Happy 4th of July to my American readers! We have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread this week. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations.
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
331 Comments
Wendyr: I love Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze: Teint De Neige. The soft powdery Rose is wonderful in summer. Just a pretty feminine scent. I know “powdery” is a difficult genre. It has a very vintage feel without being too baby powder, if that makes sense. Fredric Malle Lipstick Rose has that same feel to me. Any suggestions? July 4, 2016 at 8:48am
Briony hey: I too love Teint de Neige. To me it smells just like Johnson’s Baby Powder which I’ve always thought would make a lovely perfume. The only other scent I’ve come across that has that powdery feel (although it smells very different) is the original Agent Provocateur. July 4, 2016 at 10:03am
Wendyr: Thank you! July 4, 2016 at 5:02pm
spe: Flower by Kenzo smells of modern powder to me – delightful. July 4, 2016 at 10:15am
Wendyr: Thank you for your help! July 4, 2016 at 5:03pm
Sofie: Agree with this one. It smells powdery and fresh at the same time. July 5, 2016 at 10:22am
Sylvia: Have you tried Eau Claire des Merveilles by Hermes. It seemed powdery to me. I found it at our local Sephora. Good hunting! July 4, 2016 at 10:20am
Danaki: Etat Libre d’Orange Putain des Palaces is a great powder hit and similar to Lipstick Rose in some notes, but less ‘refined’ if you compare it. There is a roundedness and finish on Lipstick Rose which the ELDO does not have. But I love it when I fancy a powdery perfume. July 4, 2016 at 12:22pm
Wendyr: I agree! Fun to wear once in a while and very different. I am going to order decants of all suggested. Looks like I will be eating lots of low cost noodles, but I will smell terrific! July 4, 2016 at 5:26pm
C. Brown: But you do know that the name means Orange Free State Palaces’ Whore, though, right? July 7, 2016 at 12:34am
Wendyr: I did find out the translation🙃 Not sure I want to smell like that! July 9, 2016 at 5:23pm
Karen A: Just ignore goofy (or offensive) names and let the fragrance stand on its merits. Tart’s Knicker Drawer is an odd name, but a nice floral. July 10, 2016 at 2:47pm
Marie: Maybe you’ll like Iris Poudre by Frederic Malle as well? It has a similar clean floral powdery vibe but is also great in summer 😉 July 4, 2016 at 1:30pm
Wendyr: I have Iris Poudre, I love it, but a little heavy on me in summer. Thanks for your suggestion. July 4, 2016 at 5:08pm
marini: The ultimate, there are two, powder scents for me, esp. the Johnson’s Baby Powder scent are: Habanita, which is basically vetiver and vanilla, and not expensive, and comes in a cool, black bottle, and, on the other end of the $$ spectrum, is Amouage Gold Man. Like a sheik’s personally-created baby powder for his princely son’s delicate buttocks. July 4, 2016 at 1:45pm
Wendyr: Oh my, quite a description. Have to get a decant now! July 4, 2016 at 5:05pm
elisa p: I also like the L’Esprit version of Habanita, which is less dense and more floral and more hot weather friendly. July 6, 2016 at 6:22pm
Phyllis Iervello: I love Teint De Neige as well. Lipstick Rose is good too. Chanel Misia has the same kind of powdery vibe. July 4, 2016 at 4:59pm
Wendyr: Forgot about Misia. I will try. I am hopeless when it comes to perfume🙃 July 4, 2016 at 5:08pm
Phyllis Iervello: Misia is very lovely. I think you will like it. July 4, 2016 at 5:15pm
heather h: Why? If you are looking for powdery and rose,violet you cannot do better than Chanel. Honestly my five year old son hated Misia on me. But then again I am a nursing mother so my hormones are out of whack.How about Annick Goutal Heure Exquise! July 6, 2016 at 1:36am
Cybele: maybe Narciso Poudree July 4, 2016 at 5:24pm
Wendyr: Hmm, never smelled that one. I have quite a great list! Thank you. July 4, 2016 at 5:27pm
Sylviane: I would suggest Dama Bianca by Xerjoff …..a very powdery white flowers bouquet. July 5, 2016 at 4:43am
Nora Szekely: I adore L’heure Bleue by Guerlain, I have the current EDT version and it is powdery on me. July 5, 2016 at 7:38am
Aurora: Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue is very powdery to me. July 5, 2016 at 7:42am
Aurora: Also, Esprit d’Oscar for a powdery, budget conscious fragrance. July 5, 2016 at 12:37pm
Nora Szekely: Oh, I love it, I wore it with my white cotton and lace dress and felt like a lady from the 19th century going to a tea party in a luscious garden. July 7, 2016 at 4:57am
Aurora: Such a good description, Nora. July 7, 2016 at 5:40am
Glannys: I would suggest Pierre Balmain Ivoire (the modern version). It is less floral and less vintage than Lipstick Rose (I have not tried Teint de Neige), but it is a pretty, light and powdery scent. July 5, 2016 at 10:11am
Karen A: Several years ago I blind-bought Signature by St DuPont because….I liked the box. Turns out it was created by Bertrand Duchaufour (creator of many extraordinary scents including those of Neela Vermeire and L’Artisan Perfumeur) and is a lovely, feminine, powdery floral perfect in summertime and hits all the aspects you are looking for.
Plus, I just saw it for $6.00 (!!!!) on one of the perfume discount sites, so even if it turns out to be something you use for layering, a bottle can be had for the price of two samples. July 5, 2016 at 11:34am
Aurora: Thank you very much for the info, Karen. July 5, 2016 at 12:38pm
Wendyr: Thanks! I checked out perfume sites and for the price, it certainly is worth trying blind. I will let you know! July 5, 2016 at 3:51pm
Karen A: Very fun! Yes, keep us posted. July 5, 2016 at 8:01pm
Aurora: Oh, yes, please, let us know what you ended liking best! July 6, 2016 at 10:05am
heather h: Chanel Misia!!! July 6, 2016 at 1:27am
elisa p: Some powdery florals I like are Kenzo Amour, Carner Barcelona Tardes (may be love and wearing it now), and Huitiem Arte Poudre de Riz. None are outrageously powdery, which is how I like my powder.
Then there’s Ombre Rose, which is too powdery for moi. July 6, 2016 at 6:28pm
Nina: Lumière Blanche and L’eau d’Hiver have the same “white” feeling i think and not too much powder. Anais Anais is pretty, too. July 9, 2016 at 7:00am
kpaint: Ombre Rose by Jean Charles Brosseau is a powdery rose with a vintage feel. July 9, 2016 at 4:50pm
kpaint: I’ve also been enjoying YSL Paris this summer, which I hadn’t worn for about 15 years, and I love the elegant powder in the drydown. July 9, 2016 at 4:55pm
Jessicarus: Have you tried Atkinson’s Love in Idleness? It has a similar vibe to Lipstick Rose and is about as powdery. July 15, 2016 at 12:44pm
Wendyr: Never heard of it. I will try to find. Thanks! July 15, 2016 at 1:39pm
heather h: Hello everyone,
I am having difficulty choosing a summer perfume this year.I am looking for a beautiful floral,summer,happy perfume that lasts. Any suggestions?Thank you in advance.Happy Fourth! July 4, 2016 at 9:28am
Karen A: Lys Mediterranee by Malle is a beauty and lasts. Fleur de Chine, although discontinued can still be found. It, too, is beautiful and works in summer. Do you like roses or Jasmin? If so, can give you some suggestions with those notes. July 4, 2016 at 9:59am
Sylvia: Have you tried Terracotta by Gurlaine. Bergdorff’s and Neiman’s carries it. Beautiful summer perfume that wears well three seasons for me-Vacation in a bottle :). July 4, 2016 at 10:07am
Mel: I agree – Lys Mediterranee is a knockout but especially for spring and summer July 4, 2016 at 3:49pm
JoDee: I second Lys Mediteranee! It is a beautiful and summery floral. July 4, 2016 at 7:42pm
Notturno7: Yes, Karen A, I agree with Lys M and Fleur de Chine. Both are gorgeous 😍
Does anyone know if Fleur de Chine can be found on sale?
Someone mentioned that Nordstrom had it on sale when they discontinued it but the SA in the store close to me, said they don’t do that. Maybe different stores have different policy.. I’m going to go put some on right now.
I have two bottles but like it so much that I’m worried I won’t be able to find it in few years if I don’t buy it now. Isn’t that crazy? For me, it always hits the spot. July 5, 2016 at 4:22am
spe: California Reverie by Van Cleef and Arpels is my summer fragrance this year. It is a light, refreshing tuberose that lasts. July 4, 2016 at 10:16am
JoDee: I second California Reverie as well. I agree on the lightness. I love wearing it when I’m running errands around town. July 4, 2016 at 7:43pm
Cathy B.: Hi Heather…I’ve been loving Dame Perfumery fragrances. For summer, I really like his Soliflore collection. His gardenia is incredible, and I love to mix it with the honeysuckle and osmanthus. Also, his bergamot, jasmine, labdanum single fragrance has me smelling my wrist all day! Love, love, love Dark Horse and Black Flower Mexican Vanilla. Jeffrey Dame is an incredibly kind and generous man!! July 4, 2016 at 11:11am
Phyllis Iervello: I completely agree with you about Jeffrey Dame! July 4, 2016 at 5:01pm
Neva: Hi Heather h, as I saw the word “happy” in your post I thought of Clinique’s Happy. Do you know it? It’s really what you described and I can warmly recommend it. July 5, 2016 at 3:13am
Aurora: Perhaps Jour d’Hermes or Jour Absolu, they have a ‘happy’ grapefruit opening and last well. Also Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum is a terrific white flower scent for summer. July 5, 2016 at 7:45am
Stephanie: Ohh, all these suggestions are beautiful. Lys Mediterranee is just sublime – think hot summer holiday on a Greek island! For me, Californian Reverie brings me back to my youth – the sweetness of jasmine with a hint of tea reminds me of my family celebrations and gatherings. Honour by Amouage is another one of my all time summertime favourites. I normally can’t wear tuberose but this one is subtle and extremely feminine. July 6, 2016 at 1:05pm
Michelle Peek: Chanel Beige is lovely . July 7, 2016 at 1:31pm
heather h: Thank you for your suggestions. Funny I have some of these perfumes,and never thought of them as summer perfumes.I cannot wait to wear and enjoy them!!! July 8, 2016 at 1:01am
Nina: I find Seville a l’Aube very happy and summery. The neroli and beeswax/honey note last about 6-8 hrs on me. July 9, 2016 at 7:06am
kpaint: I just bought a bottle of Narciso EDT to wear this summer. It’s lighthearted and feminine, and very very pretty.
