Recommend Me a Perfume : October

We have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread this week. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations. Also, please update us on how your perfume search is going so far.

still life

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.

Still life, Pieter Claesz, 1627 (detail). Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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401 Comments

  • Liz: Women wearable Ouds please? Any around that have a heart of oud but without all the overpowering connotations and lingering oud-ness? Thinking of breaking out of my normal fragrances for late autumn into winter that’s why. October 21, 2015 at 7:39am Reply

    • Alexandra: You might try Jo Malone’s Velvet Rose & Oud, which is slightly stronger that the regular line, but I would not describe it as overpowering. October 21, 2015 at 8:09am Reply

    • Persolaise: Okay, I guess that means Dior’s Oud Ispahan is out? Have you tried the Nicolai ouds: Amber Oud and Rose Oud. They’re both elegant and easily wearable, I’d say 🙂 October 21, 2015 at 8:32am Reply

      • Marianna: I would second the Nicolai recommendation October 21, 2015 at 6:08pm Reply

      • Liz: Amber and Rose combos with Oud sounding good and generally keen on Nicolai collections, so will follow up. Tnx Persolaise! October 22, 2015 at 3:03am Reply

        • Persolaise: Don’t mention it 🙂 I’d love to know what you think of them! October 23, 2015 at 5:25am Reply

    • Sylviane: I would suggest the Francis Kurkdjian Ouds and in particular the Satin mood. October 21, 2015 at 9:19am Reply

    • Phyllis Iervello: I would recommend Tom Ford’s Oud Wood or Oud Fleur. The oud is there but it is soft. October 21, 2015 at 9:28am Reply

    • Andrea: You could try Dyptique Oud Palao, I like it and I think it’s wearable and lovely. Just got the set with the scent and matching candle. October 21, 2015 at 9:43am Reply

      • Mary: I second Oud Palao. I discovered it recently and fell in love. October 21, 2015 at 4:19pm Reply

      • Liz: I am tempted by the Dyptique one you and Mary mention, and the various rose-ouds a lot of you have suggested. Now to getting some samples in the bag and my Xmas wishlist hints out there! Thanks all for a varied and long list of suggestions. October 22, 2015 at 2:46am Reply

    • Bastet: Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme is a soft, easy rose/oud, very pretty (my favorite from the line). October 21, 2015 at 10:19am Reply

      • Michelle Peek: Just tried Rose Anonyme and I’m really liking it. It lasts too. November 14, 2015 at 1:36am Reply

    • Jillie: Liz – two perfumes that are expensive, but don’t worry as they can be bought really cheaply from some retailers, are Clinique’s Beyond Rose and Calligraphy Rose by Aramis. Beyond Rose is quite long lasting and more oudy than the Calligraphy, but not overpowering and too medicinal as some oud fragrances can be. The Calligraphy Rose is softer and wispy with vanilla, and the rose smells almost dewy. October 21, 2015 at 12:45pm Reply

    • kayliz: Thirty Three by Ex Idolo is expensive and prob too niche to be available on sale, but it’s beautifully soft and smooth while still having loads of depth. October 21, 2015 at 3:32pm Reply

    • Katy: David Yurman extrait which can be had for a song and certainly is a lovely and soft oud fragrance and the much more expensive Mona Di Orio Oud Osmamthus which is a well balanced and soft handling of a note that can be problematic for many. Have you considered purchasing a little oud essential oil and experimenting with layering? October 21, 2015 at 7:12pm Reply

      • Liz: Thanks Katy, and no I hadn’t thought of layering and experimenting that way. Certainly a good idea to DIY first and then see what suits before buying one the nears the experiment results. Thanks for the suggestion. October 22, 2015 at 3:07am Reply

    • elisa p: Parfumerie Generale Isparta is a jammy-oud-ish rose. I find it pretty wearable. October 22, 2015 at 12:47am Reply

    • Tati: I’ve been on an out craze for a while so I have suggestions. For a beautiful, soft oud, Amber Oud and/or Rose Oud, by Kilian. Expensive, but there are refills. I love the original Oud by MFK. It has a unique note, elemi maybe? For a soft affordable one, Midnight Oud, by JHAG smells much more luxe than the price. Also love Rosam by Histories de Parfum. As mentioned above, Idolo 33 is my HG. October 22, 2015 at 1:45am Reply

    • Solanace: I really enjoy rosy ouds, such as Guerlain Rose Nacreé du Désert, Amouage Epic, Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme or the queen of them all, Neela Vermeire Mohur. Yum! October 22, 2015 at 3:21am Reply

    • Liz S: You could try the La Fumee line from Miller Harris. La Fumee Arabie is a really full on Oud when first applied but softens greatly. I like their Fumee de Alexandrie which has rose, geranium, sandalwood, mandarin and cinnamon notes in it to lighten and sweeten it. That is the one I would choose to wear for everyday. October 22, 2015 at 4:39am Reply

    • J.R.: Smoke Show from Vilhelm Parfumerie is a soft leather oud with a mild sweetness from rose and saffron. October 22, 2015 at 10:45am Reply

    • Lavanya: I am assuming Black Oud is out..lol (which I love btw). Rose oud is a very pretty, wearable Oud. Mona di Orio’s Oud is gorgeous (just lightly dab). It is spendy but I have subsisted on a small decant for a while now :-). October 22, 2015 at 4:21pm Reply

    • Rox: I recently tried Amouge’s Journey. I liked it immediately, but the price was not in my budget. The knowledgeable fragrance person at Perfume House on Portland gave me a sample of the new Honey Aoud by Montale. Lovely, not sharp, long lasting, just a beautiful fragrance. I layered it recently with Diptyque’s Eau Duelle. Nice. October 23, 2015 at 12:41am Reply

    • Dorothy Van Daele: I bought a sample (from Surrender to Chance) of Montale’s Black Aoud. Like it very much. Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez describe it as “rose oud… oud in the grand manner… best example…” and note it it’s less intrusive as it isn’t patchouli or sandalwood based. Perhaps you might like this? October 24, 2015 at 2:20pm Reply

    • Mendokuse: Atkinsons Oud for the Queen (not to be confused with Oud for the King). October 26, 2015 at 9:37pm Reply

  • lemoncake: I’m looking for a perfume with peach, honey….maybe fig notes? October 21, 2015 at 8:01am Reply

    • Lavanya: Have you tried Victoria Minya’s hedonist?

      For a more casual, friendly scent : Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom and Honey is very pleasant and easy to wear. October 22, 2015 at 4:23pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Sarah Horowitz Perfect Nectar, Huitieme Art Vohina, Keiko Mecheri Peau de Peche—not exactly what you asked for, but worth a sniff! October 22, 2015 at 9:27pm Reply

      • lemoncake: I have tried the KM Peau de Peche and like it a lot. Haven’t tried the others. Thanks for the suggestions. October 23, 2015 at 5:46am Reply

    • Persolaise: For me, the fruity-honey perfume to end all others is still Botrytis by Ginestet. October 23, 2015 at 5:27am Reply

      • lemoncake: I need to try this one….I’ve heard about it and I believe it has some caramel notes which sounds good to me too. October 23, 2015 at 5:45am Reply

    • lemoncake: Lavanya – I haven’t tried hedonist…love the name. JM’s nectarine blossom is one I have and like very much. Thank you! October 23, 2015 at 5:43am Reply

    • Mendokuse: Mitsouko? It smells a bit old-school, but it’s distinctly peachy. October 26, 2015 at 9:39pm Reply

  • Alexandra: Can anyone recommend European bath oils sold in drugstores or pharmacies that are similar to my beloved Kneipp bath oils? I’d like to try something new. For context, I especially like the citrusy (Chang May, Tangerine) oils that Kneipp makes, along with their lavender and eucalyptus oils. October 21, 2015 at 8:07am Reply

    • Sandra: This is a hard one since I haven’t smell Kneipp in a long long time.
      I can share with you my favorite bath oil -Its called Heavenly Hammam -argan oil and eucalyptus -and its so divine-not to mention the wonders it does to your skin. Its sold at a store called Rituals. Not sure if you heard of them but they have some stores in Europe and only 2 here in the big apple. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. October 21, 2015 at 11:34am Reply

    • Claire: Have you tried Weleda? Their Sea Buckthorn ( bath oil, Creamy Body Wash, and lotion) have a tantalizing tangerine fragrance that layers beautifully. The same products are available in Citrus (a zesty sweet lime), Wild Rose, Pomengranate, and Evening Primrose. Although I don’t care for the Pomengranate, the only one I can’t recommend is the Evening Primrose line, which is quite medicinal to my nose. Additional Weleda oils are Lavender, Arnica, and Birch Cellulite treatment oil (which smells great as well). They are reasonably priced, and compatible. October 22, 2015 at 2:04pm Reply

    • Jessicarus: Have you tried Olbas or Bellmira Herbaflor brands? I live in the US, and these are imported from Europe, so maybe they are available where you live. If you are unfamiliar with these brands, Olbas has a strong herbaceous scent, and The Bellmira line has several scents from which to choose. I love Kneipp too, but it is hard to find in my part of the world. October 22, 2015 at 7:54pm Reply

  • Sandra: The last time we had his thread I inquired about some Tom Ford perfume’s. Since then I’ve tried Noir de Noir, Plum Japonias, Noir pour femme, and the men’s TF. I swooned over the noir pour femme. I will keep trying more. Thanks again. October 21, 2015 at 8:26am Reply

    • J.R.: Have you tried the new eau de toilette Black Orchid? October 22, 2015 at 10:47am Reply

      • Sandra: No I haven’t – I will 🙂 October 23, 2015 at 8:26am Reply

    • Michelle Peek: TF Noir de Noir is on my Fall list! November 14, 2015 at 1:42am Reply

  • Chris: Can you recommend a fragrance that I can wear year round that is romantic, delicate, classy and long lasting? Nothing too cloying please. Thank you. October 21, 2015 at 8:26am Reply

    • spe: Delicate and long-lasting can be a difficult combination. Any specific notes or further information you can add? October 22, 2015 at 9:06am Reply

      • Chris: Hi! I’m new to perfume, so I’m not sure what specific notes I’m partial to. What I’m certain of is that I love the smell of Coco Noir and Eau Fraiche and dislike all versions of La Petite Robe Noire. October 22, 2015 at 11:22pm Reply

        • Chris: Coco Mademoiselle smells sharp on me. It gives me a headache. October 23, 2015 at 6:13am Reply

          • mysterious_scent: You might not like patchouli in Coco Mademoiselle.

            Here are what I consider as romantic, delicate and classy (not sure about lasting):
            Guerlain Chant d’aromes
            Parfums MDCI un coeur en mai
            Divine L’Inspiratrice October 29, 2015 at 1:02pm Reply

        • spe: Have you tried any of the Miss Dior Cherie variations? I’m thinking of Blooming Bouquet. What do you think of those? October 23, 2015 at 1:26pm Reply

    • Karen (A): Have you tried La Panthere? From the two that you like, you’ve got quite a range. Tom Ford’s Fleure de Chine may work (romantic, classy, long lasting – kind of delicate). I commented about Bijou Romantic in another response, it is very beautiful and meets qualities on your list. October 23, 2015 at 6:17am Reply

    • Wendy: Depending on what your idea of romantic is, one of my favourite perfumes that fits your description to me is Prada Candy. I find that it’s a sensual skin scent that just smells so pretty, and definitely delicate because of it’s soft sillage. October 23, 2015 at 11:57pm Reply

    • Mendokuse: When I think of romantic perfumes, my head goes instantly to roses. I like Bulgari Rose Essentielle EdP. October 26, 2015 at 9:40pm Reply

    • Renske: You could look into Acqua di Parma, their Iris Nobile is desperately classy on me, while not being austere.

      It lasts long and is pretty powerfull, so I guess in moderate application it would be fine November 13, 2015 at 12:30pm Reply

  • Daisy: My 20 year old son loves Dior Homme. I want to expand his collection. Any thoughts on the Dior Homme flankers? like Dior Homme Sport..
    He also has Prada Amber. Birthday coming up. I live in a small community. Boutique fragrances hard to get unless I travel. Need to keep to commercial brands. Also, he’s a bit influenced by marketing…and needs for it to sound masculine. Thanks. October 21, 2015 at 9:20am Reply

    • Sylviane: Why not Prada Infusion d’Homme ? It has some iris as the Dior,the brand Prada and a masculine name …. and is easygoing and pleasant. October 21, 2015 at 9:29am Reply

    • laurinha: Why not try the Extreme (EDP) flanker to Dior Homme?

      For something lighter from the same brand, I’d veer away from Dior Homme Sport and towards Eau Sauvage.

