Recommend Me a Perfume : June 2018

Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. You can this space to find fragrance recommendations, to share your discoveries and favorite scents, and to ask any questions about scents, aromas and flavors.

Since I’m excited about sharing it with you, here is the first June 2018 issue of the Bois de Jasmin newsletter. If you would like to receive it, please subscribe.

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

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195 Comments

  • Rox: I’m wearing Falling into the Sea by Imaginary Authors. I’m on vacation in Florida now. Any ideas for other beach scents? Also, any recommendations for Floris, I’m going to Charleston and there’s a shop there with Floris and I don’t know much about the liNE. Thanks. June 25, 2018 at 8:25am Reply

    • Cybele: Le Labo Jasmin 17 could be a nice one for the beach and EL Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia if you like Gardenia June 25, 2018 at 11:20am Reply

      • Rox: I love gardenias, my grandma grew them when I lived in Los Angeles. I’ll look into those. Thanks. June 25, 2018 at 10:36pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Rox: So sorry my comment ended up in the thread below as I forgot to hit reply, so you’ll find it there if you want to scroll down 🙂 June 25, 2018 at 2:05pm Reply

    • John: Re: Floris…If you like green scents, I have heard wonderful things about Floris 1962…Cypress & vetiver with a dab of orange oil. June 25, 2018 at 2:11pm Reply

      • Rox: Perfect, I’ll try that first. I adore orange since I had an orange tree growing up. Excited to try Floris. June 25, 2018 at 10:35pm Reply

    • Katya: I have so many favourite beach scents. Fleurs de Sel by Miller Harris reminds me of a rugged coastline, all wind-beaten and wild. Bois Naufragee by Pierre Guillaume reminds me of the beaches on the Black Sea, all hot sand and warm skin. I also used to like Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt but it does not last on me. So I guess… which beach would you like to be on? June 25, 2018 at 3:24pm Reply

      • Rox: I have Wood Sage and Sea Salt, I agree that it doesn’t last. Thanks for the tips, I’ll research the Bois Naufragee. Not heard of it. June 25, 2018 at 10:33pm Reply

    • Clarissa: Francesca Bianchi Sex and the Sea is a very sexy ambergris June 25, 2018 at 9:25pm Reply

      • Rox: Never heard of this. Intriguing. I’ll look it up. June 25, 2018 at 10:37pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Lili Bermuda has several beachy scents; I have and love Coral, but Calypso also sounds beautiful and maybe more “marine”. Have fun in Charleston, it is one of my all-time favorite places! June 25, 2018 at 9:44pm Reply

      • Rox: I have always wanted to try Lily Bermuda. I’ll have to find a stockist. This is my second time to Charleston and I love the food, the shopping, the people, etc…… June 25, 2018 at 10:40pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Geurlain’s Terracotta Le Parfum is the French idea of a beach scent, rather than a “sea” scent. Like the scent of a French sunscreen with white flowers. Very pretty and uplifting. June 26, 2018 at 9:21pm Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hi Rox, another lovely sea/beach perfumes is Heeley’s Sel Marin. Also, more summer beach than wild sea is Terracotta (already mentioned). If visiting Floris, I would recommend Bergamotto de Positano as good for summer. Also, I find their bath products more inspiring than their perfumes, so worth checking that out. July 1, 2018 at 3:44pm Reply

  • Roziel: Hello, so excited to write here, please recommend me a perfume that reminds of chilly Mountain mornings and fresh green leaves right in the middle of a forest, moss and spring water, herbs and all time earthy and refreshing at the same time, thank you June 25, 2018 at 9:16am Reply

    • Cybele: can’t fit it all in one but for chilly mountain mornings try Timbuktu, for green leaves try Bel Respiro Chanel and also French Lover/Bois D’Orage by Frederic Malle. June 25, 2018 at 10:34am Reply

    • Severine: Serge Lutens L’eau froide June 25, 2018 at 12:46pm Reply

    • Marie: What about Chanel Cristalle? June 25, 2018 at 1:55pm Reply

    • Aurora: Maybe also Diptyque Eau de Lierre for green leaves and green pepper. June 25, 2018 at 2:02pm Reply

    • Kayliz: This makes me think of Chypre-Mousse by Oriza L.Legrand. June 25, 2018 at 4:02pm Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Roziel,
      I recommend Silences by Jacomo and Chamade by Guerlain. June 26, 2018 at 4:06am Reply

