We have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread this week. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations.
The photo below is of a bluebell forest near Brussels. This forest was destroyed during WWI and most of the trees we see today have been replanted in the 50s. But the wild hyacinth bluebells regenerated on their own and every spring they turn the Hallerbos into a blue tinted and intensely perfumed fairy tale. In Bluebell Forest of The Hallerbos, I described my Belgian springtime ritual. Happy Easter!
How does it work: 1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know what you end up sampling. 2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!
To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link under their comment.
Photography by Bois de Jasmin, all rights reserved
440 Comments
Kat: I have a perfume related question. Over the past week I sampled 5 of Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria (got my hands on some miniatures). To put a long story short – I disliked them all for a variety of reasons individually but there was also a common denominator: a sharp almost boozy scent that they all shared and that reminded me of cheap toilet fresheners (sorry Guerlain). It can be something in the carrier substance (alcohol is alcohol) right? Any ideas what I found so objectionable? March 28, 2016 at 7:30am
Nina Z: It’s likely to be one of the synthetic aroma chemicals they are using (I’m overly sensitive to some of those). So it wouldn’t be the carrier substance, otherwise, all perfumes from every brand would smell like that because they probably all use the same carriers. March 28, 2016 at 11:14am
Emily Lime: I too have had trouble with guerlains, and it seems to be that common denominator guerlainade, which tends to make me queasy. I wish I liked them because my grandmother wore them, especially mitsouko and pamplelune, and it didn’t bother me on her. March 28, 2016 at 11:23am
Nina Z: I love the classic Guerlain’s and have no problem with the Guerlainade. But I do have problem with many newer perfumes, including some of the Aqua Allegoria line. For me it is due to synthetic wood ingredients as possibly certain synthetic musks. For Kat, she will have to do a bit of testing to see where the problem lies. Is it all Guerlain’s, including vintage? Or is it just modern perfumes? And does she have this same reaction to perfumes from other brands? (Also, I kind of doubt that Aqua Allegoria actually has Guerlainade in it, as I think the purpose of them is to be different than the classics.) March 28, 2016 at 12:28pm
Emily Lime: Good point–I perhaps painted with too broad a brush. I just wish any of the perfumes my grandmother wore from guerlain worked for me; perhaps as the poster above suggested, you could compare the aqua allegorias to other, older guerlains to see if there is a difference for you. March 28, 2016 at 12:35pm
Kat: Thanks all (incl. epapsiou below who first named Guerlinade as possible troublemaker)! I checked with a bottle of vintage Mitsoukou belonging to my mother. And yes, it’s there too although not quite as strong.
The confusing thing is that it’s not quite clear whether the Aqua Allegoria line contains the Guerlinade accord or not.
Whatever it is I better stay away from Guerlain (should be good for my finances). March 28, 2016 at 1:37pm
Surbhi: So far I haven’t liked any of the guerlain either. All of them have a strange smell to me which is not pleasant to my nose. It was informative to read all the responses below.
I have not tried chanel exclusives yet but the ones I have tried .. all have a distinct smell as well to me, mostly powdery. March 30, 2016 at 8:20pm
epapsiou: Is that a problem with all Guerlains you tried? Could be that you don’t like ‘Guerlinade’ (although I am not sure whether Aqua Allegoria has that accord in it).
Unfortunately, I find that classic old fragrances have been copied a lot by “laundry fragrances” and so they smell”cheaper and common”. March 28, 2016 at 8:37am
Anne: Hello. I have done it again. Every autumn I swear i will only buy one perfume and that will be it. And then throughout the winter I smell my lovely friends carrying beautiful scent, and I am finding myself, again , in front of the fact that I am still searching for that perfume, my perfume…. I have had some beautiful recommendations previously from you all. So here I go… Again.
I think I like chypre floral. But also I love a skin scent floral Woody musc … I am not a fan of big bold strong perfume, I definitely want an easy everyday perfume,and I really enjoy some green notes. I also now know that I love, vanilla, Amber, santal, green flowers. I dislike gardenia, aldehyde, salty note don t agree with my skin, I definitely tend to sweeten scent so fruity are a no-no for me.
Above all I want to smell lovely, I would like to get complimented on my fragrance.
I realise i may be impossible to please and may be doomed to have scores of bottles of perfume on my dressing table…. But i Also would very much enjoy your ideas. Many thanks. Anne March 28, 2016 at 9:32am
Amalia: THE ONLY AND ONE fragrance I get compliments , even from complete strangers is HERMÈS Elixir des Merveilles . Try it if you want or if you don’t have already. March 28, 2016 at 9:46am
Julie: Ann/Amelia
L’Ambre Des Merveilles is another beauty…I also
have received many compliments when wearing Hermes. Another one is Kenzo Amour, very pretty bottle too!
Here’s another idea, I recently tried Onyx, by Sage Machado and really enjoy it. It is sold as a perfume oil (rollerball) or EDP spray. 🙂 March 28, 2016 at 10:29am
Anne: Thank you ladies. I will definitely give hermes a go. I haven’t tried either the elixir nor the Amber. Sounds lovely. March 28, 2016 at 3:06pm
Amalia: Looking forward for your opinion. March 28, 2016 at 5:09pm
Julie: Hi Anne,
I just thought of another one you may want to try…Chypre floral you noted was a preference, L’eau de Chloe is one of my all time favorites. At first spray, it has a very zesty, thirst quenching quality and settles down into a nice soap-like fragrance with a hint of rose. I can’t stop smelling my wrist (just sprayed awhile ago) it is really pretty. Also, it welcomes spring! 🙂
I wonder if anyone else has tried it? Just thought I would mention it especially if you want to experience green notes more so than in the Hermes, Des Merveilles. I would say it is very enjoyable! March 29, 2016 at 1:52pm
Anne: So funny you mention this! I tried today Ambre des merveilles which became sickly sweet on me ( although I absolutely loved it The first hour). I tried l eau des merveilles, but i am completely undecided about it. I can’t seams to identify any note. I will have to try it again.
And the sales rep was trying to make me tried love by Chloe which I strongly disliked on the strip. Out of the blue she made me try l eau de Chloe. And i really really loved it. It is green but not sharp and yet conforting. I was looking for something more ambery, and l eau de Chloe is more musky on the dry down, but it is beautiful! I am not sure it is my holy grail, but I am pretty sure It ll be on my drawer with my other bottles pretty soon. 😘 March 29, 2016 at 2:12pm
Maja: Hermes Elixir des Merveilles has a strong Honey component. I am undecided about it and after many attempts,I gave it to my sister. When she wears it I can still smell Honey,it just stands out to me. Definitely try it and see how you tolerate it.
My husband insisted I purchase Chanel 19 Poudre ( came out few years ago and Victoria gave it a good review as usual) , now this could be your fragrance. It is definitely intimate but alluring, in the same time. Read Victoria’s review for more information. This fragrance was made with Iris grown in Grasse area, instead traditional Iris from Florence Italy,if I am not mistaken. Saw a video about in on YouTube, think it was co created with Thierry Wasser( Current Nose of Guerlain) and it is very special. March 29, 2016 at 12:23am
Anne: Thank you! I will definitely try it out! March 29, 2016 at 12:56am
spe: “Easy, everyday” is not your typical chypre floral scent. I’m thinking of the new chypres like Idylle from Guerlain or Narciso / Narciso Rodriguez.
Green floral woodsy musk without fruit – perhaps Bel Respiro or Chanel 19 Poudre – it’s softer than the regular Chanel 19 EDT and EDP. Or Prada Infusion de Iris. It’s soft and powdery.
Another line to try is Sisley. Eau de Campagne is a soft green floral, but I believe it does have some citrus. March 28, 2016 at 10:25am
Anne: Thank you for this. I find the musky note in narcisso too intense on me. I do love idylle and it would be perfect only if it lasted more than 15 mins.
I have never tried bel respiro, so will go and try this. As for l eau de campagne, it s too green for me….. I know….. I am a pain. Thank you very much for taking the time to think about my case. March 28, 2016 at 12:22pm
Cornelia Blimber: Only one perfume…how difficult! you are looking for the Little Blue Flower, or the Holy Grail..the one and only perfume!
Maybe Odalisque by Nicolaï. It has some citrus, absolutely not sweet. A beautiful chypre. March 28, 2016 at 12:31pm
Anne: Thank you. It s now on my list! Not sure I’ll ever reach my holy Grail . Thanks you. March 28, 2016 at 3:07pm
Alicia: I agree with Cornelia’s recommendation of Odalisque: its is absolutely beautiful. And I add other superb chypres, Estee Lauder, Private Collection. If you like Mitsouko try Amouage Jubilation 25, although you might find this one somewhat strong. As for florals, A. Goutal, L’Heure Exquise, Guerlain, Apres l’Ondee, F. Malle, En Passant, and above all my beloved Guerlain Chamade, a masterpiece.
May you discover the perfect one for your joy! March 28, 2016 at 1:15pm
Mia: I am thirding Odalisque, but loving Chamade! March 28, 2016 at 2:15pm
spe: My pleasure – good luck! March 28, 2016 at 3:04pm
CL: Hello: I purchased a skinny spritz bottle of Yves Saint Laurent’s “Black Opium”, which I spray inside one wrist and blot with the other. The opening scent is too much for me to use other places at the same time, yet just my wrists being scented means I enjoy the opening, seasoning, and ending of the aromas. Good luck to you! – CL March 28, 2016 at 1:36pm
Maja: CL- try it again and do not ” blot” with the other wrist. Spray it rather on your arm – inner portion- or spray single sheet of Kleenex and fold it into your bra or inner portion of shirt,close to where heat is generated.
You can always ” detect” scent coming from this area, close to your face.
Once you spray fragrance,if you are doing it on your skin, do not break the composition by ” blotting ” with anything over it.
Let it dry. Keep going back to opening of the fragrance then keep checking how it dries down… You will be able to better detect components of it and decide if you enjoy it.
You can spray blotter cards at the perfumery and put it in your sunglasses case, once you take them out they will be saturated with fragrant evaporation, you will be able to sample it. It is very different then trying it on your skin. March 29, 2016 at 12:51am
CL: Hola Maja: I applied the spritz to my wrist, didn’t blot, and still enjoyed the scent. I’m not trying to fragrance the air around me and when I first read your suggestions, I wasn’t sure about applying anywhere besides my skin. Since I’m happy with how the aroma interacts with me, I’ll continue to apply to myself. I appreciate your suggestions and will look for other posts you write here. Cuidate, CL March 31, 2016 at 9:54am
Nina Z: How about 31 Rue Cambon from Chanel? It’s a very beautiful modern chypre that is more subtle than bold. March 28, 2016 at 2:16pm
Aurora: My most complimented perfume is by far Cartier Baiser Vole, in the eau de toilette it is a sparkling green lily perfect for spring, in the essence concentration it is richer with a strong sillage probably better for fall and winter. March 28, 2016 at 4:26pm
Surbhi: If budget is not a concern then try FM eau de magnolia. I am not a huge fan of tom Ford yet but I was impressed by noir de noir. March 28, 2016 at 6:59pm
Patricia: A great skin scent floral Woody musk is L’Eau d’Hiver by Frederic Malle. You might also want to try Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile, Prada Infusion d’Iris, or Le Labo Rose 31. March 28, 2016 at 11:12pm
Mariann: I’ll second both Infusion d’Iris and l’Eau de Hiver as pretty and easy to wear everyday scents! March 30, 2016 at 2:35am
Hildegerd: The modern Scherrer is what you need. March 29, 2016 at 3:18am
Anne: So Many new suggestions from people. Thank you, sherrer is added to my list! March 29, 2016 at 3:41am
Old Herbaceous: Have you tried Knowing, from Estee Lauder? It is a woody floral chypre. It does have aldehydes but it also has woods and spices. It might suit you if lightly applied. March 29, 2016 at 7:22am
Indigo: I will also chime in to support Odalisque – it is cool, soft, floral and surprisingly tenacious for what at first seems like a delicate scent. It was too delicate for me but it is surely somebody’s holy grail.
Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez got me lots of compliments. I have just finished my 50ml bottle and I found it very easy, beautiful, everyday. Again it was a little too pastel for my taste, but worth trying (and easy to get hold of a tester).
My final recommendation is for Bottega Veneta EDP. Very beautiful citrus, jasmine and soft leather. March 30, 2016 at 11:30am
Hayley: Could I receive recommendations on Sandalwood and Rose focused scents? For sandalwood, I prefer creamy, not-too-spicy ones. I love Tom Ford Santal Blush, Guerlain Samsara, and less related but Diptyque Tam Dao. For rose, I am all over the place. I had to splurge on a 50ml Une Rose; I also like Diptyque Do Son & L’Ombre Dans L’eau, Jo Malone Tudor Rose & Amber, Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme, Stella, and Byredeo Rose of No Man’s Land. March 28, 2016 at 9:36am
Anne: Have you tried Rose 31 from Le Labo? To me the best rose ever! March 28, 2016 at 12:23pm
Hayley: Thank you for the recommendation, I will try it! I think I received a sample vial when I purchased Une Rose. March 28, 2016 at 1:14pm
Nina Z: My favorite rose of all time is Nahema, especially vintage. I also love the chypre rose that is Gucci L’Arte di Gucci and Amouage Lyric Woman. Those are my top three. A really interesting rose with incense that is more sheer is Paestum Rose by Eau d’Italie. And the best pure rose I ever smelled was Montale Highness Rose.
Sandalwood is so hard because newer perfumes don’t use Mysore sandalwood anymore. If you can kind vintage Chanel Bois des Iles that is gorgeous. Also vintage Amouage Ubar. March 28, 2016 at 12:34pm
Hayley: Samsara is the only vintage Guerlain that I have tried and it was instant love, so I am looking forward to sampling Nahema! I am not familiar with your recommendations but I am excited to get my grubby hands on those I can find. Thank you for the recommendations! March 28, 2016 at 1:18pm
nebbe: Bond no 9 West Side is rose & sandalwood. March 28, 2016 at 1:11pm
Hayley: Rose + Sandalwood! I should try that next time I go to Nordstrom. Thank you for the recommendation nebbe. March 28, 2016 at 1:19pm
epapsiou: I like Samsara so I guess our likes are not dissimilar. I would recommend you try Rose Flash (Tauerville). It has sandalwood base and rose top plus some spices in the middle. Inexpensive and good. March 28, 2016 at 2:27pm
Hayley: Fragrantica reviews of Rose Flash make it sound like it would be like JM Tudor Rose & Amber + woodsiness. That would be wonderful. I should give it a try. Thank you for the recommendation! March 28, 2016 at 2:59pm
Mariann: If you’re sampling Rose Flash try Une Rose Chypree as well if you like rose. Its a green one but even this rose skeptic enjoyed it a lot. March 30, 2016 at 2:38am
Marianna: For Sandalwood I highly recommend Santal Majuscule. For rose, Rose de Petra by SHL 777 is amazing. March 28, 2016 at 2:27pm
Hayley: Thank you, i will see if i can find samples of both! March 29, 2016 at 10:39am
Aurora: Also for rose and sandalwood notes, you could try Jean Patou 1000, it works very well on me. March 28, 2016 at 3:51pm
Hayley: Thank you for your recommendation, I will give it a try! March 29, 2016 at 10:39am
Elisa: Seconding Rose Flash and Santal Majuscule. Also try Smell Bent Bollywood or Bust for a nice, sheer, spicy rose and sandalwood. March 28, 2016 at 3:56pm
Hayley: Bollywood or Bust sounds interesting. Thank you! March 29, 2016 at 10:40am
Surbhi: Serge lutens le fille de berlin ? sa majaste le rose ?
