighters. 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 1:32pm
Elisa: I’m so charmed by this idea. Roasting meat over cherry branches! January 7, 2015 at 8:50pm
Austenfan: Philistine that I am I associate cherry wood with wooden floors. The wood must have a special aroma to be included. What does it smell like? January 8, 2015 at 7:02am
Victoria: I did a quick google search, and it seems that people agree that cherry wood is the best wood for smoking meat.
Now, I’m not using mature wood, just young branches with leaves, which I picked in the summer and froze. The leaves and young branches contain a bit of coumarin, and this gives the most incredible almond-like aroma. In the Mediterranean, fig leaves and branches are used the same way, and they also give a similar fragrance. January 8, 2015 at 8:08am
angeldiva: V- I’m straight, but I want a wife like you! LOL
Wow, pioneer women eat your hearts out.
P. January 8, 2015 at 3:53pm
Victoria: 🙂 I’m resourceful when it comes to food. January 8, 2015 at 4:03pm
angeldiva: I’ll say! lol
P. January 8, 2015 at 4:45pm
Austenfan: Just the answer I wanted. I wonder if my curiosity will ever end, I hope not.
And in my mind’s eye I was indeed picturing Belgian firefighters and porkbellies and loads of overheated perfume 😉 January 8, 2015 at 4:05pm
Victoria: I don’t think that it will ever end! 🙂 January 9, 2015 at 7:17am
Heather H: Merry Christmas!
I am looking for a Guerlain perfume. I am a little overwhelmed by the choices. I love florals, and I do not want anything too heavy as I live in Southern California. It is usually very warm here even in winter. I have Apres L’Ondee which I love, love, love but, I am looking for something else to try from this line. Any Suggestions?
Thank you in advance,
Heather January 7, 2015 at 10:11am
limegreen: Hi Heather == I love florals, too. Have you tried the Aqua Allergoria line for lighter Guerlain colognes? My favorite in that line is Herba Fresca, not floral but so refreshing for the SoCal climate (I used to live there ages ago.) In this line is Lys Soleia, a really pretty (on the sweet side) light white floral and lily.
https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/01/guerlain-qua-allegoria-lys-soleia-perfume-review.html January 7, 2015 at 10:51am
Rebecca: I’m in San Diego so I have the same issues. I have a weakness for Pamplelune in the Aqua Allegoria line and Shalimar Parfum Initial (though I seem to remember Victoria saying it is to be discontinued). Parfum initial is recognizably a Guerlain perfume but not as heady as most. January 7, 2015 at 11:04am
briony hey: I also love Apres L’Ondee. It was the perfume that got me hooked on Guerlain. Nahema is another lovely one. I find it quite sweet and rosy but there’s a lot of depth and complexity to it. I also like the latest Petite Robe Noire – the couture one – that’s bright and floral. January 7, 2015 at 11:31am
SophieC: While I don’t know the climate especially well, I completely agree that the latest Petite Robe Noire is fresh, bright and somehow like a floral raspberry macaroon – it goes with sun somehow! January 7, 2015 at 2:59pm
AnnieA: It’s not at all the Guerlains, and it’s expensive, but Vetiver Pour Elle is possibly my favourite summer scent. January 7, 2015 at 12:21pm
Aurora: Hello Heather: You might want to try L’Instant by Guerlain: it’s a very pretty (white) floral but it has some refreshing citrus on top is available in several concentrations and is not heady like some more classical Guerlains. It has a little bit of the powdery guerlinade showing through in the drydown of course but given that you like Apres L’Ondee that might not be too much of a problem for you. January 7, 2015 at 12:45pm
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe you could try some of the great Guerlains for men, like Vetiver, or Héritage (a very aromatic lavender/fougère), or Habit Rouge. I find Shalimar refreshing in the heat, but that’s very subjective.
Derby is fantastic, but expensive and in the Exclusive line.
A light floral like Chant d’Aromes could be to your taste, or the sharp white floral Jardins de Bagatelle.
Or the marvellous Jicky. Or Petit Guerlain.
Happy sniffing. Guerlain is really one of the very best! January 7, 2015 at 12:54pm
Dilana: You might want to try the classic scents, but in an EDT concentration.
Also, reduce the amount of sprays which you usually apply. Generally only one spritz of Guerlain is enough.
I like L’Heure Blue which has a cool vibe to it. January 7, 2015 at 1:35pm
Dilana: For really hot days, I like L’eau Imperial. On hot spells, I keep it in the fridge and re-apply it frequently January 7, 2015 at 1:43pm
Mj: You may want to try Guerlain’s Idylle. I wore it in lotion form on a Caribbean cruise and it was lovely. I found it to be more soft and approachable version of Narcisso Rodriguez for Her. January 7, 2015 at 11:18pm
Victoria: What about Cruel Gardenia? It’s a very easy, but elegant floral. January 8, 2015 at 8:10am
angeldiva: Hi Heather,
I’m a Californian myself, and for years I wore a man’s Geurlain.
It’s Imperiale. Beautiful scent. Not heavy.
Concentre’ D’Orange Verte edt is exquisite, and a big cloud of scent experience.
Agua Allegoria Herba Fresca is absolutely like a summer romance. That mint and citrus is thrilling to me.
In fact… last night I had an awful nightmare, and when I went back to bed I sprayed some Herba fresco on.
P. January 8, 2015 at 4:01pm
Heather H: Hi Angeldiva,
I think you are an Angelina like me-Los Angeles? No? I went to the Guerlina counter today at Saks Fifth Avenue, and I tried Herba Fresca. Absolutely beautiful! I can see why you sprayed this beauty on for comfort. January 8, 2015 at 8:09pm
Heather H: Oops I meant Guerlain. January 8, 2015 at 8:10pm
angeldiva: Hi Heather,
So glad that you liked Herb Fresca. Yes, I am an Angelino, and have returned after many years away.
I was going to wear Ambre Sultan to my birthday dinner, tonight. But, my soap, and hair pack are both mint. So, hopefully the herb Fresca will compliment these other scents.