      Steer clear from the utterly lame Sauvage, though: really not worth its price-tag! October 21, 2015 at 9:36am Reply

    • Angela: Your son has great taste! Serge Lutens is easily available at on line sites at a discount price and your son might like Ambre Sultan if you want to continue the Amber trend or Gris Clair for a Lavander tone. If you want something lighter, but still creamy, Caron Pour Homme is very classic and I think suitable for all ages. Hermes Vetiver Tonka is also widely available, but if you want citrus, I am actually more fond of Hermes l’orang vert, rather than Eau Sauvage as the current reformulation of ES on me becomes candied fruit. L’orange Vert is also discounted because it’s an older fragrance. For a rose, there are many including Bulgari pour Homme, Cartier declaration soir, and Armani code which has a powdery finish. I wear Bulgari Black which is a dark rubbery rose that is IMO unisex. A more gourmand might be l’artisan menchant loup which I got via a discounted discovery sets of men’s fragrances on line. October 21, 2015 at 10:10am Reply

      • Daisy: great suggestions! October 21, 2015 at 10:20am Reply

      • angeldiva: Hello Angela and Daisy,
        I second the nomination for Hermes L’Orange Vert. Beautiful scent – I wear myself.
        From what I hear of Caron Pour Homme, it is a great masculine lavender, and I would have recommended it, but, have never personally sniffed it!
        Adding Guerlain Imperiale. I also wore for years, it simply smells fantastic! October 21, 2015 at 12:47pm Reply

        • OnWingsofSaffron: “Pour un Homme” by Caron is an absolute winner: First lavender, then it veers off into the vanilla, caramel, amber genre (perhaps the much fabled “caronade”??).
          I just cannot imagine that both young men as well as their girlfriends—or boyfriends for that matter—wouldn’t love this easy-going scent. (BTW: Pope Luca deemed it probably the best lavender perfume around 🙂 ) October 21, 2015 at 2:41pm Reply

          • angeldiva: LOL- amazing …a Papal scent? October 22, 2015 at 10:04am Reply

            • OnWingsofSaffron: Well, Luca Turin certainly has an elevated position in the world of perfume. So, yes, I think a papal decree is quite in order 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 11:40am Reply

        • Angela: Angel diva,

          I hope you try Caron pour Homme soon!

          Off topic somewhat, but I read that Guerlain Imperiale and Creed Jasmine Imperatrice Eugenie were both composed for Empress Eugenie. I was thinking she must have had a fabulous fragrance wardrobe and I am now wondering what else she wore. October 22, 2015 at 1:21am Reply

          • angeldiva: Hi Angela,
            Well, I just bought Island Lavendar, so It could be awhile until I can sniff the legendary Caron!

            I’ve told this story before, but, I first sniffed Imperiale when I was at work in San Francisco. A beautiful gay Frenchman was wearing it, and I was really swooning!
            I could have been written up for asking him what scent he was wearing, but, I asked him!
            So, began my love affair with Imperiale, and, am thrilled to learn of it’s Empirical origins. October 22, 2015 at 10:10am Reply

    • Mare: Maybe he would like Guerlain Homme. Beautiful bergamot and mojito blend. October 21, 2015 at 4:16pm Reply

    • Briony hey: My son also loves Dior Homme. His second favourite is Van Cleek & Arpels’ Midnight in Paris which you can often find in places like TK Maxx. He likes Bulgari Black too, or rather nicks mine, and that looks and sounds suitably butch. Others he’s enjoyed are Ormonde Jayne’s Isfarkand and Space NK Man. October 22, 2015 at 6:58am Reply

    • Persolaise: Do you think he might like Guerlain Homme… rum, mint, woods. It’s pretty good stuff. Quick advice: go for the edp rather than the edt 😉 October 23, 2015 at 5:29am Reply

  • Kuki: Can anyone recommend me a lighter daytime fragrance that suits to Coromandel Chanel. I love Coromandel but it is too powerful for daytime use at work.
    Thanks! October 21, 2015 at 9:21am Reply

    • GinaP: Chanel Bois des Iles, perhaps. Not at all too heavy, and office safe. But gorgeous and you’ll catch whiffs all day. October 23, 2015 at 1:12am Reply

    • Kirstyn: I’ve never smelled Coromandel, but I have stalked it online. I feel like Hermes L’Ambre des Merveilles is a similar type of scent, with a woodsy patchouli and the addition of amber. I like wearing that during the day. October 23, 2015 at 8:41am Reply

  • angeldiva: Happy October!
    My fav month of the year! I just received my bottle of Island Lavender Oil. This is made at the monastery in Caldey Islands, Wales. With shipping taxes, and international fees a 1oz bottle was less than $30. US!
    This is a wonderfully complex smelling rollerball. It smells purple, but, green as well. I did not know that lavender could smell full bodied, and not soapy. I’m enjoying this very cult status scent experience ,and can recommend it!
    The scent lasts about 3/4 hours.
    🙂 October 21, 2015 at 9:48am Reply

    • Therése: Sounds intriguing! October 21, 2015 at 9:55am Reply

    • silverdust: Want! October 21, 2015 at 12:35pm Reply

    • Petunia: Luca Turin said it was the best lavender in his book. I’ve been mening to try this one also as I love it. Is it aromatic, salty? Just curious. ? October 21, 2015 at 6:46pm Reply

      • angeldiva: Hi Petunia,
        No, not salty… Aromatic? I can say it’s not an out-gassing scent. Maybe, I finally understand what the scent term, “Close To The Body,” means!
        But, I haven’t taken it on a test run outside the house, yet. lol
        I really live for hearing folks say that I smell good. It doesn’t smell like other lavenders.
        Last night I layered it over my NOW solutions natural progesterone cream in ,”Calming Lavender.” That’s was the purpose of ordering this Welsh perfume oil.
        Well, the result was potent, made the oil last, and did not dilute it’s scent.
        By describing the scent as ‘green’ I can discern, now, that it is a stem-like green. I have never read Lucca Turin, save for a pan he gave to a scent I loved! I don’t remember at this moment what it was, but, many people love his taste , and writing style. In the case of Island Lavender, I would say he got this right, and for such a modest price, it is exciting to receive an international package.
        I’m just really curious who the professional perfume specialist are who helped the monks perfect the scent? October 22, 2015 at 10:22am Reply

        • Petunia: Hi Angeldiva, Thanks so much for such a thorough thoughtful review. It sounds lovely. I have lavender Shea butter from Crabtree and Evelyn. I like it very much. It’s sort of a salty, aromatic lavender. Very pretty. (I have trouble sleeping). I was planning on buying a bottle of the C&E until I read the LT review. Now I’m so torn. ? October 22, 2015 at 7:37pm Reply

          • angeldiva: Have you tried Melatonin? I get the chewable at Trader Joes, it has a natural hormone in it too that Suzanne Somers says is really good for women.
            She writes in her books about a homeopathic sleep patch as well, but, I’ve never tried it. I was a lifelong insomniac until 2003- there really is a lot of modern help out there for insomnia.
            Compassion! October 22, 2015 at 7:45pm Reply

            • Petunia: No I haven’t tried melatonin. I’ll have check out Trader Joes. Thanks for the recommendation! October 22, 2015 at 8:12pm Reply

          • Karen (A): Why are you torn? If you like something, then it works for you – reviews make for fun reading, but don’t let any review sway your own instincts or judgment! October 23, 2015 at 6:20am Reply

            • spe: Karen is correct! Many perfumistas consider reading reviews a form of entertainment and not something that informs purchase decisions (or even sampling decisions).
              You are unique! Karen is right – go with your own instincts October 23, 2015 at 1:33pm Reply

    • Therése: I just ordered one for myself. Can not resist temptation 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 7:53am Reply

      • angeldiva: Therese,
        Wow, maybe my background in sales is still in my DNA, somewhere!

        I hope you love it, it’s not real perfume, because the monks could not export a product with alcohol, but, I think it smells really, really nice. October 22, 2015 at 10:26am Reply

        • Therése: I’m really looking forward to trying it, it sounds so lovely. And I am quite used to oils, I buy perfume oils on Etsy sometimes. Oil is different from perfumes, but I like it. October 23, 2015 at 2:20am Reply

  • Therése: Hello perfume lovers!
    I know I have asked about something similar before, and got good suggestions, but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for (if it’s even out there). I’m looking for a very cold fragrance, chilly, icey, dark, aloof. I’m thinking notes of leather and salt, but any suggestions are welcome! October 21, 2015 at 9:54am Reply

    • Ariadne: Hello Therese, I just tried a sample of Iris Cendre Eau de Parfum by Naomi Goodsir. The notes they list are Bergamot, tangerine, orris butter, violet, amber, cistus, tobacco. I found aloof, biting, and dark in this scent and indeed am attracted to it. It is not a FB perfume for my tastes or wallet though. October 21, 2015 at 10:52am Reply

      • Therése: It sounds very interesting. I love bergamot! Thank you for the suggestion, I will try it! October 22, 2015 at 5:03am Reply

    • Walts: Have you tried Encens Flamboyant by Annick Goutal? Not leathery or salty. It’s piney, smokey dry incense. But it certainly pushes the icy and aloof buttons. October 21, 2015 at 12:26pm Reply

      • Therése: I’m putting it on my list of scents to sample. Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 7:57am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: Avignon by Commes des Garcons. It smells like a dark, cold, damp church to me. It’s a frankincense scent but for me it definitely has the chilly and dark qualities you mentioned. October 21, 2015 at 12:33pm Reply

      • Angela: Ditto Avignon.

        I was thinking Caron Yatagan,
        Avon Leather vintage 1966, NOT Avon black leather or black suede leather (plentiful and inexpensive on eBay)
        Encre noire pour Homme October 21, 2015 at 2:16pm Reply

      • Therése: Ah yes, Avignon. I’ve read about it but I have never tried it. I have tried Zagorsk, and I enjoy it, but I don’t love it.
        I will put Avignon on my list! October 22, 2015 at 5:11am Reply

    • silverdust: “Icy” and “aloof” are the words most often used to describe Chanel No. 19. The original was drop-dead gorgeous, but the reformulation (I find) is a mere shell of itself, but it’s still worth a try. If you haven’t tried it, this may be what you’re looking for. October 21, 2015 at 12:37pm Reply

      • Therése: I will try it! Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 5:12am Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Why not something with Iris? That seems to fit the bill, say “Iris Silver Mist” (Serge Lutens)—nothing warm and cuddly about Iris.
      Another scent which comes to mind is frankincense. I sprayed Giorgio Armani’s “Bois d’encens” the other day at the airport. That seemed utterly aloof, severe and unforbidding; truth be told, I did not like it really.
      Then perhaps you might want look into Comme des Garçons’ perfumes? Perhaps “Blue Santal” marketed as “iced, cooling Australian sandalwood” or “Blue Encens” marketed as “blazing frozen spices” …? October 21, 2015 at 2:22pm Reply

    • kayliz: At “chilly” I thought straight away of Relique d’Amour by Oriza L.Legrand. To me it smells of old stone walls with a hint of long burnt-out candles & incense and cold, cold lily. A proper graveyard fragrance. (I love it.)
      Coming up blank on dark and ice, though. October 21, 2015 at 3:38pm Reply

      • Therése: I’ve never had the opportunity to try the Legrands, but now I see there is a sample set of their full line on their website. Will try it! Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 5:41am Reply

      • Therése: Who can resist a “proper graveyard fragrance”! 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 5:43am Reply

        • angeldiva: Hilarious! I just bought a new skeleton for Halloween. When I sat him in my car, people started taking pictures.
          Wish I could drive around with him all year ( I’m oddly comforted by skeletons…), but, can’t indulge my every menopausal whim!!! October 22, 2015 at 10:34am Reply

          • Therése: I would have loved to see you driving around with your skeleton! Happy halloween! October 23, 2015 at 2:22am Reply

    • Rose: This sounds unlikely, but one perfume I find icy and aloof is Cabaret by Gres.
      It has haunting notes of incense a sort of cool refined salty smokiness paired with lily. It reminds me of ancient stone and cold spring light.
      Only thing it doesn’t have is leather, it’s v affordable, the bottle looks cheap but the scent is surprising

      The other I’d recommend is Chanel 19 in parfum, pricy, but you could buy a sample from surrender to chance, or find a bargain on Ebay maybe October 21, 2015 at 4:46pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Bas de Soie, Lutens. It’s metallic (if that makes sense). October 21, 2015 at 5:07pm Reply

      • Therése: That’s interesting, I own and use Cabochard but I have never tried Cabaret. Salty smokiness sounds divine! October 22, 2015 at 5:59am Reply

      • angeldiva: Hi Rose,
        I see this on O.co for a song. After this amazing description, I may have to try it! October 22, 2015 at 10:37am Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: I love Cabaret, although I don’t find it icy or aloof. Slightly melancholic, though. It’s inexpensive enough that you could experiment layering it with other scents to get what you want. October 23, 2015 at 7:28am Reply

    • Katy: I like Serge Lutens Encens et Lavande which gives the impression of cold and dry when first applied. I find it to be linear and not a sillage bomb. October 21, 2015 at 7:18pm Reply

      • Nina Zolotow: Good call. This one is definitely very cool. October 21, 2015 at 7:22pm Reply

      • Therése: Thank you for the suggestion! I will definitely try it. I have no lavendar scents in my arsenal *Hides face in shame* 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 6:03am Reply

        • angeldiva: Therese,
          Don’t feel shame! I have never smelled OUD! I can’t reference it in any way, and wish I knew what it smelled like. lol
          🙂 October 22, 2015 at 9:31pm Reply

          • Therése: It’s funny because I love lavender when I smell it in nature, but I haven’t thought of finding a lavender perfume! October 23, 2015 at 2:25am Reply

    • Elizabeth T.: Have you tried Aedes Signature? To me it’s cold and icy, but no leather in there… October 21, 2015 at 10:25pm Reply

      • Therése: I looked it up and there were so many notes that sounds interesting: green apple, hazelnut, rhubarb … Will try it. Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 8:01am Reply

    • elisa p: As already mentioned, Avignon. Unum Lavs is another cool -as -marble churchy incense. October 22, 2015 at 12:53am Reply

      • Therése: I just ordered a sample of Unum Lavs. Thank you for the recommendation, it sounds right up my alley. October 22, 2015 at 7:59am Reply