    • Dr.: Guerlain Herba Fresca. June 26, 2018 at 6:55pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Ormonde Jayne Woman is very forest-y with a unique hemlock note. June 27, 2018 at 5:01pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Ninfeo mio June 29, 2018 at 12:06pm Reply

    • Elizabeth: DS & Durga’s Pale Grey Mountain, Small Black Lake June 29, 2018 at 12:43pm Reply

    • hajusuuri: L’Artisan Coeur de Vetiver Sacre
      Amouage Bracken Woman July 1, 2018 at 3:14pm Reply

  • Aimbl: It may be unoriginal, but Bobbie Brown Beach. Estée Lauder also used to make a beach scent, I think it’s called bronze goddess. I am also fond of the scent of sunscreen (I’m weird that way) as it reminds me of the beach. Re floris, I only have a bit of vintage malmaison, so I am not familiar with current floris offerings. Have a wonderful trip! June 25, 2018 at 9:19am Reply

    • Ashley: I second Bronze Goddess it’s beautiful. I also enjoy Phaedon Sable & Soleil for a beachy/salty scent. June 25, 2018 at 9:45am Reply

      • John: A little while back, I was trying to help my mother in law find something that would remind her of the beaches & gardenias in Tahiti… She really loved the Bobbi Brown, but yes, contenders included Bronze Goddess and (and!) Beach Walk by Maison Margiela, which seemed like a more refined incarnation of the Bobbi Brown, with more salt & less white flowers. I think that MM was kind of going for the same vibe as I Hate Perfume’s At the Beach 1966… less flowers, more salt, and a dab of vintage Copper Tone. Classic Americana? June 25, 2018 at 2:08pm Reply

  • Filomena: Heeley has Cocobello and Sel Marin. June 25, 2018 at 9:23am Reply

  • Ashley: I am exploring Parfums MDCI. I have only tried Vepres Siciliennes and Peche Cardinal. What are some of your other favorites and thoughts about this house? June 25, 2018 at 9:47am Reply

    • Bill: Me too I’m starting to discover their perfumes. I ordered a sample set with four of their fragrances: Chypre Palatin (I ordered 2 of this), Invasion Barbare, Un Cœur en Mai and Péché Cardinal. I’ve only worn them once so far:
      Chypre Palatin: I love how it smells. So dark, complex, resinous. Reminds me of Bal à Versailles without that stinky civet. I would totally get a bottle, except the projection is really really disappointing. I can barely detect it after one hour. Except if I stick my nose to the skin. It’s there, and quite intense up close (really close) even after several hours. But unless I stick my nose to it, I can’t smell it. What a shame.
      Invasion Barbare: I liked this one as well. The violet leaf reminds me a bit of Fahrenheit’s famous gazoline accord. But I don’t know Fahrenheit well enough to compare.
      Un Cœur en Mai: My greatest disappointment amongst the four. I love Patricia de Nicolaï. I loved everything she makes. But this one… It smells nice. A bunch of florals, but I failed to see the complexity. And it’s gone in an hour. I need to test this again.
      Péché Cardinal: A nice surprise for me. I’m not usually fan of fruity florals. But the peach in this one is so realistic, so juicy. And paired with tuberose, one of my favourite notes. It’s gorgeous. June 25, 2018 at 1:01pm Reply

    • Kayliz: I felt disappointed by several of them, but Chypre Palatin is a dream. Deep masculine gorgeousness! June 25, 2018 at 4:04pm Reply

    • Clarissa: Their Rose de Siwa is a very pretty tose June 25, 2018 at 9:26pm Reply

  • Kisa: ISO a new signature scent. A little about me: I am a youthful (I like to think) 68, dark hair & eyes, fair skin, married, retired teacher, native New Yorker. I have a peculiar body chemistry, in that nothing seems to last or project very much. This is not just my nose or sensory fatigue. If I ask someone else if they like my scent, they tell me they don’t smell anything. I need something with a potent sillage and good longevity. I have always stuck to one signature scent. As a very young teenager, I wore Yardley’s red roses. From age 19 to 25, I wore Millot’s Crèpe de Chine. During the next 30 years of my married life, I wore Guerlain’s Mitsouko. Widowed, I wore Caron’s Parfum Sacré. I am remarried and want to change my scent for my new life. I’ve been searching for several years and haven’t found the right one. Some contenders have been Molinard’s Habanita, YSL Black Opium, and Tauer L’Air du Désert Marocain. Of these three, the last feels the most like me, but I just can’t afford it. Do any of you have anything to recommend that I retired teacher might be able to afford? June 25, 2018 at 10:04am Reply