P. January 9, 2015 at 12:37pm
Kandice: Merry Christmas Victoria! I hope you post the recipe for your donuts sometime. They sound wonderful! January 7, 2015 at 10:59am
Victoria: I will do, Kandice! Merry Christmas! January 7, 2015 at 1:33pm
limegreen: Merry Christmas, Victoria! Hope you have been enjoying Twelfth Night with all your wonderful foodie preparation. Thank you for sharing them with us. 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 11:01am
Victoria: Wish I could share them in person. 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 1:33pm
trudy: I’ve been looking for a new fragrance for a long time. Something maybe a bit warmer (?) and deeper (?) than I usually wear. Not sure about those terms. Some of my favorites are (in no particular order) Carnal Flower, Chanel Beige, Hermes Eau des Merveilles, Tom Ford Fleur de Chine. With the exception of Merveilles, they are all very expensive and I mostly use decants or samples. I sprayed the new Cartier La Panthere on my wrist the other day and was really hopeful. At first it was just beautiful but unfortunately within an hour or so it turned sour on me. I was really bummed. Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating now. Hmm, those donuts sound yummy. So does the roast pork! January 7, 2015 at 11:14am
briony hey: A great place to start is leafing through a copy of Perfumes the Guide. See what takes your fancy then go and have a sniffing session. Or, sample some of the classics like Guerlain Shalimar and Mitsouko. January 7, 2015 at 11:43am
trudy: I will check out Perfume the Guide. I remember liking Mitsouko and had a bottle years ago. Ill have to revisit. Thanks for the suggestions! January 7, 2015 at 12:53pm
solanace: You’ll have so much fun with The Guide! January 8, 2015 at 5:02am
AnnieA: DelRae Bois de Paradis is a nice winter choice. It somehow reminds me of mulled wine. Not cheap, so probably another decant for you… January 7, 2015 at 12:23pm
trudy: I do like the DelRae line. I have an almost empty bottle of Debut. I will try the Bois de Paradis and see how that works. Thanks! January 7, 2015 at 12:55pm
Karen: If you give Mitsouko a try, don’t be put off if it doesn’t work for you at first. There was a thread on the New Year’s column where a couple of us just fell in love with it after long periods of not getting it. And at least for me, I wait until afternoon to put it on, not morning. But warm and deep and stunning are three words that I’d use to describe it. January 7, 2015 at 12:51pm
Sandra: I need a ” mommy”perfume- something light and soft. Most perfumes I have in my collection have a lot of silage. Coco Noir, Shalimar, Samsara and La Fille de Berlin. Some florals I own are Ciel & Beige. I want some,thing close to the skin and soft
Thanks! January 7, 2015 at 12:20pm
AnnieA: A drugstore suggestion is Adam Levine for Her – very cuddly. January 7, 2015 at 12:22pm
Mimi: Try Blackberry and Bay from Jo Malone January 7, 2015 at 12:42pm
Jackie: Sandra, my little girls especially love snuggling up to me when I’m wearing Chanel’s 28 La Pausa. So delicate and soft, yet not without character (there’s a quiet leather base.). It’s a comforting scent. January 7, 2015 at 12:43pm
Karen: Pink Sugar? I thought in one post a kindergarten teacher posted that whenever she wears it, the kids love it and say she smells like cookies! (at least I think someone posted a comment like that!!) January 7, 2015 at 12:45pm
Michaela: Very nice! Children don’t usually comment on perfumes. But what child ignores sweets? 🙂 January 8, 2015 at 4:12am
trudy: I know this isn’t very “perfumista” of me and may not be your cup of tea given some of the beauties you already own, but I find Jennifer Aniston’s first fragrance very soft, unobtrusive and easy to wear . It stays very close to the skin but has a pleasant and lightly floral way about it. Kind of beachy, but more like a Saturday afternoon running errands kind of thing. You can get it for a song at a drug store. January 7, 2015 at 12:49pm
Dilana: A mommy perfume is whatever you want it to be. Some perfume lovers were first inspired by a scent memory of their mom in Chanel or Guerlain.
But, more to your point, a soft skin scent is something that mom’s and non-moms can adore. My favorite is Lutens L’eau which combines magnolia and mint among its very subtle notes
P.S. I had no idea that Aniston has endorsed a second scent. Her first was supposedly inspired by the niche scent “Heir” So it is a pefectly “perfuminista” choice. January 7, 2015 at 1:42pm
Parfumista: JC Ellena’s L’Eau d’Hiver (Frederic Malle) transparent, light and white with a smooth sweetness of heliotrophe – thats a mummy perfume. January 7, 2015 at 2:21pm
Heather H: Hi Sandra,
I am pregnant with my third,so maybe I can help you. I am going to second Ann Gerard’s Perle de Mousse and Chanel’s Chanel 28 La Pausa. This was my favorite perfume until I became pregnant with baby #3. Now the perfume is too much,but you are not pregnant so this might be a perfect choice. I am also going to suggest Annick Goutal Rose Splendide and Chevrefeuille. I also love Guerlain Après L’ondée, l’artisan parfumeur la chasse aux papillons. January 7, 2015 at 2:29pm
angeldiva: Beautiful recommendations- hope the pregnancy is having a happy time.
P. January 8, 2015 at 4:05pm
Sandra: Congrads! Hope your pregnancy is going well! Such a magical time January 9, 2015 at 11:13am
Nina Z: How about Chanel Bois des Iles? I find the sandalwood in this soft and warm, and, especially if you don’t over-apply, doesn’t project much. Also, just in general, if you use an extrait instead of EdT or EdP, you’ll find it has less sillage. January 7, 2015 at 2:44pm
Bea: I use a scented bodylotion when I want to smell good but not overpowering. Chanel has some really good body lotions, so I’d suggest you check out Coco Noir as a body lotion. January 7, 2015 at 3:03pm
Sandra: Thank you so much ! Lots of great suggestions! January 7, 2015 at 3:44pm
Michael: My two recommendatins for “skin scents” would be Dans Tes Bras and Dries van Noten. I recently re-tested Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere and No. 19 Poudre, and I was surprised at how soft and gentle they smelled on me. So much so that I may be tempted to break my “no aldehydic florals for 2015” resolution! LOL January 7, 2015 at 6:42pm
Sandra: I think you should break it and buy them:-) January 8, 2015 at 9:14am
Elisa: If cost is not an issue, I recommend Mona di Orio Musc — absolutely gorgeous powdery musky floral. if you wear just a dab, the sillage is soft but it will last all day. January 7, 2015 at 8:52pm
Lynley: How about Delrae Wit- a beautiful delicate floral (daphne flower), or Osmanthus Interdite by Parfums d’Empire? A great cheaper option is Ferre by Ferre- a soft irisy floral January 7, 2015 at 11:16pm
Sandra: Ferre is hard to find in the US- I will look! January 8, 2015 at 9:09am
solanace: When my girl was born, I drained several decants of soft roses that were recommended to me here, in a thread like this. Goutal’s Rose Splendide was the best: fresh in a very soft, never sharp way, delicious and relaxing. I think classic colognes, like Guerlain Impériale or Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte are nice, too. And Shalimar! Someone enabled me here on wearing my beloved Shalimar, since it somehow smells like a baby, powdery and musky. January 8, 2015 at 5:09am
Sandra: Thanks for all the suggestions! I am sure baby will love to cozy up with me with any of these florals January 8, 2015 at 8:59am
briony hey: Some of my favourite soft, light fragrances come from Ann Gerard (anngerard.com). They’re gorgeous. You could also try the Van Cleef and Arpels Collection Extraordinaire. There are some lovely ones in that. Or right at the far end of the scale there’s always Teint de Neige. That smells just like baby powder to me. January 7, 2015 at 12:34pm
Cornelia Blimber: A mommy perfume? Maybe Baiser Volé.
Or love, Chloe. January 7, 2015 at 12:59pm
Lynley: mmm.. Baiser Vole in edp is beautiful! January 7, 2015 at 11:18pm
Hannah: I’m all set on the perfume front…..I’m just saving money for Eau des Merveilles, since my perfume budget is at $20 now. I have a graph and everything.
But speaking of beets, I am all about beets right now! On Monday I prepped 4+ days worth of beet soup. And I cut the leaves and the stems, because I cook them with sweet potato and orange slices (my lunch for today). And I have 2 more beets left over and I’m not sure what to do yet. A single person can get so much food from 3-4 beets, and at the international grocery store here, 3-4 bundled up costs $1.50. January 7, 2015 at 12:43pm
Karen: Pickled beets maybe? Just the quick and easy refrigerator ones, vinegar, sugar, salt and some spices. January 7, 2015 at 12:46pm
Lynley: I roast them and make a salad with puy lentils, fetta, red onion, parsley & coriander and a dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and seeded mustard and poured onto the warm salad 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 11:20pm
Petunia: Mmm…Yum January 8, 2015 at 7:52pm
Jackie: Merry Christmas, Victoria. I hope you’re having a lovely day. 🙂
Incense lovers: what are your favourites?