    • Tati: Have you tried Dzongkha by L’artisan? Described as inspired by the scent of stones and incense. Notes of iris, smoked tea, and leather. It’s one of my favorites and unlike anything else in my collection. October 22, 2015 at 3:39am Reply

      • Therése: It’s been a long time since I sampled Dzongkha. I will definitely revisit. Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 7:30am Reply

    • Persolaise: The first thing that came to mind is Archives 69 from Etat Libre D’Orange – super-icy aldehydes and Arctic detachment. October 23, 2015 at 5:30am Reply

      • Therése: It goes on my list. Thank you! October 23, 2015 at 9:37am Reply

    • Indigo: I am totally on your wavelength. My suggestions don’t necessarily have the notes you mention, but they do have the cold feel. Firstly, YSL’s Nu – the bergamot, incense and cardamom are lovely and chilly. Then Serge Lutens’ Gris Clair… which is aromatic and cool in every sense. Lastly (a slightly odd suggestion but…) Frederic Malle’s Portrait of a Lady – full or spices and incense that turn an opulent oriental cold and shivery. I love it! October 24, 2015 at 7:25pm Reply

      • Therése: Portrait of a lady is one of my absolute favourites. I havn’t thought of it as cold though, I will think of that the next time I wear it 🙂

        Thank you for the YSL Nu recommendation. That scent has passed me by completely, I have never heard of it. Cardamom and bergamot … sounds divine. October 26, 2015 at 4:07am Reply

    • Natalie T: Hi! I recently smelled Pale Grey Mountain, Small Black Lake by DS and Durga and it is definitely cold and only slightly aquatic. It’s very unique and I’d say aloof for sure. October 25, 2015 at 11:04am Reply

      • Therése: Oh I’ve been wanting to try Pale grey mountain, small black lake, but I haven’t found a sample. I have tried Siberian Snow and while it was elegant, it just wasn’t cold. Thank you for reminding me of Pale grey mountain, small black lake! October 25, 2015 at 1:47pm Reply

        • Erianthe: Bois d’Ombrie by Eau D’Italie- just tried this again the other day and was brought right back to the ‘walking in the woods in November” feel I got from it the first time I smelled it. This perfume was the first one that got me interested in perfumes- it turns out I like perfumes that evoke a sense of place- and this one still conjures up the cold and dark woods, with a smoky note coming from over the hill and maybe an old stone church where incense is burning is just around the bend. I dont know if I would buy it but I love visiting:) October 31, 2015 at 2:51pm Reply

  • Esme: Please recommend a perfume. I like L’Heure Bleue very much. I do not like overly floral and fruity scents. October 21, 2015 at 10:25am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: It would be helpful if you would provide a bit more information about what you’re looking for. Do you want something spicy? Woody? Ambery? But in the meantime, I’ll take a shot at this because I, too, love L’Heure Bleue. So I’m going to recommend a few rich, complex, unusual, non-floral scents: Chanel Coromandel, Indochine by Parfumerie Generale, Woman and Tolu by Ormonde Jayne, Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens….

      You might also try the modern version of Apres l’Ondee by Guerlain as a lighter alternative to L’Heure Bleue, that is good in warmer weather. October 21, 2015 at 11:14am Reply

    • Shoshi: Oscar de La Renta and its flankers bears some resemblance to L’Heure Bleue October 21, 2015 at 11:49am Reply

    • spe: Ombre Mercure Terry de Gunzberg. October 21, 2015 at 12:26pm Reply

    • elisa p: If you like L’heure Bleue, you might like Lolita Lempicka (the original). But you probably need to like licorice notes. October 22, 2015 at 12:56am Reply

    • Angela: I am also a fan of LHB, but my preferred format is LHB vintage EdC which is less powdery in the dry down. When I think of modern day scents with LHBnor Guerlain structure or ethos, somehow Frederic Malle immediately springs to mind. . . I think of Frederic Malle Eau de hiver as being inspired by LHB and Apres les Ondee. Somehow, I also pigeonhole FM Dans de Bras in the same general category. Musc Ravageur as an updated Shalimar (though I prefer Shalimar EdC. Perhaps noire Epices (I am not fond personally of NE though). A controversial FM which is entirely skin chemistry dependent is Une Fluer de Cassie

      There are a few Serge Lutens that evoke a similar weight, I.e., Fourreau Noire (but there is screechy Lavander)

      And, Caron Farnesiana extrait, Montaigne extrait

      And if you want to push the gourmand aspect of LHB, perhaps etro heliotrope, andy Tauer Vanilla Flash, Avon Extraordinary (I personally don’t care for this, but it’s won awards on its champagne chocolate citrus notes, and it dries down in a powdery gourmand way). October 22, 2015 at 1:36am Reply

    • Solanace: I’m a fan of L’Heure Bleue too! My shots: Chanel Bois des Iles, Hermès Ambre des Merveilles, Serge Lutens Chergui and Jeux de Peau, l’Artisan Parfumeur Traversée du Bosphore October 22, 2015 at 3:41am Reply

    • Aurora: There was a request last month for perfume similar to l’Heure Bleue: as mentioned by Shosi Oscar de la Renta, it’s Esprit d’Oscar which has the most affinity to l’HB, I’ll add Infusion d’Iris Absolu by Prada, and there was a useful reference to Victoria’s review of Flower by Kenzo as a fragrance in the same spirit as l’HB. October 22, 2015 at 6:37am Reply

      • Aurora: Oh, and another one, Sacrebleu by Parfums de Nicolai was mentioned too as another L’HB related. October 22, 2015 at 7:29am Reply

        • Aurora: Also, Insolence by the same house of Guerlain has a distinct l’HB feel to it. October 22, 2015 at 12:26pm Reply

    • Briony hey: I too love L’Heure Bleue and find Grossmith’s Shem-el-Nessim very similar. October 22, 2015 at 7:02am Reply

    • Indigo: Hello – l’Heure Bleue was my signature in my early twenties although I find it somewhat changed now. I think I have tried pretty much all of the scents you have been recommended here and many of them are lovely. It depends, though, on why you like l’Heure Bleue. I was drawn to its cool melancholy, so I found the Oscars, Lolitas and Malles hitting sweeter spots. More aligned with the feel of l’HB are the suggestions of Ombre Mercure and Après l’Ondée (although this last is much lighter). Insolence EDP is a good modernisation but it is bold. If it’s the spicy opulence you like, Feminité du Bois, Nu and Cinema (both YSL) might be worth sampling. October 26, 2015 at 7:17am Reply

  • Ashley: Hello I’m really craving a white floral perfume for fall winter. I normally wear these types of perfumes in the summer, so I’m looking for a floral that’s more ‘winters’. Perhaps with spices and/or vanilla. Thanks for the help! October 21, 2015 at 10:41am Reply

    • Heather H: Luckyscent recommended Narcotic V by Nassomato. It’s gorgeous. October 22, 2015 at 9:35am Reply

      • Heather H: no spices or vanilla though. October 22, 2015 at 9:41am Reply

    • Lynley: They’re both spicy lilies and both on the pricey side, but TF Shanghai Lily and Keiko Mecheri Soussanne are still obvious white florals with a bit dose of warmth. Maybe also Vierges et Toreros or Charogne by ELdO. For cozy orange blossom- Love or Sweet Redemption by Kilian. October 22, 2015 at 9:37am Reply

    • elisa p: Guerlain Samsara has white floral notes, but the star if this one, to me, is the spiced sandalwood. Also, The Different Company Jasmin a Nuit is a spiced vanillic jasmine. It smells a bit bubblegummy to me but worth a sniff. I like the suggestion Danaki made to me about layering SL A la Nuit with sandalwood oil. Also, I think AG Songes would work in colder weather. October 22, 2015 at 9:42am Reply

      • Meg: I second the Songes suggestion. The EDP is supposed to be heavier on the vanilla, so maybe more wintery? October 22, 2015 at 10:09pm Reply

        • Meg: And it’s spicy as well. October 22, 2015 at 10:10pm Reply

    • irem: When I have tested Diptyque Essenses Incensees Jasmin a couple days ago the first thing that crossed my mind was “A jasmine for Fall/Winter”. It does not have dominant vanilla or spices, but it somehow smells wintry. Just a thought 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 11:35am Reply

    • Aurora: Maybe Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia would suit you or Baiser Vole in eau de parfum, a green lily and I find it both classical and contemporary if that makes sense, or Guerlain’s Jardins de Bagatelle (lots of white flowers in that one). October 22, 2015 at 12:34pm Reply

    • Morelle: Maybe SL Santal Blanc? It’s dominated by creamy sandalwood, but there’s also a strong jasmine note. Or you could layer it with SL A la Nuit, that’s a really beautiful combination (which was recommended by Victoria). October 22, 2015 at 7:38pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Hiram Green Moon bloom, FM Carnal Flower, By Kilian Love and Tears, Chanel Coco, Cartier Baiser Volé, Van Cleef & Arpels Orchidée Vanile October 22, 2015 at 9:45pm Reply

    • Katherine: Second the recommendation for Cartier Baiser Vole – but I would go for the “Essence Eau de Parfum” if you like vanilla. This version has more vanilla than the extrait or the regular edp. I happen to love Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle in colder weather as well as warm. Good luck! October 22, 2015 at 11:37pm Reply

    • Awfulknitter: Maybe Donna Karan Gold? It’s a lovely spicy, amber lily. Warmer than a cashmere jumper! October 23, 2015 at 6:41am Reply

    • Mendokuse: How about Bulgari Jasmin Noir? October 26, 2015 at 9:53pm Reply

  • Ariadne: I am a bit overwhelmed by the vast & diverse variety of iris perfumes I have researched but am bent on selecting one to wear this winter. My tastes gravitate towards dark roses, aldehyde, woods, & unique scents. Hoping for iris suggestions that speak to these. October 21, 2015 at 11:01am Reply

    • Sandra: For a dark rose-how about La Fille de Berlin or Liaisons Dangereuses By Killian, or Noir de Noir.

      I am not sure what you mean by “woods” but a nice sandalwood is Samsara or more unique could be a nice woody fragrance from LAP-Timbuktu.

      For Iris-I can’t help. The only Iris I adore is No 19 and No 19 poudre. October 21, 2015 at 11:19am Reply

    • spe: Armani Le Femme Bleue. Give it about 20 minutes before judging! Perhaps also Iris Ganache from Guerlain (d/c, but can probably find on eBay). Raymond Monegal (spelling ?) also had a heavy iris perfume. October 21, 2015 at 11:39am Reply

      • spe: Impossible Iris October 21, 2015 at 12:29pm Reply

    • WildDove: For iris, Hermes Hiris is back (e.g. at Neiman Marcus), which excels in very hot weather, but might work in other seasons as well. Also Hermes Narcisse Bleu and Bvlgari Au Te’ Bleu (blue tea) have a clean iris impression, well suited to spring and summer. Guerlain L’Heure Bleue, very sweet with the heliotrope and vanilla. The current EL White Linen is iris-y and not bad, much better than some of its previous iterations. Iris can be tricky, as many so-called iris compositions can be overwhelmingly strong with woods (Heeley’s Iris de Nuit, and Malle’s Iris Poudre were like that for me), or can smell like medicinal foot powders as they dry down (my experience with Prada Infusion d’ Iris). iris combines well with violet, and something like Caron N’Aimez Que Moi or other violet-dominant composition could work well in winter. Jolie Madame is a violet-leather-woods classic. Both iris and violet can be perceived as “cold” and powdery notes, with colors of pale grey, blue, or lavender, so are often worn mostly in the spring. October 21, 2015 at 12:39pm Reply

    • angeldiva: Hi Ariadne!
      From what I have read about iris- it is one of the most expensive notes that can be added to a scent.
      So, maybe while you are searching for your A-List iris, you may want a less expensive iris?
      I have had such good luck with Yardley- Iris, I bought it for a song at my discounter.
      🙂 October 21, 2015 at 12:55pm Reply

    • Judy: You might like Silver Iris by Atelier Cologne. October 21, 2015 at 1:10pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: SL Iris Silver Mist,Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d’Iris, Parfums DelRae Mythique, Ormonde Jayne Orris Noir October 21, 2015 at 1:43pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: What about Guerlain’s “Nahéma”? Roses, woods, unique scents: they’re all there! Try to get a vintage Nahéma via Ebay, it’s not particularly difficult. October 21, 2015 at 2:31pm Reply

    • Rose: You might like Frederic Malle’s Iris Poudre, it’s aldehydic and subtly woody, but it’s not rosy as such though it does contain rose October 21, 2015 at 4:48pm Reply

    • rainboweyes: What about Heeley Iris de Nuit or Iris Nazarena? If you like unique scents, maybe you should give Artisan Parfumeur Dzongkha a try? Or Eau d’Italie Sienne d’Hiver? October 21, 2015 at 5:14pm Reply

      • Ariadne: Thank you all so much for your replies, I am definitely on the right track based on your suggestions! Now just awaiting a shipment of samples! October 21, 2015 at 7:54pm Reply

    • GinaP: Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile is nothing short of SUBLIME. October 21, 2015 at 9:08pm Reply

    • SilverMoon: Hi Ariadne, one of my favourite not cold iris perfumes (so comfy, warm and lovely for cooler weather) is Frederic Malle Iris Poudre. However, if one wants the perfume to reflect the weather, then a colder iris might be interesting. How about Iris Nazarena? The Prada Infusion d’Iris is also really lovely. October 24, 2015 at 12:04pm Reply