Cartier Baiser Volé (I like the EDP) and L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons might also fit the bill. July 9, 2016 at 5:05pm
Michael: How about Chanel No 22 and 1932? The former is a sparkling floral and I adore the peach note in the latter but the vetiver note in the dry down is a bit too pungent for my tastes. July 13, 2016 at 4:05am
Megan Radford: Miss Dior Brume Soyeuse! Such a good price point, and lasts longer that Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. I also love Jo Malone Orange Blossom- it’s the brightest, happiest floral I’ve ever smelled! July 15, 2016 at 4:34pm
Sylvia: I just ran out of Estee’s private collection Tuberose and Gardenia. I love the green freshness and flowers. It goes anywhere and isn’t a silage bomb- but it lasts. It’s reasonably priced. I know I could just buy another bottle 😀 but I’d like to try something similar but new for me! What say you? Thoughts? July 4, 2016 at 10:04am
spe: Gardenia Jour d’ Hermes? July 4, 2016 at 10:19am
Sylvia: Thank you for the suggestion spe! I think my chemistry must be off for that one. I tried and it disappeared quickly on my skin. 🙁 it also didn’t smell like any particular flower on me while it did last. Very disappointing as it’s pretty accessible. July 4, 2016 at 10:26am
spe: Chanel’s Gardenia? Pretty and green. Not sure about the lasting power. Oh, and the Van Cleef and Arpels Gardenia Petales – that’s a lovely one. July 4, 2016 at 10:32am
Karen A: Seconding Gardenia Petale, it’s stunning! July 5, 2016 at 11:35am
Sylvia: Thank you for that recommendation! Gives me an excuse to send in a sample order ;). July 5, 2016 at 12:08pm
Wendyr: How about Aerin Gardenia Rattan. Somewhat similar with a cool summer vibe. July 4, 2016 at 10:22am
Sylvia: I haven’t tried that one. I’ll go look for samples thanks Wendyr! July 4, 2016 at 10:27am
Tiamaria: Hi Sylvia,
The first thing that came to mind for me was Carnal Flower. Not exactly a quiet scent, or reasonably priced but a beautiful green opening and just intoxicating. July 4, 2016 at 1:07pm
marini: I second this emotion! July 4, 2016 at 5:34pm
Malmaison: Thirding Carnal Flower – it was my immediate thought. July 5, 2016 at 12:50am
Notturno7: Hi Sylvia, I love Estée’s Tuberose Gardenia. I have the perfume and the body cream which is amazing.
For tuberose scents, I use Fracas and Songes, I love them both for summer. They are strong but last long and you don’t have to spray much. July 5, 2016 at 4:30am
Aurora: Seconding Gardenia Petale, also there is Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion but I find it too dense for summer while Un Matin d’Orage a gardenia/jasmine scent (gardenia on top and a lot about the jasmine in the dry down) is light and perfect for summer, but maybe too light for you? It’s very pretty though. July 5, 2016 at 9:42am
Sylvia: You all are amazing. Thank you all for those great ideas! I’ve always wanted to try Carnal Flower. And the notes for Matin d’Orage and Gardenia Petale sound heavenly. I’m off to make a sample order. I’ll let you know how it goes. July 5, 2016 at 12:11pm
Megan Radford: Pacifica Tahitian Gardenia- one of the most beautiful gardenia scents around, all natural, and an incredible price.
Tocca Florence- another beautiful, creamy gardenia.
Chanel Gardenia- sophisticated, sultry and lovely. July 15, 2016 at 4:35pm
Stephy: My favorite tuberose is Diptyque Do Son. One thing I really love about Diptyque scents is that instead of focusing on what the distilled oils smell like in perfume and working the fragrance around it, they pay a lot of attention to what the note smells like in nature. It’s something I respect a lot about their overall aesthetic. August 1, 2016 at 10:27pm
spe: I would very much like to know your recommendations for a dark, non-rose predominant floral without sweetness or patchouli. Thank you and Happy Fourth of July for the Americans! July 4, 2016 at 10:29am
Mara: Dear spe,
Have you tried “La Pluie” (“The Rain”) by Miller Harris?
Floral accent predominates; it’s like a floral concentrate when you smell it from the bottle -no sweetness, a kind of bitterness rather, may be due to the underlying citrus accents. There is also lots of balm in the dry down, and wood. I find it very sensual but in an unexpected, highly sophisticated manner.
Check it out here: https://www.millerharris.com/la-pluie-eau-de-parfum-50ml.html.
You may also find plenty of reviews about it in the internet. July 4, 2016 at 10:56am
Cornelia Blimber: That’s difficult, Spe! Maybe Poison? Dominant tuberose, no patchouli, balsamic but not sweet. July 4, 2016 at 12:19pm
spe: Pure Poison is a staple for me (work fragrance). I’ll give Poison a try this week – haven’t smelled it for years! July 5, 2016 at 9:37am
SublimiSomnium: Also try Estee Lauder Sensuous Noir – it has a great plum note, and is a well blended spicy floral. July 6, 2016 at 10:38am
elisa p: If you like Poison, you might like Parfums de Nicolai Odalisque. It’s a pretty opulent floral, on the sweeter side. But I find Poison to be too sweet for me to wear, so YMMV. July 6, 2016 at 8:25pm
spe: I had this. It is beautiful but felt too opaque with my chemistry. July 9, 2016 at 10:31am
JoDee: This one sounds delightful! July 4, 2016 at 7:45pm
spe: In the Miller Harris line, I’ve only tried Jasmine Verte, which is beautiful. I’ll read more on La Pluie. Thank you. July 5, 2016 at 9:35am
Danaki: Have you tried Jardins D’Ecrivain’s George? It is inspired by George Sand, the French author, and the perfume is chocolate-y (so it isn’t patchouli in the traditional sense though it might be there), a good dose of leather and myrrh with a heart of tuberose. You need to try it – it’s probably best for cool autumn or winter though.
I wouldn’t say it is sweet either though a lot of people find it to be so. July 4, 2016 at 12:27pm
spe: MPG had a “George Sand.” Thank you for bringing my attention to this line. It sounds lovely! July 5, 2016 at 9:40am
Tiamaria: Hi Spe,
Have you tried Blanche Immortelle from Atelier Cologne? I find it a dark boozy fragrance with no rose as far as I know. July 4, 2016 at 1:38pm
rainboweyes: L’Etre Aime by Parfums Divine is a beautiful blend of immortelle, jasmine and lily. Definitely worth trying! July 4, 2016 at 4:11pm
spe: Have not smelled this one from Divine. Thank you! July 5, 2016 at 9:43am
elisa p: That’s a pretty one! July 6, 2016 at 5:52pm
spe: Have not tried, but Sephora carries it – easy to sample. Thank you for the suggestion! July 5, 2016 at 9:42am
marini: Have you tried Maai by Bogue? DARK, big, old fashioned chypre. No patchouli that I know of, but plenty of indolic underpants that only an old school chypre can sport. Beautiful.
Also, Beloved by Amouage. Complex and stunning. July 4, 2016 at 5:38pm
spe: Thank you for the great suggestions – ordering decants! July 5, 2016 at 1:20am
Notturno7: Hi Spe, did you try Private Collection. It’s more floral chypre but it isn’t sweet and it feels rather classy and polished to me. July 5, 2016 at 4:43am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Spe, I was still thinking of your interesting question….what about La Panthère by Cartier? One of those ”modern chypres” patchouli-based, but the patchouli note is dominated by a strong gardenia. It is certainly dark, not sweet at all. Maybe it could please your nose. July 5, 2016 at 6:07am
Karen A: I thought of La Panthére right away, too. July 5, 2016 at 8:15am
spe: The florals were muted with my chemistry, but I don’t remember which formulation I tried. It sounds worth sampling again with attention to the concentration. Thank you! July 5, 2016 at 9:56am
spe: Theoretically PC should be my signature fragrance as I love green florals. However, I put it on and it develops into a musty, dusty scent on me. No florals or green. Just flat. I’ve tried a handful of times and I get the same result, unfortunately. July 5, 2016 at 9:50am
Notturno7: Hi Spe,
That’s too bad😐. Another thought -First by Van Cleef Arpels. It’s so rich and floral chypre, too. July 5, 2016 at 2:48pm
spe: Ha! My Mom’s fragrance. I love it! But it’s hers. The closest I’ve found is 1932 (per Victoria), which is exquisite on me. I’m lookup for a work alternative as I don’t wish to taint any of my favorites with this environment. That’s the dilemma. Wearing something “good enough” and that I’m willing to give up once the ugly situation is finished. July 5, 2016 at 7:33pm
Aurora: Hello Spe: what about a dry violet scent: Tom Ford Violet Blond is quite austere and not sweet (contrary to Bois de Violette which I also love) and no rose, very elegant and I would put it in the dark floral category. July 5, 2016 at 9:23am
Aurora: Violet Blonde, sorry. July 5, 2016 at 9:24am
spe: Haven’t considered testing this, but will do so. For some reason, I just presume most newer offerings are sweet. Thank you. July 5, 2016 at 9:46am
Aurora: Hello Spe just to say that I had forgotten that Violet Blonde is discontinued commenter Clare, below, reminded me of it, so sorry about that, and also that trying in summer I find more sweetness and ‘damp’ that I remembered, so maybe it wouldn’t be a good fit for your non sweet dark floral. Temperature makes such a difference. Last, as you can no longer test it in store, would you like me to send you a sample? It would be a pleasure, just let me know if you’re interested July 8, 2016 at 3:38pm
spe: Aurora you are so kind to offer! To make life easier, I’m trying to stay away from d/c fragrances. Not an easy task! Thank you so much for the generous offer! July 9, 2016 at 10:38am
Aurora: Hello again Clare: you’re absolutely right I had forgotten that Violet Blonde is discontinued, so eBay is the best bet, that’s how I got my bottle (very pleasant transaction and great bargain), I was on a violet quest recently got many kind answers here. July 8, 2016 at 4:21pm
Nora Szekely: Dear spe,
Unless you’re allergic to patchouli, I recommend 1000 EDP by Jean Patou. It is a dense, grown-up floral that contains this note but popped to my mind as it is a well blended beauty. July 5, 2016 at 10:49am
spe: Hi Nora – should I check out the current formulation of 1000 edp? Thank you. July 6, 2016 at 7:38am
Nora Szekely: Hi spe, Yes, I bought mine last year, it’s the current one and fine. I’m wearing it today 😉 July 6, 2016 at 7:49am
kayliz: If rum is no problem, there’s “Une Voix Noire”: gardenia made darker by, erm, rum:)
If you can get your hands on a sample, House if Matriarch’s Forbidden is worth a try, I think. July 5, 2016 at 1:52pm
spe: Both of these sound exotic- will order samples! Thank you for the suggestions! July 6, 2016 at 7:41am
Grace: I’m stuck in a rose rut and want to try something sophisticated and new but not anything that will break the bank. My go-tos are Bvulgari Rose Essentielle and Very Irrestible Givenchy. Liked recent samples of Dolce & Gabanna’s 3 L’Imperatrice and Marc Jacob’s Daisy. Thanks! July 4, 2016 at 1:03pm
Aurora: Baiser Vole: the eau de toilette is a heavenly green lily, perfect in summer, and I sound like a broken record because I keep recommending it. In the fall and winter the essence de parfum is also worth trying, it has amazing longevity and sillage but is more expensive. Another good one in summer is Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil (green mango) you can buy a 30ml bottle which is very affordable. Jour d’Hermes is very suitable for summer, l’Eau de Chloe too with its bright citrus on top and rose and patchouli in the base, and for a floral gourmand Anais Anais Premier Delice is just that, very delicious at a very reasonable price. July 5, 2016 at 4:10pm
Joy: Love your beautiful photo of the plate that is a nod to the U. S. 4th, Victoria.