I have fallen in love with incenses, esp frankincenses. My ideal is Armani’s Bois d’Encens (also Encens Satin), which I see Cornelia recommends above. There is something about what Victoria refers to in her review as it’s “luminous, soaring quality” that just slays me. But, boy, is it pricey! Do people have recommendations that are less expensive? (say, up to the $150 mark or so.) I am keen to spread my wings and experiment a bit too. 🙂
I also love spicy/woodsy/smokey scents like Tom Ford’s Oud Wood and Tobacco Oud, if that helps. Any recommendations that come to mind are more than welcome!
TIA! January 7, 2015 at 1:10pm
Aurora: Hi Jackie: About encens my current favourite and well within your price range is Encens Flamboyant by Annick Goutal. It is a frankincense very much of the church kind, very soulful and contemplative. January 7, 2015 at 2:15pm
Nina Z: A really beautiful incense fragrance that is not expensive is Miyako by Annayake. It’s rich and warm. January 7, 2015 at 2:39pm
Cornelia Blimber: Avignon (Comme des Garçons) is not that expensive, or Zagorsk.
You may also like:
Shaal Nur, Etro
Nu, YsL
Van Cleef Pour Homme (tobacco, warm)
Chergui, Lutens
Eau des Beaux, L’Occitane
A*Men,Mugler
Spice Bomb, Victor & Rolf
Good Luck1 January 7, 2015 at 3:04pm
Victoria: Andy Tauer has a couple of incenses, like Incense Extreme, which are very good. Very strong, though.
For a light, delicate incense, I like Atelier Cologne Bois Blonds. January 7, 2015 at 3:25pm
Annette: As an admirer of Andy Tauer’s creations I simply can’t resist chiming in. Incense Extreme is wonderful. It will not leave you indifferent. Do try! It’s my don’t-mess-with-me perfume 🙂
Incense Rose is more like mulled wine, much friendlier but with an aura of femme fatale.
Happy experimenting! January 7, 2015 at 3:46pm
Jackie: Oh, you wonderful B de J people! Thank you! I’ve made up a list and will try these all ASAP!
Cornelia, what a list! Thank you. Chergui was the turning point that reunited me with perfume.
Aurora, I grew up going to Catholic church on special occasions, and that “soulful” smell is such a comfort.
Nina, I googled the Miyako: it sounds complex and wonderful.
Victoria, Annette, I’m all over “strong” and “don’t-mess-with-me” right now — can’t wait to try the Andy Tauer!
… This crazy perfume addiction! How am I supposed to concentrate on my work now? 😉 January 7, 2015 at 4:22pm
limegreen: Hi Jackie — Have you sniffed TF Sahara Noir? It is all about frankincense, you will feel that you have attended Mass. 🙂
Sahara Noir is dry and smoky and wonderful incense, a few degrees removed from Tobacco Oud, without the sweetness of tobacco leaf. January 7, 2015 at 6:41pm
limegreen: Sahara Noir is not in the Private Blends line (so less $$) and I find it as good as some of the ones in that line. January 7, 2015 at 6:42pm
ojaddicte: 3rding Tom Ford Sahara Noir. Of all my incense perfumes, it is the most reminiscent of Mass. January 8, 2015 at 1:35am
Jackie: Thank you, limegreen and ojaddicte, I going on a sniff mission this afternoon and have Sahara Noir on my list. It sounds perfect! Thank you! 🙂 January 8, 2015 at 1:07pm
limegreen: Let us know, Jackie! I find that a little of SN goes a long way. January 8, 2015 at 4:25pm
MontrealGirl: Hi Jackie,
My 2 favourite incense perfumes that I own are (1) Coco Noir by Chanel; and (2) Rose Anonyme by Atelier Cologne.
Two others that I’ve come across that truly have the frankincense scent are:
(1)Passage d’Enfer by L’Artisan Parfumeur (think Catholic Church incense); and
(2) the Comme des Garcons series called “Incense” which contains 5 perfumes. It is devoted to the five main spiritual teachings of the humanity:
i. Avignon (Catholicism)
ii. Ouarzazate (Islam)
iii. Zagorsk (Orthodox Christianity)
iv. Jaisalmer (Hinduism)
v. Kyoto (Buddhism and Shintoism).
I had a chance to smell and enjoy Avignon (think Catholic Church incense) and Ourrzazate (spicier and warmer). January 7, 2015 at 5:48pm
Jackie: Thank you, Montrealgirl! I do like Passage d’Enfer, but have only tried a spritz in Sephora: I think I need to get a sample. I’ve never tried Rose Anonyme: Mmmm: rose, oud, balsamic, patchouli, sounds delicious! I will put it on my list, and I’m heading downtown today to try the C d G Incenses, and can barely contain myself! Thank you so much! 🙂 January 8, 2015 at 1:13pm
Tati: I have to add Passage d’Enfer by L’Artisan. It’s unlike any other incense to me because of the addition of lilies. January 7, 2015 at 5:55pm
Jackie: Ah Lilies and incense! Definitely need to try this! Thank you, Tati. January 8, 2015 at 1:13pm
AnnieA: Kenzo Flower Oriental, discontinued but can be available at discounters, is supposed to smell like Japanese incense. January 7, 2015 at 6:49pm
angeldiva: Hi Annie,
Do you have any experience with Kenzo Summer?
P. January 8, 2015 at 4:10pm
AnnieA: Alas, no, so can’t offer any comparisons. Can anyone here comment on how different the Kenzo Flower flankers are? So happy with the Oriental I seem to not want to dilute the feeling by sniffing the others… January 10, 2015 at 1:06pm
Jodee: Hello! This is my first reply on this wonderful website. I’ve been reading it for about 6 months now and have fallen head-over-heels for perfume because of all of you wonderful perfumistas!
So far, my favorite incense scents are:
Sienne L’hiver by L’eau d’Italie
Avignon by Comme des Garçons
Black Cashmere by DK
Hope that helps add to your list! January 7, 2015 at 10:44pm
Jackie: The same thing has happened to me, Jodee, just in the last few months, all because of this website! I am adding those to my list! Thank you!!! January 8, 2015 at 1:14pm
angeldiva: Welcome Jodee!
P. January 10, 2015 at 5:29pm
Francesca: Like you I have a weak spot for incense fragrances. Someone at Fragrantica mentioned Oud Pour Lui by Alyssa Ashley and I can honestly say this American brand was a wonderful surprise. It is a wonderful oud-incense combo, at very cheap price (less than €20).
It is better than much more expensive fragrances and to my untrained nose smell exactly the same as Armani Royal Priveè Oud. January 8, 2015 at 5:37am
Jackie: Amazing! Will have to try and find that one. At that price, it could be used indiscriminately! January 8, 2015 at 1:16pm
Francesca: That’s exactly why I am on my second bottle in 3 months. 🙂 January 9, 2015 at 9:55am
Jackie: Lol! January 10, 2015 at 5:27am
Danaki: My new incense fascination is Tauer Incense Rose, which might be softer and so perhaps not your preferred choice.