    • Mendokuse: Prada Infusion d’Iris is an easy iris to start with. October 26, 2015 at 9:54pm Reply

  • greenjean: i want to thank all the people who have given me advice about fall fragrances.

    several years ago i asked what was like mary mcfadden (amber) because it was no longer available.

    someone suggested hermessence ambre narguile. i want to thank that person. it didn’t smell so much like mary mcfadden, but it is right up my addiction alley. i swoon when i smell it. i have also bought serge lutens ambre sultan, which is a counterpoint to the sweetness of nargille.

    i also want to thank the person who suggested comme des garcons series 3: incense kyoto: now another one in my fight-against-the-coming-cold armamentarium. October 21, 2015 at 11:24am Reply

  • elisa p: I’m pondering jasmine lately. I like ELDO Jasmin et Cigarette but it’s a bit too fresh for me, believe it or not.I really like Diptyque Essenses Incensees Jasmin but hate that bulb sprayer and am not big on solids. I like the heft and depth of the drydown. Anyone have other jasmine recs? October 21, 2015 at 12:54pm Reply

    • angeldiva: Hi Elisa P.
      I blindly bought an FB of Serge Lutens- A la nuit. It’s a favorite around BdJ, and, well, I was really curious!
      But, it’s so sweet on me that I need to layer it. So, I finally understand why more experienced perfumistas recommend a whole lot of sniffing before buying!
      I would also love recommendations for layering the above. October 21, 2015 at 1:00pm Reply

      • Danaki: I have a FB of A la Nuit – and sometimes on its own it doesn’t quite work for me (though I love it).
        Anyway, for layers, I bought sandalwood oil (Australian) and mixed with an odourless oil, makes it last longer (this was Victoria’s suggestion).
        Then, experimenting, I went for the same strategy but with equal parts vetiver and patchouli – if you’re feeling hippy-ish, its great effect.
        Works well too with my oud oil from Bahrain. I know rose is usually mixed with oud, but with jasmine it is more feminine and lighter. October 21, 2015 at 4:49pm Reply

        • angeldiva: Danaki,
          Brill !!! Thank-you, yes, I’m a hippy. But, without the weed element! I need a scent journal because everyone’s abilities of description have expanded so much!
          I need to take notes on RMAP threads, or I feel like I’ll miss all this expertise. October 22, 2015 at 10:47am Reply

          • Danaki: Yes. It’s how I imagined SL A la Nuit since I first sniffed it. To me, this fragrance was a girl, wearing wide legged denim, barefoot, hair loose and natural, no make-up, flowery top – enjoying her nature walks.

            Other jasmine perfumes that are more “done up” I imagined to be quite different girls. yes, I anthromorphize perfumes. so she’s a happy and likes natural sandalwood and earthy vetiver/patchouli 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 1:25pm Reply

            • angeldiva: 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 7:50pm Reply

        • angeldiva: Danaki,
          Success! I dabbed the Serge Lutens- A la nuit, then sprayed my Woods Of Windsor-Bergamot and Neroli over it!
          It smells nice, floral, niche.
          At the rate I’m going this bottle will last the duration of my lifespan! October 25, 2015 at 11:11am Reply

          • Danaki: Ah! Good idea. I’ll try that next. Love neroli, love bergamot and would certainly love to freshen up that honey note in A la Nuit. October 25, 2015 at 12:17pm Reply

      • elisa p: I’ve only smelled it on paper so don’t have a sense of its character. I don’t mind sweet-ish. I’ll definitely try it on skin next time. October 22, 2015 at 12:33am Reply

      • limegreen: Hi Elisa p, I think A la Nuit is pretty close to the new Diptyque, I was hoping for more basil in the Diptyque but no, the drydown was a dead ringer for AlN. You might give it a try.

        Hi Angeldiva, How about dabbing instead of spraying A la Nuit? It’s a nice option for Lutens. You might find it less overwhelming. 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 10:13am Reply

        • angeldiva: Hi Limegreen!
          Thank-you! I would have never thought of this on my own. So, I did try it, and it was better.
          Overwhelming is an excellent descriptor, here. Maybe it’s the menopausal transition, certain scents are a challenge.
          I’m going to keep trying! Lot’s of great layering ideas, above, as well.
          You are such a perfumista, and soooo generous!
          🙂
          LOVE! October 22, 2015 at 7:54pm Reply

          • limegreen: 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 8:57pm Reply

    • Caroline: Houbigant’s Orangers en Fleurs features a very nice quality jasmine. It’s a shame it’s only available in a huge bottle! October 21, 2015 at 2:20pm Reply

    • Angela: Non- fresh Jasmine:

      creed Jasmine Imperitrice Eugenie (more sandalwood than Jasmine)
      Creed Royal delight ( more leather and gourmand than Jasmine with ambergris musk dry down if I remember correctly)
      Creed Jasmal (okay, it’s fresh, but somewhat bitter with Jasmine leaves and vines)

      Andy Tauer Maroc pour Elle ( no idea how to describe it – Jasmine on top of a rose chypre base in a foreign country?) October 21, 2015 at 2:24pm Reply

      • elisa p: Love your description of the Tauer 🙂 Also, only smelled on paper so missed the drydown. Thanks for all the suggestions! October 22, 2015 at 12:36am Reply

    • AnnieA: DC’s Jasmine de Nuit is the Vanity 6 of jasmines… October 21, 2015 at 2:31pm Reply

      • elisa p: I actually have a sample if this one. I like it but it smells too much like bubblegum to me. Similar to Indult Isvaraya(jasmine, plum, patch). I’ll revisit to see how it does in colder weather. Thanks for the suggestion! October 22, 2015 at 9:46am Reply

    • Austenfan: Diptyque Olène, MPG Jardin Blanc en Le jasmin, Thé pour un Eté ( for a very ethereal and green jasmine), Beyond Love, Love and Tears, second SL Sarrasins, Goutal Le Jasmin and of course Songes, and for a rather more suffocating experience I believe that both Bruno Acampora and Norma Kamali’s Jasmin are rather overwhelming. October 21, 2015 at 3:43pm Reply

      • elisa p: Thanks! I have Songes body oil but always strikes me as more Gardenia dominant. Nice suggestions. I’ll add them to my list! October 22, 2015 at 12:38am Reply

    • Katy: I love Lust by Lush, a camphorous jasmine bomb. I like to add a small dab of this to pulse points to pump up the volume of other white florals. October 21, 2015 at 7:22pm Reply

      • elisa p: I have the solid but almost never wear it, except sometimes in my hair. Maybe it’s on the edge of “too much” for me. I love that scent in the body products (the now d/c Flying Fox and Lady Godiva solid shampoo). October 22, 2015 at 12:41am Reply

    • Mendokuse: My absolute favorite jasmine is Le Parfum de Thérèse, but it’s an acquired taste for a lot of people. October 26, 2015 at 9:56pm Reply

      • Mendokuse: Maybe the best way to describe it is… not an “obvious” jasmine. An example of obvious jasmine is probably something like SL A la Nuit. October 26, 2015 at 9:57pm Reply

  • Nina Zolotow: Non-fresh jasmines? Even though the commenter above found A la Nuit too sweet, I still think you should try it. Also Serge Lutens Sarrasins. Some other ideas are Annick Goutal Songes, Guerlain Samsara, Montale Jasmine Full, and maybe Alien. October 21, 2015 at 1:50pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Quite! In my opinion, “À la nuit” cannot be labeled sweet. It smells the way jasmine smells and by the way it is very, very potent! Just as jasmine is 🙂 October 21, 2015 at 2:27pm Reply

    • elisa p: I love Samsara! I’ve not gotten along with the Montales I’ve tried-Jasmine Full included. I’ve never tried Sarassins. Must remedy that soon. Thanks! October 22, 2015 at 12:44am Reply

      • maja: Seconding Sarassins. 🙂 October 30, 2015 at 6:27pm Reply

  • Adriana: Anyone from Vienna around? I need some suggestion about where can I find a perfume shop ready not only to sell me samples but to have some classics still too. I got very very frustrated wondering around today through Douglas’es and Müllers looking for something really out of the main stream. They told me that for instance Lancôme Magnifique is discontinued, as well as Apres l’Ondee or Vol de Nuit, plus no one seems to know about Serge Lutens. Everyone is rushing at me with new sweet headaching releases…. I am fed up and frustrated to tears. I can’t really get into a shop without being invaded by the mams with straps of La Vie est Belle or some God forbid flanker of Miss Dior because as they say “the old one is too borring” (from far the best if U ask me). So, if anyone in Vienna, please please suggest me a place where I can go and sample good stuff, not really vintages because I know they are not easy to find, but really something older than 2012! Thank You. October 21, 2015 at 3:05pm Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: Apres l’Onde is NOT discontinued. Maybe that shop no longer carries it, but you can definitely still buy this. See: http://www.guerlain.com/us/en-us/fragrance/womens-fragrances/apres-londee/apres-londee-eau-de-toilette-spray For information about shops in Vienna, I recommend you consult with the blog Olfactorias Travels, as she lives in Vienna. Here’s one shop: http://olfactoriastravels.com/2014/11/04/stattgarten-vienna-a-perfume-and-beauty-heaven/ October 21, 2015 at 4:06pm Reply

      • Nina Zolotow: Also Vol de Nuit is not discontinued, either. October 21, 2015 at 4:07pm Reply

      • Adriana: Thank You so much! I surely will check out. October 23, 2015 at 1:40am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: There is also a shop somewhere in Vienna that has a lot of vintage perfumes, but I don’t know the name of it. Olfactoria knows it, though. October 21, 2015 at 4:11pm Reply

    • Katy: You poor thing! Remember, you know more about perfume then most people trying to sell it to you! I understand the headache and tears since many commercial new releases are dreadful. I have never had the pleasure of traveling to Vienna so I am no help with shopping there. October 21, 2015 at 7:31pm Reply

      • Adriana: Yes, it is really frustrating. Not the first time I come home in worst of moods and reach for my old beloved once fearing to use them as I may not find same thing again. Who can understand this more than someone really into it…. Thank You for Your nice words. October 23, 2015 at 1:44am Reply

    • Mia: There is a site for perfume shopping in various cities. Here’s link for Vienna/Wien. Check it out?
      http://your-perfume-guide.blogspot.fi/2011/09/vienna-austria.html October 21, 2015 at 10:44pm Reply

    • Mia: There is a site for perfume shopping in various cities. Here you have Vienna/Wien. Maybe you could check this out? Sometimes the info is dated but mostly it is valid.
      http://your-perfume-guide.blogspot.fi/2011/09/vienna-austria.html October 22, 2015 at 2:30am Reply

      • Adriana: Thank You, will check it out. October 23, 2015 at 1:45am Reply

    • Karima: Hi there, have you tried the Douglas’s on Kärntnerstraße and Kohlmarkt? TOPSI Parfümerie (1st district, 8th and 18th) has Lutens and more. Then there is Le Parfum on Petersplatz (small and sometimes snooty, but great selection). My favorite, because of the fantastic service, is Duft und Kultur on Tuchlauben. They let you sniff to your heart’s desire without being pushy at all. Happy hunting! October 22, 2015 at 4:07am Reply

      • Adriana: My God this blog really is a group of angels! Herzlichen Dank! I surely will be going inn all of them… perhaps just missing the Douglas’es as I grew little reluctant… But thanks a lot! October 23, 2015 at 1:47am Reply

    • angeldiva: Adriana,
      Compassion! It sounds like you are on sensory overload!
      Maybe, you can take a break, and be very gentle with yourself! It looks like all the BDJ community has made some great suggestions above.
      These experiences can be traumatizing, if they don’t go the way you would like them to!
      Women are chemically sensitive creatures! October 22, 2015 at 10:58am Reply

      • Adriana: Absolutely right. Almost depressing, but I have it under control. 🙂 Thank You. October 23, 2015 at 1:48am Reply

        • angeldiva: 🙂 October 23, 2015 at 1:34pm Reply

    • Mendokuse: Après l’Ondée was only discontinued in the EdP – the EdT is still available. October 26, 2015 at 9:58pm Reply

  • Lizbee: Hi everyone. I’m a newbie still feeling my way around by sampling everything I possibly can. But today I’m looking for recommendations for my mom who has only ever worn L’Occitaine Verbena in the solid perfume. She loves lavender and lilac, too, though all her soaps at home are citrus fragrances. I’d like to turn her on to something beautiful and elegant. I’m planning to order samples for her to try and have no idea where to begin. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. October 21, 2015 at 6:57pm Reply

    • Karen (A): En Passant by Frederic Malle for lilac. Just sampled Bijou Romantic by ELdO, and while not lavender, lilac or citrus is a very beautiful scent and very wearable. I’m not a big lavender fan, but Burberry Brit Rhythm is a good fragrance with some lavender.