    • kpaint: I also have skin that doesn’t project, and happen to love Habanita and Tauer L’Air du Désert Marocain. What comes to mind immediately is Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu. Their pricing is very reasonable and they also sell 30 ml bottles. June 25, 2018 at 10:37am Reply

    • Cybele: Have you tried the current versions of Magie Noir Lancome and Cabochard? Also you might like Sahara Noir by Tom Ford. June 25, 2018 at 10:46am Reply

      • Cybele: And how about Aromatics Elixir? June 25, 2018 at 10:52am Reply

    • Ann: I love your question, and reading about your perfume history. Since price is an object, and you don’t mind reformulation, here are my suggestions straight from my ultimate online discounter wish list:

      Arpege, Lanvin
      Calandre
      Cinnabar, EL
      Diva, Ungaro
      L’heure Bleu, Guerlain
      Rive Gauche, YSL
      Rocabar, Hermes
      Sublime, Patou
      Tocade, Rochas
      Yatagan, Caron June 25, 2018 at 10:49am Reply

    • Severine: An autobiography in perfume! Lol! Try SJP Stash. June 25, 2018 at 12:49pm Reply

    • Jo: For about $20 online you can buy a bottle of Gres Lumiere Noire. It’s very similar to Coco Mademoiselle and my husband comments every time I wear it for its perfume trail. Now, I have a very large perfume collection and for “he of the hopeless nose” to comment on it every time I wear it it must have something. I’m 63 and recently retired, have had to stop buying. June 25, 2018 at 4:14pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Have you tried Adam Levine for Her? It is very affordable and I think it’s terrific! The perfumer was Yann Vasnier, who has created many niche perfumes and several for Tom Ford. It is woody, balsamic, warm — I like it a lot. It may have been discontinued recently because there was a lot of it recently on sale at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s, but it is still easy to find online, often for about $12 for 100 ml. Also, do you like Tabu? That is always widely available for a low price. June 25, 2018 at 9:00pm Reply

    • Kathryn Franklin-Johnston: Hi Kisa, I’m in a similar situation to you in that, in spite of a thorough application of moisturiser, my skin seems to absorb perfume and get to the drydown rapidly and then fade completely. I have attributed this to the menopause altering both my skin, it has become drier, and also my sense of smell, which may perhaps have become less acute. I, like you, prefer to have a signature scent, though I do occasionally stray for a crush here and there because I’m always curious. I have a couple of suggestions, which are based on things I know last on my skin, rather than trying to guess your taste, because they may last and project on your skin too, and we do have a couple of “likes” in common. I’ve been wearing original Opium rather than Black Opium, and actually prefer the reformulation of the classic, which I know is an unusual view; there is a beautiful body cream and powder in the range you can layer for longevity. Chanel Coco, again the original, not Mademoiselle, lasts for ages, and also has gorgeous bath and body products of lovely quality. Chanel No 19 eau de parfum lasts all day on me, though the body products seem to emphasise the floral notes more than the woody notes which I love, so I only use the eau de parfum itself with this one. If you find Habanita in the old bottle it lasts very well, the reissue is lovely but more fleeting I find. Chanel Coromandel lasts until next day, especially on my clothes but it’s back to being more expensive. Hermes Bel Ami and 24 Faubourg are also lovely and long-lasting, Bel Ami is aimed at men but I wouldn’t bother about that 🙂 and it may appeal to a Mitsouko lover, though different enough to enjoy. I also second the Aromatics Elixir suggestion, it has a beautiful sillage and lasts forever, and it’s very reasonably priced. I hope your next signature perfume is just around the corner! I have found, on my journey to find a new perfume I love, that my family also tend to become so familiar with how I smell when I wear a perfume for a long time, they only notice when I wear something new, and even though there is a sillage from my favourite perfume they don’t register it, just thinking it’s me, does that make sense? 🙂 K June 27, 2018 at 12:55pm Reply

    • Cybele: Another idea: try Egoiste by Chanel (original version not Platinum) it’s beautiful. June 27, 2018 at 6:30pm Reply

    • Sarah Vincent-Hoag: Hi Kisa, I have perfume eating skin too. I love LdDM and have found that if I decant it into a small splash bottle, just a little dab is all I need to last all day. It’s very potent stuff. This way, my fb has lasted for years, so it’s very cost effective. June 28, 2018 at 1:14am Reply

    • Jennifer S.: Sikkim Girls by Lush may be worth a try. July 10, 2018 at 10:55am Reply