Another one I find very radiant with great sillage is Timbuktu if you prefer perfumes with a spicier vibe and a vetiver base. January 8, 2015 at 6:35am
Jackie: Yeah, I love Timbuktu, Danaki. I love radiance and a big sillage! I like soft too: Tauer is on my list to try and procure a sample of today.
Thank you to everyone who has responded to my incense request!! I am overwhelmed by the replies and am now on an incense mission! January 8, 2015 at 1:20pm
Tomate Farcie: I know you’ve got a million to try but the Aedes de Venustas collection are some great incense perfumes– all of them January 8, 2015 at 3:20pm
Jennifer: Odd request – My sister loves the Lush Rose Jam shower gel and Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner. Anyone know of any similar perfumes (can be niche, rare, or high-end!). I’d like to surprise her for her birthday in spring.
Thanks! January 7, 2015 at 1:51pm
Nina Z: There is a Lush Rose Jam perfume. Maybe it is only available some times of the year? In the meantime, I’d say Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin might come close. January 7, 2015 at 2:41pm
Jennifer: Thanks! I have a sample of La Fille de Berlin stashed away somewhere that I will have to dig out. Apparently Lush Jam Perfume by Lush is no longer available in California. January 8, 2015 at 10:39am
SophieC: While not the same, a jammy and pretty rose is the recent Rosa Nobile for Acqua di Parma (I too love the shower gel). Incidentally I have a perfume of Rose Jam and it might be available on the Lush website? January 7, 2015 at 3:03pm
nebbe: Rosa Nobile, yes! Lovely scent. January 7, 2015 at 10:15pm
Jennifer: Thanks! Just ordered a Rosa Nobile sample (Lush Rose Jam perfume is not available in California any longer!). January 8, 2015 at 10:41am
Theresa: I don’t know the Rose Jam shower gel, but based on the name, you might try Andy Tauer’s Une Rose Vermeille. It is a delicious, jammy-feeling rose. very intense, so just a drop will last you all day. You could get just the sample and it would last forever. It always reminds me of raspberry jam. January 9, 2015 at 2:39pm
Lindaloo: My sister has finished her old bottle of Annick Goutal Eau du Ciel and is looking for a replacement. Yes, we know it has just been re-issued, but wanting to avoid reformulation let down.
She is particularly enchanted with the violet/violet leaf aspect Eau du Ciel.
Any recommendation of similar scents to try? January 7, 2015 at 2:52pm
Caroline: If she’s in the U.S., perhaps DSH’s Scent of Hope–plenty of violet to my nose. For mainstream, there’s always Balenciaga Paris. January 7, 2015 at 6:32pm
Lindaloo: Thanks so much. She is in the US and these will go on a test list.
Other suggestions still welcome. January 7, 2015 at 6:54pm
Alicia: Merry Christmas Victoria, I wish you many travel adventures, olfactory, culinary and artistic, and above all much love. January 7, 2015 at 2:56pm
Victoria: Thank you so much, Alicia! January 7, 2015 at 3:21pm
Aurora: All: so sorry to bring a somber subject in the middle of our monthly thread but please give a thought to our French journalists and cartoonists who lost their lives today by simply holding dear to the principle of freedom of speech. January 7, 2015 at 3:01pm
Victoria: I’m grieving for such a tragic loss. There are simply no words. January 7, 2015 at 3:20pm
Abigail: It is just terrible and my thoughts are with their families and friends. January 7, 2015 at 10:03pm
Michaela: Terrible. Revolting. Tragic. Unbelievable. This should never ever have happened. Without humor and without freedom we are all dead. January 8, 2015 at 4:29am
Aurora: Abigail, Michaela, Victoria: Thank you for your thoughts, it was a sad day for France.
Those killed knew they were under threat but carried on with their works. They were very brave and will not be forgotten. January 8, 2015 at 4:51am
Michaela: Right, Aurora, they cannot be forgotten.
21th century, in the heart of civilization, to be killed on religious matters?! Do we live a nightmare?
Je suis Charlie January 8, 2015 at 8:21am
angeldiva: Aurora,
Thank-you. Prayers ascending for the country and people of France. We who believe in free speech in California stand in solidarity with you. You are not alone. My God, a murdered cartoonist… Heaven help us.
PEACE January 8, 2015 at 4:15pm
Aurora: Angeldiva: Thank you so much for your solidarity. January 9, 2015 at 4:49am
angeldiva: Aurora,
Everything great comes from France. France has made contributions to this planet in every category of greatness I can think of! Jaques Tati !!! Champagne! Perfume! Lourdes! I want to live in France and contribute something, too!
PEACE- PLEASE January 10, 2015 at 4:30am
Heather H: Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer,
but I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one -John Lennon, duh? January 9, 2015 at 11:16pm
Lena D.: Merry Christmas, Victoria!
Happy New Year to all perfume enthusiasts!
I need your wisdom and advice! I am aware of the new regulations in perfume industry starting to take place soon. Does it mean that Guerlain will have to reformulate their classics again? What about new products like Tauer, Atelier Colognes or Mito? Will new regulations apply to indie and natural scents too?
If I had money to buy any and all perfumes prior to the new reformulation which ones should I purchase first? with high concentration of citrus oils? Rose oils? Iris? Please share your thoughts! I like green, big white floral, woody perfumes, leather – as long as it is not too sweet or too much patchouli. Thank you all in advance! January 7, 2015 at 3:06pm
Victoria: Happy New Year, Lena!
If the new EU regulations will take place, they will affect everyone who wants to sell in the EU. But I don’t know how much reformulation the companies will undertake, since the proposed regulations, at least the ones on the table right now, make the IFRA requirements mandatory. But most companies are already following the IFRA guidelines.
If you have a couple of absolute favorites, then, yes, buy them if you like the current versions. But I wouldn’t break the bank trying to outpace the regulations. January 7, 2015 at 3:31pm
Lena D.: Does it mean that if sold in other countries, companies do not need to follow the guidelines?
I was thinking that I might need to rob a bank just to buy Guerlain’s classics! That would not be good!:) January 7, 2015 at 4:44pm
Victoria: Most companies can’t make two different versions. It’s not economically feasible. So they probably would follow the guidelines all the same. January 7, 2015 at 4:58pm
Hannah: I’ve been wondering about something, though. The Donna Karan perfumes (I’m talking about Black Cashmere, Chaos, etc) are made in the US according to the DK website, and last time I checked, they weren’t on the German website so I think they might not be sold in the EU?