I have not tried la labo rose but everything I have tried from that line smells so good to my nose so I am going to add it to my list. March 28, 2016 at 7:04pm
Hayley: I have a mini La Fille de Berlin that I didn’t like at first sniff.. i should get around to give it a second try. Thank you for your recommendations! March 29, 2016 at 10:41am
Tati: My favorite roses are Malle’s Une Rose, Sisley Eau du Soir, L’artisan’s Voleur de Rose, and Lubin’s Black Jade. If you like violet, Malle’s Lipstick Rose is also fun. March 28, 2016 at 7:53pm
Hayley: I like Lipstick Rose. Not enough for a full size bottle, but I am nursing my sample vial. I will see if i can get my hands on your other recommendations. Thank you! March 29, 2016 at 10:43am
katherine X: Another wonderful perfume to consider is Mohur, a Neela Vermeire creation. Suzanna (one of Victoria’s reviewers) gave it 5 stars and said in her review “..Mohur engages the wearer in powder, leather, wood, rose and what is described as an “Indian pastry” accord featuring carrot, almond milk, coriander, and cumin. …the overall impression is of dried rose petals and mellow wood that has been rubbed to a high patina.” I’m the worst at deconstructing scents – but my impression is a super interesting and creamy rose. Enjoy the hunt! March 28, 2016 at 11:41pm
Hayley: Whoa, the description is delightful.. i will definitely try this one. Thank you! March 29, 2016 at 10:44am
katherine X: Great! And to Surbhi – that’s exactly how I feel about it. It’s heartachingly beautiful. March 29, 2016 at 9:36pm
Surbhi: This sounds yummy and delicious. March 29, 2016 at 9:06pm
katherine X: Neela’s Trayee is also a delight. Very indian feel – full of cheer and color – sweet and spicy. Suzanna reviewed it as well – but I don’t recognize the perfume she describes! That’s my failing – not hers – since I cannot deconstruct perfume scents. March 29, 2016 at 9:42pm
Maja: Currently working toward purchasing Rose Nacree du Desert by Guerlain. You could order sample from Surrender to chance and see how you like it. It had all of the sandalwood and rose I needed and then some… After many years living in Middle East, I would encourage you to look for Arabic fragrance. Do a little bit of research and you will see , besides Amouage, there are many other companies,great fragrances for more affordable price. In addition,you like Tom Ford, his fragrances were developed by TFK( The Fragrance Kitchen) company of Kuwait,look them up,they are great. Hoping you find your sandalwood and rose dream. March 29, 2016 at 12:33am
Hayley: I know next to nothing about the arabic world of fragrances, but it looks like it would be worth looking into especially since they seem to focus on the notes i am drawn to. Thank you for your recommendations! March 29, 2016 at 10:45am
Hildegerd: Yves Rochers Rose Oud. March 29, 2016 at 3:19am
Hayley: ooh i will try that- I like rose with a tinge of oud. Thank you! March 29, 2016 at 10:46am
Karen: Hi Hayley, may not be totally on point, but smell Francis Maison Kurkjidian, luminier noire pour femme…..i know all of the spelling is incorrect, but u get the gist! 😉 x April 17, 2016 at 10:46am
Indigo: I agree with other suggestions that you must try Lutens’ Santal Majuscule. It is a lovely, creamy sandalwood with a dark rose and cocoa. March 29, 2016 at 6:03pm
Kari: I know this is an old post, but i just recently tried Lush Smuggler’s Soul, an excellent sandalwood perfume, and was besotted. It’s definitely creamy. A little bit of lemongrass at first but it blends/fades quickly and isn’t bitter. May 1, 2016 at 9:56pm
sandra: Can anyone recommend an orange blossom similar to feuilles d’oranger l’occitane, a discontinued favorite of mine.
I have tried SL Fluers d’orange and Houbigant orange blossom as well. None are the same as feuilles d’oranger. Thanks! March 28, 2016 at 9:38am
Caroline: What about Fleur d’Oranger from Les Couvent des Minimes? Haven’t tried, but have heard nice things about both the scent & the body cream. It’s at Ulta, so cheap & cheerful to boot. March 28, 2016 at 10:42am
Austenfan: I’m a fan of Fragonard’s Fleur d’Oranger, but I haven’t got a clue how expensive it would be to buy from the US.
Another option is Cologne Sologne by Parfums de Nicolaï. A lovely gentle orange blossom. March 28, 2016 at 11:24am
Sharon C.: Fragonard Fleur d’Oranger is $44 for 100 mls or $60 for 200 mls, and they have shower gel and lotion as well. They also have a US web site and ship from US, so you don’t have to worry about international shipping costs or customs. I order from them frequently (not affiliated, just love the product line), and they include samples and often have special offers as well. March 29, 2016 at 12:36pm
Eva: My easter present was Orange Blossom from Jo Malone and I love it. The citrus plants in my winter garden are blooming now and the scent is nearly the same! March 28, 2016 at 12:19pm
CL: Hola: I like “Mandarine Glaciale”, by Ateliar. The citrus is refreshing and long lasting. Cuidate, CL March 28, 2016 at 1:51pm
Mel: I don’t know the l’occitane so I can’t recommending a close match but I can recommend Andy Tauer’s Orange Star, which took me by surprise. It’s a sunny happy scent – perfect for summer. March 28, 2016 at 1:55pm
Alicia: I love orange flower in its many variations. One that I find quite delicious is L’Artisan Perfumeur, Seville a l’Aube. You may want to try it. March 28, 2016 at 3:04pm
Tati: I ordered a bottle of Seville a l’aude for my Easter present. Can’t wait. March 28, 2016 at 7:55pm
Aurora: Maybe Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli, if you like a mix between neroli’s sweet floral accord and petit grain’s green aromatic accents. March 28, 2016 at 3:59pm
Surbhi: Victoria had a thread on orange blossoms recently. Check that as well. You might be able to find some suggestions there too. March 28, 2016 at 7:06pm
limegreen: Don’t know if you’re still reading, and I’m not familiar with the L’Occitane one that you’re looking for. But the new Diptyque Eau des Sens is all about orange blossom and maybe some orange tree leaves, and it’s not like the Lutens or Houbigant orange blossom. The juniper is hardly present except to give it depth, a little greenness. It’s a beautiful scent, and long lasting, for a Diptyque that’s not an EDP. I tried it in February but in warmer weather now, it has really shown depth. (the Diptyque neroli in the EDT is very pretty, in the 4711 and Tom Ford Neroli Portofino sort of way, maybe with more sandalwood, but wears lightly.) March 30, 2016 at 9:44am
sandra: Thank you for the suggestions!
I will try some on the list!
I didn’t like Grand Neroli and Seville was too smokey. March 30, 2016 at 11:15am
Karen: Hi Sandra! Try Le Labo”s oranger. Also Francis Maison Kurkdijian Apome….heavy but beautiful! X April 17, 2016 at 10:48am
Neyonta: The best coffee-chocolate perfumes? Sweet and creamy but authentic. Also those that are ‘dark’ and powdery.
Also, some good spiced chocolate perfumes? March 28, 2016 at 10:10am
Nina Z: There’s a wonderful spicy chocolate scent called Anima Dulcis by Arquiste. (I believe Victoria is a fan.) March 28, 2016 at 11:16am
rainboweyes: Second Anima Dulcis and I’d like to add Chocolate Greedy by Montale March 28, 2016 at 11:46am
AC: I’m backing Arquiste Anima Dulcis too. It’s the best spiced chocolate perfume I’ve tried – dark and a bit powdery, might be right up your alley. March 28, 2016 at 12:15pm
Lari: Cocoa sandalwood-Sonoma scent Studio
It’s one of her all natural scents. Like nothing else I’ve tried. Made my husband take notice March 28, 2016 at 2:03pm
PrincessTonk: DSH (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) Piment et Chocolat – a spicy dark chocolate that I find very sensual and beautiful. It is expensive but a small amount may work for you.
NST’s Robin said, The fragrance features notes of black pepper, paprika, pimento, red chili, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa beans and chocolate. March 28, 2016 at 2:27pm
Marianna: For coffee I really liked Espresso Royale by Senastiane. It is the most realistic espresso blend. I also layer it with rose sometimes and that is very pretty March 28, 2016 at 2:29pm
Mer: Tezcatlipoca from BPAL March 28, 2016 at 4:29pm
Natalia: Best chocolate land can be found in Serge Lutens Borneo 1834. April 17, 2016 at 11:53pm
Liz: Beautiful introduction to this month’s recommend me post! I miss bluebell woods of my childhood in the UK. They actually tend to grow better in less dense woodland – probably like this young wood of your photo – or in those where some dappled sunlight penetrates before the full drapery of leaves opens above.
I will follow this thread as I can see some wonderful recommendations coming. I for one love orange blossom and am intrigued to see the replacement for L’Occitane’s.
Thanks for opening up this space Victoria! It’s always a treat to read the lengthy help and comments. March 28, 2016 at 10:11am
Phyllis Iervello: Victoria,
Thank you for the beautiful photo of the Bluebell Forest of the Hallerbos.
Happy Easter to you and your! March 28, 2016 at 10:15am
Phyllis Iervello: I forgot to mention that on this Easter Monday, I am wearing NanBan by Arquiste. March 28, 2016 at 10:16am
Emily Lime: In high school, I used to wear Gucci Envy and I still have a little left. However, while it brings up great memories for me, it now also smells very 90s mall. I have been looking for a clean, not quite as metallic Lily of the Valley. Does anyone have any suggestions, or did anyone else wear Envy in the past and find a good substitute? I tried Kate Spade Walk on Air this past week and was pleasantly surprised but was wondering if there were others out there. Envy makes me think of late 90s glitter eyeshadow, doc martens, carpenter jeans, and daisy headbands, all of which were probably better suited to the most popular perfume in my high school, Clinique Happy. March 28, 2016 at 10:44am
nebbe: Not sure about this rec, but also curious: have you tried Gucci Bamboo? It is really pretty on me,although hit or miss with the general population. March 28, 2016 at 1:13pm
PrincessTonk: Why not try Diorissimo? Go to the source. March 28, 2016 at 2:29pm
Hayley: Maybe Jo Malone Lily of the Valley & Ivy? The Jo Malone is creamier, more grown up and feminine. It is last year’s LE but still not too hard to obtain online. I also used to wear Gucci Envy, I have a 80% full bottle left that i occasionally sniff nostalgically but rarely wear..
Serge Lutens La Vierge De Fer is another one i would put in the same group as Envy and Lily of the Valley & Ivy. March 28, 2016 at 2:39pm
spe: A Scent smells a lot like Gucci envy to me. March 28, 2016 at 3:08pm
Surbhi: I don’t know how envy smells buy I am wearing lys mediterrane for last couple of weeks. lily of the valley is a main note there and it is very very simple. March 28, 2016 at 7:09pm
Patricia: A very pretty green lily-of-the-valley and linden fragrance is Debut by Parfums DelRae. It is perfect for spring. March 28, 2016 at 10:21pm
Old Herbaceous: I love lily-of-the-valley too. I grew my own for my wedding bouquet; the mail-order nursery White Flower Farm used to sell large pips of LOTV that had been pre-chilled so you could time when they would bloom after planting them. I took the pot full of blooms to the florist the day before our wedding and she put all but one sprig in my bouquet; the last sprig went into my husband’s boutonniere. Then the plants went into the garden of the house where we lived.
I have JM’s Lily of the Valley & Green Ivy; love it! I have been curious about some of the Novaya Zarya perfumes, like their Muguet Argente, but haven’t found reviews of them. Has anyone here tried Muguet Argente? Or any of the perfumes by another Russian company, Brocard? They make a LOTV also. March 29, 2016 at 7:59am
Emily Lime: Thanks for all these recommendations! I have a list of samples to order. I love the sound of Lys Mediterranee (I also love ginger) and hadn’t considered the Lutens. I’ve tried Bamboo, but it was so-so on me. It has that kind of synthetic woods dry-down that doesn’t work well with my skin, unfortunately. March 29, 2016 at 10:09am
Tess: Hi! I found this website while researching Balmain’s Vent Vert. I’m not sure if I should take a chance on it, as I’ve read that the newer version doesn’t hold a candle to the original. I’m also hesitant because it seems Vent Vert isn’t available in stores where I could try it out first.
I’m looking for a light springtime perfume, which is why I’m considering a foray into “green” perfumes. I always go for floral scents, but not over-the-top feminine. I’m totally a fragrance novice, but do love jasmine, rose, sandalwood, and vetiver.
Any thoughts or recommendations? Thank you! March 28, 2016 at 10:49am
Emily Lime: When I was getting started, I would order samples from places like Surrender to Chance or The Perfumed Court. It’s a good way to try things out. You could buy samples of Vent Vert and other green perfumes, like Chanel no. 19, Diptyque Philosykos, or Hermes Un jardin sur le Nil. My favorite green leans toward lavender: Tauer’s Reverie au Jardin. For vetiver, you might try Chanel Cristalle. March 28, 2016 at 1:13pm
Tess: Thank you so much, Emily! I will definitely check out getting samples from the places you mentioned. I’ve heard quite a bit about Chanel no. 19 as well so glad to see that you suggested it as well. March 29, 2016 at 9:22am
Nina Z: Annick Goutal L’Heure Exquise is a beautiful green fragrance that also has rose and sandalwood in it (and iris). It’s similar to Chanel No. 19 but a bit warmer and softer. March 28, 2016 at 2:18pm
Tess: Thank you, Nina! I’ll be sure to look into those. Can’t wait for spring to hit the Northeast! March 29, 2016 at 9:23am
Mer: I have some vintage Vent Vert and love green scents. I’d say give A. Goutal Un matin d’orage a try. March 28, 2016 at 4:37pm
Surbhi: And another floral that I am in love recently… Ostara. It was a blind purchase based on a review from victoria. I wear it often. Its subtle yet yummy scent. very different from anything I ever smelled. March 28, 2016 at 7:17pm
Tati: I wore Ostara for Easter brunch, outside, under trees, and it was perfection! March 28, 2016 at 7:59pm
Tess: Thank you Mer, Surbhi, and Tati! I will look into both of those suggestions for springtime! March 29, 2016 at 9:23am
Danaki: Me too! I tested Ostara on my wrist in the store but that’s it! Bought a small bottle straight away. Unfortunately it didn’t arrive in the post until after I got back from my holidays, so missed the Easter occasion. Will wear this weekend.