      Will mull over some more. But En Passant is gorgeous, and in the 10ml bottle affordable ($50-$60). October 22, 2015 at 9:09am Reply

      • Lizbee: Thank you! Ordering samples now. I’ll let you know how it goes next month. October 22, 2015 at 11:01am Reply

        • Karen (A): HI Lizbee, going to add another to the mix – Tilda Swinton Like This by ELdO. Reading the notes you think, Huh?, but it’s quite lovely and evolves smoothly. If your mom is a Tilda Swinton fan, that would be a plus – but no fandom necessary to appreciate the fragrance as it stands on its own. October 23, 2015 at 11:06am Reply

    • Lynley: De Bachmakov by the Different Company, Snob by Le Galion, Marni are all elegant citrus/floral interesting blends. Opardu by Puredistance is a beautiful lilac. Maybe if she likes more floral with a bit of citrus the Jour d’Hermes. For more herbal freshness Voyage d’Hermes. Or a tea scent like the Bvlgari’s may have a similar vibe. If she has a fondness for citruses, Atelier Cologne has a version of almost all of them, or the Hermes colognes. October 22, 2015 at 10:21am Reply

      • Lizbee: Perfect. These are on the list. I’ll update next month. Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 11:02am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: For lavender, try Serge Lutens Gris Clair and Hermes Brin de Reglisse. Both are beautiful and elegant. October 22, 2015 at 11:00am Reply

      • Lizbee: Wonderful! Thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing which ones she takes a fancy to (and to trying them on myself, of course). October 22, 2015 at 11:06am Reply

    • angeldiva: Hi Lizbee,
      Well, since you asked… lol I’ve become a layering Queen! I layer the L’Occitaine spray with Clinique- Aromatics Elixir. And, Giorgio! Yes, that Giorgio! I can only wear a bit of Giorgio on it’s own, but layered with L’Occitaine- it smells great to me.
      Niether will break the bank, either. I think that when it comes to scent, I march to my own drummer! lol Good luck! October 22, 2015 at 11:04am Reply

      • Lizbee: Ooh, sounds pretty! Thanks for the idea. And, yeah, not breaking the bank adds to the appeal for sure. March on! October 22, 2015 at 11:10am Reply

    • irem: Might sound like a broken record, but whenever I hear the words citrus and elegant in the context of perfume, all I can think of is Chanel Cristalle EdT. Plus, a gift from Chanel is always special 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 12:25pm Reply

      • Lizbee: A gift from Chanel really is so special. I’ll give that a try. Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 4:54pm Reply

        • angeldiva: That’s so true! My best friend since I was 7 died of AIDS when we were 35.
          Before he died he gave me a bottle of Cristalle for Christmas. It was really special. His name was Roger, and I really, really loved him.
          🙂 October 22, 2015 at 7:59pm Reply

          • Lizbee: Here’s to Roger, then! Sounds like he was a classy guy. October 22, 2015 at 8:21pm Reply

            • angeldiva: 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 8:59pm Reply

          • Karen (A): Beautiful to have such a stunning fragrance to evoke your friend and your love for him. October 23, 2015 at 11:08am Reply

            • angeldiva: Indeed! October 23, 2015 at 1:47pm Reply

  • May: How would you classify Si by Armani? Is it sweet or fresh or something else? Can you recommend other perfumes like Si?

    Where do you spray perfume? Do you spray it on all the pulse points or would that be too overwhelming?

    Thanks. October 21, 2015 at 8:07pm Reply

    • limegreen: Victoria has a great section called Perfume 101 (look at the tabs under the Bois de Jasmin web heading) and she has many helpful articles including this one about how to wear perfume:

      https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/01/one-perfume-four-ways-to-wear-it.html October 21, 2015 at 11:17pm Reply

    • Karen (A): Just looked at the notes for Si, as I had gotten a sample while in Sicily before it was released in the US and really liked it – vanilla, green, patchouli, etc. are listed so guess it can be however it wears on you! It’s a lovely fragrance, and now you’ve inspired me to dig around and see if there are any drops left in my sample!

      And where you wear your perfume can also depend on what effect you want – a light mist in your hair or ankles if you work in an office with lots of people, on your wrist if you want to occasionally enjoy smelling it yourself – someone once said wear perfume wherever you want to be kissed (well, maybe skip your lips!). October 22, 2015 at 9:14am Reply

      • limegreen: Hey Karen, I saw that you sprayed your ankles at that shop, isn’t it a different diffusion? 🙂 I was going to suggest that you try ankle spraying for Tubereuse Criminelle as the opening would be easier for you to bypass. 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 10:19am Reply

        • Karen (A): By the time I got to spraying my ankles I was quite infused with all kinds of perfumes! But then I was thinking, how fun would it be to use different fragrances to correspond with say a tree reaching skyward – earthy on your ankles, a bit less intense on backs of knees, small of back could be the transition to a greener fragrance, shoulders would definitely be a sparkly green, then crown something ethereal. Hadn’t gotten as far as the actual perfumes, and a very, very light hand would be needed – maybe a fun way to play with samples?

          And i just work through that initial blast with TC, since the payoff is pure intoxication! October 22, 2015 at 5:47pm Reply

          • limegreen: Perfume spraying as performance art? Love the concept! October 22, 2015 at 9:10pm Reply

            • Karen (A): Too funny! But I am going to give this idea some more thought….. For those days when I can’t decide what to wear – just wear everything! October 23, 2015 at 6:26am Reply

    • angeldiva: Mick Jagger sprays Floris on his family jewels! October 22, 2015 at 11:06am Reply

      • limegreen: Is “family jewels” an euphemism here? (cough) October 22, 2015 at 8:59pm Reply

        • angeldiva: TMI ?

          …sorry to make you cough Limegreen! lol I’m just a huge fan of his, and in the 1970’s he used to talk about scents in interviews… October 22, 2015 at 9:43pm Reply

    • Elisa: I’d characterize Si as a light gourmand. It has a definite similarity to the original version of Miss Dior Cherie — patchouli with a strawberry note. October 22, 2015 at 1:33pm Reply

    • Angela: Looking at the accords, I would classify it as a modern sweet gourmand floral oriental. I have not tried Si, but it sounds like it would be in the same category as the original flower bomb. There is a literal berry note in many of today’s niche fragrances: raspberry in Tauers Rose Vermeille and Rose Flash; strawberry in SL voix Noire; and I personallu think there is a Muscat grape gummy candy note in Sarrisins.

      I am a dabber and dislike sprays and sillage. My personal preference is to dab on one wrist and let dry or touch with the other wrist. But, I also don’t want people in the elevator to smell my perfume and I don’t want my clothes to become overly scented as I rotate fragrance. I think application would be dictated by personal preference and environment.

      If you habitually wear a scent, you can become somewhat inured to it, so for that reason as well I would rather under apply. October 22, 2015 at 8:06pm Reply

    • Danaki: I would say Si is a modern chypre, more fruity/sweet than Narciso Rodriguez For Her, because of the blackcurrant. October 25, 2015 at 10:59am Reply

  • GinaP: Right now I have two figs I love love love: Annick Goutal’s Ninfeo Mio and Hermès’s Un Jardin en Mediterranee. My most favorite scent is Chanel’s Bois des Iles. I have and love (for certain days) Jo Malone’s Blackberry Bay and White Jasmine / Mint. I have and love Annick Goutal’s Eau de Hadrien; I have and sometimes like Mandragore EDP. I have a like/dislike relationship with Burberry’s London (bought it more because my husband really liked it.) What’s missing? I think I have enough warm weather juice; not enough to take me into fall/winter. Help! October 21, 2015 at 9:06pm Reply

    • limegreen: Did any of the leather perfumes in the last BdJ post appeal to you? Maybe a floral leather ?
      I enjoy many of the ones you listed and I love Cuir de Lancome.
      Jo malone Saffron is gorgeous, about to be discontinued but still on the shelves. Have you tried Jo Malone Wild Fig and Cassis? Try it before it’s gone, too. I love it inthe bath oil, I wear it on dry skin. October 22, 2015 at 10:42am Reply

      • GinaP: I haven’t loved the cuirs that I’ve sampled but they didn’t veer towards floral from what I can remember. I’m intrigued by the JM you mentioned–you’re reminding me that I really loved their Dark Amber/Ginger Lily, which tends to have better longevity than a lot of that house’s offerings (my main quibble with JM is lack of longevity at that price point….) October 23, 2015 at 10:35am Reply

        • limegreen: No problems with longevity with the bath oils! It’s an almond oil base so it’s nice on dry skin, not just for baths. The Wild Fig and Cassis is so nice, if you love fig, this is a very nice green fresh fig, woody, not overly sweet. October 23, 2015 at 6:09pm Reply

    • irem: Bois des Iles is one of my loves too. May I suggest Chanel No. 22? It has the aldehydes and some woods of the BdI but smells sweeter. October 22, 2015 at 11:48am Reply

      • GinaP: I wanted to love 22, but it’s still too aldehydic fort tastes, which I find true of No 5 as well. I’ve tried Coromandel, and that’s a bit closer to what I’m searching for. There’s a Caron scent (whose name ends in Sacré) that I sampled some time ago but is sadly discontinued. I thought I’d found my new scent, alas! October 23, 2015 at 10:32am Reply

        • kayliz: That would be Parfum Sacre (is it really discontinued?) I get a similar feel from Idole de Lubin, might be worth a try. October 25, 2015 at 5:21am Reply

    • Nina Z: Because of your love of figs, how about a warm rich fragrance with some fig and spices, but a amber woody base? This would be Bois de Paradis by Parfums Delrae. I believe Luca Turin gave this five stars when it first came out and it was all the rage for a while. I think it’s beautiful. Top Notes: Citrus, Heart Notes: French Rose, Blackberry bud, Spices, Fig, Base Notes: Woods, Balsam, Amber, Incense. October 22, 2015 at 8:36pm Reply

      • Nina Z: Haha, no it was Chandler Burr who gave it 5 stars. October 22, 2015 at 8:36pm Reply

      • GinaP: That sounds gorgeous. Thank you! October 23, 2015 at 1:08am Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Do you like Amber? Hermes Ambre des Merveilles and an inexpensive one in the oil-Aroma M Geisha Noire, I also love Neela Vermeire Creations Mohur, for leather Bottega Vaneta or Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacre or SL Boxeuses October 22, 2015 at 10:00pm Reply

    • Marie: I tend to classify scents in colours and your favourite perfumes are all green to me. So here are some that I would put in the same category and that are good for fall / winter:
      – Chanel Sycomore
      – Chanel 31 Rue Cambon
      – Prada Infusion d’Iris
      – Vero Profumo Mito (both the original and Voile d’Extrait are beautiful)
      – Slumberhouse Pear and Olive
      – Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman

      Good luck with your search! 🙂 October 25, 2015 at 5:34am Reply

  • Chris: Hi! Any suggestion for a romantic, delicate long lasting perfume that I can wear all year round? Nothing too cloying and sweet. Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 12:35am Reply

    • AnneD: Chris, I would recommend the Chanel Eau Premiere which I find romantic and long lasting on me. I have a vintage Christalle eau de toilette that I can smell all day (and my husband too). The Chanel Exclusives are excellent but not long lasting on me. A lot depends on skin chemistry. October 22, 2015 at 9:30am Reply

      • Chris: Thanks Anne! Will try Eau Premiere and Christalle EDT. October 22, 2015 at 11:26pm Reply

    • elisa p: A couple I can think of are Frederic Malle L’Eau D’Hiver which is a soft iris, heliotrope with almond and honey nuances. Not cloying or overly sweet. I get compliments on that one when I wear it! Also Bottega Veneta is a soft apricot, buttery suede with some pepper and iris. It’s a new one for me but I can see wearing it in warmer weather. October 22, 2015 at 9:55am Reply

      • Chris: Hi Elisa. I’m not familiar with Frederic Malle perfumes. Will try to look for this. I like how you described Bottega Veneta. Will try this one out. Thank you. October 22, 2015 at 11:28pm Reply

      • Mendokuse: Yes, I second L’Eau d’Hiver! October 26, 2015 at 10:02pm Reply

    • Lynley: Wit by Delrae or La Chasse aux Papillons if you like pretty white flowers with a bit of citrus for freshness? Both just say ‘pretty’ to me. October 22, 2015 at 10:25am Reply

      • Chris: Lynley, thanks! I’m thinking pretty and fresh are what I want my perfume to smell. How’s the longevity of L’artisan La Chasse aux Papillons? October 22, 2015 at 11:31pm Reply

        • Patricia: The longevity is not good. Prepare to reapply frequently. I own both and find that Wit lasts longer on me. However, it comes with a steeper price tag. October 23, 2015 at 7:34pm Reply

    • Angela: I think delicate and long lasting characteristics are hard to find, but I would agree with the Chanel recommendations. I think Amouage Dia or EL Beautiful are also considered aldehydic floral that are more toned down than Gold.

      Perhaps a skin scent. . . Egyptian musk, laundromat by Demeter, SJP Lovely, Narcisco Rogriguez musc oil for her (not EdP or EdT), Frederic Malle Dans de Bras.

      Or something that reads as soft, Yves Rocher Vanilla Noire ( natural vanilla, not very noire), Guerlain Apres les Ondee, Bulgari au the vert, SL Feminitie de Bois, or Hermes Eau de Merveilles.