So, if I’m correct, do they need to comply with the guidelines? January 7, 2015 at 5:03pm
Victoria: Perhaps not, but again, the guidelines discussed right now (and nothing has been adopted yet) don’t differ much from what’s currently practiced. Not sure what the final outcome will, though. January 7, 2015 at 5:23pm
Mauvais Garçon: What is funny for me is that these regulations are allegedly created to protect people who are allergic to some specific ingredients. But why can foods with allergens only carry a label containing a warning, but perfumes cannot? I don’t think that a perfume of a passerby can cause a severe allergic reaction. I myself am allergic to dogs, so maybe I should petition for banning dogs in public places then… January 9, 2015 at 4:27pm
Victoria: I raised this question to the EU people in charge of some of the regulations, and they immediately start waving their hands and saying that it’s not the same thing. It makes little sense to me. The main problem is that the EU idea of risk management is zero risk, and this limited thinking affects not just perfumery but their funding of scientific projects and many other things. January 10, 2015 at 8:36am
Amalia: Garlicky pork belly roasted over cherry branches, beet and mushroom salad, and pampushki (donuts) with rose and almond filling….Oh my God!…just a moment! wait for me! Within a minute I’ll be there! LOL! Merry Christmas Victoria, with health and happiness to you and your family and happy new year! Big hugs from Greece! January 7, 2015 at 4:57pm
Victoria: Thank you very much, Amalia! We certainly have plenty of food to share and plenty more left over. 🙂 January 7, 2015 at 5:01pm
MontrealGirl: Merry Christmas Victoria! I wish you wonderful scents, warm hugs from friends and family, the joy of Christmas sounds and the savoury taste of great food! January 7, 2015 at 5:19pm
Victoria: Thank you very much for such lovely wishes! Happy 2015 to everyone once again! January 7, 2015 at 5:23pm
Tati: Merry Christmas Victoria! I’ve been visiting your blog for six months now and I love it. It’s my daily fix. I’ve found not only perfumes but the best cantucci recipe ever. Thank you so much for the beautiful writing.
Help please! My collection is filled with orientals, patchouli, and ambers, but now I feel the need for something green and elegant. I loved the opening of Nicholai’s Le Temps d’Une Fete, but the drydown was too vintage perfume for my taste. Any suggestions for a green floral or chypre with a modern feel? January 7, 2015 at 6:19pm
Elisa: If you liked the galbanum part of LTDUF, you might try Safari, very green but with a warm sweet ambery drydown.
I’ve heard great things about the new version of Silences, as well. January 7, 2015 at 8:58pm
Victoria: Agreed on the new version of Silences. It’s excellent and less retro. January 8, 2015 at 7:59am
angeldiva: Hi,
Today on O.co Jacomo Silences (white box) 3.4oz. EDP $21.99 US
Silences by Jacomo ( black box) 3.4 oz EDP $23.99US
* …and Gucci Envy (not envy me) is back in stock.
P. January 10, 2015 at 3:49am
Jackie: Angeldiva, I really appreciate your little reports of these good deals that come up! Thank you. January 10, 2015 at 5:32am
Lynley: It’s not cheap, but Mito by Vero Profumo is inspired by an Italian garden in summer. The Voile de Parfum is especially luxurious. January 7, 2015 at 11:27pm
Lynley: Voile d’Extrait, that should be! January 7, 2015 at 11:43pm
ojaddicte: Silences is lovely and green, green, green. You might be interested in Agent Provocateur, a rose chypre, or Chanel no 19, a green iris. Nikki de St. Phalle is another big green scent. January 8, 2015 at 1:48am
Michaela: Estee Lauder Private Collection is my elegant green choice, more timeless than modern, though. Second Jacomo Silences, easy to wear, cool, luminous green. January 8, 2015 at 4:35am
Therése: Have you tried L’Artisan Premier Figuier? It’s a very pleasant green, one of my favorites when I need something elegant but still easily wearable.
Victoria reviewed it here:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2006/04/premier_figuier.html January 8, 2015 at 4:49am
angeldiva: Hi Theresa,
Sorry blechkk!!! I don’t like the Figuer !!! It’s not sexy-…imho…
P. January 10, 2015 at 3:43am
Victoria: Thank you, Tati! 🙂 Thank you for visiting and reading.
I see what you mean about Le Temps d’Une Fete, which definitely has a vintage-y feel. It’s hard to avoid that in some green chypres, since because the combo of moss and galbanum so typical of this family produces this effect. Instead, I’d recommend trying perfumes that add more musky and woody notes like Martin Margiela Untitled, Chanel No 19 Poudre (musk, iris, green, so good!), Hermes Eau de Narcisse Bleu. Maybe, Chanel Cristalle, if you don’t mind a bit of citrus and orange blossom. And why not, Prada Infusion d’Iris. If you have a budget for it, then Aedes Iris Nazarena, but it’s really expensive. January 8, 2015 at 7:58am
Jackie: Hi Tati! Have your tried Jour d’Hermes? A green floral, bright and fresh, yet elegant. Just lovely.
Victoria reviews it here: https://boisdejasmin.com/2012/12/hermes-jour-dhermes-perfume-review.html January 8, 2015 at 1:40pm
Bastet: The new Balmain Ivoire is a favorite green/floral chypre of mine. January 9, 2015 at 5:16pm
Vanie: I recently got a sample of Bois des Iles EDT and while browsing for it online, I saw the parfum version. It is obviously a lot more expensive per ml than the EDT, but I’m guessing you need far less per application. Do you find that the price of parfum is worth it compare to EDT or EDP in terms of number of applications you get from a bottle? (In general and for Bois des Iles in particular)
Thanks! January 8, 2015 at 9:30am
Victoria: The parfum is really worth the price, high though it is. It’s not so much the number of applications you get out of the bottle (you will get many more out of the EDT), but the scent itself is different. It’s best to try on skin both versions and decide this way, but for me, the parfum has richness, complexity and many more nuances than the EDT does. Still, the EDT is excellent too, just a bit different. January 8, 2015 at 11:38am
Vanie: Thanks for the explaination! I’ll order a sample of the parfum then. January 8, 2015 at 2:29pm
Austenfan: Similar to the differences between the EDT and extrait of Cuir de Russie? January 9, 2015 at 12:58pm
Victoria: Yes, very similar. The parfum is definitely worth the extra money, in my opinion, but it stays closer to skin, so if one wants a bigger sillage, the EDT is better. January 10, 2015 at 8:31am
Austenfan: The Chanel extraits are something else. Cuir de Russie does this wonderful thing where at first I will think I have underapplied but after an hour or so it starts creating a wonderful delicate but very persistent sillage. January 11, 2015 at 8:59am
Cornelia Blimber: I had the same experience with Nahéma edt and extrait. To my surprise, the extrait was softer (but had more depth, if that makes sense). So this is not particular for Chanel! January 11, 2015 at 3:29pm
M: Could You please recommend me new “spring perfume”. I like Chanel Coco Edp, Guerlain L’instant and Dior J’adore. Now I’m looking for something more fresh and floral. January 8, 2015 at 1:07pm
Tomate Farcie: Parfums DelRae Wit, Jour de Hermes, Parfums de Nicolai Odalisque January 8, 2015 at 3:23pm
Solanace: Guerlain Chamade, Marni, Bottega Veneta Knot, Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier. January 8, 2015 at 4:17pm
angeldiva: Hi Solance,
Oh! I LOVE de Citronnier!
P. January 10, 2015 at 5:57pm
Austenfan: Maybe Jour d’Hermès, or Jour d’Hermès absolu? It’s an abstract floral in the Ellena light style; although it does last.
Lauder: Pleasures or Beautiful or Pure White Linen
L’Artisan Parfumeur: La Chasse aux Papillons
Goutal: Le Chèvrefeuille, Un Matin d’Orage or Le Jasmin
Another great springtime Nicolaï is Weekend à Deauville, which I believe is now just called Weekend, more of a green floral though. January 9, 2015 at 12:57pm
limegreen: Second the Odalisque and La Chasse aux Papillons ideas.
Aerin Lilac Path (so fresh and floral!)