Today I’m in Dior Feve Delicieuse. March 30, 2016 at 12:30pm
Surbhi: tom ford grey vetiver (EDP) is very green. EDT smells lot like lemon.
you like sandalwood and vetiver — VE is my favorite scent with this combination. There is something about that green smell that it gets me
rose – le fille de berlin seems subtle enough to me and not old old kind. But I guess I am the only one who thinks it is subtle.
jasmine – a la nuit is the only one I have liked so far. but still looking. March 28, 2016 at 7:15pm
Tess: Thank you, Surbhi! What does VE stand for? Sorry – a novice here! I’d love to look into your recommendation for a sandalwood and vetiver combo. March 29, 2016 at 9:27am
Surbhi: Vetiver Extraordinare from Frederic Malle. Sorry I wasn’t clear enough. March 29, 2016 at 9:35am
Tess: Thanks! Can’t wait to try it out!! March 29, 2016 at 9:55am
Carolyn Middleton: We have bluebells in the woods at the back of our house (Aberdeen, Scotland) – they are a protected species in the UK so it’s against the law to pick them. Penhaligon’s Bluebell is my usual fragrance of choice & has been for many years, although my best friend recently admitted she’s never liked it & doesn’t understand why I love it so much! Hence when we meet I always wear something else – currently Trish McEvoy’s Snowdrop & Crystal Flowers. March 28, 2016 at 10:54am
rainboweyes: Can anyone recommend a hyacinth scent? The only one I know is Bas de Soie but I’m sure there must be more around… March 28, 2016 at 11:52am
Nina Z: Chamade by Guerlain is a beautiful hyacinth perfume! I don’t know what the current version is like (can someone chime in?), the the vintage is amazing. March 28, 2016 at 12:36pm
Cornelia Blimber: Chamade (Guerlain) has a strong hyacinth note. March 28, 2016 at 12:36pm
Cornelia Blimber: Sorry, Nina! we must have been typing at the same time. March 28, 2016 at 12:37pm
Cornelia Blimber: The current version is as beautiful as ever.
If you don’t like Guerlain, you could try Grand Amour by Goutal. March 28, 2016 at 12:39pm
Austenfan: I second both of these recommendations. Apparently Penhaligon’s Ostara has a hyacinth note, although to me it smells mostly of daffodils, but then daffies smell like hyacinths anyway. March 28, 2016 at 12:56pm
Mia: Again, thirding Chamade! Discontinued and (too?) expensive Tom Ford Fleur de Chine also has a gorgeous hyacinth note, and resembles Chamade also a bit what comes to its “mood”. March 28, 2016 at 2:33pm
Mia: And of course Laroche Fidji is worth a try when looking for hyacinth. March 28, 2016 at 2:35pm
Cornelia Blimber: Yes, Mia, Fidji!
And Silences by Jacomo. March 28, 2016 at 2:45pm
Aurora: Another vote for Chamade. Also, Anais Anais l’Original or even better, vintage has a beautiful Hyacinth note, and Cristalle Eau de Parfum. March 28, 2016 at 4:10pm
Aurora: Sorry, it’s Cristalle eau de toilette (not EDP) which has hyacinth. March 28, 2016 at 9:53pm
rainboweyes: Thank you for your hyacinth recommendations 🙂 March 29, 2016 at 2:40am
Neva: Hi rainboweyes, please try Heeley’s L’Amandiere. It’s a beautiful spring scent with hyacinth and every spring I come back to it. March 29, 2016 at 5:41am
rainboweyes: Thanks if reminding me of L’Amandiere, Neva! Someone recommended it to me a while ago but I forgot about it… March 29, 2016 at 12:32pm
Danaki: I found Serge Lutens De Profundis has a hyacinth note when you spray it – it’s not listed so maybe it is just my nose. March 30, 2016 at 12:34pm
limegreen: Not around anymore in stores but can find samples/decants on eBay, etc. but worth testing if you love hyacinth: Tom Ford Ombre de Hyacinth. Smells like freshly pulled from the garden, with soil still clinging to them. It’s a lot like Bas de Soie and Grey Flannel, but fresher and earthy, and more hyacinth-centric (no violet). March 31, 2016 at 12:24am
Laurie Yoder: Hello-I am a complete novice when it comes to picking perfumes, can anyone recommend something for me? I love florals such as tuberose and rose, and citrus, especially neroli, but am not too fond of heavy, spicy scents. In the past I wore Oscar de la Renta, Chloe, Dilys, and Issey Miyake. Thank you! March 28, 2016 at 12:27pm
dilana: You seem to love some of the most classic and femmine notes.
If you love tuberose, do spray yourself with some Fracas, who is the crepes suzettes of Tuberoses,. If you want something loftier and sweeter, there are several marshmellowy tuberroses, of which Love by Killian is the most famous. My preference of this type is Daphene by CDG. Perfums D’Histoire has a whole tuberrose subseries. Nuit de Cellophane is a translucent tuberose scent. If you want to smell the tuberrose flower and the dirt it is growing in, try the Frederick Malle.
Annick Goutal has a fine series of rose scents. I am rather fond of green dewy roses
Rose Absolue. March 28, 2016 at 1:23pm
Laurie Yoder: Thank you, Dilana, your suggestions are most appreciated. I look forward to trying these scents! March 28, 2016 at 3:33pm
Aurora: Perhaps you will like Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia or Mary Greenwell Plum (it has a beautiful white flower tuberose note). March 28, 2016 at 4:17pm
Laurie Yoder: Thank you, Aurora you are most helpful. I believe the Dilys perfume had some plum notes, so I shall be certain to try the Mary Greenwell Plum. When I used to wear the Dilys, a friend used to tell me I smelled so good that I “smelled purple.” It would be lovely to find a fragrance where people thought I smelled that lovely again! March 28, 2016 at 4:36pm
Surbhi: tuberose – fracas gets another vote from me. and CF too. A month ago people on this group were telling me I can’t go wrong with either. I repeat the same. March 28, 2016 at 7:21pm
Laurie Yoder: Thank you Surbhi, Fracas sounds like a definite must. I’m sorry, I’m new to this and not sure what CF is? March 31, 2016 at 2:56pm
Surbhi: No worries. I am a newbie as well in comparison to all the experts here and I am learning.
CF is Carnal Flower from Frederic Malle. March 31, 2016 at 3:25pm
Karen: Hello! Inhale a squirt of Nassomato’s Narcotic Venus….to die for! X April 17, 2016 at 10:51am
marymary: Ellenisia, which is at the discounters. March 30, 2016 at 3:59pm
Laurie Yoder: Thank you very much for the suggestion. I read the description of Ellenisia, and it sounds lovely. I have always wanted to try the Penhaligon fragrances. March 31, 2016 at 2:58pm
SilverMoon: hello Laurie,
I love tuberose, and would strongly second suggestions made by others with regards to Carnal Flower, Fracas and Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia. I would also add L’Artisan Parfumeur Nuit de Tubereuse. It is fresher and very pleasing. If you want a more aggressive tuberose, I would highly recommend Serge Luten’s Tubereuse Criminelle. I think it really mellows beautifully, but understand it is not for everyone.
Roses are another favourite note, and again I would second many already mentioned. Among my favourites are FM Une Rose, Paestum Rose, Nahema, Fille de Berlin, JM Velvet Rose and Oud, Portrait of a Lady, and Amouage Lyric Woman. Most of these are quite strong/heavy/emphatic – not sure what word is best. L’Occitaine also have various roses that are softer and lighter. April 1, 2016 at 4:32pm
Toni: Happy Monday! What a beautiful picture.
I would like to find a perfume similar to a custom blend made with petal oils from Grasse. Erne of Scottsdale was exceptional, but when he died so did the business. I told him my favorite flowers were gardenia and orange blossom. I believe he used tuberose and added sandalwood. Thanks. March 28, 2016 at 1:46pm
Aurora: Perhaps Chanel Gardenia or Robert Piguet Fracas. They both have the white flowers you listed and sandalwood. For more tuberose gardenia scents, I like Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion and Van Cleef & Arpel Gardenia Petale and Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia but they don’t have sandalwood. For another good twist on gardenia Arquiste Boutonniere no 7. March 28, 2016 at 5:08pm
Toni: Thank you, Aurora. I will take this list with me when I go sniffing next week. March 29, 2016 at 12:59pm
SilverMoon: Aurora, one of my favourite (real) flowers are gardenias. I feel dizzy just smelling them. So always looking out for any perfume that comes close. It seems a really difficult note to translate/capture in perfume. So, happy to see some suggestions that I shall try the Goutal and the VC&A. How are they different?
Toni, I would add another gardenia to the list: Gardez Moi (Jovoy). I really think it is a very fresh interpretation and the top notes are clearly like gardenias still on the tree/bush. April 1, 2016 at 4:42pm
Aurora: For a realistic gardenia to my nose Gardenia Petal comes closer while – except for the first few minutes – Gardenia Passion flowers are more blended, it’s not a soliflore. Also Gardenia Petal is greener and I find it ‘easier’ to wear, while on certain days I find the Goutal too heady sometimes because of the tuberose.
If you haven’t already The Estee Lauder is worth trying too, I think. In the end perhaps nothing will smell quite same as the flower on the bush. Hope you will find a pretty close gardenia. Good luck. April 1, 2016 at 5:41pm
SilverMoon: Thanks, Aurora. Yes, I have the EL PC TG!
But I feel the tuberose dominates (not a bad thing as such). However, I have never tried Gardenia Petal. Sounds very good. April 2, 2016 at 4:47am
Paula DeRoy: I love the scent of Jasmine blossoms. It definitely elevates my mood. Can anyone recommend a perfume to sample? March 28, 2016 at 1:46pm
mj: I love Lutens A La Nuit. To me, smells like a jasmine vine at night. March 28, 2016 at 2:09pm
Paula DeRoy: Thank you for the suggestion. I tend to get overwhelmed when trying to figure this out on my own. March 28, 2016 at 2:45pm
Nina Z: Agree with Lutens A La Nuit. For a lighter, fresher jasmine, I like Love and Tears from By Killian. For a sweeter and gentler jasmine (good for sleeping) I love Annick Goutal Songes. March 28, 2016 at 2:22pm
Paula DeRoy: Thank you, Nina. I will try these. March 28, 2016 at 2:47pm
Aurora: I totally agree with A La Nuit and Songes recommendations, there is also Sarrasins another Lutens to try, and Donna Karan’s Essence Jasmine is a very true jasmine. March 28, 2016 at 4:37pm
Surbhi: lust from lush ? March 28, 2016 at 7:22pm
mj: my spring fragance of choice is, for the last ten years, Guerlain’s Chamade. Love the hyacinth scent as I love the actual flower when it blooms in the spring. However my favourite spring flower are lilacs, and I’d like to have a lilac perfume. For what I read, it’s a difficult fragrance to replicate. I tried one at Yves Rocher, sorry the name eludes me, but, while the first impression was ok, then after a few minutes I got a laundry soap scent that didn’t like at all. Which ones have you tried that remain lilac-y?
Thanks! March 28, 2016 at 2:07pm
Mia: Malle’s En passant is true to lilac, so definitely give it a try. I do not love the wheat/bread note in it (present in many Giacobettis) but it does not ruin the lilac though. Lilacs are hard to find! March 28, 2016 at 2:50pm
mj: I’ve heard a lot of FM En Passant, the only thing is this line of fragances is not available (that I’m a aware of) in Spain. March 28, 2016 at 4:32pm
Mia: Hi mj again,
I really relate with you; I have to operate almost only with online offerings, since where I live, there are no niche lines (well, except the newest Guerlains) available.
There are Malles in bigger cities in Spain, one in San Sebastian (if I remember right, you live somewhere in the North?). Check their sites.
You can also order 10 ml decants of Malles straight from Malle (the same address as above) or for example from Essenza Nobile in Germany.
The decants are not cheap but affordable, and I think it is better to test with 10 ml:s than maybe rushing to buy an fb in a boutique, if you have not tested the scent long enough.
Good luck with your explorations mj! March 29, 2016 at 2:47am
mj: Thanks Mia! Yesterday I did a bit of research and I found Malle in Madrid and San Sebastian. I travel to Madrid for work but never have time for shopping… snifff.. However, I will be in San Sebastian in May for Pentecostes vacation, and I plan to go to Perfumeria Urbieta to check En Passant. By the way, if any of you go visit San Sebastian I recommend this perfumeria very much. It’s one of the oldest perfumerias in the city and they have a wonderful selection of niche brands. Eleven years ago, when Nars was present nowhere in Spain, I bought there my first Nars cosmetic.
I’ll keep you posted March 29, 2016 at 3:39am
Mia: Great, thanks for the tip mj! I would love to visit San Sebastian. If and when, I certainly will add perfume shopping in my program.
One of my older perfumerias (for me, the online “shop”), Perfumeria Benegas, is also irl in San Sebastian. The address is Girasol 12. They, too, carry nice variety of lines.
You will have a lovely scented holiday in May! March 29, 2016 at 2:28pm
mj: Hi Mia,
Yes! you’re right! I remember Benegas as it’s close to my grandfather’s flat (my family hails from San Sebastian, although I don’t visit much there).
I look forward to that visit, to go to Urbieta (and Benegas) and to do the pinxos crawl at the many restaurants and bars of the city. March 29, 2016 at 4:10pm
Gabriela: Hi! You can find FM in Barcelona in Regia, it is a wonderful perfume shop. If you want I can send you a sample. March 29, 2016 at 3:05pm
mj: Oh! I didn’t think of Regia, and it’s not far from home. I should go there to check and smell the shop, even if they’re not my favorite shop in Barcelona, as I my experience with the shop has been blah (not very nice with locals). March 29, 2016 at 4:12pm
mj: aggg I wanted to say to smell the scent… March 29, 2016 at 4:13pm
Gabriela: I know… but they now have such a great collection it is worth the visit! By the way, do you know of any perfume swap club in Spain? March 30, 2016 at 8:18am
mj: Gabriela, sorry but I don’t know of any perfume swap club in Spain.
Regia has a great selection and also an small perfume museum at the back of the P.de Gracia shop, that’s worth a visit. March 30, 2016 at 9:14am
Hayley: Aerin Lilac Path or Malle En Passant? I love the latter, it strongly reminds me of lilacs and moody wetness.. It doesn’t last though- gone in 2 hours at most. Lilac Path is more prosaic and sunny, but lasts a while longer on me. March 28, 2016 at 2:54pm
mj: oh! yes, Aerin’s, I completely forgot about it! the only thing I didn’t like about it was the price! hahaha. I found Aerin’s collection to be a bit overpriced for what they are. March 28, 2016 at 4:33pm
Elisa: The blog EauMG just recently published a guide to lilac perfumes! Definitely try En Passant and Desarmant. March 28, 2016 at 4:01pm
mj: Thanks! I’ll check! March 28, 2016 at 4:33pm
Michaela: I felt the same for a Yves Rocher lilac.