    • Anna Stromberg: Congratulations on the new chapter of your life!
      I think maybe Estée Lauder Sensuous, Hermes Ambre de Merveilles or Byredo Gypsy water might be for you. The Byredo is expensive, but also comes in travel sizes.
      Also, if you want to add more deep, woodsy notes, try Hermes Terre or Gucci Guilty absolute. July 12, 2018 at 4:19am Reply

  • Kisa: Would like to add that I love the Habanita bottle and the whole idea of wearing a vintage perfume (even in a reformulated version) . June 25, 2018 at 10:09am Reply

  • faith: Rox i still love nuxe dry oil for the beach or to just remind me of it. June 25, 2018 at 10:20am Reply

    • roxann: I hadn’t thought of Nuxe dry oil. I had a bottle awhile back, I’ll have to get another and refresh my scent memory. July 5, 2018 at 8:03pm Reply

  • Vanie: Hi!
    My husband and I do a lot of hiking these days and he loves the scent of pine forests. I’d like to find a fragrance for him that reminds of that. I know and love Fille en aiguilles, but I’m looking for something fresher, more masculine and that smells closer to the real thing. Any suggestions? June 25, 2018 at 10:37am Reply

    • Bill: Aramis Devin is a classic chypre with a heavy pine note, created by the great Bernard Chant. Maybe you can try that. And it’s inexpensive. June 25, 2018 at 1:07pm Reply

    • John: Not to play the vintage card, but, if it is not too laden with associations for you, you could look for a nice old bottle of Ralph Lauren’s Polo (try to find a Cosmair bottle, because the grassy opening is special.) I wear Yatagan when I’m in the mood, which begins as a bitter herbal tonic that folks say smells like celery (really watercress, basil & wormwood) before transitioning into scorched piñon pines needles and musk. My wife calls it, “Christmas in the 1970’s”, and loves it on me once in awhile. I kind of love it, but it is polarizing.

      To me, though, the modern Prince Charming of pine scents (contemporary, fresh, uplifting, translucent) is Olivia Giacobetti’s composition Fou D’Absinthe… A refreshing, slightly sweetened herbal absinthe accord that transitions into a nice, non-dated lavender and tonka fougere on a discreet base of ISO cedar a la Jean Claude Ellena. Long-lasting, with a moderate trail that you can dress up or down, and not too expensive. Hard to go wrong with this one, IMO…An underrated gem. June 25, 2018 at 2:22pm Reply

      • John: Also, to piggyback on Fleurycat’s comments, below: Some lovely person sent me vintage Guerlain Vetiver samples from both the 70’s and the 90’s…I can see that point too. It is THE scent of a grassy hillside hike in the summer. The contemporary version (especially the very newest bottling) is actually just wonderful in comparison… a touch less midcentury carnation and a dash more driftwood and smoke. It also layers incredibly well with Encre Noire, which, if it works with your husband’s chemistry, would also be very worth a try because of its wonderful chilled cypress accord… Dank conifer woods in the best possible way. June 25, 2018 at 2:29pm Reply

      • Aurora: Hi John: Sorry, I hadn’t seen you were recommending Yatagan already, you give a great description, ‘Christmas in the 70s’ :), I wear it myself when I’m in the mood. June 25, 2018 at 2:59pm Reply

        • John: Don’t be sorry… I am delighted to have some backup! It’s hard not to be a Caron cheerleader once you’ve discovered their love (as I write this, one of those mammoth 16OZ bottles of my signature, Pour un Homme is coming in the mail)…
          But yeah, Nuit Etoilee! I’ve only smelled it on a strip (and it seemed to sweeten on my wife’s skin, but everything does…), but I’d describe it as walking through a northern pine forest by the sea on a frosty winter evening (crunch….crunch). It’s exquisite, heartbreaking even. June 25, 2018 at 3:08pm Reply

          • Jo: Yatagan is too “toilet freshener” for me, but Nuit Etoilee is beautiful. I will wear it today, thanks for the jog to memory. June 25, 2018 at 4:05pm Reply

      • John: Oh, yeah, and Fou d’Absinthe has a pine note. I kind of forgot to mention that and that was kind of the whole point, so… June 26, 2018 at 12:06am Reply

        • Vanie: Haha! Thanks for all the suggestions! June 26, 2018 at 7:43am Reply

    • Ashley: I would suggest Hinoki Commes des Garcons Monocle 1 very woody and piney. I also loved The Lobster La Folie a Plusieurs which isn’t for everyone but I really enjoyed it. June 25, 2018 at 2:27pm Reply