I love the scent of Aveda’s Shampure, but do not know of a perfume that has that balance of herbaceous floral. Aveda’s Love oil used to be close and had some longevity, but its new iteration lasts about five minutes on my skin. I know that Aveda is bringing back the Chraka frangances, but have not had the opportunity to sample them yet. July 4, 2016 at 1:11pm
Victoria: Thank you! It was also delicious.
I haven’t tried Aveda’s perfumes lately, but I used to like Chakra. In small doses it has a bracing, jolting effect. July 4, 2016 at 3:43pm
Notturno7: Hmmm, herbaceous floral, have you tried Aromatic Elixir by Clinique?
It’s fabulous. I ended up stopping two women to ask them what they were wearing and it was AE. I was surprised I didn’t recognize it as I have a FB at home. No wonder I liked it!😊 July 5, 2016 at 4:39am
Joy: What a great suggestion!. The Aromatics would be very accessible to me also as I live in an area that does not have stores that carry perfume. July 5, 2016 at 10:57am
Notturno7: Great 😊 July 5, 2016 at 11:30pm
elisa p: Have you tried Miller Harris Fleur de Sel? I’d call it an herbal or aromatic floral. July 6, 2016 at 6:33pm
Joy: I have not tried Fleur de Sel. Thank you for the suggestion. It is going on my list of decants to order. July 7, 2016 at 12:25am
spe: Nikki St. Phalle has an herbal quality. Probably more floral than herbal, though. Oh, and Aramis 900 smells like a softer Aromatics Elixir. It’s a men’s scent. Not Aramis, but Aramis 900. Might be worth a try. Also Caron’s Yatagan is herbal. July 9, 2016 at 10:43am
Marie: I have recently (re)discovered Sensuous by Estee Lauder and think that it is the perfect “all year long, wear whenever and wherever” scent. Out of curiosity I checked some reviews only to find that they are mediocre at best. Now, this usually does not stop me when I like a fragrance a lot but I was wondering if you can recommend scents to me that are similar in style like the original Sensuous (not the flankers) but with better quality? July 4, 2016 at 1:37pm
Aurora: Maybe you would like Guerlain Samsara EDP and Donna Karan Wenge, they both share the sandalwood and the sweetness with Sensuous. Wenge is a big love of mine. July 5, 2016 at 10:24am
Marie: Thank you! Samsara comes close but is a bit too heavy on the jasmine side for me. July 8, 2016 at 2:51pm
Elisa: For a feminine sandalwood/floral: Champagne de Bois by Sonoma Scent Studios. July 5, 2016 at 11:15am
Patricia: I love this, such a pity they don’t ship to Europe anymore, blasphemy, but I almost preferencia it to the Chanel 😉 July 5, 2016 at 5:13pm
Marie: Back in the old days I ordered several samples from SSS and I remember that I liked Champagne de Bois quite a lot. If I had the chance, I would try it again, sadly SSS does not ship to Europe anymore 🙁
Still, thanks for bringing back the nice memory of this beautiful scent! July 8, 2016 at 2:53pm
Nina: 3rd here to miss SSS CdB because of shipping restrictions. For a sandalwood floral however, I like Santal Rouge – Tom Ford. July 9, 2016 at 7:14am
Stephy: If your budget allows, I’d recommend trying Hermessence Santal Massoia by Hermes. It’s my favorite slightly-sweet sandalwood perfume, and like Sensuous, it’s wearable anytime, anywhere. I wear it year round without a moment’s hesitation. August 1, 2016 at 10:34pm
rainboweyes: A friend of mine is looking for a replacement of her beloved vintage Diorella. Any recommendations for similar scents? July 4, 2016 at 4:13pm
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Le Parfum de Thérèse (Malle)? July 4, 2016 at 4:44pm
Aurora: You’re right Cornelia, seconding Le Parfum de Therese. July 5, 2016 at 7:50am
Tiamaria: Le Parfum de Thérese was my first thought too. July 6, 2016 at 2:22pm
Cybele: Cristalle Chanel EDT or EDP (not verte) July 4, 2016 at 5:27pm
spe: Cristalle edp or Brigarade by Malle – perhaps the Brigarade concentraee – or Femme by Rochas. Maybe Declaration. I got a lot of cumin from Diorella! July 6, 2016 at 7:46am
Aurora: You’re right Spe, for the newest formulation of Diorella which would be later than 2012, however the vintage has no cumin. July 7, 2016 at 7:43am
spe: Oh, I didn’t know that, Aurora. Thank you! July 7, 2016 at 12:03pm
Kate: I have noticed that a lot of violet perfumes smell medicinal to me, and I can’t figure out why. Does anyone have any insight/recommendations for that? July 4, 2016 at 5:18pm
Aurora: It might rather be violet leaf that you find medicinal, violet the flower reminds me of sugar candy, especially in a traditional scent like Borsari Violetta di Parma and Chanel Misia. Have you tried them? July 5, 2016 at 9:58am
Cornelia Blimber: There is a detailed review of a new violet perfume, Incarnata by Gustave Lebreton, on ”Chemist in the Bottle”.
“Sous les Toits de Paris” was mentioned as a powdery violet. July 5, 2016 at 10:08am
Aurora: ‘Sous les toits de Paris, like the song. It’s a great name! July 5, 2016 at 1:05pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Aurora, is that a song? A French Chanson?
I was associating the lovely name with Mimì, you know, La Bohème…embroidering flowers sous les toits de Paris (giglie e rose, but maybe violets as well).
About time to smell the Cologne! July 5, 2016 at 2:48pm
Aurora: Hello Cornelia: yes, it’s an old song, but your association with La Boheme is great, it might also be the inspiration for the name. July 5, 2016 at 3:03pm
Kate: I’ve tried Sous les Toits de Paris, and it does have the problem I mentioned. It’s just very… sullen. It reminds me of medicine with codeine. I’m tempted to say it’s my skin, since it does smell different in the sample vial. It’s not quite as unpleasant to me as some others (Guerlain deserves special recognition, not that I’m the only one who feels that way), but everyone says violet smells sweet, and I don’t see that at all yet. It kind of makes you feel crazy, doesn’t it? July 5, 2016 at 11:44pm
Kate: I haven’t, thanks! July 5, 2016 at 11:35pm
kpaint: Maybe it’s the perfumes you’re smelling (Bois de Violette, come to think of it, does have a syrupy medicinal edge) or you just have a strong association that you can’t shake (cough syrup you were forced to take as a child?)
For sweet and powdery, I would second the Borsari suggestion. You might also try Annick Goutal La Violette, which is a more floral interpretation than most violet soliflores. July 9, 2016 at 5:35pm
Kate: Haven’t tried either of those, thanks! July 10, 2016 at 12:35am
Surbhi: I will be in Paris this week. Please recommend me all the perfume things / places or anything else you really really liked. I will be reading Victoria’s post about Paris. This was a last minute trip so I have no plan or itinerary. I really appreciate all the suggestions I have been getting on these threads. So far I plan to find neela vermiere perfumes but I would like to hear about the hidden gems, less known places too. July 4, 2016 at 6:26pm
Gabriela: Oh how lovely! Visit Parfums de Nicolai and Teo Cabanel! July 5, 2016 at 4:38am
Aurora: Surbhi: how exciting, and it makes me pine for Paris my hometown. If you have a chance visit Victor Hugo’s house, it’s very interesting and in a beautiful part of Paris. Also, Balzac’s house which used to be the countryside, now a very chic part of Paris, you can see his coffee pot, he worked the all night through sustained by coffee. I find both these places very inspiring as they are more intimate than a regular museum. Of course you will also want to visit Serge Lutens at the Jardins du Palais Royal, another lovely area and Les Parfums de Rosine is there as well. Have a wonderful time. July 5, 2016 at 12:23pm
Aurora: Oh, and Marionnaud parfumeries are worth visiting too because they have great deals on fragrances and beauty products. I believe there are several in Paris, one rue de Passy No 77, not far from Balzac’s house in fact. Otherwise, I know there is one 41 rue de Rivoli. July 5, 2016 at 12:56pm
Surbhi: Thank you. I am going out today to try all these places. July 6, 2016 at 6:10am
Aurora: Most welcome, Surbhi! If you have a chance let us know, what you visited, perfume purchases, your impressions of Paris. July 6, 2016 at 9:10am
Surbhi: I will post the details once I am back. For now I can tell that I loved the area where Jovoy perfume shop is. And I loved trayee perfume very very much. I also loved walking around in general. Nice vibe. July 6, 2016 at 1:11pm
Aurora: Trayee is wonderful, I had the opporunity to try it in the traveling sample box. So glad you had a great day, enjoy your week in Paris! July 7, 2016 at 2:54am
JoDee: More than a year has probably passed since I requested recommendations for jasmine and/or sandalwood scented bath products. I want to report back that I tried many of the recommendations and loved the Mysore Sandalwood bath soap that I ordered from Amazon. It has unbelievable longevity both of scent and product! The Lush Lady Godiva shampoo ball was definitely striking but leaned a bit popcorn butter for me, much like Fracas does. During my bath product quest I also discovered Annick Goutal’s limited edition Songes Monoi bath oil. It is so amazingly beautiful! I’ve always admired Songes as a perfume but sometimes become tired of the indole. The Monoi in the bath oil tames the indole just enough to make this luxurious product pure bliss for me! July 4, 2016 at 8:10pm
Nora Szekely: I’d like to try the Annick Goutal one! I love the scent of Godiva but then again, I save a sweet tooth. Fracas is too much for me though. Mysore soap is great too. July 5, 2016 at 7:42am
Aurora: It’s lovely of you to report back. Time flies doesn’t it? July 5, 2016 at 7:52am
JoDee: It really does! July 5, 2016 at 10:57am
elizzile: I’ve recently discovered Aerin Lauder’s fragrances and love all of them and have enthusiastically added them to my fragrance collection. They are elegant, clean and classic, without being overbearing. The dry downs are heavenly. July 5, 2016 at 5:36am
Aurora: Hi Elizzile: Thank you very muchfor the rec. I found Evening Rose very tempting. July 5, 2016 at 10:14am
Julie L: Aerin fragrances are really nice. I recently bought Mediterranean Honeysuckle and love it. Reminds me of summers near Cape Cod.
Was wondering if anyone could suggest a fragrance with marigold?
I used to like Lauren but would like something lighter for the warm weather.