Malle En Passant
Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay
L’Artisan Mimosa Pour Moi January 9, 2015 at 5:02pm
limegreen: And diptyque Ofresia if you like freesias! January 9, 2015 at 5:02pm
angeldiva: Hi Limegreen,
It always amazes me how many perfumes you are familiar with , wow!
Can you recommend a high quality patchouly blend that won’t break the bank?
P. January 10, 2015 at 3:37am
limegreen: Hi A-Diva — I sample a lot!
Patchouli is mostly death on my skin so I bet others on this forum would have better recommendations!
I do have a small bottle of Sunshine Spa patchouli perfume oil (not essential oil so it’s mixed with a carrier oil and safe on skin) someone gave me — I have hippie sisters and friends! It smells great from the bottle and to my untrained nose, it smells a lot like the new Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu, at least not $200 different! 🙂 January 10, 2015 at 1:23pm
angeldiva: Question? 🙂
Have any of you Sophisticated Ladies tried The Merchant Of Venice Perfumes?
I don’t see a way to buy them anywhere but the $$$$ website.
Wow! Those museum quality bottles are truly beautiful. Wish I could sample the blue spotted Milafiore glass bottle. It’s description is of a scent like water.
Any info?
P. January 8, 2015 at 4:50pm
angeldiva: Millefiore. I should know how to spell this -I sold Millefiore glass for ten years! lol
P. January 8, 2015 at 4:52pm
Tati: Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions from everyone! I have made a list and will be busy sampling. It’s funny that you mention Aedes iris Nazarena as this was my first niche buy, a present to myself for my birthday! It’s very special. January 8, 2015 at 6:52pm
Victoria: It’s special! I love its unusual blend of iris and incense. January 9, 2015 at 7:19am
angeldiva: Happy Birthday To Me!
P. January 9, 2015 at 12:29pm
Annette: Happy Birthday to you!! January 9, 2015 at 1:19pm
Karen: Happy Birthday! May all your birthday wishes come true! (PS-got JCkie’s package sent off yesterday!) January 9, 2015 at 1:43pm
angeldiva: Thanks Karen,
Ooooooh, that’s so exciting. Are you going to share the contents of your care package?
P. January 10, 2015 at 3:33am
Karen: Hi Jackie! Package had: Tocca’s Cleopatra (small FB); Christian Dior’s Oud Isphahan (not sure size of decant); MFK’s Amyris Femme (sample from Luckyscent); Andy Tauer’s Rose Chypree (Nordstrom size sample bottle I filled up); Tom Ford’s Sahara Noir (very small sample). January 10, 2015 at 3:29pm
angeldiva: Hi Karen,
Très Exotique!!! I have enjoyed my sample of Andy Tauer Rose Chypre. It smells more like chypre than rose on my skin. I’m so looking forward to hearing how Jackie enjoys them!
Well Done You!
P. January 10, 2015 at 5:10pm
Jackie: Karen, what a thrill when your package arrived too! Everything so carefully wrapped, and that pretty fabric on top (first thing I did was smell it!), and the darling little handwritten note. How kind you are! I feel so lucky – you and Angeldiva have made me feel like the heavens are smiling down on me!
What a wonderful collection of scents – and I know how carefully considered everything was. ☺ I am getting through your samples VERY slowly I’m afraid. I’m so hung up on Cleopatra! Honestly, this would have been the last one I’d try (I’ve seen it in Sephora for years but kind of dismissed the whole line as being trite fruity-florals. Yep, that’s “prejudice”!) But my daughters couldn’t resist the adorable bottle, and my youngest (“the nose”) opened it, and in doing so, splashed quite a bit on herself, and after about 10 minutes, I could not stay away from her! I had to have a splash myself. Thank goodness you gave me this generous full small bottle! At this rate, I’ll soon have to go get the BIG bottle! You and Angeldiva are killing me here! I have to have a bottle of Angeldiva’s precious Chevy Fuel, and now this too. Both total surprises. Both, as I mentioned regarding the Chèvrefeuille, a breath of fresh air after all these incenses I’ve been testing, and a lovely harbinger of spring (we’ve been getting springlike weather here, and these florals are so apropos!)
What is it about the Cleopatra?? Honestly, I love it! Having these gifts is so great because if I’d come across these on my own and looked at the notes first, I wouldn’t ever bother trying it! “Fruity floral” is usually not my thing. But it’s the magical way these fruits and florals are so perfectly blended and balanced — true alchemy — not to mention them being grounded by the patchouli and musk – somehow this is just heavenly to me. (as I put nose to wrist now, I really get the tuberose and the grapefruit. YUM!)
Yesterday, I took the girls swimming, Katie and I both wearing Cleopatra, and it stayed with us the whole day, a lovely foil to the chlorine. And even two hours of pool followed by showers did not wash it away, though I couldn’t wait to get home to splash more on.
Do you know that feeling when you absolutely CRAVE a fragrance? This is the strange thing about this perfume addiction. I crave certain scents the way some might crave a drink or a cigarette! I put more on to go to bed, and then more again this morning. So, it might be a while before I can get to the other samples, Karen! (And get back to the samples from Angeldiva, too. I’m still not done with those!)
As you know, Karen, my first try out of the box was Andy Tauer’s Rose Chyprée (having never sampled anything from Taur before, I was excited). Elisa’s description on BdJ of “burgundy rose petals falling to the table turning slowly into potpourri” is so perfect. I can’t wait to get back to this one as soon as I can part ways with Cleopatra.
As for your “If you like the Rose Chyprée …” recommendations, Karen, I remember being intrigued by La Fille de Berlin when I’ve tried it before, so on your advice, I’ve got my hands on a sample though heaven knows when I’ll get to it! You also recommend FM Portrait of a Lady: because that one gets so many raves, I’ve tried and tried to like it, but it’s just not working for me. Something about it is too dusky or something. But, hey, never give up, right?! I‘ll put it back on my list and give it another go. It’s amazing how our tastes change and evolve and shift back and forth.
Anyway, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! 🙂 January 20, 2015 at 2:21pm
angeldiva: Jackie,
Rock On!!
P. January 20, 2015 at 2:51pm
Karen: Rock on is right!! It’s been such a treat hearing your impressions and experiences. I love how my world has gotten bigger through meeting you and communicating back and forth with you and Angeldiva! January 20, 2015 at 3:37pm
angeldiva: Hi Karen,
I concur! Honeeeeeey, Jackie sure loved her CLEOPATRA!!! I’ve never even heard of this. I’ve just embarrassed myself by leaving 3 epic entries in the Scent Resolutions comments. What can I tell you? I just really wanted to share my latest find, but no one is commenting! LOL
I’m at PEACE, anyway! January 20, 2015 at 6:29pm
Karen: I ordered some samples from the Perfumed Court (they had a MLK 15% sale), Shalimar parfum, L’heure Bleu EDP and Theresa by Fredick Malle – very curious about this one. January 22, 2015 at 9:48am
Jackie: Happy birthday to you, Angeldiva! January 10, 2015 at 2:17am
angeldiva: Thank-you, everyone!!!! I’ve had the best birthday I’ve had in a very long time. Wore my black suede thigh boots I bought for my 50th four years ago.
YES I AM STUDIO 54.