    • Aurora: Also, Caron Yatagan is a masculine pine fragrance, although it has a lot going on besides so do sample it first 🙂

      PS there is also Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilee but like FeA it leans a bit feminine, very beautiful though June 25, 2018 at 2:35pm Reply

      • Vanie: I love Nuit Étoilée for myself, so maybe too feminine indeed. Anyway, I’m keeping it! 😉 June 26, 2018 at 7:44am Reply

    • Mariann: Theres a Swiss natural brand that has one by Andy Tauer, that might fit the bill. Britos Lutscher I think is the name. June 25, 2018 at 9:32pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I second some of the other recommendations here of Annick Goutal’s Nuit Etoilee! Dasein Winter is also great. June 25, 2018 at 10:03pm Reply

    • Vanie: Thanks everyone! I’ll have fun looking all of these up. June 26, 2018 at 7:45am Reply

    • Tavogels: I’m not sure that it’s fresher than Fille, but I think Goutal’s Encens Flamboyant has a very noticeable pine note.

      As an aside, if your husband enjoys gin, he should try St. George Terroir. It never fails to remind me of the smells you find when picking out a Christmas tree in the church lot. June 28, 2018 at 7:12pm Reply

  • Cybele: If anybody has thoughts on APOM Pour Femme I would love to hear them! June 25, 2018 at 11:17am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Cybele,
      I recently got a spray sample of it. My boyfriend loved it on me, it’s very feminine. In the opening it reminded me of far away by Avon that is a classic in my book.The orange blossom and ylang blooms on skin especially in warm weather. June 26, 2018 at 6:14am Reply

      • Cybele: Hi Nora, thanks for your thoughts! Very pleased to hear that your boyfriend liked it!I was wondering if guys might find it a tad screechy. I’m not familiar with Avon though. June 26, 2018 at 6:07pm Reply

    • Andrea: Hi Cybele, I’m in two minds about APOM. Parfumo and Frangrantica list orange blossom, ylang-ylang and cedarwood, so my feelings maybe lack a bit foundation, but it reminds me in texture and mood of Narciso Rodriguez Poudrée. The latter is kind of a clean powder (a huge amount of powder actually) while APOM adds a bit sunshine and warmth. Being used to the Narciso-scent I find these warm and yellow facets a bit disconcerting. To my mind it is not as elegant and refined as other Kurkdjians like Lumière Noire or Amyris. On the other hand it’s more fun. I think you have to fall in love with the scent, otherwise it is a bit irritating. It’s clearly feminine, as Nora already said. June 26, 2018 at 6:32am Reply

      • Cybele: Hi Andrea, I do like the Narcisos but somehow they’re a bit much for me while APOM seems more elegant and refined. My issue might be that it is so linear while I can see that other MFK appear more complex; however, to me APOM is super elegant. I guess I’m already a bit in love but should get a sample first to see how often I want it to be around:) June 26, 2018 at 6:18pm Reply

        • Andrea: Yes, I agree that APOM is more elegant and refined than the Narcisos. I suspected that APOM was elegant and it just doesn’t work on my skin or I miss the point somehow. I have the Kurkdjian wardrobe and all scents are really polished and great so why should APOM be different? I tried it again today but it still left me puzzled. Please enjoy APOM! June 26, 2018 at 6:33pm Reply

          • Cybele: ha, what did it say today? Is it the linearity that puzzles you? as basically 1 note and no development? I find the Narcisos more straightforward sensual, which is also very nice. June 26, 2018 at 6:38pm Reply

            • Andrea: I have problems understanding the combination of this sunny Ylang-Ylang and the strong powdery impression. To me it’s like enjoying a day at the beach while staying in bed at the same time. Just doesn’t work. When I love a perfume I don’t care too much if it lacks development. APOM has really great longevity btw. June 26, 2018 at 6:49pm Reply

              • Cybele: I see, the newer version of Baghari gave me that sort of impression and I didn’t get it, so to speak. Like something fizzy orangy mixed with baby powder – just too harmless. While APOM is more chic to me, more lady skin than baby skin. I think overall it is more about how skin smells than places like a beach or bed. My fantasy might be going a bit overboard because I can’t try it right now! I’m always after a certain refined sexiness, APOM has/promises some of that. June 26, 2018 at 7:05pm Reply

                • Andrea: I would love to know which perfume you will choose in the end and if APOM will be the one! Please let us know! June 26, 2018 at 7:14pm Reply