On my skin, Bulgari Omnia Amethyste is a lilac in full bloom, and it lasts pretty well throughout the day. It’s worth a try. March 29, 2016 at 4:48am
mj: Thanks Michaela! I’ll try it. March 29, 2016 at 5:45am
Peppermoon: Desarmant is a lovely lilac. I’m planning on giving my sample to my mother, who loves lilac. March 29, 2016 at 9:25am
maja: I wanted to recommend Pacifica French Lilac, especially solid perfume which is very nice and inexpensive but I don’t know if you can find it in Spain (online bio cosmetics stores usually have it) March 29, 2016 at 5:07pm
mj: Hi Maja
I did a bit of research and I can buy it in Iherb.com. They also carry a roll on size (10 ml). Which one do you think would be better, the roll-on or the solid? March 29, 2016 at 5:11pm
maja: I don’t know, mj, I had a slight preference for the solid one. 🙂 March 30, 2016 at 5:04pm
limegreen: The roll-on is very light, scent disappears quickly. March 30, 2016 at 11:46pm
Nina Z: Agree with Lutens A La Nuit. For a lighter, fresher jasmine, I like Love and Tears from By Killian. For a sweeter and gentler jasmine (good for sleeping) I love Annick Goutal Songes. March 28, 2016 at 2:21pm
Jenny Katz: It’s been a sad month for me as far as perfumes go, because it’s become clear that, given my husband’s extreme sensitivity (he was nerve-gassed in the Gulf War and his nervous system is turned to 11 all the time), I really need to give up my perfume habit. I wept in his arms for twenty minutes straight the night I made the decision, and immediately gave all my samples away (except a few I couldn’t bear to part with), and then packed my bottles into a drawer for my (someday) grandchildren to find and exclaim over. Since he seems able to tolerate certain essential oils (lavender, Rosemary, peppermint), over the last few days, I have been experimenting with teensy smudges of all-natural perfumes (Aftelier’s Bergamoss and a couple from Roxana Illuminated)… which he hasn’t seemed to notice. (I’m doing a lot of private wrist-sniffing.) The liquid versions of Aftelier are too much; any sillage is too much. I wanted… well, honestly, I wanted to just to share the situation with you all, and do a little grieving in community. Thanks for providing a place to share, Victoria. March 28, 2016 at 3:09pm
Lindaloo: So sorry to hear of your husband’s war injury and resulting sensitivity.
Is it possible that solid perfumes would do the trick? Many natural perfumers make them including Aftelier and Roxanna Illuminated. I believe Providence Perfumes does as well.
I hope you are able to find a solution. March 28, 2016 at 3:26pm
Jenny Katz: Lindaloo, yes! I failed to type the word “solid” in the above paragraph… I’ve been experimenting with teeny smudges of SOLID perfumes from Afterlier and Roxana. They seem to be quiet enough. I read that Liz Zorn is going to start making solids soon, too… I actually just made an experimental solid of my own, adding a few drops of La Via del Profumo’s African Queen Black Panther to jojoba oil and beeswax. (The longevity is about six minutes.) Do you have any experience with non-natural solids? I have a hard time imagining myself being able to turn Rubj and Jicky into successful solids, lol. March 28, 2016 at 3:33pm
Lindaloo: Little experience with solids of any kind. As for non-natural, By Kilian (if money is no object) produces ones to match his perfumes. I’d also check out Etsy. If you want to experiment with making your own I’m sure there is lots of info online. I believe Anya’s Garden runs a natural perfumers forum. March 28, 2016 at 3:42pm
Lindaloo: Oops, I meant to say the reasons solids might work: they are generally very low in sillage (usually requiring wrist to nose); they have a short life, meaning it would be possible to wear them when you and your husband might be apart for a couple of hours; and they are easier to wash off. March 28, 2016 at 3:35pm
Jenny Katz: One of my favorite scents is L’Ombre Dans L’Eau, and I know there’s a solid made… I just wasn’t sure if it would bother him, even in solid form, because of its non-natural components. The sillage may be the most important factor, though. Thanks, Lindaloo. xo March 28, 2016 at 3:58pm
limegreen: Dear Jenny Katz — I’m so sorry to hear that you will (sort of) give up perfume, but really glad you came here to share and possibly find an alternative.
I have the L’Ombre Dans L’Eau solid and it’s not as big a sillage as the perfume. I actually almost got the L’Ombre Dans L’Eau in the perfume oil concentration in the roll-but after testing it, it immediately became a skin scent. Well, I didn’t want that! But this might be good for you! The SA explained to me that the perfume oil would have less sillage.
Don’t know if you thought about not putting the solid on your wrists but maybe somewhere else. Back of knees, ankles?
You know, you don’t have to give up BdJ just because you’re giving up perfume. All the best. March 29, 2016 at 12:21am
Jenny Katz: Hi, limegreen! I hadn’t thought about putting the solid somewhere else because I’d made the following assumption: “If it’s strong enough to reach my nose from my knees, it’ll be strong enough to bother Eric.” But maybe it would just result in a vague sense of “smelling good” (as opposed to smelling of perfume). And thanks for the info about L’Ombre in its various concentrations. I haven’t yet tried oils, as opposed to solids… maybe that’s a partial solution, too. As for giving up BdJ: At first I feared that it would be too painful to read about all the abundance in the world, denied to me (great internal drama!), but I’ve found that it’s largely the opposite—that the beautiful writing on this blog, in the articles and even in the comments, are part of the art of perfumery that so appeals to me, and that I can continue to enjoy no matter what. xo March 29, 2016 at 6:49am
limegreen: Hope you will continue to post, one doesn’t have to wear perfume to talk about it. I know it’s not the same thing but I love this site for things other than perfume.
The knee or ankle area is less sillage, but when you stand up or walk, little wafts of scent emerge ever so slightly throughout the day. Maybe it will be soft enough.
The Diptyque solids are high creamy quality, don’t dry out. I have had mine for about 4 years now.
All the best to you and your husband. March 29, 2016 at 10:13am
Kari: Lush also makes some nice solid perfumes in a tin. Very easy to apply minimally when you need to go super light on fragrance. I like to dab it behind my ears. May 1, 2016 at 10:06pm
Katy McReynolds: I am so sorry for you and your husband both but I see an opportunity for you to find those all natural lines from independent perfumers. Please be careful with any bug sprays containing DEET and fragranced household products. My husband was in Afganistan also and went on the hunt for anything in our home that contained precursor molecules used to produce chemical weapons. Out went the mosquito sprays. I like Herbal Armor for mosquitoes but there are other good ones. Also, experiment with essential oils. You may end up a perfumer yourself! March 28, 2016 at 3:37pm
Jenny Katz: Katy, that would certainly be a case of making lemonade 🙂 . That was very smart of your husband;I’ll keep all that in mind. And thank you! March 28, 2016 at 3:55pm
Surbhi: vetiver oil is good against mosquitoes. March 28, 2016 at 7:30pm
Jenny Katz: How interesting, Surbhi. I didn’t know that. March 30, 2016 at 6:25pm
Surbhi: A SA told me once that she survived her mexico trip on vetiver oil and not a single mosquito bite. Generally she has bites all over. March 30, 2016 at 8:14pm
Aurora: Jenny, what a generous thing to do, and I’m so sorry for your husband’s health problems and that you have to give up on perfume. I believe l’Artisan Parfumeur Jatamansi is their only all natural scent, there is a bath lotion and other products, so perhaps you could try them to see you like the scent and if it suits your purpose. March 28, 2016 at 5:20pm
Jenny Katz: Aurora (beautiful name, by the way), it actually made me tear up to read your first sentence. I guess nobody had said that to me quite that way. Thank you. March 28, 2016 at 7:13pm
Surbhi: sorry to hear that. Lela does solid perfumes as well. They also have oil based perfumes. They might not have silage as much. Maybe those will work without bothering your husband.
Another thing that has helped me is not spraying the perfume in the house. I would just spray it on me after stepping out of the home. March 28, 2016 at 7:29pm
Surbhi: Le labo. March 28, 2016 at 7:30pm
Jenny Katz: Thank you, Surbhi! I don’t know Lela, but I will check them out.
As for not spraying in the house—not only do I not spray in the house, I wear perfume only when I’m out of town! But, even then, even when I shower and wash all my clothes before returning home, molecules of the scents invariably cling to the sleeve of my coat, my purse, even my notebook and pens. Certain scents or chemicals even seem to linger deep “within” my skin, for several days. I can’t even always smell what bothers him. Maybe the oils will somehow mellow that sharpness… I’ll look into it. Thanks again. March 29, 2016 at 6:53am
Surbhi: I meant le labo. Auto correct changed it. March 29, 2016 at 7:39am
Jenny Katz: D@#n autocorrect! Haha. Thanks. March 29, 2016 at 10:09am
Notturno7: Dear Jenny,
All the best to you and your husband. I’m sorry he went through that. My heart goes out to both of you.
I also hope you find something that works, that will not bother him and that you’ll enjoy. My husband used to be very allergic to all scents and we use non scented soaps and detergents. I can’t use shower cleaner or wood polishing stuff if he’s around . He knows how much I love perfumes and that I have a big collection that is safely put away in cabinets. I can use them only if he doesn’t notice I’m wearing them. In the last few years, I noticed that he is not as allergic as he used to be, so there’s always hope. Things that I found helpful are:-using pure perfumes and putting less,so there is very little sillage if we’re going out , especially if I put some an hour before,- using brands like Chanel, Guerlain (some Hermes,Malle, Ford and Lutens that I have, have passed the test) that either have their rose or other fields and use lot of other natural materials along with chemicals, -I spray perfume only if I’m away for few hours or most of the day if scent is strong. Sometimes my husband will be bothered by a strong scent of soap when I wash my hands somewhere, but he wouldn’t notice I’ve had a Mitsuko or Bois des Iles pure perfume on my neck the whole time. I heard something and don’t know if it’s true, that companies that make pure perfumes have more high quality natural materials available, but I’m sure that there are exceptions to this.
All the best to you😊 March 31, 2016 at 4:23am
Jenny Katz: That is all very interesting, Notturno, and makes my heart hopeful. Thank you for sharing your experiences and giving me more to think about! Hugs to you! April 1, 2016 at 7:24am
Alicia: I have a friend very allergic to perfumes, yet she always smells divine, from Shalimar to Bottega Veneta. When I asked how she did, she told me that she bought her perfumes in oils from The Fragrance Shop. which is online. I went to their website, and tried a few: in the large majority of cases I was quite satisfied. I wear them with perfumes of short longevity, because the oils last much longer. They have practically no sillage. It might be worth a try. Good luck! March 28, 2016 at 9:44pm
Karen A: If the oils are too strong, you could try making them in to a solid by making a salve base with pure beeswax and oil. I used to do this and can’t remember the measurements/amounts but am sure recipes are easily found online. Basically melt beeswax, add oil, let cool and add fragrant oils. You can also wisk in floral waters to make your own lotion.
Beeswax has such a beautiful fragrance that it’s a joy to work with (just designate an old pot for these creations as its a bit messy). March 29, 2016 at 6:49am
Jenny Katz: Karen A, that’s what I did with my African Queen Black Panther (a natural from Dominique Dubrana). I added too much beeswax, so it’s a little TOO solid, but it was an interesting process, and one I think I’ll try again. I wonder what it would be like with a more “perfume-y” perfume… I’ll have to try it in the most minute amounts.
An old pot is a good idea. I melted mine in a glass bowl, double-boiler-style… Do you find that you can just melt it right in the pot?
Thanks, Karen! March 29, 2016 at 6:59am
Karen A: You are correct in using a double boiler- beeswax is flammable! I am so lazy, I did just use a small pot but do NOT recommend doing this!
If your solid is too solid, try heating it up (in your glass bowl in a double boiler!) over low heat, will take a while, and add a bit more of your carrier oil (almond, avocado, whatever is on sale).
I used to also make bug repellent using different essential oils – just look at the oils used in any of the natural ones at Whole Foods/MOMS/local organic store. Lavender, citrus oil such as orange or lemon, being careful not to apply those straight to your skin. March 29, 2016 at 7:19am
Jenny Katz: Alicia, that’s very interesting that your allergic friend can wear the oils. I will have to look into The Fragrance Shop! Thank you for the idea! March 29, 2016 at 6:54am
Karen A: Dear Jenny, Will echo what others have written and say that I hope you find a way to have fragrance in both of your lives. For various reasons, this past year or so I’ve had to give up perfumes to let reactions/skin issues settle down, so I know the challenge of not having perfume as a part of my daily rituals, not on the level you have written of – but still missing it.
A few ideas besides your exploration of natural perfumes (when I ordered a few samples from Aftelier the man helping me was very helpful, perhaps calling and talking with someone might result in ideas or suggestions beyond what you have already done?): part of what perfumes give me is a few moments to focus on beauty. This can be accomplished by using floral waters – rose, orange blossom, lavender – in a beautiful atomizer, maybe an antique one you clean thoroughly. Perhaps these light waters wouldn’t trigger sensitivity?
If you are able to garden, working in the soil also gives me that sensory experience of smelling the earth – a scent captured in many perfumes. Also lots of fragrant flowers, even ones that don’t smell “good” still give me the chance to experience fragrance.
Baking and cooking also helped when I wasn’t able to wear perfume (didn’t necessarily help my waist line, but that’s another topic!!).
I’m sure your husband is heartbroken to know of your sadness at giving up something you enjoy, but perhaps you will find ways to have perfume/fragrance a part of both your lives without it being an physical aggravent. March 29, 2016 at 6:45am
Jenny Katz: Karen, these ideas are so lovely. You are right — I can use this as an opportunity to embrace scent, in a larger way, rather than just perfume. This has been a constricting month — a month of my feeling limited, rather than expansive — and maybe this is the turning point, where I allow the limitations themselves to open me in a new way.
(And I DO have a rosewater spritzer, and you’re right — it is light enough to not trigger him. I like the idea of putting it in a beautiful bottle.)
Sigh. In a good way. Thank you for changing the pathways in my brain. 🙂 March 29, 2016 at 7:05am
Karen A: Oh Jenny, it is such a challenge! And it is easy to feel constricted. Trust me, just giving up perfumes for a few weeks made me feel so unbalanced and unmoored! Plus, I realized I was eating more to fill in the void – which really wasn’t helpful!
But once you are ready to let go of your concept of perfume/fragrance – which it sounds like you are already doing – there is a whole new way of experiencing and exploring fragrances and perfumes.
Plus, as someone wrote maybe you will become a perfumer! Or through discussing this issue find a larger group who are also facing these issues (especially within the military, if that’s a community you are involved with).
And as hokey as some of those says are, such as when one door closes another opens, they are true if we want another door to open!
If you want to email more, contact Victoria who can give you my email address. It would be fun to explore some fragrance ideas further! Plus you are inspiring me to think about creating potions and lotions again! March 29, 2016 at 7:28am
limegreen: Had to chime in, Karen, your suggestions are lovely.
I am the reverse — I have perfume to fill my sensory void because I can’t enjoy drinking alcohol (no cocktails, no wine, nothing!), due to nasty reactions (skin hives, for one). March 29, 2016 at 11:02am
Karen A: Another quick note on changing our brain pathways – yesterday I was on the metro in DC and saw what I thought was litter, had an immediate reaction (ugg, why is this so messy, darn it why do people have to trash a space so many use, etc). Turns out it was cherry blossom petals! A beautiful lesson for me! March 29, 2016 at 7:36am
Mariann: So sorry about your husbands sensitivity, must be difficult for him! I’d miss my perfumes too, but the ideas here are great, especially the ones about using floral waters, cooking scents and of course just all the scents of nature. BdJ has such lovely articles on a variety of topics. March 30, 2016 at 3:01am
Notturno7: Beautifully said,Karen A! March 31, 2016 at 4:29am
Karen A: Thank you Notturno7! March 31, 2016 at 6:22am
Peppermoon: I’m so sorry, dear! My heart goes out to you and your husband.