Thanks for any ideas. July 6, 2016 at 9:21am
sunnlitt: well, I doubt that it is lighter, but En Voyage has a fragrance called Tagetes Femme which is listed as a marigold scent. I think that she is an excellent perfumer.
I have not tried it myself. July 7, 2016 at 11:29am
Julie L: Hi Sunnlitt….Thanks for the idea, will try to find a sample of that one. July 7, 2016 at 11:36am
Aurora: Also, have you tried Estee Lauder Beautiful? July 7, 2016 at 12:23pm
Aurora: Although in my head it’s more of a fall fragrance, but it has marigold. July 7, 2016 at 12:28pm
Julie L: Hi Aurora….thanks for the suggestion of Beautiful…..I used it for years then got away from it. Sometimes the answer is right in front of you, but a reminder often does the trick. Think I’ll go back to a tried and true fragrance…thanks again. July 7, 2016 at 8:18pm
Megan Radford: I loved her lilac on the bottle and on paper, but it turned powdery and old-ladyish on my skin 🙁 July 15, 2016 at 4:37pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and perfume lovers,
I will travel to Bangalore, India in August. Can you recommend me a scent or perfume oil that I should try there? Any brand you can recommend? It may be a cosmetic brand as I’m a beauty junkie as well. July 5, 2016 at 7:35am
Aurora: That’s wonderful news, Nora, I bet you’ll have a fantastic trip. I’m no specialist about Indian products, though with the exception of which makes a great real jasmine scented hair oil, Chamelli by Hesh Herbal, Mumbai. I find it at an Indian grocery store. I don’t know if you use incense, but some of my favorites are Maroma Auroville, India.
Also, I recall Victoria mentioning Sandalwood necklaces, that might make a fragrant souvenir of your trip. After your exciting and beautifully written letter about the Jane Austen ball, we’ll all be waiting for an account of your holiday in India if you have the time. July 7, 2016 at 1:31pm
Claire: I purchased some fantastic crystal Amber when I was in Rajasthan. It came in tiny carved Betel Nut “pots” with carved lids. It was very long lasting and the fragrance permeated the containers. I didn’t know much about Amber at the time, and assumed it wasn’t particularly good quality. Years later, trying a sample of Kilian’s Amber Oud, it was instant deja vous. July 8, 2016 at 10:19pm
Nora Szekely: I have to try this one too, Claire, I love ambery scents. July 11, 2016 at 4:27am
claire: Hi nora. I’m not really an Amber fan per say, especially as regards contemporary fragrances with strong amber and wood dry downs, but the natural amber from India, and Kilian’s Amber Oud, both had a soft skin scent aspect that is similar to vintage sandalwood. More creamy, less wood/dry spice. Lilian’s Rose Oud is really nice too…. July 11, 2016 at 7:08pm
Claire: I agree: sandalwood oil, soaps, and things made from (Mysore) Sandalwood. Chandrika soap has a very distinctive fragrance and can be surprisingly addictive. It is very affordable, leaves your skin very soft and is not drying. Garlands made of tuberose, marigold and other flowers are ephemeral, but worth experiencing. And maybe you will find a good source for Amber. I now realize the quality of the Amber I had was quite good, and it travels well. July 9, 2016 at 1:13am
Claire: Chandrika is Ayurvedic and “According to the company, the ingredients in Chandrika soap are: coconut oil, wild ginger, lime peel oil, hydnocarpus oil, orange oil, and sandalwood oil. Each are claimed to have a particular medicinal value.” July 9, 2016 at 1:19am
Nora Szekely: Thank you, Aurora.
I will try the jasmine scented hair oil for sure and sandalwood necklaces too.
I will write my impressions of India, if you’re interested. July 11, 2016 at 4:26am
Surbhi: I will suggest buy your sandalwood oil from KSRTC stores only if you plan to get some. The customer service in these stores could be lacking depending on the location but it is guaranteed authentic product (no mix ups). If you have time definitely go to Mysore (3- 5 hours car ride). I have heard a lot about indian style attar /perfume oils but I don’t know of places in bangalore. if you are going to northern india then I can suggest few places.
For cosmetics brand.. I will say try sand for soapoholics. They have now 3 locations in bangalore. I absolutely love their fresh hair masks and saffron lip balm.
I just love going to flower markets and just smell the air full of jasmine and tuberose. July 9, 2016 at 3:59pm
Nora Szekely: Surbhi,
Thank you for the recommendations. I cannot wait to go to the flower market, as jasmine and tuberose are among my favourite flower scents.
I’m not sure if I will go to Northern India too, we’ll see. July 11, 2016 at 4:30am
Surbhi: Have fun. And let me know if you have any other questions about Bangalore. I will try my best to answer. July 15, 2016 at 2:25pm
Monica: Hello everyone. A couple of months ago, I tried Chanel 18 and I like it a lot to the point of thinking about getting a full bottle. However, since I tried it from a small sample, I could not determine if it had a good longevity. After 2 hours I could not smell anything. I was wondering that if I spray enough I would get more than 2 hours on my skin or clothes. I know that the Exclusifs are very fleeting. Can anybody please let me know the experience with this fragrance? Thanks in advance. July 5, 2016 at 9:21am
spe: Fleeting on me, too. The exclusifs are being reformulated into edp. Not exactly sure what that means, so, if you like it at all, buy it now. It may not smell the same when the new versions come out in August / September. Chanel also has a body creme to help with the longevity issue. I haven’t tried it. July 5, 2016 at 7:28pm
Monica: Spe, thanks for your suggestions. That’s what I think about the upcoming reformulations. We don’t know if the changes are going to be drastic and the price will definitely raise. I hope they are for better. I guess I will get a full bottle of no18 soon. July 5, 2016 at 8:55pm
SublimiSomnium: No.18 is fleeting on most people. I’d recommend 8 sprays at minimum, and to spray it over lotion to help the longevity. July 6, 2016 at 10:30am
SublimiSomnium: No.18 is one of the few exclusifs that would benefit from reformulation to EDP IMO.
Chanel did a good job with their modern formulations of the classics (No.5 eau premiere), and know they have a strong following for their scents. Gives me hope for the EdPs, though they will be more expensive. July 6, 2016 at 10:35am
Monica: SublimiSomnium, I was in hope that someone would tell me that the longevity of no18 was not that bad. I will follow your recommendations of spraying it over body lotion. I really love this fragrance and I am a little scare about what the reformulation might bring. Let’s hope for the best. July 6, 2016 at 11:11am
Morelle: Actually, on my skin the longevity of No. 18 is not that bad… It turns into a skin scent after about two hours, but lasts at least six hours. I was unaware of the impending transformation into an EdP, so now I will finally have to acquire a full bottle. I love the scent just as it is, and am wary of the reformulation. July 10, 2016 at 6:57pm
Monica: Morelle, thanks for your answer. I agree with you about getting whatever Exclusifs we like.before September . We never know how good or bad the reformulations might be and the prices will be higher. No.18. is beautiful. I guess it is time to get a full bottle. July 11, 2016 at 3:29pm
Cass: I’m laughably desperate, because I have never had a craving for anything gourmand in the past few years I’ve been sampling fragrances. And now here I am teetering on the edge of the abyss because I want something that smells of strawberries and cream and none of my samples that I have currently can provide.
So pretty please, with strawberries on top, if you can recommend any fragrance that can help (preferably something that isn’t a CVS issue body spray or anything of that ilk) I’d appreciate it, because I’m three steps away from buying a case of strawberry shortcake and polishing it off in one sitting. I don’t think any of you kind souls would want to see me do that to myself. I hope.
ALSO. I’d love to hear your own recommendations for fragrances that remind you of your favorite summertime treat. Personally I always fall back on Diptyque’s L’ombre dan L’eau because it never fails to conjure the sense memory of biting into a freshly picked tomato still hot from growing in the sun. July 5, 2016 at 10:56am
Elisa: The top notes of Valentino Donna smell just like sugared strawberries. Another fragrance with a strawberry note that I love is Hanae Mori Butterfly. July 5, 2016 at 11:17am
Hamamelis: Favourite summer time treat: fresh figs straight from the tree. So Un jardin en Mediterranee and Ninfeo Mio. Nice question! No suggestions on the strawberry front, but I read on iscentyouaday that Demeter has a strawberry and cream one. July 5, 2016 at 12:15pm
Sylvia: Cass,Elisa and Hamamelis- those sound fabulous! The sample order keeps getting larger….😂 July 5, 2016 at 12:27pm
Kari: So this is not straight up strawberry-it’s strawberries in a Pacific Northwest pine and fir forest-but I really like Cape Heartache by Imaginary Authors. It’s not really creamy, more tangy due to how the fir and pine play off of the strawberry note. July 6, 2016 at 12:42am
Jen: Tauerville Rose Flash reminds me of strawberries and cream along with roses. Delicious! July 7, 2016 at 4:57pm
Marie: Slumberhouse Sadanne is strawberrys with some champagne fizz, rose and some dirty undertone (ambergris? it reminds me of the underlying earthy note of Malle Une Rose).
It is quite special, definitely no teenager strawberry but might be exactly what you are looking for if you say that you are normally no gourmand lover 😉 July 8, 2016 at 3:03pm
kpaint: i Profumi di Firenze Plenilunio is a strawberries and cream fragrance. July 9, 2016 at 5:43pm
Megan Radford: If you can get a hold of the original Miss Dior Cherie, the strawberry top note is to die for! I also love La Vie Est Belle by Lancome- no strawberry note, but elegant and gourmand. July 15, 2016 at 4:38pm
Sylvia: I see Ineke is running a summer special on their web site.Do any of you have an Ineke scent that you like? July 5, 2016 at 12:24pm
Hamamelis: I really like and have a small bottle of the Poet’s Jasmine. Ligthearted non indolic pretty jasmin. July 5, 2016 at 4:03pm
Sylvia: Thanks for the rec. Hamamelis! July 6, 2016 at 4:48pm
Stephy: I absolutely adore Evening Edged in Gold and Gilded Lily. Gilded Lily is a classic chypre, rich and mossy, and Evening Edged in Gold is a rich, resinous-spicy floral with a deep plum opening. They’re the last thing I’d be thinking of wearing in the blistering heat of our summers here, but I’m addicted and so very ready for cooler, more fragrance-friendly weather.
If you’re looking for something lighter, I normally don’t find myself recommending scents that are heavy on the citrus, but the addition of tea and peony made Chemical Bonding worth trying out. It’s what Elizabeth Arden Green Tea wants to be when it grows up. August 1, 2016 at 10:48pm
Deniz: Jade by Hendley Perfumes (Hans Hendley is the perfumer, Brooklyn-based). He created a summer fragrance that I found to be fresh, upbeat and interesting. Instead of using your standard citrus notes, he blends spearmint, musk and star anise together for a slightly sweet and bright fragrance.
http://www.hendleyperfumes.com/perfumes/jade July 5, 2016 at 1:25pm
Aurora: Hello Sylvia! What you crave with strawberry – and Escada Ocean Lounge is a strawberry fragrance I do with another red summer fruit: raspberry. So I have a bottle of Cartier Lys Rose to satisfy my appetite.