                  • Andrea: Ah, and my husband said he liked it when I asked him today. June 26, 2018 at 7:29pm Reply

                    • Cybele: Thanks! Always an important piece of information! June 26, 2018 at 7:56pm

  • Posey: Hi!
    One of my favorite perfumes in my younger days (late 30s) was Frederic Malle “Lys Mediterranee” I’m now 55 and have grown my perfume collection — but I dream of the days when I wore Lys and I felt unique, beautiful and French- especially waring a white shirt and flats with spritz of Lys — What can you recommend that would give me that same feeling….in a scent that is less hard on the pocket book — I’ll be going through duty free in Montreal in a few weeks — and would like to add a perfume at that time — they have a nice collection of Channel, Gurlain, Hermes — plus a few Fords — and then a lot of commercial brands. Recommend away….. looking forward to the new newsletter. Thanks for all you do! Love it all. June 25, 2018 at 12:13pm Reply

    • Cybele: Jour d’Hermes June 25, 2018 at 1:07pm Reply

    • kpaint: Ooh! White shirt and flats has Hermes Caleche written all over it. Not Kelly Caleche – which I also love – but the original Caleche. It always makes me think of a crisp white shirt. June 25, 2018 at 1:48pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Posey: I don’t know this Frederic Malle but Victoria who does had recommended an Aqua Allegoria by Guerlain Lys Soleia as a good option for people who love both Un Lys and Lys Mediterranee. It is discontinued but still probably available on eBay and should still be affordable as it is not an expensive line of Guerlain. June 25, 2018 at 2:20pm Reply

    • Neva: Hi Posey, the perfumes from the Hermes Jardin series are beautiful. There are only 4 so try them all at the airport. They feel so classy and fresh. June 25, 2018 at 3:40pm Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Balmain Ivoire (current version) is a crips shirt to me. June 26, 2018 at 5:11am Reply

    • spe: Hi Posey,
      What aspect(S) of Lys Med did you enjoy? Soliflore, shirt, flats. Straightforward, unpretentious, optimistic, airy? Herbs Fresca by Guerlain. But I think a great replacement might be Gardenia by Chanel (it’s available in parfum and edp). Perhaps Monsieur Li by Hermes (mimosa). Please let us know what you decide! June 26, 2018 at 12:13pm Reply

      • Posey: I have Monsieur Li and love it’s clean and freshness. I use it after my morning swim and it uplifts me and prepares for the day. Sadly, it’s fleeting. I’ve never tried Gardenia — will give it a smell soon. Duty free awaits me in 8 days.

        Thanks all for the ideas. July 9, 2018 at 9:39am Reply

    • Klaas: Ok, for a suggestion that’s quite out of the box……white shirt + flats + that French je ne sais quoi + lots of class = Chanel pour Monsieur! It’s fresh, fun to wear and will light up any day! Give it a try 😉 June 28, 2018 at 10:55am Reply

  • Fleurycat: The notes listed for vintage Guerlain Vetiver do not include pine, but it is a very sophisticated cologne that has just the right element of forest under the surface. A beautiful, complex, sexy masculine fragrance. I‘m not sure if the reformulation is as good, but it is worth a try. June 25, 2018 at 1:39pm Reply

  • Fleurycat: This last comment was meant for Vanie June 25, 2018 at 1:39pm Reply

    • Victoria: Please post it under Vanie’s directly by clicking “reply”, otherwise she may not find it. June 26, 2018 at 2:59am Reply

    • Vanie: I saw it! Thank you! 🙂 June 26, 2018 at 7:47am Reply

  • Aurora: Hi Rox: Floris is known for some legendary florals (Malmaison and Stephanotis for eg) although unfortunately they are discontinued, one I like very much which is still available is White Rose (carnation and rose) and I recently tried Chypress and liked it very much. I believe they have launched a new collection named after years 1962… etc and you might want to explore it, enjoy your visit, Charleston is so beautiful June 25, 2018 at 1:56pm Reply

    • rox: Floris London in Charleston had an amazing shop with many other fragrance lines. It was a block from the City Market. I bought the Floris women’s sampler set. It had 16 in it for $29. I’m enjoying testing them out. White Rose is amazing!! So far my favorite is Cefiro a citrus floral. The collection by the years was also in the set. July 5, 2018 at 8:08pm Reply

  • Ashley: I would suggest Hinoki Commes des Garcons Monocle 1 very woody and piney. I also loved The Lobster La Folie a Plusieurs which isn’t for everyone but I really enjoyed it. June 25, 2018 at 2:26pm Reply

  • Katya: I’m curious has anybody tried the new Miller Harris forage scents? I like the sound of Hidden on the Rooftops, but I don’t live anywhere near a store. Thoughts? I mostly want to try it because I’m still trying to find something that makes me as happy as Aerin’s Mediterranean Honeysuckle.