Would it be possible for you to indulge in your perfume habit when not around your husband? You could put some on before work, a shopping trip or a run in the park, and keep those little one-use rubbing alcohol medical wipes in your purse to scrub the perfume off before you see your husband? You could keep your stash in a sealed container somewhere in the attic or something? March 29, 2016 at 9:37am
Jenny Katz: Thank you for your sweet sympathy, Peppermoon. I thought the same—oh, I’ll just wear it when I’m away from him! As it happens, 50% of the time I AM away from my husband, in another state actually (my son goes to school in another state, because of a custody arrangement with my first husband, so I travel to live in an apartment with my son half the time) and I keep all my perfume in that apartment, 90 miles away! But, still, no matter how much I shower and wash my clothes before coming back to my husband, traces remain… on the pages of my sudoku book, for instance! And it seems that the non-naturals linger longer “within” my skin somehow. My husband gets irritated when I don’t even think I smell like anything, so I think he must be picking up some chemical signature that’s not exactly a human “smell,” the way dogs can hear things at frequencies out of reach of our human ears. I think the situation might improve in the summer, when I can wear scent (while away from him) on my bare skin and it won’t transfer to sweater sleeves, coat sleeves, etc. But I think certain kinds of scents are just going to be off-limits. For instance, I had just bought a full bottle of Mito Voile d’Extrait—it arrived the day I decided I had to give this up—and I think I just have to sell it, unsprayed, because it’s exactly the kind of scent that triggers “perfume!” in his body and brain. March 29, 2016 at 10:19am
kayliz: Jenny, so sorry to hear that, and I’m glad for you that other doors are opening!
On which note: do you need to sell the Mito now? What would be better/worse: having to sell it in a couple of years’ time so it doesn’t go off, or not having it in a couple of years if/when something unexpected happens (like, hopefully, your husband’s condition changing)?
[OK, I admit it, I’m a Vero Profumo fan:) ] March 29, 2016 at 4:46pm
Jenny Katz: Well, kayliz, I guess we never know… I put the Mito up on ebay, but if it doesn’t sell (the listing ends in three days’ time), I will take that as a sign and put it away with my FB of Rubj (the first FB I bought as an adult perfumista, and still my true love). xox March 29, 2016 at 5:37pm
robinw47: Jenny, I don’t know what part of the country you are in (I’m assuming you are in the US)? but I checked online and Nordstrom has the Diptique solid you mentioned in your reply to me. Even if they don’t have a sample of the solid version in store for you to try they do have a very liberal return policy, for both in store and online purchases, so you could always return it if you are unhappy with the solid form. I think Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Space NK may also carry the solid version as well but I don’t think their return policy may be as easy as Nordstrom’s is. March 29, 2016 at 2:47pm
Jenny Katz: Robin, you are so sweet to check! I didn’t know Nordstrom had such a liberal return policy on perfume… I’m going to go look it up as well. Thank you for thinking of me. March 29, 2016 at 5:39pm
Michaela: Very touching, Jenny, I’m sorry for you and for him, and I hope you will both find a way to enjoy fragrance.
Another vote for perfume in oil or solid form. You may tray lavender based perfumes in the beginning if you noticed he can live with the scent. The more natural they smell, the better. You may try very different scents, maybe some of them would spark his appreciation.
We live in a scented world, no doubt. No one can hide. From spices or food to shampoo, from flowers to gasoline, from detergents to snow, almost everything under the Sun is ‘perfumed’. I trust you find perfume notes which please your husband and you may find perfumes based on that notes.
You can apply small amounts on the back of your hand, so you can enjoy perfume and you can wash it quickly without ‘contaminating’ your clothes.
I don’t know… Good luck! March 30, 2016 at 10:30am
Jenny Katz: Thank you, dear Michaela. I think you’re right about “the more natural they smell, the better.” At this point, even the IDEA of perfume triggers his reaction (although his automatic physical response is definitely real as well. But the idea makes it worse). Your idea to ease in based on the notes he can tolerate is very intelligent, and something I hadn’t thought of. Thank you so much! March 30, 2016 at 6:27pm
madame_papillion: Hello everyone! So, I’m a complete newbie when it comes to perfumes – and having spent all day reading this beautiful blog and finding out how much .more. there is to scents, I feel almost a bit embarrassed writing this, but you guys seem lovely, so I thought I’d give it a shot. 🙂
So, I’ve mostly been wearing fruity, floral scents so far – pretty much whatever Escada summer edition I came across at the airport’s duty-free shop, and some Miss Dior every now and then. I’d love to find some scents that are still fresh, light and playful, but a bit more sophisticated and with more “detail”, if that makes sense.
Thank you so much for your help! 🙂 March 28, 2016 at 3:58pm
Megan: You might like Poet’s jasmine by Ineke. It has a sweetness to it like the fruity scents. Also Penhaligan’s Empressa is very nice, it opens with a lush peach sweetness but has more complexity as it developes, I’ve been studying a sample of it drum Lucky Scent debating on getting some eventually, my husband is very sensitive to certain perfumes, and it can differ in how it’s applied, drop verses sprayed. March 28, 2016 at 4:53pm
Aurora: Quel Amour by Annick Goutal is a joyful fruity-floral with some sophistication thrown in. Also, Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil a green mango scent but not too sweet is a favorite of mine in summer and another YSL In Love again would fit the bill too if you like blackcurrant. March 28, 2016 at 5:27pm
Aurora: And other Hermes like Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, Eau d’Orange Verte and Eau des Merveilles might work for you too. March 28, 2016 at 5:29pm
Emily Lime: For something that’s fresh, light, and playful, I love Yuzu Rouge, by Parfums 06130: beautiful citrus and rose that’s nicely nuanced. I’m wearing it today, in fact! March 29, 2016 at 10:14am
katherine X: Cartier L’Heure Folle (berries) and VI L’Heure Brilliante (gin and tonic) – from the Les Heures series seem to fit your bill. They’re light, interesting and they fade and reappear throughout the day. Really unique feel to them. Unfortunately they are carried at only a few Saks 5th Ave stores, and by Cartier. They’re pricey too. But there’s something so unique about their sillage and scent. Gorgeous! March 29, 2016 at 1:37pm
Karen A: La Panthere by Cartier got lots of love when it was released (2 years ago???), you may enjoy it. Very pretty and easy to wear, sophisticated but not stuffy. March 30, 2016 at 6:12am
marymary: Chant d’aromes March 30, 2016 at 4:02pm
Megan: Hello all! Hope everyone is having a good day. 🙂 I have collected a few winter scents over the last year. Botrytis, Youthdew bath oil, and Outremer Vanille and would like to balance out my sent wardrobe with some more summer scents, as I live in Oklahoma City I need something that can handle 100+ temps and very high humidity with some lasting power. this is proving a chalange. :/ my skin seems to eat citrus/fruity tea scents, they don’t last 5 min. My husband is extremely sensitive to florals, even a small sample dap of Passage D’Enfer hit him like an alergy bomb, witch religates my prized Violetta to rare, often formal occasions. I’m open to pretty much any suggestions, though I seem to have an allergy to juniper,and find some ceder scents very harsh, like sandpaper to my lungs, suggesting a looming asthma attack. I have a travel 3 pack of Aqua universalist a current summer favorite. I love it’s salty dryness, and it doesn’t seem to bother my husband as long as I apply well before or after riding in the car with him. Hopefully I can find something more readily available/affordable to alternate with it. March 28, 2016 at 4:23pm
Surbhi: 100+ weather… I think oil based perfumes much much better. March 28, 2016 at 8:40pm
Megan: Any help would be greatly appreciated. 🙂 March 28, 2016 at 4:24pm
Aurora: Hello Megan: I’ve recommended Un Jardin sur Nil which lasts well in the heat on my skin as does Eau des Merveilles, and you could explore Un Jardin en Mediterranee, l’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier and Premier Figuier Extreme (those 3 only if you like fig) and Un Jardin apres la Mousson (spicy melon). Jacomo Silences is a very green scent which lasts well on me. A budget-conscious choice could be Alvarez Gomez Agua de Colonia Concentrada and Noa L’Eau. March 28, 2016 at 6:02pm
Aurora: Sorry, I should add Noa l’Eau is by Cacharel but may be discontinued, but should be still available on line, the price is really reasonable and it’s a favorite of mine. March 28, 2016 at 6:05pm
Megan: Thanks! I’ll have to check hear out. 🙂 March 28, 2016 at 6:11pm
Megan: Oops. 🙂 I meant these. Autocorrect doesn’t like me sometimes. March 28, 2016 at 6:11pm
Aurora: Hello Megan: Your photo is so beautiful Victoria, at first glance I thought it was a painting by Monet! March 28, 2016 at 6:24pm
Aurora: Could you recommend a violet perfume you like? I know/own Bois de Violette, Balenciaga Paris, Le Dix and Jolie Madame. It doesn’t have to be a soliflore just a scent with a discernible violet note. Many thanks in advance! March 28, 2016 at 6:28pm
Megan: I love Violetta by Penhaligon’s. 🙂 it’s sweet and cool, and on me has decent silage and longevity. Especially if aplied to clothes or hair. It’s what I wear when I need a little confidence and want to feel elegant,but still fun. Violets to me are the scent of the Chesshire cat. Dissapearing and reappearing, poised but grinning madly. I believe Victoria has written a really good review of this fragrence a while back, in a comment on that page I have told how I found this scent and why it means so much to me. 🙂 March 28, 2016 at 6:55pm
Aurora: Thank you very much, Megan, for reminding me of Violetta. I have tried it and loved it at the time, I should revisit it and then get a bottle, I have no excuse as I am in the UK. Yes, you describe violet very well, it is an elusive note sometimes coming to fore other times staying in the background. March 28, 2016 at 7:17pm
Michaela: I like so much your description of violet scents. So true. March 29, 2016 at 5:06am
Tati: Repeating my recommendation from above, but I’m having fun with Malle’s Lipstick Rose, which has a lovely candied violet note mixed with the rose. March 28, 2016 at 8:19pm
Aurora: Thank you Tati! I will order a sample of Lipstick Rose. March 28, 2016 at 8:22pm
kayliz: I really like Apeiron by Tonatto: violets and licorice. And Kerbside Violets by Lush, a woodsy violet, not too sweet. March 28, 2016 at 9:41pm
Aurora: Thank you Kayliz! I’m not familiar with either so on the list they go. March 28, 2016 at 10:08pm
rainboweyes: I love Violetta too, other favourites are Patricia de Nicolaï Violette in Love and Geste by Humiecki & Graef. March 29, 2016 at 2:39am
Aurora: Very intrigued, thank you so much, Rainboweyes! March 29, 2016 at 3:43am
Michaela: I like Tom Ford Violet Blonde. I’m still sampling it. March 29, 2016 at 5:05am
Michaela: And I have a soft spot for Grey Flannel. A big sample is better, as I feel it’s a special perfume very easy to miss if you judge it from the first spray. Green violet with a charming floral heart and soft long lasting drydown. Andy has a beautiful review on BdJ. March 29, 2016 at 5:26am
Aurora: Michaela: That sounds enchanting! My brother used to wear it when he lived in the US but I don’t recall the scent well. Will have to revisit, thank you! March 29, 2016 at 5:30am
Aurora: Hello Michaela: Oh! thank you. I must try this one while it is still available (I saw it on ebay for a good price). Your recommendation means a lot. March 29, 2016 at 5:32am
Michaela: I thank you for your kind words, Aurora.
I am not sure I want Violet Blonde for myself, but I like it a lot. Better sample before buying. March 29, 2016 at 5:46am
Aurora: Oh yes, you’re absolutely right, I will try and sample before taking the plunge. March 29, 2016 at 7:46am
Alicia: Aurora, I also love violets. To the recommendations you have already received I suggest A. Goutal, La Violette; and for perfumes containing it the wonderful Guerlain, Apres l’Ondee, and another less diaphanous and more sweet Guerlain, charming Insolence. As for violets married to rose.you have already received an excellent suggestion FM Lipstick Rose; which is the grandchild of YSL classic Paris, a violet rose extraordinaire, which many of us adore, including Frederic Malle. March 29, 2016 at 1:32pm
Aurora: Alicia: Thank you so much for the recommendations and you write beautifully: I love many Annick Goutal so I’m especially excited about trying La Violette. Paris is in a class of its own, isn’t it, and I should spend more time with Insolence. Apres l’Ondee: I read so much about it that I never sampled it because I was afraid of being disappointed, while the idea I have forged and Victoria’s lyrical review of it are perfect to me if that makes sense. March 29, 2016 at 3:38pm
Alicia: Thank you so much, Aurora. Yes, Paris is unique, and I am never without a bottle of it. It has had very nice children and grand children, such as Lipstick Rose and Misia. Don’t be afraid of trying Apree l”Ondee. If you are disappointed, at least you’d know that it should’t be an object of your desire, and continue this endless adventure in the fragrance world. It happened to me with the famous JOY. I was more than dissappointed; I tried to like it with much effort and no success. Now I don’t regret having done so.There are perfumes which are not for us, and it is better to know it. The world of fragrances is so large and varied, that I never get tired to explore it. Don’t deprive yourself of testing any masterpiece, you might not like it, or it might become your joy forever. May you find your perfect violet! March 29, 2016 at 5:10pm
Hamamelis: Hi Aurora, have you tried Misia? It has a lovely violet note. March 29, 2016 at 4:41pm
Aurora: Alicia: Hello Hamamelis: No I haven’t explored any of Les Exclusifs, thank you so much for the recommendation it goes on my list. March 30, 2016 at 4:16am
Hamamelis: Happy to send you a sample, just let me know! March 30, 2016 at 2:41pm
Aurora: Oh, how incredibly generous, you’re a star! I was just wondering how to get my hands on a sample. You must let me send a sample in return. I’ll email tomorrow from work that’s where I have your email details.
Have a lovely evening. March 30, 2016 at 3:10pm
Michael: Misia by Chanel Exclusifs and Dans Tes Bras by Frederic Malle. Both are not violet soliflores but I love the violet notes in them nonetheless. March 30, 2016 at 1:30am
Aurora: Michael: I haven’t tried either, thanks a lot, now I am curious about them, a violet note is plenty enough to interest me. March 30, 2016 at 4:20am
kpaint: I’m a violet lover as well, and to my nose, Penhaligon’s Violetta is the ultimate violet soliflore. Be warned that it’s discontinued and prices for the remaining bottles out there have already been on a steep climb.
Some other favorite violets of mine not yet mentioned are Atelier Sous le toit de Paris, Sonoma Scent Studio Voile de Violette, and Au Pays Violette Sacrée.
I pick up a lot of violet in Tauer Carillon pour un Ange, Oscar de la Renta Esprit d’Oscar, Hermes Cuir d’Ange, but I could be on my own there.
Borsari Violetta di Parma is worth trying for a fun candied frolic. SL De Profundis might be worth a sniff as well.
Thoroughly agree with the endorsements of Guerlain Apres l’Ondee and Misia and would also add Rosine Glam Rose as another in the family line of YSL Paris.