By the way another fruity gourmand Badgley Mischka is great too, more of a fruit salad, this one. July 5, 2016 at 3:16pm
Mariana: Blackberries are the very definition of summer for me (we even made blackberry jam as wedding favors). Any suggestions for a blackberry perfume? I really liked Jo Malone’s Blackberry & Bay, but my husband and a dear friend both said it made me “smell like a boy.” On the other end of the spectrum, I tried Trish McEvoy’s Blackberry & Vanilla and found it cloyingly sweet and like something a tween would slather all over herself. July 5, 2016 at 3:22pm
spe: Does L’Artisan still carry Blackberry et Musc? Have you tried it? There might be an “extreme” version. July 6, 2016 at 7:53am
limegreen: There’s less bay in the Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay body products, the body creme and the body bath oil that can be worn on dry skin (not the shower oil) so you can get your blackberry fix this way still.
Yves Rocher Blackberry edt is a zesty blackberry, without the cloying sweetness. Super bargain price, too, so you can spritz away! July 6, 2016 at 1:21pm
george: La fille de berlin is a perfectly balanced rose violet but has a real blackberry like quality to it too. July 6, 2016 at 3:27pm
kpaint: I’ve been looking for a blackberry perfume for years and have heard that Olympic Orchards Blackbird really captures the fruit. I need to order some for myself before summer’s over.
Incidentally, I was just this morning doing an internet search for blackberry jam – not to make, but to buy. Blackberry jam seems to just not be made or sold anymore. What is the deal? I’ve searched all of my local grocery stores (I live in Seattle) and there is none to be found. In fact, jam at all seems to be passé these days and replaced with fruit spreads and preserves.
All I want is some jam! The kind that has chunks of fruit seeds in it. Has anyone else noticed this trend or am I crazy? July 9, 2016 at 5:55pm
Mariana: Will have to try Olympic Orchards.
kpaint, if I manage to forage enough wild blackberries, I plan to make jam. If there’s a way to private message me your address, I will send some. 🙂 July 11, 2016 at 2:06am
limegreen: Inna Jam has 2 blackberry jams
innajam.com
I love their apricot jam, but have not tried the blackberry. The co. only makes jams in small batches do sometimes they are out.
Plum Tree Jams has marionberry jam which I love, but you can find that easily in the NW. July 12, 2016 at 8:55am
Mariana: I’ve ordered samples of Mure et musc and Bois de paradis. I have high hopes. 🙂 July 11, 2016 at 2:04am
Clarissa: I hope someone here can help me. For years my go to perfume was Azaro 9. Alas, it was discontinued. Since then I have been wearing Scherrer by Jean Loius Scherrer. Which I love, but I still crave a replacement for Azzaro 9. Can anyone suggest something similar? July 5, 2016 at 3:39pm
Aurora: I’m not sure it could replace your beloved Azzaro 9 but a favourite of mine, Poeme has the mimosa and other yellow flowers, white flowers, the sweetness and the powderiness of A9. Some commenters on Fragrantica compare it to Chanel Beige too. Hope you find your perfect replacement, but also keep an eye on eBay, I don’t know if we are in the same country but there is a 50ml bottle for £29.99 on eBay uk. Good luck! July 6, 2016 at 5:56am
Clarissa: Thank you so much, I will try Poeme. And Amazon US. July 7, 2016 at 10:36pm
Triciajo: I am looking to replace my favorite day-time perfume, Clean Provence, which was discontinued. I can still get it on Amazon, but not for much longer. The notes are Cotton Blossom, Provencal Lemon, Violet, Musk, Sweet Lime, Rose Geranium. Any thoughts? July 5, 2016 at 7:57pm
Aurora: Hello Triciajo: According to Fragrances of the World, a useful if a bit hit and miss site matching fragrances for Clean Provence would be: O de Lancôme, Cristalle Chanel Eau de Toilette and Dior Diorella. Hope this will help you a little bit in your search. Personally I would recommend Philosophy Pure Grace, the notes on Fragrantica are pretty similar to Clean Provence. As an aside, did you try Eau de Rochas? Is shares only the citrus and aromatics with CP but it’s my go to summer fragrance and I hope you will like it. July 6, 2016 at 7:57am
Triciajo: Thank you! I will check those out. July 6, 2016 at 9:54pm
Monica: I am looking for a Fall fragrance with fruits and woods notes. I like Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir, but for moments I feel as if I were wearing a room spray. Does anybody know any fragrance similar to PN that evokes that beautiful Autumn combination? Thanks in advanced for your recommendations. July 5, 2016 at 9:14pm
Aurora: Have you tried Serge Lutens? Feminite du Bois or his Bois et Fruits might fit the bill. July 6, 2016 at 7:46am
Monica: Aurora, I used to have a bottle of the original Feminite du Bois and it was amazing. The new version is so pale and faint that I decided it was not worthy of a full bottle. I have not tried Bois et Fruits. I will definitely get samples based on your recommendation. Thanks a lot! July 6, 2016 at 11:03am
Indigo: Join the club – I feel the same about Feminité du Bois! My best replacement for it, and one I think you might like as it has a great fruity note, is Histoire de Parfum 1969 Parfum de Révolte. It starts out delicious – peach, coffee and chocolate, before drying down to spiced woods, quite like Feminité du Bois’ dry down. July 6, 2016 at 5:20pm
Monica: Indigo, thanks a lot for your recommendation. I will order some samples of Histoire de Parfum 1969 Parfum de Révolte. The notes sound very appealing! July 6, 2016 at 5:51pm
Aurora: Hello Monica, thank you very much for your answer; how disappointing for you what happened to FdB! Hope Bois et Fruits will not have the same problem. So glad others have come up with more suggestions. Hopefully, you will find something you like among them. If you have a chance, let us know. Good luck! July 7, 2016 at 3:35am
Monica: Hello Aurora, I will keep you updated about my findings. Already order samples of all the suggestions given to me. Waiting anxiously for them to arrive. Thanks! July 7, 2016 at 7:44am
elisa p: Del Rae Bois de Paradis might be a good one. Plum, mulling spices , and woods. I liked it but it ran too sweet for me, personally. July 6, 2016 at 6:50pm
Monica: Elisa P. thanks for your recommendation. Those notes are perfect to me. Also ordering samples. I am sure I will be have a great time sampling all the scents all of you have been suggesting. July 6, 2016 at 9:27pm
kpaint: I’m always on the search for those notes in fall as well. Hermès Ambre Narguilé almost fits the bill, though to my nose it’s more dried fruit and tobacco.
Fortunately I happen to already have samples of the Histoires and DelRae recommendations. I’ll have to make a note to try them in the autumn. And I have to agree with you on Feminite du Bois. I had the same reaction to Bois et Fruits and Un Bois Vanille as well.
Thanks for letting me piggyback on your post and I hope more recommendations come along 🙂 July 9, 2016 at 6:14pm
Monica: Hello Kpaint, I appreciate your recommendation of Ambre Narguile. Ordering samples right away. Thanks a lot. I will let you know later my impressions of it. July 9, 2016 at 10:13pm
Megan Radford: -James by Rosie Jane
-Trésor Midnight Rose by Lancome
– L’Ombre dans L’eau by Diptyque July 15, 2016 at 4:41pm
Monica: Thank you Megan, I will explore those also. July 15, 2016 at 8:25pm
Kari: I’m really loving ginger, but the perfumes I wear change depending on climate. In winter it was all about Serge Lutens 5 o’clock au gingembre. I layered using Jo Malone Nutmeg and Ginger. As it warmed up I fell head over heels in love with Etat Libre d’Orange Like This; more recently, I got a bottle of Yosh Stargazer (I also like Yosh Ginger Ciao.)
What are other beautiful ginger perfumes that make use of the warmth and spice without being too over the top/sharp? July 6, 2016 at 12:26am
Kari: And as an aside-to anyone who hasn’t tried Yosh, if you like Like This, or Serge Lutens Fleurs D’Oranger, Stargazer is SO worth a try. It’s gorgeous. July 6, 2016 at 12:28am
kayliz: Thank you for the ginger tips! I’d add Donna by Acqua di Portofino. July 6, 2016 at 5:10pm
Kari: yay, thanks! I love ginger and jasmine. July 8, 2016 at 7:43pm
heather h: Une Nuit Magnetique
Eau de Parfum
by The Different Company July 6, 2016 at 1:49am
Kari: Oooh, that sounds fascinating. Blueberry? Wow! July 8, 2016 at 7:47pm
Natalie T: I love Bergamote by the Different Company. It’s a great summer ginger, spicy and refreshing but it disappears so so soon 🙁 July 6, 2016 at 9:11am
Kari: It sounds like I need to try this fragrance house. Thank you! July 8, 2016 at 7:48pm
elisa p: It’s mostly about immortelle, but I really like Stephane Humbert Lucas 777 Une Nuit a Doha. It’s got some ginger zing up top, along with fennel. It is a bit foody, though. July 6, 2016 at 6:55pm
Kari: I don’t mind foody. (I love serge Lutens Jeux de peau and Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu.) Thank you! July 8, 2016 at 7:49pm
limegreen: This isn’t exactly what you asked about but I recently discovered Diptyque Gingembre room spray, and it’s heavenly. The smell of freshly minced ginger. 🙂 July 9, 2016 at 10:11am
Nicolette: One Seed Perfumes are absolutely beautiful. Organic and cruelty-free, they are one of my favourite fragrances in Australia – https://oneseedperfumes.com/ July 6, 2016 at 3:39am
Natalie T: Not quite a request for recommendations but have people had their taste in perfume notes change significantly over time? I used to be only green fresh scents all the time, and lately I’ve been obsessed with anything cedar or sandalwood and almost anything with a heavy orange blossom.
Have your tastes changed over time? Is this from simply smelling more things and being exposed to more interesting options?? July 6, 2016 at 9:09am
C. Brown: I tend to think that as our bodies change over time, so do our tastes. At least that’s how it’s seemed to me.
Around ages 12-14, I loved Avon’s Honesty and also Rose and Hibiscus oils. As I got older, I leaned toward the “orientals” like Opium and Cinnabar since I found them dark, mysterious, and smoldering. (At the time, my grandmother wore Coty’s Emeraude and, conversely, Guerlain’s Shalimar.) I then moved to Eternity and then Givenchy’s Amarige. I liked J’Adore more recently, but hubby developed an allergy(!) toward it. I turned toward Givenchy’s Mariage, but have lately been wearing rose oils or Lush’s Imogen Rose.