    Also I tried Terre d’Hermes and I am in love! June 25, 2018 at 3:28pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Sorry, I commented below instead of here! I have tried the Forage scents and I liked them a lot! I’d have to pull out a sample to remember much about Hidden on the Rooftops, though. But if you’re looking for something fresh that might remind you of Mediterranean Honeysuckle, have you tried Dame Perfumery’s Limd, Gardenia and Benzoin, or Bergamot, Jasmine and Labdanum? Or any of the other eaux de toilette? They are an excellent value, especially compared to Miller Harris, and you can also buy trial sizes in 5 ml. June 25, 2018 at 9:37pm Reply

  • armando: Hi! I’m a young man, and I’m on a gender-bender mood lately, so my perfume today is Prada’s Amber Pour Femme EdP. It is a big overdose of amber and patchuoli, with hints of mandarine and orange blossom. Delicious.
    What other female perfumes would you recommend me to wear? June 25, 2018 at 4:06pm Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Armando,
      I recommend Portrait of a lady by Frederic Malle, Coco by Chanel, Samsara bu Guerlain, Youth-Dew by Estee Lauder . June 26, 2018 at 6:03am Reply

      • Eudora: Hello Armando and Nora! My husband wore Coco during winter and was gorgeous on him. Totally recommend! June 26, 2018 at 7:31am Reply

        • armando: Hi Eudora! Second vote for Coco. I will try it on. I find it heavenly baroque and opulent, so I’m looking forward to it June 26, 2018 at 12:01pm Reply

          • Eudora: Hi Armando! It is such a beauty! Let me recommend you also another opulent and heavently baroque gem, Paloma Picasso. I just put a tiny bit under my nose and is gorgeous. June 26, 2018 at 4:47pm Reply

            • Armando: Thanks Eudora! I will also try it on. My enthusiasm for perfume is an inherited trait from my mom, who has an incredible collection of perfumes. I’ve learned over the years to appreciate any fragrance. No matter how bold and baroque or minimal and fresh. That’s why I don’t really believe in perfume being a thing for one gender or the other (even tho I will not wear Britney’s Fantasy any time soon) June 26, 2018 at 4:58pm Reply

              • Eudora: Armando, that is my aproach to perfume too. The next question is so out of sense but.. What labeled as man’s perfume would you like in a woman? I wore Caron Pour an Homme, Cartier Declaration and Old Spice! June 27, 2018 at 2:58am Reply

                • armando: Eudora, I would totally recommend for a woman the following:
                  -Chanel Platinum Egoiste
                  -Guerlain Habit Rouge EdT
                  -Lacoste Red Style In Play
                  -Tom Ford Noir EdP

                  I would recomend to let those fragrances settle on your skin for some time June 27, 2018 at 12:34pm Reply

                  • Eudora: Thanks, I will. I also recommend, as Klass did, Cuir de Russie. C’ est magnifique! June 29, 2018 at 3:40pm Reply

                    • armando: Hi Eudora,
                      I tested both Coco and Cuir de Russie. I have to say my favorite of them was Cuir de Russie. It has a sharp, almos pungent opening that softens over time. I can see why it was named that way. There is a leather-like quality to it.
                      Coco, on the other hand, was delicious and voluptuous, but I couldn’t stop thinking about my mother, which is a very nice thing, don’t get me wrong, but it is such a trademark scent for her, it was like stealing something from her closet. It did last longer, tho. July 4, 2018 at 5:10pm

              • Silvermoon: Hi Armando! I completely agree that perfumes might be marketed by gender, but should be worn as per what one likes and enjoys. I find that men smell great in rose perfumes. There are many to choose from, but maybe FMalle Une Rose would be a good one for you (also Portrait of a Lady, which is rose heavy).