      Or something out of the box, like Andy Tauer Sotto Luna Gardenia October 22, 2015 at 8:28pm Reply

      • Angela: Forgot to add Caron pour Homme, IMO unisex, always appropriate, classic not conservative, with a light creamy vanilla Lavander dry down that is not gourmand. October 22, 2015 at 8:59pm Reply

        • Chris: Thank you for your recommendations Angela! Hope to get to try all of it, especially soft perfumes you suggested. October 22, 2015 at 11:35pm Reply

  • Theresa: I participated in the recommend me a perfume last month, and would like to thank everyone for giving me suggestions. I am especially thankful for the insight and recommendations by Hamamelis, Angeldiva, NinaZ, Jessicarus, limegreen and Angela.
    I ended up ordering a couple of samples, and returned with love to a mini I had acquired but dismissed. I’ve been down with a bad cold for a little over a week now, so I have not yet made up my mind on the samples, but I am considering acquiring more 😀

    I do have another question, not on perfume per se, but on showergels. I mainly buy drugstore bottles, but most are very sweet and flowery, what is not at all what I crave. Recently when buying something new, I went to the men’s side to pick up something more interesting. Do you have any drugstore or more exclusive favourites of patchouli/woodsy/spicy showergels? October 22, 2015 at 8:07am Reply

    • elisa p: I just sniffed Lush’s The Lord of Misrule shower cream which is an earthy patchouli. They’re a bit spendy compared to drug store offerings but have more selection in the category you’re looking for. Hope you feel better! Dr Bronner’s peppermint castille soap is great when I have a cold. October 22, 2015 at 10:01am Reply

      • Theresa: It sounds very interesting, as do some of their other offerings. I will seriously consider trying this out! Thank you for the recommendation! October 22, 2015 at 2:57pm Reply

        • Angela: Ditto dr. Bronners peppermint which I adore. But my husband felt it was too minty for all purpose use (there should be an emoticon for this) so I sadly switched to unscented glycerine liquid soap. . . October 22, 2015 at 8:12pm Reply

          • Angela: Oops Forgot to add that I was glad I helped! October 22, 2015 at 8:29pm Reply

          • Theresa: Hmm maybe it is worth looking into. Thank you 😀 October 23, 2015 at 2:54pm Reply

    • limegreen: The shower gels do not cost much at Bath and Body and they have a huge selection that you can smell and test at their sinks.

      Hope you feel better soon and can get back to smelling better! Which samples did you get that you are looking forward to? Hoe exciting! I love having a batch of samples to play with. 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 10:29am Reply

      • Theresa: Do you mean bath and bodyworks? It appears they don’t have shops in Europe where I am…

        I acquired samples of Knize Ten, Robert Piguet Bandit, Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady, Musc Ravageur and Noir Epices. My cold prevented me from trying the last so far.
        I have returned to an Aramis 900 mini I had acquired, and am loving it now, even with my cold I can detect it 😀
        My sister also gave me a sample she had received of Chanel Coco mademoiselle, but I haven’t had an opportunity to try that either. October 22, 2015 at 3:06pm Reply

        • limegreen: Oh, sorry, Theresa, I forgot you were in Europe! Can’t wait to hear how you like the Malles. 🙂 POAL will cut through your cold, it’s very strong! October 22, 2015 at 9:04pm Reply

          • Theresa: You couldn’t know, at least I didn’t really mention (I think)
            I wore POAL the day I got my cold actually; it started for two hours very much like wet flowers to me, to vanish for the next 4-6 hours. Yet later in the day, I was outside and smelled this amazing smell, hoping it was the last breath of POAL, which lasted very long, if it was that scent. It might have been someone else I was with wore something amazing 😀 October 23, 2015 at 2:58pm Reply

            • limegreen: Your cold must’ve kept you from smelling the rest of POAL because it projects throughout the day!
              Now I recall, I think in the last thread, someone suggested that the shipping for Malle in Europe was reasonable, and that it worked out to be a generous amount of samples for the shipping.

              Thanks for the reminder — I should pull out Musc Ravageur now that the weather is cooling off. (I wore the Malle Dries Van Noten the other day and it’s so comforting, with a soft speculoos sandalwood scent.) October 23, 2015 at 6:07pm Reply

              • Theresa: Yes you are right!
                Reading the description of Dries van Noten didn’t immediately pique my interest, but you mentioned Dans te Bras being a favorite of yours which has since been put on my wishlist to try out 😀 It sounds very intriguing! October 24, 2015 at 10:12am Reply

                • limegreen: DvN is nowhere near a favorite for me, nothing like Dans tes Bras! I still have one of those generous Malle samples of DvN — I have an on and off relationship with sandalwood. 🙂 But if you love sandalwood, and speculoos, it’s a must try.
                  (btw POAL is too much patchouli on me, not enough rose, so I prefer Une Rose in the Malle line, and Noir Epices for some rose.) October 24, 2015 at 11:38am Reply

    • angeldiva: Oh!!! Made my daaaaaaaay !!! October 22, 2015 at 11:10am Reply

      • Theresa: I am glad it did 🙂 October 22, 2015 at 3:06pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I, too, am so pleased I helped you! For body wash, I recommend Shikai natural body wash. Besides florals, it comes in scents like Sandalwood, Yuzu (my favorite!), Cucumber, and Vanilla. October 22, 2015 at 2:04pm Reply

      • Nina Z: See: http://www.shikai.com/products/shower_gels.htm October 22, 2015 at 2:05pm Reply

      • Theresa: It sounds lovely, but from their own website they don’t seem to ship internationally. I will try some other avenues, thank you for the recommendation! October 22, 2015 at 3:07pm Reply

    • Claire: Have you tried any of the Korres Shower Gels? They have many woodsy or non-flowery scents to choose from: Vanilla Cinnamon (not at all sweet, very dry, woodsy (in their words: “Creamy Vanilla with a woody pulsation”), Cedar (“Earthy Forest Tones”), Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedar, and Citrus (a masculine leaning citrus). The Fig is lovely (very unisex), and their Iris, Lily of the Valley, Cotton ( an iris, musky, spicy scent is interesting, just to name a few. Do order from the UK (free shipping) unless you are in the EU, as the U.S. products are different! October 22, 2015 at 2:18pm Reply

      • Theresa: I have not yet tried it, but I recognize the name from the post earlier this month by Victoria on Jasmin scented showergels. I will try some of your recommendations, thank you! October 22, 2015 at 3:08pm Reply

    • Glannys: L’Erbolario has a range of bubble baths/shower gels. Corteccia (Bark) is a woodsy shower gel. Meharees is an oriental spicy, although it is rather sweet (amber, vanilla, resins and spices). They also have a Patchouly shower gel, but I have not tried it.
      And I do wish Lush would bring back back Glogg or Hot Toddy, which are great not sweet spicy shower gels. But alas, not this year. October 22, 2015 at 7:12pm Reply

      • Theresa: The line by L’Erbolario sounds very intriguing, I will try that one out. Thank you for the recommendation!
        I have not yet tried anything by Lush yet, but I can imagine it can be very vexing when something gets discontinued 🙁 October 23, 2015 at 3:03pm Reply

    • Petunia: I just bought Smoky Poppy from BBW based on a post from Jessica at Now Smell This. It is smoky, spicy perfection and not too expensive either. I found mine on Amazon. October 22, 2015 at 7:50pm Reply

      • Theresa: Do you mean The Body Shop or Bath and Body works? I have smelt a smoky poppy by the former. It was very intriguing, but I bought the smoky rose instead, which is lovely as well 🙂 October 23, 2015 at 3:05pm Reply

        • Petunia: It was the Body Shop.. So sorry! I normally don’t shop at either. I didn’t know there was a smokey rose… Thanks for the tip. I must go look that up immediately October 23, 2015 at 7:00pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: Hi Theresa, glad to read our suggestions worked out! I don’t know where you are, but in the Netherlands there are showergels and mousses (lovely) by Kneipp, and they have a great patchouli mousse (liquid turning mousse on the skin), as well as a nice fig one. Dutch based company Rituals has lovely shower products, also mousses, not all are flowery. October 23, 2015 at 5:50am Reply

      • Theresa: I am in the Netherlands 😀
        I have the mouse, showergel and bodycream patchouly by Kneipp, but I find the fragrance very delicate and creamy/milky. I am at the moment looking for something a bit more strong.
        I have walked by Rituals a few times, but never entered. Next time I will 🙂
        Thank you for your recomendations! October 23, 2015 at 3:12pm Reply

        • Hamamelis: Just thought of another shower mousse that is actually very nice, rosy sandalwood, the Albert Heijn huismerk one in the ‘Ayurveda’ variety! October 25, 2015 at 9:58am Reply

  • spe: I’m looking for a fragrance that smells like shampoo. Soapy, not fruity! Gap had one (“Heaven”?) years ago that smelled just like Johnson’s baby shampoo.

    Thank you! October 22, 2015 at 3:50pm Reply

    • Cybele: Bulgari Omnia Crystalline October 22, 2015 at 5:08pm Reply

    • Glannys: Prada Infusion d’Iris reminds me of a shampoo (in a good way). October 22, 2015 at 7:19pm Reply

    • Miisuna: The Clean line might be worth checking out. My personal favorites are Clean Warm Cotton (smells like a dry cleaners) and Clean Skin (musky lemony). I think Clean Rain smells like a lot like shampoo. It’s an aquatic floral. October 22, 2015 at 11:03pm Reply

    • Danaki: Vesace Yellow Diamond had some fuitiness but also shampoo smell. It’s available everywhere to sniff before you buy. October 23, 2015 at 9:08am Reply

    • Taffy: Peace, Love and Juicy Couture reminds me of the original Herbal Essence shampoo. The notes list black currant and lemon, but I don’t get a lot of fruit from it; on me, it smells mostly herbal green, with floral touches. October 23, 2015 at 9:51pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Philosphy’s Pure Grace smells very clean and soapy. October 24, 2015 at 12:16am Reply

    • spe: Thank you so much! I’ve got your suggestions written down and will sample this weekend. October 30, 2015 at 10:45am Reply

  • Cybele: I am searching a fragrance for somebody who used to like Scherrer 3, Arpege and KL. Any suggestions? October 22, 2015 at 5:13pm Reply

    • angeldiva: Right now on O.co you can buy a .85 oz EDT of Fendi. The one from 1985 -for about $36. US
      It’s from the same era of perfumes, I think… October 22, 2015 at 7:37pm Reply

      • angeldiva: YOU CAN ALSO FIND:

        Gucci -eau de parfum (YES! The one that is so hard to find)
        1 oz. $60.99 US * I learned about this from a fan, here, on BDJ. Bought an FB last year- it’s a rare beauty

        And Gucci Guilty- (Yes! The discontinued one)
        1 oz. EDT for $56.99 US October 22, 2015 at 8:21pm Reply

      • Nina Z: Fendi is a leather scent. So though it may be from the same era is KL, it smells nothing like it. Arpege, of course, is from a completely different era and is a floral aldehyde scent. October 22, 2015 at 8:59pm Reply

      • angeldiva: Congrats to everyone who got in on this stock of Fendi, Envy and Gucci! The Envy and Fendi sold out very quickly ( one bottle of Fendi to my house),but that beautiful Gucci is still available.
        🙂 October 26, 2015 at 1:52pm Reply

    • Nina Z: For the KL (a spicy oriental), try Eau Lente from Diptyque, a very spicy scent. If you got to a Diptyque boutique, they will have the original three fragrances. The first and second ones (L’Eau and L’Autre), are also both interesting spicy scents. Certainly vintage Opium would be a good choice (KL is very hard to find) and maybe also Cinnabar.

      For Arpege (aldelhydic floral), try Chanel No. 22, Amouage Gold, White Linen.

      I don’t know about Scherrer 3. What kind of fragrance is it? October 22, 2015 at 8:53pm Reply

      • Angela: Love KL and nitro musks! SL Ambre sultan would be my modern go to. Also for the same oriental vibe updated with vanilla, but more spicy smokey than sweet is is Tauerville vanilla flash in rollerball, followed by Serge Lutens Fumerie Turque and Chergui (latter two very powdery on the dry down though)

        Aldehydic abstract mixed floral, agree with other recommendations, only if skin chemistry permits, Frederic Malle Une Fleur de Cassie can be very beautiful and abstract (on me it’s a modern twist on Farnesiana extrait and a side step from Caron Montaigne). A deep, warm pollinated floral that has the same heft as KL is Chamade extrait (I personally prefer Guerlain treatment of aldehydes to Chanel) but Chamade is more dense than the Amouage gold or Dia suggestions.

        Scherrer iI? If that is the one like a pineapple chypre, I suggest Caron Alpona (if you cannot find it, the Boisetjasmin recommendation is for Private collection (I prefer the vintage mini frosted glass stoppered bottle). Or I think acasciosa is a totally different femme fatale kind of fruit chypre. If your friend wears unisex or masculine so, there is a men’s cologne with pineapple. . . If it’s modern most likely with a vanilla or Tonka dry down. . . If I remember, I will add the name later. October 22, 2015 at 9:22pm Reply

        • Angela: Sorry, I think it’s the original Scherrer 1 that might be related to private collection. Another blog called perfumed letters mentioned that the dry down of Scherrer 2 is like Youth dew which I am not sure that I see (but I don’t currently have a sample at hand. And the men’s scents that I was thinking of are lighter, like Aventus. (Lapidus pour Homme, ananas fizz and bond scent of peace are also mentioned as pineapple scents, but they aren’t like youth dew) October 22, 2015 at 9:36pm Reply

          • Cybele: Thank you everyone for your suggestions!
            Scherrer 3 is hard to describe for I have not smelled it in a long time, but it was sort of a oriental chypre. I have also considered Frederic Malle Une Fleur de Cassie and I have to smell Amouage Gold. I am not sure about the Lutens because they might be too unisex and too spice/dense, it should be an elegant fragrance. Thanks again for all your thoughts, I will smell my way through…Has anybody tried the new Fendi leather scent? October 23, 2015 at 4:27am Reply

            • kayliz: I’m just trying Fan di Fendi Extreme (does that count?) and find the start meh — slightly plasticky floriental — but am being wowed by the drydown. Smooth yet warm floral leather with just enough spice to make it interesting, at least that’s what I thought yesterday.
              Caveat: I’m not a leather fan and am unsure whether this would shoe up as leather at all for true aficionadas. October 25, 2015 at 5:34am Reply

              • kayliz: Haha, that well-known English idiom “shoe up as leather” — I meant “show up” (was thinking of radar, probably). October 25, 2015 at 5:36am Reply

                • Cybele: thanks for the Fendi description. I was thinking of Fan di Fendi Leather Essence October 25, 2015 at 6:10am Reply

                  • kayliz: Oh, of course.
                    P.S. on the Extreme: not so wow today, rather sweet & plasticky. October 25, 2015 at 6:02pm Reply

  • Tati: I’m searching for a heavy rose-and-amber perfume. I tend toward the dark roses and the heavy ambers. I want good sillage if possible, I hate to respray.