But what I’m saying is that what is appealing on a younger woman is not necessarily that appealing on an older woman and vice versa. Somewhat like clothing. (Although, true, some women can get away with certain things. For example, my mother-in-law, in her eighties, can still get away with fishnet stockings.) July 7, 2016 at 3:04am
C. Brown: I forgot. Grandma also really liked Wicked Wahine. Apparently, it is resurrected. Oddly, it now has a separate Rose and separate Hibiscus version. http://wickedwahineperfume.com/ July 7, 2016 at 3:08am
Malmaison: Sorry this is a very late reply but I got so excited to see someone mention Wicked Wahine. This was my mother’s signature ‘going out’ scent in the 60s and early 70s and my sister and I were both obsessed with it, we thought it was terribly glamorous.
Time went by and we never heard of the perfume again. Then a few years ago on a whim – after I had become seriously interested in perfume and started following blogs like this wonderful one – I googled Wicked Wahine and nearly fell over backwards when I found it was still being produced in Hawaii. I managed to order two bottles, one for Mum and one for me, and she was utterly thrilled and still wears it for special occasions. I wear it because I still like it and because it smells like her (and I have to say, still surprisingly good!). I’ve never come across any other mentions of it on a perfume site thougth July 23, 2016 at 2:42pm
kpaint: I think it’s probably due to exposure and getting out of one’s comfort zone. There’s a nearly infinite world of scent out there, and smelling something new can take you down a new path, and that leads to another one, and so on.
When one only has a small collection or if you’re just smelling new releases from department stores, you’re not actively expanding your scent vocabulary.
I know that for myself, there are myriad scents that I never thought I could or would want to wear that have become pillars of my scent wardrobe. July 9, 2016 at 6:28pm
Stephy: It’s not just exposure. Changes over time in your hormone levels and diet can affect your skin chemistry, and your actual sense of smell can change based on the environment you’re in. There are a lot of factors that can affect it, but my feeling is, go with it! It’s an excuse to find more perfumes that you love. August 1, 2016 at 10:53pm
Bilanxa: Re Natalie’s question: Yes! I used to only wear crisp, clean, green fragrances. Now, I still wear them occasionally, but now I prefer overtly feminine gardenia and tuberose fragrances. Always on the lookout for a great gardenia or tuberose. July 6, 2016 at 12:16pm
Bilanxa: I think my preference change has to do with age. As I’ve gotten older, these more traditionally feminine fragrances make me feel younger. It’s a psychological boost. July 6, 2016 at 12:19pm
Indigo: I have been on here for help with dark roses and replacements for lost loves, and I think I am sorted on these – thank you so much for your advice and suggestions!
I would like something softer – perhaps centred on iris, violet, mimosa, jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia… But, it needs to have either some leather, wood or moss to darken it up and cool it off. Any ideas?
I have tried:
Daim blond – nice but a bit medicinal up top and low sillage
Bottega Veneta – very nice but died too soon
Cuir de Russie – leather too black
Angélique – a surprise like from my Papillon set – definitely maybe
Fleur de Cassie – nice and good sillage perhaps too powdery
Après l’Ondée – gorgeous but fleeting
L’Heure Bleue – ain’t what it used to be
L’eau d’hiver & Angéliques sous la pluie – too soft
Any other leads gratefully received! July 6, 2016 at 5:31pm
elisa p: I just tried Le Labo Iris 39 and really liked it. It has a slight leather facet-someone said it smells like motor oil up top, but that smell dissipates rather quickly on me. It’s only slightly rooty, but becomes more floral- not too warm, IMO.
Insolence EdP-not the Edt- is like Apres L’Ondee on steroids to me.
There’s always Jolie Madam. July 6, 2016 at 7:41pm
indigo: Thanks for these recommendations. I wore Insolence edp for a good couple of years as my signature – I liked the inky note – but recently it smells a bit low budget… I don’t know if my nose or the formulation has changed. I’ll try to sample the Labo and Jolie Madame, definitely. July 7, 2016 at 7:17am
Hamamelis: What about Heure Exquise? You will get some rose besides iris and lovely sandalwood dry down. July 7, 2016 at 6:10am
indigo: I have been meaning to test this for ages! Goutal is not easy to find near me for some reason but I’m going to France in the summer so will try to hunt some down then. Thank you for the reminder. July 7, 2016 at 7:26am
george: Iris Poudre is the Malle perfume that best fits what you are looking for. July 7, 2016 at 7:25am
indigo: Thanks, George – I thought so too and it looked great on paper but in person I found it a bit flat and careful. I think I need something a touch more daring. July 7, 2016 at 8:14am
george: I second the le labo Iris then. Otherwise, a more impactful version of Iris Poudre is Chanel no.5….. I thought the Insolence recommendation was also a good one. The perfume I’ve heard about but not tried I think might do the job is Ubar by Amouage? Can anyone give feedback on that one? July 7, 2016 at 10:06am
indigo: Thanks so much George for these recommendations. It looks as though I need to try Le Labo! Chanel No5 is nice – I find it quite clean. Given the choice, I’d choose Shalimar over No5! I have heard Ubar is huge. I was sent a sample of Memoir for women and found it surprisingly delicious – coca cola and wood, it reminded me a little of Bois des Iles. So expensive, though! July 8, 2016 at 12:59pm
limegreen: Let me add my vote to the chorus for Le Labo Iris 39. You might want to try Ylang 49 in the same line, for that soft but somewhat daring vibe. It’s not overly sweet so don’t be thrown by the ylang in the name.
How about Dans tes Bras? It is not typical violet, definitely a flair of daring (try it a few times). I think Victoria’s review called it a violet-tinged wood. It doesn’t have the powder of mimosa and has wonderful sillage and lasting power.
Another direction for iris leather might be Odin 04 Petrana July 8, 2016 at 10:40am
indigo: Thanks, limegreen. I need to explore Le Labo by the sounds of things! I was not fond of Dans Tes Bras – I found it too muted and grey.
I realise replying to all of these helpful suggestions that perhaps I can’t do soft scents, actually. Every time someone suggests something I’ve tried, I find myself answering ‘no, too gentle, too soft, too careful’.
Is there a non-rose equivalent to Portrait of a Lady?! July 8, 2016 at 1:08pm
limegreen: The latest Malle is the mate to POAL,
Monsieur, so you are in luck! July 8, 2016 at 2:02pm
limegreen: I actually thought of Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger but thought it might be too strong an orange blossom, but maybe it’s what you might enjoy. July 8, 2016 at 2:07pm
indigo: limegreen, you are on the money! I have, and love, Lutens’ Fleurs d’oranger: slightly medicinal top note, voluptuous, spicy and daring – it is my favourite summer scent! July 8, 2016 at 7:11pm
limegreen: I can’t wear it in the summer, only fall and winter! (cough, cumin) July 9, 2016 at 10:15am
spe: APOM by Kurkdjian is a nice, heavy orange blossom. The femme is quite beautiful. Haven’t tried the homme. It leans modern. July 9, 2016 at 10:52am
indigo: Hi spe, I have been really unimpressed with the whole Kurkdjian line. I found them pretty but unexciting. It could be my dry skin which needs something punchier. July 9, 2016 at 12:00pm
limegreen: Hi Spe! I will test APOM next time I’m in Neiman’s. I’m full on orange blossom for the time being, after Eau des Sens, and a decant of Houbigant Oranger en Fleurs (Lutens FdO without cumin, is the way I think of it).
Are you the one who recommended Heeley L’Amandiere to someone on a prior Recommend thread who was looking for hyacinth? If you are, thank you, as I got a lovely sample of it. July 9, 2016 at 6:14pm
indigo: Oh, I don’t mind a bit of cumin. If it weren’t there, it would be too happy go lucky for me. Even with the spice, it is as sunny as I’m prepared to go! July 9, 2016 at 11:57am
elisa p: Oh, how did I forget Ylang 49? That’s a great suggestion-and my favorite Le Labo. I wouldn’t call that one shy. I have a 3ml sample that will last forever because it’s so potent. I think it’s a beauty. July 8, 2016 at 8:04pm
indigo: Right, that is also going on the list. Thanks! July 9, 2016 at 6:25am
limegreen: 🙂 Are you dabbing? Try SPRAYING Ylang 49 and it’s even less shy! I was taken aback when I tested it at a Le Labo boutique, really beautiful. July 9, 2016 at 10:20am
0kayliz: I think Ubar fits (on me it reminds me of Chinese restaurants, for reasons I can’t quite fathom). Tubereuse 1, Tubereuse Capricieuse, by Histoire des Parfums is a tuberose leather, if that’s any good. What about Shangri La by Hiram Green? Or even his Voyage, if that’s still around. For iris, I found Daimiris to be a big, strong iris leather, although others on parfumo don’t seem to be as impressed with the sillage. Cuir Blanc (skating boots!) and Cuir de Nacre are really good iris leathers.
At the risk of stating the obvious: Bvlgari Black?
Oh and the latest Penhaligon’s, Equinox Bloom, is an interesting mix of light and dark: high-pitched but gentle jasmine on top of a spiced dark cookie. July 9, 2016 at 3:40am
indigo: 0kayliz, thank you for all of these suggestions – most of these are new to me. Bvlgari Black has been taken by my mother! The others are all going on the list to try. I am intrigued by the Chinese restaurant reference..! Any perfume that has any association with skating boots sounds promising and your description of the latest Penhaligons is appealing. I actually liked their Iris Prima well but it was just so faint and polite. July 9, 2016 at 6:29am
kayliz: Naughty mum!!
It’s intriguing that you found Iris Prima polite… it reminded me of school changing rooms, and that can only mean sweaty feet. Even though I could see the suede and iris, I was glad it was faint. Something similar but louder — suede and violet, not sweaty feet!– is Cuir Amethyste, maybe that would be worth a try. July 10, 2016 at 3:18pm
Michael: Have you tried Ormonde Woman by Ormonde Jayne? It has violet and jasmine as the heart notes, in addition to black hemlock and a woody base.
I would also recommend Geranium Bourbon by Miller Harris, if you can still get hold of samples or decants as the fragrance was recently discontinued. July 13, 2016 at 4:15am
Tati: Let me put a vote in for Aedes Iris Nazarena. It is my favorite iris, with incense and leather, a touch of woods. Good sillage also. July 9, 2016 at 3:45am
indigo: Tati, I have long wondered about this one… It sounds great but I’ve never seen it anywhere to try. July 9, 2016 at 6:32am
Tati: The only place I know to get it is aedes.com, unless you are in NYC, but they do have a nice discovery set and samples. It’s a beautiful iris, worth trying. July 9, 2016 at 6:43pm
Karen A: I am not sure if this is what you are looking for, but recently Limegreen gifted me with a sample of Dior’s Cuir Cannage. It is Gorgeous with a capital G! I had not been a leather-note fan before, but this opened my horizons. Might be worth a try. July 9, 2016 at 10:51am
Indigo: Thanks, Karen A – this looks lovely! I’ll add this to my list. July 9, 2016 at 4:53pm
Luanne Teall: Maybe Memo French Leather? I love Memo Italian Leather, but there isn’t as much rose. July 10, 2016 at 7:50pm
C. Brown: I really love smells; your writing and knowledge is just so appreciated. However, I found your site pre-law school and have just rediscovered it. I would hope that I will have time to visit from time to time despite the fact that my penury and still remarkable lack of time does not allow me to linger, alas, too long.