Peace January 10, 2015 at 3:24am
Jackie: You go girl!! January 10, 2015 at 5:41am
Victoria: Happy Birthday! Many happy returns. Hope that your wishes will come true. January 10, 2015 at 8:30am
Victoria E: Yesterday was my birthday but were you referring to the owner of this site Victoria? If so we have a birthday on the same day and I want to recommend a perfume I found, Carven…the parfum is nice and so is the LTau De Toilette. Best wishes to all for a wonderful year. It is my time for a good year……15 bad years I am so ready for this to be my year. Victoria E. January 11, 2015 at 9:04pm
Victoria: Happy Birthday, Victoria! I was referring to Angeldiva, whose birthday it was a couple of days ago. January 12, 2015 at 8:58am
Aurora: Happy Birthday Angeldiva, have a lovely special day an lots of perfumed gifts January 10, 2015 at 8:31am
Anne: Hello everyone!
My question: If I love Serge Lutens Chergui and Bvlgari Black, which L’Artisan or other niche perfumes should I try? Right now I’m most intrigued by incense and smoke.
Thanks! January 9, 2015 at 1:21pm
limegreen: Hi Anne — L’Artisan perfumes tend to be more sheer than Lutens, and if you like the sillage and vibe of Chergui, you might enjoy diptyque Volutes (all about swirls of smoke) and Eau Duelle EDP (frankincense and vanilla, smoky without being overly sweet).
I enjoy my L’Artisan Timbuktu (incense,woods) sample but like more oomph. 🙂
Above, some of us suggested Tom Ford Sahara Noir for church incense.
(I January 9, 2015 at 5:17pm
Anne: Thanks! January 9, 2015 at 6:12pm
Tati: Hi Anne, My favorite L’Artisans also happen to both feature incense: Passage d’Enfer, which was mentioned in another post, and Dzongkha, which is really strange and wonderful. January 9, 2015 at 8:13pm
angeldiva: Hi Anne,
I enjoy Ambre Sultan more that Chergui or Cedre. It more closely resembles incense and smoke.
P. January 10, 2015 at 3:26am
Mauvais Garçon: I’ll start with a twist – I’m a guy. And I need a perfume recommendation so maybe you can help me. Chanel Égoïste (rose and sandalwood are gorgeous here) was my longtime favorite, but I think a barrel I used already is enough. I owned and liked L’Instant de Guerlain pour Homme Eau Extreme (full of cacao, but I can’t say that I’m in love with that particular note – just the warmth of the perfume itself), Dior Homme (totally love the iris here). But now I want something more weird and/or interesting, niche. I already own and absolutely adore Serge Lutens Chergui and I’m eyeing to buy some Timbuktu. So I think I like “gourmand”, warm, woody, spicy fragrances then? Would you be so kind and suggest something for me? 🙂
Thanks! January 9, 2015 at 4:20pm
limegreen: Hi M-G: Funny that you and Anne posted back to back on Chergui.
What do you mean by “more weird” — it caught my eye! You are speaking to a community of perfume nuts, so “weird” is all relative. 🙂
In addition to the diptyque Volutes (iris, smoke) (recommended to Chergui lover, Anne, above), have you tried Lutens Five o’clock Gingembre (gourmandy, warm, spicy)?
Tom Ford Cafe Rose is a warm, slightly spicy gorgeous rose with sandalwood, saffron, incense, patchouli and of course, espresso coffee. All day long-lasting warmth.
https://boisdejasmin.com/2012/12/tom-ford-jardin-noir-cafe-rose-perfume-review.html
Not gourmand but I love the warmth of Malle Musc Ravageur and Dans tes Bras (with violet). DTB is more challenging (weird) than MR. I feel the most gourmand in the Malle line is Dries Van Noten (speculoos, vanilla and sandalwood).
I recently received Aedes Iris Nazarena for Xmas. (It comes in the travel set of 3 x 10 ml so you don’t have to buy the large bottle.)
It is more than iris/incense/leather, it’s a beautiful and interesting perfume, there is warmth, wood with wonderful green mossy notes, too, so I can see myself wearing this when the cool weather changes. It’s off the beaten path, but not so weird as to be challenging. I’m not normally an iris/incense wearer so this was a departure for me! (See brief comments on Iris Nazarena above by Victoria.)
Andy’s BdJ review will give you a guy’s point of view:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/07/aedes-de-venustas-iris-nazarena-perfume-review.html January 9, 2015 at 5:55pm
Anka: Wonderful recommendations, limegreen! I second Musc Ravageur, it smells a bit animalic and sexy and I heard people saying it’s weird in a good way…and I love Iris Nazarena but consider it challenging, it took me a while to get it.
I’ll put Tom Ford’s Cafe Rose on my to try list since our tastes seem to overlap and I am still searching for a good coffee aroma in a fragrance. January 10, 2015 at 5:51am
limegreen: Hi Anka! What are your favorite “weird in a good way” perfumes?
Cafe Rose drydown is more rose than coffee but nice coffee notes while it lasts. 🙂
I bet others on this forum have better coffee perfumes to recommend. January 10, 2015 at 12:03pm
Anka: Hm, to me the herbaceous feeling of Aromatics Elixir reminds me more of medicine than of fragrance and that is a bit weird but it’s at the same time absolutely gorgeous and completely different.
Onda is another weird scent, I get the smell of horse stables and saddles – the more I wear it, the more I like it though.
With Musc Ravageur I think the dirtyness is the slightly weird part. What are your favorite “weird in a good way” ones?
Have a nice sunday! January 11, 2015 at 4:35am
limegreen: Anka — I am not familiar with Onda but stables may not be my thing right now. 🙂
Maybe it’s not so weird but Malle Une Fleur de Cassie has a papermill opening but it’s pleasant to my nose and I love this perfume. And of course, the menthol opening of Tubereuse Criminelle is weird but so comforting. I actually like wearing TC at bedtime, the menthol is soothing!
My first impression of MR was that it was too dirty and animalistic but so glad that I tried it again — cooler climate has a lot to do with liking it more. January 11, 2015 at 4:08pm
Cybele: Timbuktu is great. Try also Sycomore, Yatagan, Comme des Garcons Black, and By Kilian Back to Black. I prefer the original L’Instant over the extreme (less cocoa). January 9, 2015 at 6:10pm
Jackie: Perhaps Atelier Rose Anonyme if you still like rose. And SL Fille en Aiguilles for woody/spicy/incense. January 10, 2015 at 2:28am
angeldiva: Hello Mauvais,
Mercy, you already have great taste in perfumes. I would rather smell Fou D’ Absinthe on a man than Timbuktu. If you can find the 3 half ounce sampler of those plus that wolf scent- you could try them all for a $ong.
P. January 10, 2015 at 3:31am
Victoria: Have you tried Comme des Garcons Black or Comme des Garcons Man? If you want something interesting, unusual, this line is worth trying. They have many woody orientals, and Black has a gingerbread note. January 10, 2015 at 8:34am
Hera: I love Serge Lutens Fumerie Turque . January 10, 2015 at 2:47pm
Austenfan: Have you tried any of the Parfumérie Générale fragrances? You might like their Cozé, Aomassaï and Felanilla(a gourmand Iris). Have you tried Marc Jacobs Bang, an excellent peppery woody fragrance.
Histoires de Parfums Noir Patchouli is worth a try and so is their 1740, an immortelle leather with a wonderful ambery drydown. Their main amber Ambre 114 is gorgeous as well. January 11, 2015 at 8:55am
Danaki: Hello Mauvais,
For weirdness, seek out the line for Etat Libre d’Orange. I don’t know if they still sell a bunch of their samplers so you can try them before you buy. For rose, I think their ‘Rossy de Palma’ is a wonderful, androgynous rose.