    Thanks! October 23, 2015 at 4:13am Reply

    • Cybele: I am not sure if heavy enough but try Guerlain Rose Barbare and Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady October 23, 2015 at 4:28am Reply

      • Persolaise: I’d say go for Portrait too! Or Guerlain Nahema in extrait form. It lasts forever! October 23, 2015 at 5:32am Reply

    • Solanace: Mohur! October 23, 2015 at 6:02am Reply

      • Tomate Farcie: 2nd on Mohur! also Ormonde Jayne Ta’if, also Tauer PHI Une Rose de Kandahar spicy but no amber, Mancera Amber & Roses October 23, 2015 at 5:17pm Reply

    • Austenfan: Or Malle’s Une Rose perhaps? October 23, 2015 at 11:14am Reply

    • Nina Z: Amouage Lyric Woman is a beautiful dark rose scent, very rich and sensual, with good sillage. October 23, 2015 at 2:38pm Reply

    • Angela: Une rose chypre for a different rose Amber. It took me a few tries to feel that this worked on my skin, and I am more a fan of other Andy tauer roses ( that don’t have such a distinct citric amber) but URC is well reviewed including one on this site. Andy tauer has amazing discovery sample sets and great customer service on his website. October 23, 2015 at 3:34pm Reply

      • Angela: Forgot to add that I agree with POAL and Nahema extrait; le Labo rose 31, Stella, Amouage Lyric (I forget now if the men’s Lyric is rosier than the woman’s). And, vintage Bellodgia extrait. October 23, 2015 at 4:00pm Reply

      • Tati: Thanks for all the great recommendations! I will start sampling and report back. October 25, 2015 at 2:18am Reply

        • kayliz: Adding Rozy, in the Voile d’Extrait version — big smouldery! October 25, 2015 at 5:41am Reply

    • limegreen: Everyone’s given some great rose recommendations. If you’re interested in a heavy amber with some rose, Bond no. 9 New York Amber will last you all day and then some. October 23, 2015 at 6:20pm Reply

    • Indigo: Aramis Calligraphy Rose should fit the bill here – really nicely done and with great sillage. October 24, 2015 at 7:32pm Reply

      • Indigo: Although POAL is one of my favourites and definitely worth sampling. It is less ambery than Calligraphy Rose. I haven’t tried Nahema in anything but EDP but it is a lovely, waxy, fruity, honeyed rose. October 26, 2015 at 7:23am Reply

    • Ariadne: Hi Tati, When I want heavy rose I go for my Atelier Rose Anonyme or my Juliet Has A Gun Lady Vengeance. I have no idea if they have amber but the dark sultriness of both is delicious. I think if these as naughty roses. October 25, 2015 at 5:12pm Reply

  • Alouetta: Hi there,

    I’d love some help finding a perfume for my mother. She’s in her 70’s and as a child I would buy her Arpege for her every birthday. It’s just occurred to me that I don’t even know if she liked it! I also gave her a tester of Jubilation XXV recently, which she definitely liked, but unfortunately I can’t afford that one. I know that’s not much to go on, but I’d love some idea of affordable (or at least, not ridiculous) perfumes that fall in that range.

    Much thanks. October 23, 2015 at 7:36am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Maybe Magie Noire by Lancome? Also a classic, high-quality French perfume like Arpege. October 23, 2015 at 8:21am Reply

      • Cybele: yes, I have to try that one again, amazing that it is still around…thanks! October 23, 2015 at 8:39am Reply

      • Alouetta: Thanks! I’ll have a look for it. October 23, 2015 at 9:06pm Reply

    • Cybele: Chanel 31, Rue Cambon! My mother loves it and she used to wear Arpege, Mitsouko, 1000 Patou – the latter one could also be a good! October 23, 2015 at 8:43am Reply

      • Alouetta: Thank you! I have a feeling Mitsouko might suit her. October 23, 2015 at 9:10pm Reply

    • Nina Z: What is it your mother likes about the Jubilation? If it’s the incense, I’m going to recommend Miyako by Annayake (easily available in some parts of Europe). It’s a beautiful, warm, gentle incense fragrance. October 23, 2015 at 10:45am Reply

      • Alouetta: Unfortunately she wasn’t very forthcoming, but I know she sometimes struggles with perfumes saying that most of them are ‘too much’. So her liking an Amouage makes no sense 🙂 October 23, 2015 at 9:09pm Reply

        • Alouetta: Actually on second thought I think she dislikes fruity perfumes. I know that doesn’t narrow it down much. October 23, 2015 at 9:14pm Reply

          • Nina Z: It does because people are getting mixed up between Jubilation 25 (fruity chypre) and Jubilation XXV (the men’s Jubilation, which is incense and woods). So recommendations for Femme, Mitsouko, etc. and other fruity chypres might not be the right direction. I still recommend Miyako then, as a less expensive and lovely incense fragrance. October 24, 2015 at 12:21pm Reply

            • Austenfan: Thanks for clearing that up! I kind of knew that, but am more familiar with 25. So my recs are for the women’s side of things. October 24, 2015 at 1:03pm Reply

        • Cybele: then give Rue Cambon a try it is not too much but 1000 by Patou might be too perfumy. Mitsouko is especially nice in perfume version. October 24, 2015 at 3:33am Reply

    • Austenfan: Diorella shares some similarities with Jubilation as does Rochas Femme. Online one can often find vintage Diorella bottles if your mother doesn’t mind slightly iffy packaging. Another option would be to buy a small amount of Le Parfum de Thérèse, I think they sell single bottle of the travel sprays these days.
      Another option might be YSL Yvresse, a lot fruitier though. October 23, 2015 at 11:13am Reply

      • Alouetta: Thank you! I have some Diorella so I might send her a sample and see if she likes it first. October 23, 2015 at 9:11pm Reply

        • Cybele: Chanel 5 Eau premiere could also be worth a try, it is not too much and just smells really good… October 24, 2015 at 3:38am Reply

    • Angela: I remember reading on another website something about how Jubilation XXV was similar to Hermes elixir de Mervielles and something about the description reminded me of Andy Tauers Orange star, but I don’t remember exactly what.

      If I recall my tiny sample of Jubilation correctly, it’s oud amberish. . . I don’t know if the analogy to Arpege is that the oud brightens the Amber in the way that aldehydes lift Arpege.

      Am fascinated that someone mentioned a similarity to diorella or UPdT. If I had to pick an FM analog, I might pick for Arpege – Une Fleur de Cassie ( very skin chemistry subjective) or for jubilation, Noire Epices. . .

      I think Amouage comes in tester demonstrator kits that are fun and significantly less expensive and would make a nice gift. October 23, 2015 at 4:08pm Reply

      • Alouetta: Une Fleur de Cassie sounds beautiful. I think Hermes elixir de Mervielles though might be more up her alley. Will sniff and send her samples. Thank you! October 23, 2015 at 9:16pm Reply

        • Karen (A): Une Fleur is quite a grand, old school Hollywood perfume. The opening is strong, but 20 minutes or so it becomes addicting – hard to stop smelling your wrist. That said, it is one of my favorites and quite a beautiful fragrance. 10 ml bottles make it very affordable. Perhaps a basket with a few choices of smaller bottles, then when she decides on a favorite a full bottle of that. Plus, Arpege is still beautiful and affordable – she may love the memory (and the perfume). The bottle alone is worth having on your vanity/dresser. October 24, 2015 at 7:38am Reply

  • Old Herbaceous: Can anyone suggest a fragrance based on the “other” magnolia, Magnolia Soulangeana (sometimes called “saucer magnolia”)? Not the evergreen Magnolia Grandiflora with its large, waxy white flowers in summer, but the deciduous pink magnolia tree that blooms in springtime. I’ve only found one, Magnolia Petal by Ayala Moriel, and it is discontinued and not available. Thanks! October 23, 2015 at 7:58am Reply

    • Angela: The only magnolia I know of is Frederic malle’s magnolia, but it’s probably not the saucer magnolia. I also thought I read somewhere that the other magnolia is basically an interpretation, like gardenia. . .
      I got the impression linden flower was somewhat related. . . But the only linden that I have sampled recently is Tauers zeta. Perhaps another indie perfumer (DSH perhaps) might have a saucer magnolia? Or perhaps Ayala Moriel might have a suggestion if you contact her site? October 24, 2015 at 9:23pm Reply

  • Polly: Hello all, I’m getting married the weekend before Christmas and I’m having such a difficult time choosing my fragrance – please help! 🙂 I’d like something wintery and striking and beautiful. Notes I love: jasmine, greens, vetiver, woods, leather, saffron, tobacco, white floral (but not huge amounts!). Favourite fragrances I already own include: No. 19 EDT, Chanel Beige, L’Artisan Timbuktu, Chanel Sycomore, Hermes 24 Faubourg and Tom Ford Noir. Thank you so very much! October 23, 2015 at 9:36am Reply

    • Cybele: you didn’t mention rose but try Rose Nacree du Desert by Guerlain, it is also woody and soo beautiful October 23, 2015 at 9:43am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Baghari by Piguet is festive, spicy with some orange, very nice in the Christmas season.

        How romantic, getting married in the weekend before Christmas! Congratulations! October 23, 2015 at 10:31am Reply

        • Polly: Sounds good! Thank you for the recommendation! October 23, 2015 at 12:55pm Reply

      • Polly: Rose isn’t the best note on my skin – but thank you very much for the suggestion! October 23, 2015 at 12:54pm Reply

    • Maureen: Try Chanel # 19 Poudre, Chanel #22, Bottega Venetta October 23, 2015 at 10:43am Reply

      • Polly: I am tempted by 22 but I think it may just be a little too aldehydic! Bottega V and me don’t get on after 15mims… I just smell like jam! October 23, 2015 at 12:59pm Reply

    • Karen (A): Many congratulations! How about Chanel Coco, either EDP or parfum, Vero Profumo’s Rubj Voile – both Voile and regular Rubj are stunning. October 23, 2015 at 11:19am Reply

    • angeldiva: Congratulations! How romantic! October 23, 2015 at 12:48pm Reply

    • spe: It seems that you are predominantly a Chanel girl. I don’t mean to sound trite, but have you tried No. 5 in all its versions? The parfum? Your description reminds me of that. Otherwise, how about getting samples of the relevant Exclusifs (31 Rue Cambon is striking). October 23, 2015 at 1:46pm Reply

      • Polly: I think I am – even though I don’t mean to be. I own a few of the exclusifs and have been toying with Bois des Iles as the scent for the day, but it’s a little too creamy. I love Rue Cambon and have a decant but I get a real Mitsouko feel with it and, very sadly, Mitsouko just doesn’t work on my skin. Will give it another shot. Thank you! October 23, 2015 at 2:38pm Reply

        • Angela: Congratulations! My first thought was a suggestion to wear the fragrance that you worker when you first met your fiancé. Re Bois de Iles, somehow, FM iris Poudre popped into my head. And, for soft incense, Nuit de Noel. Re wintery and wonderful, I think pine, woods (Caron Alpona, EL Private collection, SL filles et Aiguilles, coromandel and I once read a review that stated that Chanel vintage Egoiste (not platinum) was Bois de Iles’s younger louder brother. Re some vintage fragrances, wintery and wonderful to me would include the original 1950s Caron Poivre, Floris Malmaison, JaR diamond water or Golconda (but I am a spicy carnation fan).
          For those who don’t like rose, I recommend Andy Tauers incense extreme. And, if you want to run with a galbanum theme, but make it richer, albeit with hyacinth, how about Chamade extrait. October 23, 2015 at 4:20pm Reply

          • Angela: Creed Jasmine Imperatrice Eugenie is more sandalwood than Jasmine and fits two of your preferred categories. Vintage is a golden color and manufacturers samples should be available on line if not in a creed boutique. October 23, 2015 at 4:37pm Reply

      • Polly: Just to say I love no 5, but I’m not sure it’s right. The parfum might be worth a shot, or the parfum of no 19. October 23, 2015 at 2:40pm Reply

        • Nina Z: The Chanel No. 22 extrait is gorgeous. I can definitely see this as a wedding scent. October 23, 2015 at 6:11pm Reply

        • angeldiva: Hi Polly,
          Your question has intrigued me, and I have asked myself this question:

          If I were to marry, and choose only from perfumes that own- what would I wear?

          A. During the day I would wear Annick Goutals Le Chevrefeuille, layered over Aesops- Petitgrain body gel to make it last.

          When that wore down, I would wear Chanel Eau Premiere.