I will lastly note that I recently bought a small vintage bottle of Le Dix and it is one of the most gorgeous, elegant, womanly perfumes I’ve ever had the pleasure to smell. It is glorious and a testament to the way perfume was once made – high quality materials, beautiful progression, and a scent made for women – not girls. June 15, 2016 at 8:10pm
Aurora: Thank you so very much, great to have more violet recommendations, I am still exploring. Congratulations on your Le Dix. It’s glorious, isn’t it, I have 3 minis of extrait and cherish the smell. Also grateful for the tip about Violetta, so strange they should discontinue a well loved scent, I’ll keep an eye on Ebay, I’m in the UK so even long gone perfumes from Penhaligons are available for reasonable prices, but based on your information I will take the plunge sooner rather than later. June 16, 2016 at 2:32pm
robinw47: Jenny, I felt your pain in your post. I wanted to let you know that Diptique makes some of their fragrances in solids. Also, beautyhabit.com has wonderful niche fragrances, a number of which are offered in solids. Lastly, I wanted to thank your husband for his service. I will keep you both in my thoughts. March 28, 2016 at 10:56pm
Jenny Katz: I was just wondering about the solid Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau… one of my favorites. I wonder if they have the solid to sample in stores. Thank you for your ideas, Robin, and for your sympathy. They both mean a lot. March 29, 2016 at 7:08am
Therése: So I fell in love with frankincense … Mostly because of Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule. I was given a small sample buy a friend and I adore it.
But are there other frankincense perfumes that I shouldn’t miss? March 29, 2016 at 4:52am
Therése: Sorry, I’m confusing frankincense with sandalwood! So, are there any sandalwood perfumes I shouldn’t miss? March 29, 2016 at 5:18am
Aurora: Since you love Santal Majuscule, perhaps try the 2 other sandalwood by Serge Lutens: Santal Blanc and Santa de Mysore (this one has cumin so only if you don’t mind this note which can be troublesome). Samsara by Guerlain – even the modern one – is a lot about sandalwood, Diptyque Tam Dao is also worth exploring, it’s lighter than Santal Majuscule so an really good option for summer, Comme des Garcons Blue Santal is lovely too. For a budget-conscious option I would like to add Yves Rocher (it’s a really good French line) but I don’t remember the exact name from the top of my head so I will go to my notes this evening. March 29, 2016 at 7:57am
Therése: Thank you Aurora! I will try the Santal Blanc (and leave the cumin one well alone, cumin is difficult for me so thanks for the warning). I usually like the fragrances of Comme, so I’ll look up Blue Santal. Thank you! March 29, 2016 at 8:13am
Aurora: Hello Therese, I found the Yves Rocher with sandalwood it’s Voile d’Ambre Secrets d’Essences: mandarin, patchouli, incense, sandalwood… etc (they specify it’s Australian as Mysore – Indian sandalwood is endangered). It is somewhat light as it is a natural but really quite pleasant. March 29, 2016 at 3:46pm
Therése: Thank you! There is a little Yves Rocher shop in my town, I think I will pay them a visit tomorrow! March 29, 2016 at 3:50pm
CristinaM: Santal 31 by Le Labo. March 29, 2016 at 7:18am
Therése: It sounds intriguing! Thank you! March 29, 2016 at 8:14am
Peppermoon: +1 to Tam Dao, less “sour” than Santal Majuscule, but has the same rose and sandalwood vibe. March 29, 2016 at 9:44am
Therése: Thank you! I will check it out! March 29, 2016 at 10:20am
marymary: Messe de minuit March 30, 2016 at 4:04pm
Therése: Thank you! March 31, 2016 at 2:30pm
CristinaM: Hello everyone
can someone recommend a plum-based fragrance other than Boxeuses?
thanks! March 29, 2016 at 7:22am
Peppermoon: Parfum d`Empire Aziyade, Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois, Tom Ford Plum Japonais. March 29, 2016 at 9:52am
CristinaM: Thanks Peppermoon!I never noticed a plum note in FdB, I might be a little anosmic to it.
Aziyade makes me really curious, I love the line, will give it a try… March 29, 2016 at 10:08am
CristinaM: thanks everyone for the useful suggestions! March 30, 2016 at 10:37am
epapsiou: Plum Japonaise by Tom Ford March 29, 2016 at 10:20am
Patricia: Ume by Keiko Mecheri is a favorite plum-based fragrance of mine (though I have sadly neglected it this past winter). March 29, 2016 at 11:05am
Mia: Ume is lovely! March 29, 2016 at 2:59pm
Tati: I’m searching for a good plum also. I like TF Plum Japonaise but for some reason haven’t bought a full bottle yet. Seems a little expensive. Another that I’ve been sampling is Chamber Noire by Olfactive Studio. March 29, 2016 at 12:59pm
Nina Z: Many people love Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant, which is a plum and cardamom scent. March 29, 2016 at 11:52pm
Indigo: Feminité du Bois was my signature until last month when my latest bottle seemed much thinner and vinegary up top. I had been wearing the re formulation Lutens but I fear it has been re-re-formulated. So sad!
I have a huge bottle of Jungle l’éléphant which is inspired by Feminité du Bois but has a very different character: sweeter, spicier, more bombastic and sunny. Definitely worth a try.
I miss the shadowy darkness of Feminité but it is seeming really hard to get a reliable wood-based fragrance these days… March 30, 2016 at 7:52am
Aurora: Oh, I’m so sorry for you, it is so disappointing when this happens. I was thinking have you tried SL Bois et Fruits?often compared to FdB perhaps that hasn’t been reformulated? Also just in case, two woody fragrances I enjoy very much are Donna Karan Wenge, and Kenzo Madly. Madly is more incense and Wenge a classic woody fragrance. March 30, 2016 at 10:01am
Indigo: Oh, thank you Aurora – I haven’t tried Bois et Fruits, I’m a bit limited for sample options, unfortunately.
I will also try to check out the Donna Karan and Kenzo, too. I do love wood! Fingers crossed for some sillage too! March 30, 2016 at 11:34am
limegreen: Byredo Accord Oud — it’s plum and leather, but I think of it as a leather scent with plum tones March 30, 2016 at 11:59pm
limegreen: Don’t let the “oud” in the name fool you. Not an oud. March 31, 2016 at 12:00am
Toni: I would love to hear some recommendations for spring scents. I’ve been wanting something that reminds me of damp earth just beginning to warm, mild florals (not sweet), and rain. I guess it’s a mood more than anything but I thought I’d try and see. March 29, 2016 at 10:44am
Surbhi: ostara ? March 29, 2016 at 10:59am
Old Herbaceous: Ostara is wonderful! Mild daffodils and warm sunshine. March 30, 2016 at 8:52pm
Patricia: I think Guerlain’s Apres l’Ondee would be perfect as an early spring mood fragrance! March 29, 2016 at 11:38am
Austenfan: I second both Ostara and Après l’Ondée. Goutal’s Eau du Ciel & La Violette might merit a try as well. Although I fear Eau de Ciel might be discontinued.
Oh and maybe try Malle’s En Passant. Although it’s lilacs that bloom much later than early spring the greenness of it reminds me of this season’s early days. March 29, 2016 at 12:56pm
Tati: I third Ostara, and add Zeta by Andy Tauer, which is linden blossom and reminds me of spring. March 29, 2016 at 1:13pm
Toni: Thank you, everyone, for the recommendations. I hope I can find many of them and give them a try. March 29, 2016 at 3:58pm
kayliz: Since you said damp earth beginning to warm, and that it’s a mood thing… how about Cuir Amethyste? I find myself reaching for it these not-quite-spring days, and maybe it’s counter-intuitive, but the subtly earthy quality definitely fits. March 29, 2016 at 4:52pm
kayliz: Toni, if it’s difficult to sample where you are, please drop Victoria a line so she can put us in touch (apologies and thanks in advance, Victoria!). I have a decant of Ostara too that I’m happy to plunder. March 29, 2016 at 5:00pm
Toni: kayliz – Thank you, that’s so generous of you. I will ask Victoria if she wouldn’t mind helping us. March 29, 2016 at 6:14pm
Hamamelis: Just adding Eau de Camille to the excellent suggestions already made. March 29, 2016 at 4:52pm
Morelle: SL Bas de Soie; I wear this a lot in late February and March. It just fits the first inklings of spring perfectly. Notes are hyacinth and orris (= damp earth to me) March 29, 2016 at 6:02pm
Willa: Hello all, you provide such good suggestions and I was hoping you could help me! I’m looking for feminine, summery scents that last well in warm weather. I used to love Jo Malones Fig & Cassis (before it was discontinued) and would like something with fig notes. Other favourites are Narciso Rodriguez for Her, Jour d’Hermes Absolu and Mimosa & Casamom from Jo Malone so similar scents might work. Somehow citrusy scents are not good on me and often come off metallic and unpleasant on my skin… Any suggestions? Hope you can help, I’ve spent hours combing through duty-frees and department stores. March 29, 2016 at 11:19am
Tomate Farcie: My favorite figs L’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier, Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio, Diptyque Philoskyos March 29, 2016 at 3:13pm
Willa: Thanks Tomate Farcie, i have Philodykos and love it but sillage is an issue. I pretty much have to shower in it for it to last above an hour 🙂 March 30, 2016 at 4:41am
Aurora: For fig: adding L’Artisan Parfumeur Caligna to Tomate’s great list, Hermes Un Jardin en Mediterranee has citrus so I hesitate to recommend it, so does Ninfeo Mio alas. For cassis/blackcurrant have you ever tried YSL In Love Again? I’ve fallen in love with it myself and keep recommending it. Also, for summer perhaps Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum, or Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess they work better for me than Guerlain Terracotta for example and many of us seem to love Jacomo Silences which is the greenest scent I own. March 29, 2016 at 4:11pm
Willa: I hear so much good about Ninfeo that I might have to give it a go despite the citrussy notes. Will check out the YSL one, I usually like their scents. Thanks so much for the suggestions Aurora! March 31, 2016 at 3:40pm
Tati: An unusual summer fragrance that I love is Aedes de Venusta’s Eau de Parfum, which has rhubarb, tomato leaf, vetiver, and incense. It is very fresh, tart and green smelling. March 29, 2016 at 6:26pm
Willa: That sounds delicious!! Thanks, will definitely look for that! March 31, 2016 at 3:38pm
marymary: Womanity March 30, 2016 at 4:09pm
Willa: Thanks marymary March 31, 2016 at 3:40pm
Vella: Hello everyone! What would you sugest – I like something light, yet I do like some very overpowering scents – turned out – all the scents I like have same structure: top – citrus (preferably bergamot), middle – white flowers and base – musk. Everything dries too sweet on me, so this combination somehow works. Musk keeps the interest, white flowers lightness and citrus the edge? In the wrong order, I dislike the scent after second sniff… The more notes the more I like it, and it can be crazy – like Flowerbomb – I could not believe I like something so sweet! or YSL-Nu. The two I mostly use is Bulgari Omnia purple and Premier Jour by Nina Ricci, but I’d like something new? (I don’t wear parfumes daily, so they last for ages.) Most things that are ok on other people, are aweful on me – like wisteria. I think I dislike amber. March 29, 2016 at 5:11pm
Surbhi: I suggest try must ravageur. You will most likely LOVE it or HATE it .. nothing in between 🙂 March 29, 2016 at 9:02pm
Vella: thanks, Surbhi! I will try it if I find it. This sounds quite interesting. March 30, 2016 at 5:11am
Aurora: Hello: my first recommendation would be Acqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria, it’s all about bergamot in a cologne form.
Also, did you try Shalimar Parfum Initial L’Eau? The opening is bergamot and grapefruit, I’ve enjoyed it all summer long. It is discontinued but still widely available online for a very good price in the UK where I am. Or even the classic Shalimar the Eau de Cologne or the Eau de toilett for summer and the Eau de Parfum or extrait for colder months. March 30, 2016 at 7:17am
marymary: Light blue! March 30, 2016 at 4:08pm
lilia: Hi all, I am new to this blog and couldn’t be more thrilled to find this thread and receive advice from knowledgeable people. Spring is coming and I am looking for a green perfume. I have never found something I liked that was green enough for me. Usually too much flower or too sweet. I don’t mind some floral hint but I am mainly looking for that freshly cut grass smell or grass after the rain. Nothing musked, or with too much alcohol. I don’t mind a citrus hint either.
I hope to get some ideas from you guys! March 29, 2016 at 5:33pm
Michaela: The opening of Grey Flannel is this sort of freshly cut grass for me, for about an hour. It’s so inexpensive that you could sample it, and you might like its development during the whole day. See Andy’s accurate review here on BdJ to make an idea.
Other green perfumes I love very much, which are sparkling green (not that realistic grass note, though): Jacomo Silences, Parfums de Nicolai Le Temps d’Une Fete, Vero Profumo Mito. March 30, 2016 at 5:01am
Aurora: Oh it’s a bit tricky. Perhaps Hermes Un Jardin sur le Toit, it lists grass among the components but to be honest what I smell most is a very green tomato leaf. And I totally agree with Michaela for Silences, Mito and Le Temps d’une Fete and I’ll add Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte. March 30, 2016 at 7:57am
Nina Z: Some other ideas: Untitled by Martin Margiela and Miller et Bertaux’s Green, green, green and green (which Robin at NST says smells like grass, sap, fresh herbs and leaves, with a twist of lemon). March 30, 2016 at 4:04pm
marymary: Petite cherie March 30, 2016 at 4:06pm
lilia: Thank you all so much for these suggestions! I’ll make sure to try them and will hopefully find what I’ve been looking for! March 30, 2016 at 4:18pm
limegreen: Just throwing this out there — Robert Piguet’s Futur (not a typo, it is Futur). This is GREEN as all get out. (sample first) March 31, 2016 at 12:05am
Morelle: The Unicorn Spell by LesNez is the greenest scent I know. It doesn’t have any grass or hay note, though. The top note is raw green beans! For me, anyway; for Victoria it smelled of dahlia buds. March 31, 2016 at 6:27pm
Indigo: I have been enjoying Portrait of a Lady, Coromandel, Elixir des Merveilles and Bottega Veneta. I like the something cool with a more oriental side.
Am I developing a taste for chypre?
What are your favourite modern (I know about the classics) chypres? Allowing for flexibility due to oak miss restrictions… March 29, 2016 at 6:15pm
Nina Z: Amouage Jubilation 25, Chanel 31 Rue Cambon, and The Party in Manhattan. March 29, 2016 at 11:46pm
Indigo: The Amouage and Chanel have been on my radar to try but I’ve never heard of Party in Manhattan – I’ll look it up. Thanks! March 30, 2016 at 4:43am
Indigo: I have done some research on the (pricey) Party In Manhattan. Would you say it is worth it above a classic, say, Mitsouko or Cristalle? March 30, 2016 at 7:54am
Nina Z: The Party in Manhattan is very pricey though less expensive if you buy it through the Italian web site. I would say that because it is always possible to find vintage Mitsouko at a reasonable price if you are patient (there is so much out there), that would be a better buy as well as a better thing to own. For the modern ones, the best deal would be to buy a tester bottle of Amouage Jubilation 25, which you get can get on certain discount sites, which often also have discount coupons, and you end up with 100 mls for well under 200.