I am looking for a perfume, but am on somewhat of a budget. On the other hand, I mainly work from home, so rarely wear any, so I could get a small vial and it would last quite a bit.
I am in my early 50s and love rose perfumes. Hubby also really loves rose perfumes on me. I don’t want anything that screams “Grandma!” but don’t want anything that is too loud and boisterous. Still, something with a touch of exotic or mysterious would be nice. Oh, and I’m not a huge fan of fruit scents, either.
I did not like Bvlgari’s Rose Essentielle when I tried it years ago, but don’t remember why. I didn’t like Daisy, either. I do find that many of the “modern” fragrances tend to smell like bug spray on me after the first 15 minutes or so.
I did like Lush’s Imogen Rose, but found it rather “hippie.” I missed out on Lush’s Rose Jam perfume, but do really like the scent. (It’s only available as a “bubbleroon.”) It is a bit heavy, though.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions. July 7, 2016 at 2:47am
Nora Szekely: Hi C. Brown,
I’m a rose lover too. I suggest you sample below scents:
Sa Majeste la Rose by Sege Lutens – to me very realistic and dramatic rose but not loud
La fille de Berlin by Serge Lutens- a dark, sensual rose
You can get samples of these via internet, mines lasted for a while.
Lipstick rose by Frederick Malle – a powdery, violet-rose scent, reminiscent of vintage lipstick scent. You can buy 10 ml vials of this scent so it’s cheaper that way.
Stella by Stella McCartney – I read that it has be reissued with different composition but the old one is a great, mature rose scent, old-fashioned but not dated
English rose by Yardley is a nice scent on a budget. July 7, 2016 at 4:52am
Hamamelis: Hi C. Brown, some more suggestions are Annick Goutal Rose Absolue, this is 100% rose, gorgeous and reviewed here on BdJ. Ormonde Jayne’s Taif has a touch of the mysterious as does Neela Vermeire Mohur. Lastly Byredo Rose of no man’s land, a part of its proceeds go to Medicine without Borders. These are all not budget perfumes but some are available in travel spray and/or have samples available. Good luck! July 7, 2016 at 6:32am
Aurora: Hello C.Brown, yes, isn’t Victoria amazing? And she lets us have this great forum too.
Great recommendations already, I second Rose Absolue, but I think it’s discontinued so maybe a bit difficult to find.
I’ll only add to the list Les Parfums de Rosine a very good French brand. You can purchase a sampler pack of all their scents on their website, at the moment it’s €25 for 15 samples shipping included. I love several of their fragrances and you’re bound to find some you like among the 15. July 7, 2016 at 12:06pm
C. Brown: Thank you, Aurora. There is an option to select 3 for €10, so I did that. I didn’t think I’d like many of the fragrances and I don’t know many people I could give them to if I couldn’t stand them, so I just chose La Rose de Rosine, Ecume de Rose, and Glam Rose.
I’ll let you know how I like them once I receive them.
And, yes, all hail to the lovely (and dare I say, sweet smelling) Victoria! July 7, 2016 at 3:40pm
Aurora: You’ve made a great choice! Hope you will find your perfect rose fragrance. July 8, 2016 at 12:08pm
kpaint: I ordered this sample set recently and it’s such a bargain! I’m a huge Rosine fan and could never settle on just one bottle, so I might just keep on ordering the sets 🙂 The Rosines aren’t easy to find in the US so I’m thrilled they ship overseas at such a reasonable price. July 9, 2016 at 6:40pm
Aurora: I’m like you kpaint, I have the set and love most of them. I didn’t know it was difficult to obtain Rosine in the US, such a pity. July 10, 2016 at 6:56am
Karen A: Jo Mallone’s Velvet Rose and Oud is stunning, Isparta by PG, others have mentioned La Fille de Berlin, and I’m like a broken record with it – most complimented fragrance of mine. A 10ml of Lipstick Rose by Malle won’t break the bank if you want a violet rose. (just saw Nora wrote the same thing)
Another option is to get a good, basic rose like Stella which is very affordable, and play around with layering other fragrances. A dirt-cheap great amber is Roberto Cavalli’s Oro, $11 on discount sites. The two layered give you a great rich rose. July 7, 2016 at 7:05pm
C. Brown: Hi, Karen! I just went to a department store and tried Jo Mallone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt + Velvet Rose and Oud + Red Roses, layered on my wrist pulse point in that order. Loved it! But thought it could use a little bit more. Leather? Tobacco? Licorice? But definitely could just wear those three, but at $65 per travel size, kind of a biggish investment. I got a sample of Velvet and Wood Sage, so I’ll try those two alone and see how they work, too. Or even include Lush’s Imogen Rose in the layering (since I have a little left).
Unfortunately, the store did not carry Kenzo (I had done a perfume suggester before rediscovering Victoria’s site, and Flower was suggested) or any of Nora’s or Hamamelis’ recommendations. July 7, 2016 at 8:19pm
Karen A: Are you in the US? If so, I am happy to send you some samples. Ive got more than I will use and have also been the recipient of Limegreen’s generosity which has expanded my tastes!
Until I tried Cuir Cannage by Dior, leathers didn’t really do much for me, so can’t speak to leather or tobacco notes (tobacco is forever associated with my father’s pipe and visits to the tobacco auction barns as a child).
Velvet Rose and Oud is such a beautiful fragrance, give it a try by itself. July 8, 2016 at 6:36am
C. Brown: Thank you, Karen! Yes, I am in the Seattle area. Write me at my law office since that’s public; then I’ll give you my personal contact info. info at sullivanbrownlaw dot com
My grandfather smoked a pipe with cherry tobacco. I loved to sniff that tobacco as it smelled so earthen and rich. (And even the pipe smoke was rather pleasant.) I love the smells of some leathers, especially if they’ve been smoke tanned.
I will. I just tried Diptyque’s Eau Rose, but it seems somewhat “tinny” or something, but neither I nor hubby liked it as much as the Jo Malone triptych. But I will go ahead and try the Velvet Rose & Oud alone tomorrow. (By the way, I can still faintly smell the fragrance I applied yesterday afternoon. Very long lasting.) July 8, 2016 at 12:15pm
Karen A: Just emailed you! Certain pipe tobacco brings back wonderful memories. Several years ago while driving, a car passed whose driver was smoking a pipe and it was so fragrant!
Velvet Rose and Oud is a bit of an anomaly for Jo Mallone as it lasts and lasts, usually her fragrances are a bit fleeting, at least on me. July 8, 2016 at 4:25pm
C. Brown: Yes, pipe tobacco!
I tried Velvet Rose & Oud alone, but really didn’t like it. The rose almost instantly dissipated, and what I was left with was disappointing. I tried to fix it using my Imogen Rose and then the Wood Sage and Salt, but the Imogen Rose had elements that didn’t play nice, and it was horrible!!!! I had to wipe it off with a tissue. So now I’m left with just a bit of a spicy scent which is okay, but obviously note what I’m looking for.
I also tried Dolce & Gabbana’s Dolce Rosa last night. It was okay, but not anything I would really buy.
I just tried the Elie Saab Rose Couture. However, whatever rose was in there (there didn’t seem to be a lot when I sprayed it on) exited rather quickly and, whatever was left devolved into the infamous bug spray. I had to wash it off it was so offensive.
Trying Wood Sage & Salt and Velvet Rose & Oud (in that order). Not terrible. Again, not anything that I would otherwise buy. Apparently it was the Red Roses that I applied last that brought everything together and seemed almost perfect. July 9, 2016 at 3:22pm
limegreen: The Diptyque SA told me that the next Essences Insensee (sp?) fragrance will be a rose. since the other two have been stunning treatments of mimosa (2014) and jasmine (2015), I think this will be a rose worth testing. Coming out later for fall maybe?
Eau Rose is light wearing, like a rose cologne!
try Jo Malone Red Roses bath body oil (wear it on dry skin). July 9, 2016 at 10:31am
Megan Radford: Pacifica’s Rose! Also The Body Shop has a new rose line. Both those would be good budget buys 🙂 July 15, 2016 at 4:42pm
Stephy: My two ultimate roses are Annick Goutal Ce Soir ou Jamais and Dame Perfumery Desert Rose. Neither of the two reads as “grandma” on me, and if you like Rose Jam, I think you’d like the sort of mouthwatering character of these. Also worth trying is Dior Midnight Poison, a dark rose with plum and patchouli that I find incredibly sexy. August 1, 2016 at 10:59pm
Clare obscure: This has been a fascinating , sometimes compulsive, ‘recommend me a perfume’. Thanks to all who took part. It’s always fun to have my perfume obsession reflected back at me. Many contributors have such a lot of experience & know about so many different perfumes.
2 of the topics that have resonated for me are:
Firstly, age of the wearer (hormones changing & tastes); plus/versus different formulations & concentrations. A very complex affair!
Secondly, the kind & thoughtful efforts to answer questions & to share knowledge about this subject.
I have a Question. As a UK resident, I find it far too expensive to order perfume from other countries because of heavy taxation on these goods. Has anyone else found this or have I.been unlucky. I ordered.twice from Fragrance X. Any good deals were ruined by the extra hefty fee required on delivery.
Was I unlucky? Have other UK dwellers been thwarted like me?
Have tried 1 sample from e-bay. Got Sous les Toits de Paris by Atelier when I read that it was inspired by the dome of Galleries La Fayette & the scents of Paris in bloom. Had to give it away. Smelled like wet hay or grass on me. I seem to have a strong negative reaction to an unpleasant note in a perfume. Just can’t get past it. Perfume evokes so much emotion & plays.on memories.
Lastly, thanks to Victoria for the articles & the Places to Go in Paris. (On the search menu for Bois de Jasmin). Aurora made some good suggestions too, for a fragrant Parisian itinerary. Wanna plan a trip to check them out. July 7, 2016 at 8:35am
Aurora: Hello Clare! how nice of you to comment.
Fellow UK here, so nice to meet you. I ordered once from FragranceX and twice from FragranceNet and never paid any tax duties. But I was wondering perhaps your order was large.
My orders were small 3 bottles max and £100 or less. While when I made an order from an Ebay US seller I ended up paying duties (but the order was worth over £100 and the amount was stated on the parcel). So, I would say cautiously that probably you were unlucky. These days though, the fallen pound means that it is no longer as interesting to order overseas. Here in the UK I’ve had very good experience with the discounters: AllBeauty.com especially during the sales and Beautyspin and we’re lucky that because of the UK restrictions on shipping perfume we have our eBayUK all to ourselves and that’s great. July 7, 2016 at 12:48pm
Clare obscure: Thanks for your comments, Aurora. Those recommendations will be useful. Neither order from Fragrance x was over £100 but think the law for post containing any perfume products, even soap & minimal liquids was changed around the time I ordered. Fedex delivered & even the delivery guy was appalled. He said Fragrance X & a co. called Light in a Box were the worst for extra charges. Once bitten… I suppose I will be more careful & try to stick with All beauty on Jersey or Beauty spin that you’ve suggested.
Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde is a fragrance mentioned herein. I like it too but was told it’s already been discontinued. Anybody know whether this is true? July 7, 2016 at 9:56pm
Aurora: Hello Clare: I had put my answer in the wrong place, so I will answer you here properly. You are absolutely right, Violet Blonde is already discontinued. If you like it enough to buy, I found a bottle on ebay UK and there are still plenty of offerings (very easy and pleasant transaction, very reasonable price). Thank you also for highlighting Merci store. Next time I’m in Paris I’ll check it out. July 10, 2016 at 6:39am
Jules: Can any of you help me identify what it is I love about these two scents and what else I may like? Both Patou 1000 and Quelques Fleurs share a chord that I can’t identify. It’s not powdery (I don’t enjoy powdery fragrances) but similar to a powder the way it hits the nose. Both have a sophistication and restraint about them, yet they are complex and not horizontal.
I’m still learning the jargon so forgive me for not being more articulate. I’d love to hear what anyone has to say about what it is I’m smelling and what else I should try. Thank you! July 7, 2016 at 1:38pm
Mia: Purely a guess: it could be sandalwood, couldn’t it? To my nose it is somewhat soft, reminding powdery in that sense, but not in others. Really a guess: both are so full of stuff that it is hard to tell. Maybe following couple of notes in other scents will help you to solve what is your loved one? Happy exploring! July 7, 2016 at 3:14pm
SublimiSomnium: Woo boy! You picked two of the most difficult perfumes to ID individual notes!
The best I can do is also guess – perhaps it is a white musk? Check out BdJs article on musks to learn more. There are a bunch of white musks in the Narciso for her perfumes, which you can sniff/sample for free at Sephora and Nordstrom. The Body Shop also offers an affordable EdP and EdT of White Musk, although I find it more clean than fuzzy.
To sniff some sandalwood I’d recommend getting an essential oil – though be careful because it could irritate skin. July 8, 2016 at 10:36am
kayliz: I have no idea what it is but what you say resonates with me too. I don’t have samples of any of these currently* but am guessing that florals by Amorvero and Divine might be a good bet.
*except for Divine, thanks to a wonderful package from austenfan!! July 9, 2016 at 6:23am
Jules: Thank you for the suggestions. I’m going to check those out. July 14, 2016 at 1:37am
Clare obscure: On the subject of Paris & its intriguing range of perfume retailers. The shop that Victoria.mentions in her list that might be my 1st stop is Merci. Set up by Annick Goutal’s sister with links to a children’s hospital charity ; it features several Goutal perfumes at attractive prices. You can even bring your own bottle for refills. That sounds fun. Hve a look at Victoria’s list under travel in the site menu. July 7, 2016 at 10:19pm
Alanna: I’ve just ran out of what has been the only perfume for several years. It’s Love Chloe Eu Intense. It can only be bought abroad so I’d quite like to find something like it more easily found. Does anyone know of anything similar? July 8, 2016 at 11:59am
C. Brown: Hi, Alanna. I have only recently started to re-explore the perfume world and am super picky, so I can’t really advise others much.
What I thought might work is if you go here http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Chloe/Love-Eau-Intense-12594.html and just look and compare. If something looks good, either go to a store and sample it – or order a sample online.
I did think that the suggestions weren’t really that close, though. But perhaps you’ll still find something you really like. July 9, 2016 at 3:30pm
Nina: I just love the Basmati rice note in Ormonde Jayne’s Champaca. Have tried Poudre de Riz and Fils de Dieu…, but cannot find that basmati note. Anyone have a recommendation? Price don’t matter, I’m afraid;) July 9, 2016 at 7:32am
AnnieA: I think poopoopidou (ego facto) has a rice note – haven’t sniffed it in a while. July 11, 2016 at 12:54pm
Nina: Hi Annie!
Thanks – am ordering a sample now! July 16, 2016 at 5:47am
madtowngirl: I have a question that is not so much recommend me a scent, but recommend me a store. I will be in Chicago later this month for work and will have my evenings free and would like to do some perfume shopping. I will be staying downtown within walking distance of pretty much everything. Here in Madison my choices are limited to Macy’s (which never seems to have samples of anything) and Sephora. I would love to test some Frederic Malle or Le Labo in person. Anyone from or has been to Chicago and can point me in the right direction? July 11, 2016 at 9:27am
Surbhi: See if they have barneys and niemen Marcus and saks. Barneys carry Malle. Saks carry le labo. Niemen marcas has many other niche lines and Frederic Malle online. July 11, 2016 at 10:04am
Lily: Hey everyone, I know I am late to the party – may ask again in Aug. I am considering one of the beauty sample subscriptions and wondered if Ipsy or Birch Box seems to be better for perfume? That would be one of the major interests for me (along with the fun of trying things I might never think to buy on my own). Thanks! July 15, 2016 at 12:01pm
Megan Radford: I’m looking for a wedding perfume for December 2017. I know it’s well in advance of the date, but since my love and I are far apart at the moment, perfume and wedding planning have become a welcome distraction.
A bit about us: We both LOVE the scent of jasmine. Other flowers that I love are honeysuckle, dewy rose, and plumeria. My love also enjoys gardenia, as do I.
My favourite scents smell like gardens after the rain. I currently wear Leila Lou by Rosie Jane and Wild Bluebell by Jo Malone. On nights out and in the fall I will sometimes mix in La Vie Est Belle, which his mother gifted me for my birthday. I like the comfort of the vanilla.
Perfumes I am currently considering: Dior Forever and Ever, Miss Dior Brume Soyeuse, Lancome Trésor in Love, Creed Acqua Fiorentina, Jo Malone Orange Blossom and Jo Malone Red Roses (perhaps with the La Vie Est Belle body butter layered underneath).
I live in Toronto, Canada, and would prefer scents I can sniff in store here.
Thank you! In love with this site 🙂 July 15, 2016 at 4:31pm
Megan Radford: Forgot to mention- I don’t want anything limited edition so that my honey can restock me in years to come! 🙂 July 15, 2016 at 4:32pm
Aurora: Congratulations! How exciting for you.
Have you already tried Annick Goutal: I would select to for you a rich jasmine floral Songes, and a gardenia and jasmine Un Matin d’Orage.
Also for gardenia Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Petale is lovely as is Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. And finally two great classics to sample Van Cleef & Arpels First and Jean Patou Joy.
I only have an hesitation with PC Tuberose Gardenia, it’s possible that it’s discontinued, not sure, all the others are widely available. July 20, 2016 at 7:45am
Megan Radford: Thank you Aurora! I actually tried Un Matin d’Orage Eau de Toilette this weekend on a friend’s recommendation, and I am in LOVE! Songes is sadly much too strong for what I am looking for. Are the others you mentioned closer to Songes, or to Orage? July 20, 2016 at 4:47pm
Aurora: Hello Megan: So glad you love UMd’O.
Oh I understand, Songes is a powerhouse overwhelming in summer best for wintertime. Among the others VC&A Gardenia Petale is more delicate and I think is worth trying for your search, Joy might be too strong, First is an affordable beauty but perhaps too rich as well. Hope you will find your perfect wedding scent, if you have a chance let us know, I would love to hear – and I’m sure others and Victoria too – some details of your wedding.
All my best. July 21, 2016 at 12:30pm
Stephy: Tresor in Love was my signature for a couple of years. It’s beautiful, but very, very sweet. I don’t think it has the “gardens in the rain” vibe that you’re going for. The one that I’ve found that most closely resembles a real garden is L’Ombre Dans L’Eau by Diptyque, which reminds me of a rose garden, leaves and stems and all. August 1, 2016 at 11:04pm
Ra: Hi Victoria,
I’ m looking for a prefect substitute for my Cacharel eau d’eden. Can you suggest me a perfume? Thank you July 16, 2016 at 9:07am
Dorothy Van Daele: Hi Victoria and Readers,
I will be visiting Budapest, Vienna and Prague mid-August and would very much appreciate any information on places to buy perfume near the city centres.
Love reading your site. August 9, 2016 at 10:28am
Karen A: In Budapest there is a really nice perfume shop, Madison, right near the opera house. August 9, 2016 at 10:35am
Dorothy: Thank you Karen. I will be there shortly! August 9, 2016 at 1:55pm
Dorothy Van Daele: What a beautiful store! Thank you so much for letting me know, Karen. I’m going back tomorrow. They have Chinatown! August 12, 2016 at 3:00pm
Karen A: Yay!! I had the most wonderful time there (at the shop and in Budapest!!). If you can see a show at the opera House, do! It is absolutely beautiful – like sitting in a jewel box.
It was a rainy, grey autumn day when we got there and went walking, discovering Madison. I bought Portrait of a Lady, which was perfect for the weather and the city. It is a fragrance near to my heart as it brings back such wonderful memories.
Have a glorious time on your travels! August 12, 2016 at 3:48pm
Marius: I was first introduced to Hermes when I’ve brought a 24 Faubourg for my wife, as a present.
I liked it so much (compared to the other perfumes in her collection) that I wanted a Hermes fragrance for myself, and so I discovered Terre d’Hermes. I was not reading online reviews at that time, so I didn’t knew so many people considered it a modern classic, I just knew that it was a perfect scent for me.
Quite recently I’ve started collecting (all) the fragrances from the classic line: first one was Bel Ami Vetiver, followed by Rocabar, and just a few days ago Equipage Geranium. Rocabar was love at first sniff, but the others took some extra time before I really enjoyed them.
I plan to get also the original Bel Ami and Equipage, plus Eau d’Hermes, in the future – to complete that collection, simply because I admire Hermes and Jean Claude Ellena.
And now for my question: What other fragrances could I be interested in?
I already have my eyes on the Hermessence line, and I think it’s great (from Hermes’ side) that you can buy them in 15ml for the same money – per ml. I’ve sampled Vetiver Tonka and found it to be amazing, so I’m pretty positive I’ll buy that one. I had Ambre Narguile on my other arm but I’m not sure yet if I like it or not. I plan to sample Poivre Samarcande today, since I’ll be in Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam).
Am I missing something really great if I stick only with Hermes fragrances?
Other fragrances:
I’ve just finished a bottle of Dior Homme Intense (wife broght it), and while I’ve liked it, I don’t think I’ll be buying another one.
I’ve sampled Dior Fahrenheit and Chanel Antaeus and found both of them to be excesivly strong. Too much sillage for my taste.
I’ve sampled Guerlain Vetiver and Habit Rouge twice. I don’t remember liking Vetiver the first time, but the second time was woow!, coudn’t stop sniffing my arm. I don’t remember too much about Habit Rouge since Vetiver was so polarising – I’ll need to try it again, maybe next to Heritage.
I also liked Dior Eau Sauvage.
I’ve tried Egoiste and Pour Monsieur and wasn’t impressed – maybe because I was influenced by disliking Antaeus so much. August 26, 2016 at 8:40am