In Rien, there is iris and rose and incense, which I suspect you might enjoy since you’re thinking about Timbuktu (which I personally own and would totally endorse). It is a naughty perfume which I think would suit you, after all 😉 January 11, 2015 at 12:12pm
Cornelia Blimber: Great recommandations, especially from Limegreen!
I love Colonia Intensa by Acqua di Parma, a slightly bitter, leathery cologne, and I often make a combination with a rose perfume, mostly Trésor edp.
(I don’t layer, I combine). January 11, 2015 at 3:38pm
MontrealGirl: Mavais Garcon,
I would recommend you try some of the perfumes by Arquiste and some of the Frederic Malle already mentioned. I find them masculine, high quality, original and with a personality. January 12, 2015 at 6:21pm
Geo: I recently sampled YSL’s Supreme Bouquet and I thought it was a beautiful. While it is more white floral, for some reason it struck me as a more sophisticated and less fruity “The One” (D&G). It’s rather pricey at $250, however… Can you suggest any alternatives? January 9, 2015 at 6:46pm
Victoria: I haven’t tried this perfume, but have you tried Balenciaga Rosabotanica, which, despite the name, is a melange of white flowers with rose and carnation. Also, Jimmy Choo Flash is a nice white floral, and it’s not expensive. My latest favorite is Burberry Brit Rhythm for Her. January 10, 2015 at 8:38am
Alanagh Rea: I have bought Sensuous Noir for the first time. The One for the second time – though this time the gift set. I am going to buy Addict in the next few days. 🙂 January 9, 2015 at 8:19pm
Raquel: Mauvais: Have you tried Arabian Oud “Kalemat”. I read is similar to SL Chergui. I love Kalemat, is warm and intoxicating, amber, woody and honey. I LOVE this scent. The presentation is so beautiful, like a book. January 11, 2015 at 9:31pm
Raquel: Is there any fragrance similar to Amouage Tribute Attar? January 12, 2015 at 4:42pm
Victoria: I’m not familiar with that one, but I wonder if you have tried anything of Montale’s perfumes. Many of them are in that French-Middle Eastern style of perfumery. January 13, 2015 at 10:52am
Raquel: Thank you. Sorry, my english is not very good. Actually I read about this fragance and I loved the description! Sadly it’s discontinued and it was very expensive. I haven’t got the opportunity to try Montale but I’m curious. January 13, 2015 at 6:07pm
Victoria: Your English is very good!
I only tried their Homage Attar, but it’s very musky and not that classical of an attar. But Homage also might be discontinued. January 14, 2015 at 11:29am
Raquel: Fragrance* January 14, 2015 at 11:03am
Kate: Hello! I love the clean scent of Ralph Lauren’s Blue perfume, especially the body gel when it was in circulation. Since it’s been discontinued, I’m on the search for something similar. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you! January 19, 2015 at 6:15am
Victoria: It’s a light gardenia, so maybe Marc Jacobs for Her or even Michael Kors? January 19, 2015 at 6:32am
Gentiana: Please help me making a decision about an Iris fragrance purchase. I have to decide between:
– Equistrius (100 ml ca 140 Euro – I just hate their new design and prices) ~~~Love
– Iris Nobile by Acqua di Parma(50 ml ca 65 Euro)~~~ didn’t sniff
– Bois d’ Iris by TDC (90 ml ca 85 Euro) ~~~ like/ love – I give one more try to my mini.
– Bois d’Iris by Van Cleef &Arpels ( 75 ml ca 80 Euro)~~~ didn’t sniff
– Chanel 19 Poudre (50 ml ca 75 Euro)
– Iris Silver Mist – I am tempted, regarding all the raving reviews, but the 160 Euro price tag scares me.
As an everyday Iris, for liberally splash I found The Crabtree and Evelyn’s one and Prada’s Infusion d’Iris. Both with very good prices. Like them both.
I have Iris Noir from Yves Rocher (like, but it’s nothing special)
And Iris from Odori – the star anise gets strong on my skin and ruins the perfume. January 21, 2015 at 12:20pm
Victoria: My advice is to go for the one you love the most, the one that feels just right. It’s better to wait and save up for it, rather than settle for something that you like so-so. January 21, 2015 at 1:08pm
angeldiva: Hi Gentiana!
I like: Prada- D’Iris.
P. January 22, 2015 at 3:41am
Gentiana: Thank you, Victoria, I will consider to smell the redesigned Equistrius, as I liked it the most from the ones I already smelled.
I did exactly what you say: I saved for the Equistrius… and in between it changed…. 🙁
I have no idea how the Aqua di Parma, the Van Cleef &Arpels and the Lutens smell. I can’t get rid of the obsession that maybe one of them is my HG !
Buying from internet boutiques or reliable discounters is OK for me, but NO MORE UNSNIFFED ( by the way to another recent BDJ topic – the New Year’s Resolutions 🙂 ) January 22, 2015 at 7:07am
Gentiana: Hello, Angeldiva, you mean the Infusin d’Iris or the Iris (the one that appeared before)?
Where can I find that one?
I didn’t see it in shops or on the internet, I met only the Infusion. January 22, 2015 at 7:09am
angeldiva: Hi Gentiana,
I do so apologize! I was referring to Prada Infusion D’Iris. I sniffed it for the first time yesterday and left my impressions in: European Traveling Box.
If you need a quick fix there is always Yardley Iris. I have read that it is a GREAT layering scent. You can get it for under $25. US at O.co.
Someone achieved the scent of a very expensive perfume this way, you’d have to ask V as I can’t recall the name.
🙂 January 22, 2015 at 6:18pm
angeldiva: Prada Infusion D’Iris is available at Sephora. January 22, 2015 at 6:20pm
angeldiva: Gentiana,
Today’s price for a 1.7 oz of Prada Infusion D’Iris EDP is $41.99 US. These prices change daily. If you are a member you can get a coupon .
P. January 22, 2015 at 6:48pm
Gentiana: Thank you very much, Angeldiva, I will check at the local Sephora, as I have a member card , they keep me updated and I get some discount.
I checked at an internet discounter, too, the prices are much lower. January 23, 2015 at 8:36am
alsa: I want a fragrance thats seductive yet not too overpowering to the point where it triggers migraines. But the problem with subtle fragrances are their longetivity. I dont want to pay bucks n bucks for a perfume that only last 20 minutes and doesnt make ppl wonder what I am wearing. I tried see by chloe and i really love the smell. Like it really boost up my mood. But i’m afraid that it has not-soo-good longetivity and sillage. I love perfumes with great sillage n longetivity. But i like the smell of see by chloe!! Do you think ysl manifesto is similar, or how is it compared to narciso rodriguez narciso? Havent tried both but reading the description, they sound similar. Thanks for your advice! March 6, 2015 at 10:23pm
Victoria: They’re very different to me. Narciso is more of a musk, with floral and woody notes, while Manifesto is a jasmine tea with an oriental-gourmand twist. It’s very sweet and rich. Narciso is brighter and lighter. If you like See by Chloe, maybe start with Narciso first. Or have you tried Cacharel’s Amor Amor? March 7, 2015 at 8:55am