I just mentioned The Party in Manhattan because Indigo asked about modern chypres and I had the opportunity to try it recently, and I just loved it. I described it as the crazy love child of Mitsouko and Jubilation 25, and if it really is all natural (is it?), that is truly amazing. But I do not own it. March 30, 2016 at 10:20am
Aurora: A modern chypre I’ve liked very much recently is the modern Balmain Ivoire. March 30, 2016 at 7:20am
Indigo: Oh, thanks for the tip. This is a recommendation I can check out immediately! Thanks so much. March 30, 2016 at 7:55am
Hamamelis: I recommend Hiram Green’s Shangri La for a modern chypre. Gorgeous. March 30, 2016 at 2:45pm
Indigo: This line seems so interesting. I think I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for testers… March 31, 2016 at 9:53am
Tati: All of your choices are among my favorites so I’ll add a couple that might work for you: Parfum des Merveilles, I prefer it to Elixir and the original Eau des Merveilles. Another that I love is Sisley Eau du Soir. March 31, 2016 at 4:00pm
Indigo: Thanks, Tati – I’ve wanted to try Parfum des Merveilles for so long but have never seen it anywhere. Is it available for general sale? March 31, 2016 at 4:07pm
Tati: I’ve seen the small silver locket size in department stores, but I bought a bottle through eBay for a good price. March 31, 2016 at 4:20pm
Morelle: La Panthère by Cartier is a very nice modern chypre. March 31, 2016 at 6:31pm
Indigo: Oh, judging by the comparisons made in reviews, this looks like one I should definitely check out. Thanks! April 1, 2016 at 12:03pm
SilverMoon: La Panthere is particularly beautiful in the middle part of its development. I don’t use mine often, but enjoy it when I do. And, the bottle is fantastic. April 2, 2016 at 2:40pm
Sofie: Hi everyone, a bit late to the party, but here I go… I ran out of my beloved Sycomore and can’t justify the cost of a new bottle atm. I was thinking of buying Encre Noire, I’ve only sniffed it once, but I think I can take a chance with this. It is a lot cheaper than Sycomore anf will hopefully satisfy my craving for now. I see now there’s an extreme version too. So, I’m wondering which one? Thoughts? March 29, 2016 at 9:07pm
Nina Z: Did you know you can buy smaller bottles of the exclusives from the Chanel web site? A 2.5 ounce bottle of Sycomore might not be that expensive compared to other perfumes of the same size. March 29, 2016 at 11:48pm
Sofie: Hi Nina, thank you for your reply. I was talking about the smallest size, still too expensive for me atm. And you can’t order the Exclusifs online outside the USA. Unless things have changed since last I checked… Proximity isn’t an issue though, my local David Jones carries the line. So if I really miss it I can go and spray in abandon 😉. March 31, 2016 at 9:29am
Indigo: I have not tried the extreme version but the regular Encre Noire is very good (especially for the price). It does lack a little of the softness of Sycomore but they are very similar and EN is a great, peppery vetiver. March 30, 2016 at 7:57am
Sofie: Hi Indigo, thank you, that is really helpful! I might go for the regular one and maybe see if I can score a sample of the Extreme with my purchase… March 31, 2016 at 9:32am
Jenny Katz: Hi Sofie! I have a comment farther up the page about my husband’s allergies requiring me to divest myself of much of my perfume collection. I have an unsprayed bottle of Encre Noir (regular), still in the box, that I was going to keep in a drawer for some future imaginary person but I could send to you, instead… email me if you like at jenny + katz + music (no spaces) at the g mail place. April 1, 2016 at 5:27pm
Sofie: Hi Jenny, that is amazing, thank you! I’ve actually been thinking about you and your husband…
I will email you shortly. April 3, 2016 at 12:26am
Jenny Katz: Hi Sofie, I haven’t heard from you! I have the Encre Noir all packed up for you… let me know if you want it! Hugs, Jenny April 6, 2016 at 5:36pm
Mariann: Also a bit late but just in case 🙂 Does anyone have recommendations for perfumes with a good geranium note? I have and enjoy JM Geranium & Verbena but its not quite right nor longlasting. March 30, 2016 at 2:31am
Austenfan: Malle Géranium pour Monsieur, and Parfums de Nicolaï l’Eau Chic both have a distinctive geranium note.
I’m not familiar with the Malone so I cannot comment as to how it differs from my 2 suggestions. March 30, 2016 at 9:18am
Mariann: I have my eye on the Malle already, but hadn’t heard of Eau Chic before, must try, thanks! March 30, 2016 at 5:45pm
Patricia: Another nice one is Geranium Odorata by Diptyque. March 30, 2016 at 5:18pm
Patricia: …and adding Rose Rebelle Respawn by A Lab on Fire. It starts out with ivy and mint, which are followed by a combination of rose and geranium, all wrapped up in cacao and incense. Be sure to try before you buy. 🙂 March 30, 2016 at 5:25pm
Mariann: That sounds lovely! I’ll see if one of the sample sites has it. Thanks! The Dipytique should be easy, one department store here as a good selection. March 30, 2016 at 5:47pm
Michael: Geranium Bourbon by Miller Harris. It has been discontinued though, but you may still be able to find it online. March 31, 2016 at 1:50am
Mariann: Thanks! I’ll check. April 1, 2016 at 5:23pm
Sharon: Arrrggggh! Another good one discontinued. I’ve loved fragrances with strong geranium since I was 18 and discovered Lanvin’s Spanish Geranium (long gone). I guess my bottle of Geranium Bourbon now becomes a collector’s item. April 2, 2016 at 12:40pm
Areej: Hello all!
Greetings from Malaysia. I purchased Chanel les exclusifs Beige this month and I am in love. I usually prefer warmer fragrances but it has been exceptionally hot here and I wanted something light and airy, but sophisticated at the same time. Would like some recommendations of fragrances with a similar character. Wishing you all a wonderful day!
PS I do not enjoy chypres, they turn oddly sour on my skin. March 30, 2016 at 12:33pm
Hamamelis: Hi Areej, you may want to try Amouage Journey Woman. It has a honey note as well, and it is radiant. Expensive but doable if you buy the travel set. It is my current favourite! March 30, 2016 at 2:57pm
mayfly: Oh yes, I agree! Journey woman is one of my top 3 spring favourites (thanks haemalaes!), and the honey note is absolutely swoon worthy! March 30, 2016 at 3:07pm
mayfly: Dam that auto correct!- Hamemelis, I beg you’re pardon! March 30, 2016 at 3:09pm
Hamamelis: What are the other 2 Mayfly? March 30, 2016 at 4:02pm
mayfly: The other 2 are No. 19 and L’Temp d’une Fete.
If it was a top 5 I would include malle’s Fleur de cassis & Iris Poudre. And after that, Jo Malone’s French Lime Blossom, I have a soft spot for this one, as it’s my oldest perfume bottle, I’ve had it for about 15 years, and Fille de Berlin, another recent love.
Sorry, this has turned into quite a big top 3!
What are you’re other spring favourites? March 31, 2016 at 3:56am
Hamamelis: We are very close, besides Journey, Ostara and Fleur de Cassie (I don’t have a FB, but a sample going a long way). Ofcourse 19 and Cristalle, but especially 19 I wear year round! March 31, 2016 at 11:40am
mayfly: We have similar taste in perfume I think. Cristalle is going to be my next purchase I think, and I haven’t tried Ostara, but have been really tempted to blind buy because of the good prices at the moment, and it sounds so lovely.
Im curious to know what you’re other favourites are now, will email u, to pick you’re brain further! March 31, 2016 at 3:15pm
mayfly: And tempted by Victoria’s wonderful review of course! March 31, 2016 at 3:17pm
Hamamelis: I sent you a mail! March 31, 2016 at 3:34pm
Areej: Thank you! Fortunately, it is available in Malaysia so I will definitely give it a go. March 30, 2016 at 8:15pm
mayfly: Hello Areej,
I would recommend Flora Nymphea from Guerlains Aqua Allegoria line.
I think it may have been discontinued, but you can still get it for a very reasonable price from eBay and some discount websites.
It is rather ethereal and airy, very lovely.
For another Frangipani perfume, I recommend Ormonde Jaynes Frangipani, although that’s an expensive niche one, and I don’t know what distribution is like, whether the line is available in Malaysia.
Tom Fords Fleur Portofino is apparently similar, but I haven’t tried that one, they are rather pricy tho.
Hope u find a good one! March 30, 2016 at 3:00pm
Areej: Thank you mayfly! Sadly, Ormande Jaynes isn’t available in Malaysia like many other wonderful niche brands. Couldn’t get my hands on Flora Nymphea, although I did get a chance to smell it. It was exactly as you described it. I am looking forward to trying the Tom Ford line which isn’t available here either. March 30, 2016 at 8:18pm
mayfly: Oh that’s a shame, if I think of others, I will add. Journey is so wonderful, it makes me feel really happy, and the silage and longevity really good. You’re in for a treat!, hope u get to try it soon. March 31, 2016 at 4:12am
Petunia: Areej, To the other excellent suggestions I would add L’Instant de Guerlain, a sweet white floral with a honey note. March 30, 2016 at 9:40pm
Tati: I’ll throw in Goutal’s Heure Exquise (thanks also Hamamelis!), a softer #19. March 31, 2016 at 4:10pm
Danielle: Hi everyone! I know I’m also a little to the board but I was wondering if anyone could recommend an orange blossom fragrance! I really love the Serge Lutens Fleur d’Orangers so I was looking for something similar! March 30, 2016 at 2:02pm
mayfly: Bottege venetta’s Knot is a beautiful orange blossom, Victoria posted a lovely review of it on here.
I also love Seville A L’Aube, but that one may be too sweet for u, I definitely recommend sampling it tho. March 30, 2016 at 3:04pm
Areej: I tried many orange blossom fragrances but Elie Saab Le Parfum is my absolute favorite. The honey gives it such an interesting and uplifting quality. Very sophisticated and actually a quality perfume with a unique character. March 30, 2016 at 8:20pm
Petunia: I suggest Hermes 24 Faubourg EDT which is a bit of an old school aldehydic orange blossom, very elegant. Also, Houbigant Orangers en Fleurs, a straight up sweet OB scent. March 30, 2016 at 10:06pm
marymary: I’m looking for a powdery fragrance. I like teint de neige but it’s outside my budget. I like the iris in no. 19 but find the overall fragrance too green. I like Chloe, Love but want a starchier powder. March 30, 2016 at 4:25pm
maja: There is an Italian house called L’Erbolario and their Iris is basically a dupe for Teint de Neige. With all the body products included. I don’t know where you live and if it’s available but it is really close to Teint. March 30, 2016 at 5:08pm
marymary: Cool, they have a shop in London. March 31, 2016 at 5:26am
Patricia: Perhaps you would like Chanel No. 19 Poudre? March 30, 2016 at 5:10pm
Areej: You might enjoy Prada’s infusion d’iris. The Absolue version is a little more balsamic and the original has a beautiful sparkling quality to it. It has been reformulated this year and the newer version is not as good. So, you should try to get a whiff of the pre 2015 bottles. Hope you find what you’re looking for! March 30, 2016 at 8:13pm
mayfly: Oh no!, sad to hear that infusion d’iris has been re formulated, what a shame, has the absolu as well?, haven’t tried it yet, but I know Robin loves it (at NST). March 31, 2016 at 4:02am
Nina Z: Loukoum and Loukoum Eau Poudree by Keiko Mecheri is VERY powdery, in a baby powder sort of way. March 30, 2016 at 10:55pm
mayfly: Have u tried Habanita?, it’s really powdery, I really love Lipstick Rose for cosmetic powder, Silver Iris, and Iris Poudre.
I’m looking forward to trying Love Chloe at some point.
Esprit Oscar de Renta is also powdery I think, and quite a bargain on eBay, I’m tempted to blind buy it, although trying not to! It sounds lovely from the notes.. March 31, 2016 at 4:09am
marymary: Victoria sent me a sample many moons ago. I got too much tobacco from it at the time but would like to try it again. March 31, 2016 at 5:27am
Sofie: I find N°19 Poudrée very soft and powdery. Still green, but not as sharp as the original. March 31, 2016 at 9:35am
Sofie: Oh, and maybe try Flower by Kenzo? Defenitely powder and I find it slightly starchy. March 31, 2016 at 9:38am
Ninon: I’m looking for something wistful and transporting. Favorite fragrances include Bois des Iles, Timbuktu, En Passant, Un Rose de Kandahar, Nasomatto Absinth. Any recommendations would be most appreciated! March 30, 2016 at 7:49pm
Indigo: Mm, I like your style, Ninon! I, too, always want something with a similar feel rather than similar notes, which makes it hard to get recommendations that are on the nail. So, here are a few suggestions for ‘wistful and transporting’:
Bottega Veneta EDP matches its brief pretty well of conjuring up an Italian farmhouse with a breeze blowing through the library. Cool enough to capture the wistful element, I think.
The Smell of Weather Turning (Lush) combines grass, chamomile, nettles and hay and does live up to its name. Very interesting scent.
Gris Clair… (Lutens) if you like lavender this is an aloof and ashy scent. It is cooling in hot weather.
Après l’Ondée is an obvious choice I’m sure you’ll have checked out already. Lolita Lempicka is a more fun interpretation of similar notes. I find it green enough to still whisk me away.
Hope some of these strike a chord. Good luck and report back. I’d be interested to try anything you find too. March 31, 2016 at 10:07am
Ninon: Thank you so much for the wonderful suggestions! I will be sure to report back 🙂 March 31, 2016 at 10:38am
limegreen: How about Lutens De Profundis? Some say it’s mournful but I think it’s wistful. Maybe a matter of semantics!
It’s the latest of the Palais Royal line available in the Tout Noir Black Vaporizer. March 31, 2016 at 3:09pm
Ninon: Thank you! I have wondered about De Profundis for ages. April 1, 2016 at 1:16pm
crikey: a small warning: de profundis has been through a major reformulation, and is now very heavy on the laundry/white musks side of things. April 8, 2016 at 9:58am
Old Herbaceous: I have been curious about some of the Novaya Zarya perfumes, like their Muguet Argente, but haven’t found reviews of them. Has anyone here tried Muguet Argente? Or any of the perfumes by another Russian company, Brocard? They make a LOTV also, which is one of my favorite notes and soliflores. March 30, 2016 at 8:53pm
Sharon: How do you know if a perfume has gone bad? I just bought a mini splash bottle of Neonatura Cocoon Yves Rocher. It’s been two hours since I put it on, and I am finally getting the delicious chocolate and patchouli everyone raves about over on Fragrantica, but the perfume opened with a strange resinous smell. Help? Pleae??? March 30, 2016 at 9:47pm
Nina Z: Often when a perfume goes bad, it is just the top notes that go off. So the opening isn’t intact. But eventually–as you experienced–the base notes in the dry down are still good. So it sounds to me like your perfume might have gone off (I’m not familiar with what the opening should smell like), but if you like the dry down you actually can still wear it, if you like. March 31, 2016 at 10:37am
Sharon: Thank you, Nina! March 31, 2016 at 11:43am
Raquel: Has anyone already tried the new TM Angel Muse? I know many people don’t like Angel but I love it! Thank you for any comment. March 31, 2016 at 8:50am
Sharon: I am desperately searching for a fragrance that I both like and that “stays” on my skin. I literally own 50 bottles of fragrance, none of which work on me. I love powdery drydowns; gardenia; some vanillas; and and musk. I wore Molinard’s Habinita for several years and then found success with YSL’s Paris, which smelled incredible on me at the time. I tried Paris again recently and found it unbearable as well as unwearable. Chanel’s Gardenia doesn’t work; neither does Creed’s Sublime Vanille, although I love the orange blossom with the vanilla. I’ve even tried Tova Borgnine’s Tova (bergamot, lavender, jasmine and musk) but I might as well have been spraying myself with water. A few of Frederic Malle’s fragrances appeal to me but disappear immediately (Musc Ravagateur; L’eau d”Hiver; Magnolia). The ones I don’t
like (eg Lipstick Rose, Une Rose) have to be scrubbed off. You name the brand, I’ve tried at least one of its fragrances, including Untitled and Golconda by JAR). I suppose the answer to my problem would begin with an oil-based fragrance. Please, some suggestions. I live in Manhattan and have access to just about everything but obviously need direction. April 1, 2016 at 5:08pm
limegreen: Hi Sharon — do like Musc Ravageur enough to try the body butter? The Malle body products are superior to most perfumed ones, and the body butter with high concentration of perfume oil, is especially well done, the texture and creaminess, and melts into the skin. Try it at the Malle boutique where the tester will be fresh. I wear the body butters on its own or layer with another fragrance, I suppose you could layer MR and see if that lasts. I have tested MR and the body butter was longlasting, too much so! (I wear Une Rose and Dans tes Bras in the bb.) A jar costs almost as much as a bottle but it’s worth it, if you think of it as a fragrance, not lotion.