          Then after a long wedding night bath, I would wear Estee Lauder – Bronze Goddess, strategically applied over the Bronze Goddess Whipped body creme.

          Also, I’ve had the privilege to work many weddings. I was a vocalist, and worked in 4 and 5 star hotels. From an industry view there are always two things that you always see in a wedding couple when the reception dies down. 1st: They are starving! 2nd: They are tired.

          So, someday when my prince will come, I’ll make sure there is a meal fit for a king and queen waiting for us, then maybe a couples massage, and some relaxing quiet time.

          All The Best! October 24, 2015 at 9:50am Reply

          • Angela: Angeldiva, I love your list and your observations made me laugh and remember that when I got married I was also too hungry and tired to think of perfume.

            I personally prefer vintage 19 EdT or vintage Cristalle EdT to the EdP. For No. 5 I prefer vintage EdC. I believe Chanel is one of those houses that famously used different formulations for different strengths. October 24, 2015 at 9:43pm Reply

        • George: Iris Poudre has been recommended by Angela above. I second this as a more wintry version of No.5. I think you might like to look at iris perfumes in general, as you like vetiver (it is also a root), like No. 19 (has iris in it), and are also looking for something wintry (iris is often seen as having a cold austere quality). If you are trying extraits (I recommend this too for the Chanels) and haven’t tried Mitsouko in that form but lower concentrations haven’t worked for you, I’d try that too. Congratulations! October 24, 2015 at 11:25am Reply

    • limegreen: Congratulations! I don’t know if you can test this easily, but I wonder if you’ll find that special something in the Mona di Orio line? The notes you mentioned that you like (saffron, leather) form the base for most of the perfumes in this line, with nice touches of a highlight note (e.g. tuberose, osmanthus, vanilla, amber, rose, musk, leather, etc.) without this note being overwhelming. There’s a discovery set that’s quite nice and gives you the chance to live with scents. The 5 ml bottles in the kit are generous sizes, I don’t imagine getting a full bottle. (I got mine online from Parfums 1 because I don’t live any place where I can test it, but I did test a few in Europe previously. I’m sure other places like luckyscent carry it, too.)

      Puredistance is also a special line, super concentrated perfumes that project well, really smooth. (also comes in a sampler coffret to test and enjoy.)

      Enjoy! October 23, 2015 at 7:57pm Reply

      • limegreen: (I only mentioned the online sites in case you were nervous about getting these online. The ones I mentioned are trustworthy, great customer service.) October 23, 2015 at 8:35pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: Hi Polly congratulations! You could try Tom Ford’s Fleur de Chine, longlasting, beautiful, and unravels different layers when you wear it. I bought a very affordable decant on ebay. October 24, 2015 at 2:21pm Reply

    • Danaki: Congrats on your upcoming nuptials. You mentioned saffron and I immediately thought Olfactive Studio Ombre Indigo.The tuberose is not strong as you’re cautious about the white floral.
      It is in my personal collection and I own a fb so my opinion is not anywhere near objective, but I urge you to try it. October 24, 2015 at 5:35pm Reply

    • spe: Caron’s Parfum Sacre? October 29, 2015 at 10:17am Reply

  • Marianna: looking for sandalwood recommendations. I have recently discovered TF Santal Blush and was blown away by it. October 24, 2015 at 12:00pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: maybe Diptyque Tam Dao or Ava Luxe 23, Le Labo Santal 33, Chanel Bois des Isles and don’t laugh but for a cheap thrill Adam Levine for Her October 24, 2015 at 7:06pm Reply

    • Indigo: I prefer Serge Lutens’ Santal Majuscule to the Ford offering – as good a sandalwood but also with a little rose and cocoa. It gets lots of compliments… October 24, 2015 at 7:35pm Reply

    • Cybele: try also Santal Blanc by Serge Lutens and Santal Massoia Hermes. For a soft creamy effect try Coco in the pure parfum version October 25, 2015 at 8:20am Reply

  • Hedwig: Hello! I have recently discovered perfume, having previously ignored it all my life. These last few weeks I have been reading Boisdejasmin and other websites, trying to understand my new passion. 

I have two questions. Firstly, do perfume preferences change, or do people tend to stick to the same general families of scents? I think I like fresh florals and green scents, and generally dislike oriental scents (anything labelled “powdery” or “balsamic” on Fragrantica). But I keep coming back to my samples of Annick Goutal’s Songes and Etat Libre D’Orange’s Afternoon of a Faun. I can’t decide if they’re wonderful or terrible… Maybe it’s just specific notes that I would like better in a different composition. 

Secondly, I tried Serge Lutens A La Nuit and loved it – on the blotter. On my skin it simply dissipated, like a flock pigeons before a hound. Is there something similarly intensely jasminey, and fresh, but longer-lasting?

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful blog.

 October 24, 2015 at 1:38pm Reply

    • Jessicarus: Have you tried Dipyque’s Olène? I think it has one of the most beautiful and fresh openings I’ve experienced, and then it becomes jasmine dominant. It lasts quite a bit longer on me than A La Nuit. I hope this helps ? October 25, 2015 at 10:47am Reply

      • Hedwig: I haven’t tried it yet, but I will. Thanks for the tip! October 28, 2015 at 9:49am Reply

    • Figuier: Hi Hedwig,

      re. your first question: I think everyone’s different, but my preferences have changed substantially since I first got into perfume, and continue to do so. It’s fun – I never know what’s going to take my fancy next – and has taught me not to dismiss perfumes that initially repelled me. I loathed Songes the first time I smelled it; then I fell for it about a year later, and wore it often for two or three years; now I find myself getting a bit less wear for it (which is ok, as the amount in my bottle is dwindling).

      For a bright jasmine that lasts well I’d suggest you explore some of the Dior J’Adore variations (Le Jasmin and L’Absolu are both good) as well as By Kilian’s Love and Tears; a greener version is Estee Lauder’s Jasmine & White Moss. And if you can find it, Nasomatto’s Nuda is a lovely peachy, though less clean, jasmine that lasts well but (after the first blast) stays close to the skin. October 29, 2015 at 10:24am Reply

  • Indigo: The more I try, the pickier I get. I think this is good and am glad for the direction I get in the perfume community. I appreciate many scents but lots of them are not for me. I do love Portrait of a Lady by Malle, Sycomore by Chanel and Feminité du Bois (nearly finished my Shiseido bottle!) Any suggestions for something with good sillage that is woody/oriental and a bit cool? October 24, 2015 at 7:43pm Reply

    • katherine: Hi Indigo,
      Maybe I shouldn’t mention it since it’s discontinued and hard to find…But of course I cannot resist because it seems to fit your requirements. Chant du Bois is a clean, medium pitched wood scent – unlike other scents I’ve smelled. It was a limited run by le labo for Anthropologie. A clean woods scent that’s unique. October 24, 2015 at 11:01pm Reply

      • Indigo: Thanks, Katherine. I’ll see if I can track it down…
        It really shouldn’t be hard to find something cool, woody and striking, but I’m struggling to get the right one. I thought I’d find it in the Lutens line-up but his Feminité du Bois is lighter than the Shiseido and his others all seem to have a rich, sweet, warmth to them which, whilst lovely, does not suit me. October 25, 2015 at 4:58am Reply

    • Marie: Hi Indigo, I know that feeling of becoming more and more picky 🙂
      One perfume that came to my mind is L’Air du Desert Marrocain by Tauer. It is oriental and long-lasting but I also consider it cool. Another one would be Cozé by Parfumerie Generale. October 25, 2015 at 5:47am Reply

      • Indigo: Thanks, Marie. I have not tried anything from either of these houses although of course they have a great reputation. I’ll definitely get samples of the two you mention. October 25, 2015 at 7:24am Reply

    • Morelle: You could try Timbuktu by L’Artisan Parfumeur. It fits your description and there’s nothing cloying about it. It’s quite light and airy yet very complex. It’s not a heavy hitter though, if this is what you are after. October 25, 2015 at 6:35pm Reply

      • Indigo: Ah, Morelle – if only you knew how often I check out the Artisan Parfumeur website thinking about Timbuktu, Dzongka and Traversée du Bosphore! This is one house I struggle to sample here (at least these ones I am interested in!) I have come very close to blind buying… The sillage and longevity do hold me back. I have tried Drôle de Rose and Poivre Piquant and found them disappointing on these fronts, but I thought Seville à l’Aube and Numéro 10 were pretty good. Where would the 3 I mention fall, do you think? October 26, 2015 at 7:29am Reply

        • Morelle: With Timbuktu longevity is OK (about 8 hours on my skin) and the sillage is not outstanding but it’s certainly more than a skin scent. Not in the same league as Séville à l’Aube though. Regarding Dzongka and Traversée du Bosphore it’s too long ago that I sampled them, I can’t remember how intense or longlasting they were. Most L’Artisan scents I tried were very disappointing in these respects, but Timbuktu does better than most of them.
          Btw I definitely second the suggestion of L’Air du desert Marocain, it is wonderful and has extraordinary sillage and longevity. October 26, 2015 at 6:31pm Reply

          • Indigo: Thank you! I have some Tauer samples on their way to me now… I think I’ll hold on l’Artisan for the moment. Great help. October 27, 2015 at 6:01am Reply

  • Megan: Just an update: I asked for recommendations around woody-but-feminine scents in September that could help me get out of my white floral rut!

    I was given some lovely woody perfume ideas as well as a suggestion I look into dark rose scents for variety, as well.

    I bought a ton of samples from LuckyScent. Most of the Chanel and woodsy Serge Lutens scents were lovely but became skin scents on me within about 2 hours (this is a long-standing frustration with my skin chemistry). However, Coromandel lasted the whole day and smelled wonderful! I might be saving up for that.

    I purchased some Andy Tauer and Malle samples for rose ideas. Whatever Andy Tauer is putting in his perfumes, they all lasted a full day before becoming skin scents.

    I surprised myself by falling in love with L’Air du Desert Marocain (it smells like the pipe tobacco and Southwest artifacts in my grandparents’ house), and I liked the Sotto la Luna Tuberose Mr. Tauer threw into my sample pack as an extra (although that won’t help me get some diversity outside of white florals). Rose Chypree ended up being a little too powdery for my liking, and something about Incense Rose reminded me of orange Fanta.

    In sum: THANK YOU for all the suggestions! I have lots of new ideas. October 25, 2015 at 1:13pm Reply

    • Kathy: I have ordered samples of Wazamba and L’Air du Desert Marocain, which would both represent a near-remainder-of-the-year perfume budget purchase if I go for full bottles.

      FYI, Estee Lauder’s Amber Mystique is going for a song on that certain famous auction site, and I got 100mls and I like it and so does my husband. (Full disclosure, I am a niche newbie, and I like Estee’s perfumes. Just do.) Can’t wait to see how it compares to the high-end incense woods. Thanks, everyone, for all the suggestions!

      Kathy
      Bloomington, IN October 25, 2015 at 6:35pm Reply

      • angeldiva: Hi Kathy,
        I’d love to know what site the Mystique is on. October 26, 2015 at 1:49pm Reply

      • angeldiva: Hi Kathy,
        Well I figured it out, and can’t thank-you enough!!! I purchased a 50ml bottle of Estee Lauder -Amber Mystique on Ebay for $23. US, and that INCLUDED SHIPPING! A-MA-ZING! Oh! And, it smells fantabulous! I finally know what an OUD note smells like, and this amber is totally unlike any of the other amber scents in my collection.
        I have been circling this perfume on O.co for years! The lowest price I have ever seen was $100.
        Even with all my clever coupons, and O Rewards- I never would have gotten this price.
        Thank-you for sharing the tip, and it has uplifted me, and arrived on a day where I felt sad!
        🙂 October 30, 2015 at 4:54pm Reply

  • Aurora: Another beautiful still-life for the October thread, your photo of it is gorgeous. I find the ‘cornet’ of pepper and salt so funny and touching, so they were already recycling newspapers that way in the XVIIth century! October 27, 2015 at 6:45am Reply

  • Julie: Joining this a little late but, it has been fun to read! I would love to know if anyone has enjoyed or sampled Oud Palao Diptyque?
    It sounds like a beauty 🙂 I have always enjoyed wearing 10 Corso Como, a favorite for many years. I was checking out Luckyscent site today… Thank you ALL! October 27, 2015 at 11:39am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Julie: I haven’t tried it personally but I’ve just noticed at the start of the thread 2 commenters mention Oud Palao positively, they are Andrea and Mary, have a look. I love Diptyque generally. October 29, 2015 at 7:20am Reply

      • Julie: Thank you for commenting Aurora… I am glad to hear Diptyque it is a hit with you.
        I went back & reviewed the thread, thank you.
        Andy Tauer is another line I am interested in.
        Incense Rose sounds nice.
        Hope you are having a great day. 🙂 October 29, 2015 at 11:30am Reply

  • Gracie: It’s late spring here in the southern hemisphere; time to reach for my diminishing stash of Nina Ricci Fleur de Fleur (love, love, love). Any suggestions for other white floral aldehyde -y fragrances that are a little easier to find?! (all the amber chat has had me wearing Dior’s amber nuit this week!!) November 3, 2015 at 12:33am Reply

    • Victoria: Have you tried Chanel No 22 or Dior New Look 1947? November 3, 2015 at 7:47am Reply

      • Gracie: Thanks so much Victoria. Dior New Look 1947 sounds intriguing and I haven’t tried Chanel No 22 for years (will revisit). Sorry for spilling over into November! November 3, 2015 at 2:17pm Reply

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