Some oil based fragrances become skin scents, less sillage, but can last. I tested April Aromatics and puredistance, and they are nice but not much projection. I love white florals and gardenia among them, so try Opardu, very longlasting on me, as opposed to the others in the puredistance discovery set.
Not oil based but the fabulous Dominique Ropion has a gardenia fragrance in the IFF Secret Smelling kit (from Luckyscent) and it’s beautiful and longlasting, not too indolic, or bleu cheese, which I got from Boutonniere no. 7. It’s like a personal fragrance of Ropion’s Gardenia la nuit for Malle’s home fragrance line.
If you are desperate enough for a perfume that will last, take the plunge for Clive Christian, a tiny test spritz when I was at the CC counter, wow, on my wrist it lasted into the next morning. Saks has the discovery sets but you’re in NY so you could probably find it in more places. I think CC is superior to Creed, and the perfume concentration seems greater, it feels like extrait strength but projects nicely.
(I really liked the “C” For women, in the newer line, but some of the classics were ok, depends on what you like. C had nice development , not linear, but floral leaning.
Good luck! April 2, 2016 at 11:49am
Surbhi: L left a great impression on me as well. I just smelled it once and so looking forward to try it again. April 2, 2016 at 12:14pm
limegreen: Yes, “L” is also very beautiful! April 2, 2016 at 3:30pm
Sharon: Dear limegreen, thanks so much for your suggestions. I have actually been thinking about buying the IFF Secret Smelling Kit from luckyscent since I received their email and it’s nice to know that someone else thinks it’s worth a try. CC never worked for me but I’ll try again as I’m lucky enough to be able to get samples (confessions of a fragrance addict). The JAR representative told me that the true essence of gardenia comes from dying blooms. Much money later all I smell like is dead flowers. You’ve certainly given me some great ideas and I’m most appreciative. If anything else comes to mind, please write again. April 2, 2016 at 1:56pm
limegreen: Hi Sharon — that’s great you can get samples of CC. Honestly, I didn’t care for the original line (1872, Infinity and something else) and would have walked away but then I got to smell C,L,V, and they were much more interesting. I’m sorry to hear that even the strength of CC doesn’t work for your skin (or did you not like the scents?).
I assume you’ve tried some of the Lutens? (Ambre Sultan, relative of vanilla!) It’s not quite gardenia, but the tuberose in Cedre is beautiful. I think of Cedre as the stepchild in the line, given the wrong name and overwhelmed by the great shadow cast by Tubereuse Criminelle! I have to apply Cedre and L’Orpheline (cloudlike incense/patchouli) with a light hand, and even then, lasts and lasts.
As for the IFF kit, they had me at Dominique Ropion Gardenia! Apparently Ropion experimented with something to tease out the gardenia.
btw, re: the JAR SA’s comment: I’m pretty sure gardenia perfume is not derived from the flower, dying or otherwise!, as there is no gardenia essence, that gardenia has to be created using other flower essences (jasmine) and synthetic molecules. (I love Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Petale, but this would be too light for you, probably.)
I’ve been testing the set “blind” and reading about each afterwards. Kind of fun. Started with the Ropion (of course), but otherwise am progressing alphabetically by perfumer’s name. It’s how they have it organized in the box. So far, I’m only one-third or so through, each fragrance has been remarkably potent as far as sillage and longevity. One of them is a citrus woody and I was stunned at the longevity of the citrus notes, as I am used to having citrus topnotes float off. If you do get it, would love to hear how you fare, which ones you found interesting, etc.
(since you asked for other suggestions — one thought I had was hydration. I was told this by a SA, that hydration helps with longevity of the fragrance. Wonder if you drinks loads of water and pump up the electrolytes if that would help a bit with your skin chemistry to help hold a scent. 🙂 ) April 2, 2016 at 3:30pm
Nina Z: There is this unusual but reliable web site Universal Perfumes and Cosmetics that has “generic oils” for many perfumes, including high end ones. See: http://universalperfumesandcosmetics.com/generic-oil-perfums I’m not sure what the deal with those is, though. Has anyone tried them?
I also like the suggestion of buying the body lotion or cream to layer with a fragrance. Chanel has one that is supposed to enhance all their perfumes! April 2, 2016 at 12:08pm
Sharon: Dear Nina Z, many thanks for your response. I recall trying one or two Universal oils years ago although I can’t remember which ones and I never placed another order from the company. That leads me to believe I didn’t care for the products because if I like something I tend to buy it over and over, even if it’s not exactly what I’m looking for. I’m big on layering so I’ll add a few new body products to my regimen. Thanks again! April 2, 2016 at 2:07pm
Surbhi: Is your skin on drier side? If so try a fragrance free moisturizer and then apply your perfume. Also any fragrance you wear your nose probably won’t smell it all the time after 30 mins as it gets used to the smell. Here and there one catches the sniff of own fragrance. I also think the fragrance disappear quickly if I work out , run around etc as the body temperature increases. Musc ravageur is one of those scent that stays on me whole day which is rare. April 2, 2016 at 12:09pm
katherine X: Sharon I too have a hard time finding scents with staying power and sillage. A few that have good sillage and staying power for me are: Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Petale (I find it to have quite a bit of presence), Fracas, Carnal Flower, Neela Vermeire’s Mohur (rose) and Trayee, Cartier L’Heure scents -Trezieme, Folle, Fougouse (sp). Note that FM’s Eau de Magnolia lasts on me so I’m not sure our skins are alike. Best of luck. Lucky you in NYC with the world of scent at your wrists! April 2, 2016 at 5:21pm
katherine X: Sharon, if you find a long lasting perfume with powdery dry-down. Let us know about it please. April 2, 2016 at 5:25pm
Sharon: Dear Surbhi, yes I have dry skin. I’ve always layered but it doesn’t seem to make much difference with anything but Paris which I just can’t wear anymore. I’ve begun to wonder if YSL changed the formula because an old bottle of eau de parfum smells better than a new bottle of eau de toilette, which is about all you can buy now. L’Artisan and Octee used to make rose based fragrances with wonderful powdery dry downs but they’re no longer available. These days I’m given to layering three or four similar fragrances, all vanilla: Serge Lutens Bois de Vanilla, Creed’s Sublime Vanilla, Jo Malone’s intense (and discontinued) Rosewater and Vanilla, and Tom Ford’s Suede Musc. I’m exhausted by the time I leave the house. Thanks again! April 2, 2016 at 2:13pm
Surbhi: A SA at niemen marcus told me that in the past EDT and EDP used to be same perfumes with different concentration of oils but it is not the case anymore. She said they are two different fragrances now. She made me do a blind test of Tom Ford’s vetiver grey EDT and EDP. EDT smelled like lemon (citrusy) and EDP was greener. I Don’t know how true is that and if it holds for every fragrance or not.
Also CF has stayed on me through a dip in ocean. April 2, 2016 at 8:06pm
Lena: Hi!
I have been searching for a summer perfume. I love spicy, woody scents that are still a bit feminine. In winter, I have worn a lot of Comme Des Garcons Kyoto and L’Artisan Patchouli Patch. These perfumes are perfect with my skin chemistry. I used to like L’Eau de Artisan for its herbal greenness, but something in (something slightly aqueous/melony) can give me headaches! I also used Puig’s Agua Lavande as a summer splash (a bit too artificial&oakmossy).
I want to find something for summer – light, dry, herbal, green, and spicy. I’m not crazy about citrus. Does anyone have ideas/suggestions?
Thank you!! April 2, 2016 at 8:15pm
kayliz: Hi Lena,
Just seen your post… you’re describing my summer staple, Mandragore Pourpre by Annick Goutal. Do try it — I hope it works for you! April 3, 2016 at 6:24am
Lena: Thanks! I will look for it! April 4, 2016 at 11:06am
Jean: I really like Serge Lutens La Fille De Berlin. Also Amouage Lyric and Lubin Black Jade. Are there other fragrances along these lines that I should sample?
I didn’t like the funk in Amouage Jubilation 25. April 14, 2016 at 9:51am
Victoria: Agent Provocateur Eau de Parfum, Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady, Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme (for a lighter, sheerer version). April 15, 2016 at 4:21am
Jean: Thank you Victoria! I have a sample of Agent Provocateur; I like it, but associate it with their sexy under garments. I suppose I could think of it as “my little secret.”
I’m eager to try the other two you recommend. POL seams to be quite popular! April 15, 2016 at 8:00am
Jean: Wow! Portrait of a Lady is big! I tried one little spray on my wrist and it lasted about 24 hours. It was very slow to dry down, but what a beautiful dry-down it was!
Rose Anonyme was lovely and multi-faceted.
I’m not sure I will ever buy a full bottle of perfume since I am having so much fun with decants. April 26, 2016 at 11:34am
Karen: Hello all! Im turning to my nose to both Jasmine and Gardenia this Spring (after smelling both in abudance on a recent trip to Marrakech)
Id looking for high quality, not too heady…..
All ideas much appreciated, thank you! 🙂 xx April 17, 2016 at 10:38am
Aurora: Hello Karen: How lovely that you found inspiration during your trip.
For gardenia: try Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Petal, it is a light gardenia, not too heady and Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage, a mix of jasmine and gardenia (on my skin more jasmine than gardenia).
For jasmine: perhaps Acqua di Parma Acqua Nobile Gesolmino it is a blend of citrus and jasmine very pleasant in summer, not to confuse with the AdP Gelsomino Nobile which is stronger. Annick Goutal Songes is also a very good jasmine as are Serge Lutens A la Nuit and Sarrasins and my personal favorite Donna Karan Essence Jasmine but they might be too heady for you. April 17, 2016 at 1:09pm
Karen: Thank you everyone, time to flex the credit card…..all in the name of research of course 😉 xx May 5, 2016 at 3:33am
Sarah Elizabeth: Hello Everyone!
I am getting married at the end of June this summer and would like to purchase a new perfume. I have worn Flora by Gucci since I was 19 (I’m 26 now). Over the years I’ve layered it with jasmine/rose/lotus/sandalwood oils (not all at once). As much as I enjoy it I’m looking for something that’s got more depth. When I was in school to become a nurse I used to work in Fragrances at a department store. Smelling all those fragrances has made me bored of a lot of scents.
I almost bought Cafe Rose by Tom Ford. I liked the contrast of floral with spice/incense, but something told me to keep looking. I was interested in smelling Jasmin Angelique by Atelier and Rodin.
I love being in my garden, I have two Jasmine plants, a gardenia, and roses that I love to care for and smell. I also love the smell of the damp earth in the morning and nag champa incense. It’s been so long that I’ve looked for a perfume that those are my best references to
my taste.
Any help would be great, thanks! April 17, 2016 at 7:21pm
Surbhi: Congratulations and best wishes !
I was wondering if you have tried le file de berlin ? POL is another great rose with LOT of depth but its such a strong scent that I would be very very careful with it.
Are you looking for any other white floral / floral recommendation or just jasmine ? April 18, 2016 at 3:10am
Sarah Elizabeth: Surbhi, I have not tried la fille de berlin or POL, both sound very interesting. I’ll have to take a trip to Barney’s in Philadelphia to try them both.
I’m open to any other white floral/floral fragrance. I was so lost in the department stores, this is a big help, Thanks! April 18, 2016 at 9:20am
Surbhi: If you are going to Barney’s then I will suggest few other scents to you:
1) A la nuit – mostly jasmine.
2) Serge lutens have another jasmine scent but it is only in their bell jar packaging. I am not sure if all Barney’s carry that. I liked it better than A la nuit. New york Barney’s carry them.
3) Fracas – Tuberose and sandalwood heaven if you like these notes
4) Carnal flower – Another tuberose with lots of green and hint of coconut .. I would do it only if the weather is really warm.
5) Ostara – This one is a floral dessert. Nice subtle daffodil and some light floral with a hint of some spices. Almost makes me feel like it should be food.
6) Le labo jasmine is a lovely jasmine but I don’t see it as a special occasion scent. You like Jasmine so I thought I will mention that. April 18, 2016 at 10:38am
Sarah Elizabeth: Thanks for the suggestions I will let you know what I end up with! April 18, 2016 at 10:26pm
Aurora: Congratulations! How exciting. I’ll add also, based on what you list, Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere it is very lovely with jasmine and a sandalwood base, it always make me think of a wedding. I’ve made some gardenia and jasmine recommendations to Karen above, I hope you will find your perfect fragrance. April 18, 2016 at 4:06am
Aurora: Also you list Tom Ford Café Rose. Have you tried Jasmin Rouge? Although it is not gardenia or jasmine but I just thought I would list my most complimented perfume: Cartier Baiser Vole eau de toilette, it’s a green lily, perhaps you’ll like it. April 18, 2016 at 5:58am
Sarah Elizabeth: Aurora, thanks for your suggestions!
I forgot about Eau Premier! I remember loving the smell when I worked at the fragrance counters, but being intimidated as a teenager to wear it. Nowadays, I think I would enjoy it. I’ll also have to give Cartier a try.
I read your other suggestions to Karen, I’ve been intrigued with Serge Lutens A La Nuit, and Surbhi has suggested La Fille De Berlin. When I googled Serge Lutens I saw all those wonderful Shishiedo ads with the women in white makeup. My grandmother was a hairdresser/beautician in the 80s and she had a couple of those photos framed in her bathroom and I was fascinated with them.
I did try Jasmin Rouge , and although I don’t mind splurging for this occasion, I didn’t feel that is was a special enough of a scent to pay 200 dollars. April 18, 2016 at 10:02am
Aurora: Oh, so you already have associations with Serge Lutens in that lovely memory at your grandmother’s place. The other Lutens with jasmine Surbhi is thinking about is Sarrasins which I had recommended for Karen. Eau Premiere is worth revisiting but above all have fun and let your nose guide you, perhaps you will find a different perfume altogether to fall in love with but I was so glad to help a little and do let us know what you’ve chosen in the April thread or later, I’m really interested April 18, 2016 at 3:14pm
Sarah Elizabeth: I will thanks! April 18, 2016 at 10:25pm