                I second Seville a l’Aube (not a rose). And here is a male perfume that I found wonderful for women- Knize 10. So oddly a reverse recommendation too. July 1, 2018 at 4:14pm Reply

                • armando: That you Silvermoon! I will try them as soon as I can July 4, 2018 at 5:11pm Reply

              • Eudora: Armando, good choice! But try Coromandel. For a beautiful and rich sillage is great. That’s a never ending story… July 5, 2018 at 7:28am Reply

      • armando: Thank you Nora! I will try them to check how they would behave on my skin.
        Now that you mention Samsara, some weeks ago I tried Shalimar. On my skin, it went from smoke and incense to creamy vanilla. I was not convinced at the end, but sure it was an interesting option. June 26, 2018 at 11:58am Reply

    • Klaas: Hi Armando, when I was younger I also wore lots of fragrances that were marketed for women. Such nonsense anyway 😉 Coco is reknown for smelling gorgeous on guys, but I’d also recommend Mitsouko, Opium, A la Nuit (Serge Lutens), L’Air du Desert Maroccain (Tauer Perfumes), Avignon (Comme des Garcons) and of course Cuir de Russie (Chanel). Enjoy! June 28, 2018 at 11:08am Reply

      • Eudora: Hi Klass, I vote for Cuir de Rusie. Actually when I smelled it for the first time I thought “my husband’s perfume!”. Avignon is one of my favorites things ever. June 28, 2018 at 3:00pm Reply

      • armando: Hi Klass! As I told Eudora, I tested Cuir de Russie. I liked it a lot. There is this sharp pungent opening, and it slowly becomes softer, almost edible. I loved it! July 4, 2018 at 5:15pm Reply

        • Klaas: I am so glad you liked it.
          Enjoy testing many more 😉 July 5, 2018 at 3:10am Reply

    • Andy: Late to the thread, but my best friend and I are both young men who, like you, wear whatever scent we like. So, I thought I might add to the already excellent recommendations here. My friend likes sweetness and freshness, I like green and woods, so where we tend to share common ground is in our appreciation for floral perfumes. You can imagine what a scented duo we make when we go out together (we sometimes match perfumes without trying to). If you haven’t tried them, some other classic Estée Lauders are beautiful gender-bender choices, especially Private Collection (beautiful green notes and moss, and a compliment-worthy sillage) and White Linen (a distinctive and interesting “clean” smelling fragrance). In addition, I would recommend Diptyque L’Ombre dans L’Eau, (Eau de Parfum especially) which may be thought of for the female wearer, but is a memorable pick for anyone, with lots of interesting green notes. Nonetheless, given some of the fragrances you’ve already mentioned, L’Artisan Parfumeur Seville a L’Aube might be my top pick. Its orange blossom is fresh, ripe, and sweet, but is balanced with plenty of darkness too. It has an incredibly alluring sillage that others seem to compliment when I wear it. It also keeps my interest throughout the day, and lasts well for me. In that same vein, Nuit de Tubereuse from L’Artisan would be worth a try too. June 29, 2018 at 5:05pm Reply

      • armando: Thank you Andy! I will try them.
        Last weekend I went to the Chanel boutique to try both Coco and Cuir de Russie. Beautiful scents. I also tested No.5 Eau Premiere. It was incredible, and I would recommend it. July 4, 2018 at 5:19pm Reply

    • Cybele: Hi Armando, I recommend you to try Donna Karen Signiture! June 30, 2018 at 7:37pm Reply

  • Laura: Hello, perfume fans, am celebrating Midsommer with the very lovely California Reverie by Van Cleef & Arpels. My first ever jasmine fragrance. I love jasmine in nature but any indolic jasmine fragrance induces a massive headache. But California Reverie is so fresh and light. A jasmine fragrance for non-jasmine fans… June 25, 2018 at 4:20pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Laura, and you smell wonderful: I don’t own CR altough I like it very much because I went for Gardenia Petal in the end. This line in general is very good, I really liked Orchidee Vanille and Bois d’Iris too (sigh). June 27, 2018 at 7:00am Reply

  • Jacquie: Hi, can anyone recommend a perfume for ladies from Mancera or Montale? I particularly love rose-Oud in a perfume. Also, what do you think of Armaf Club De Nuit Intense for women? June 25, 2018 at 4:42pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I really like Montale’s Intense Cafe, which is a gorgeous rose with vanilla and amber, and coffee undertones. No oud, though! June 25, 2018 at 9:22pm Reply

    • marianne: Hello Jacquie: I think Victoria was impressed with Montale Black Aoud which has a rose note as well. June 26, 2018 at 5:30am Reply

      • Nora Szekely: I second Black Aoud, it’s terrific.
        Roses Greedy by Mancera and Roses Musk bu Montale are great too. June 26, 2018 at 6:05am Reply

      • Jacquie: Did she do a review?? June 26, 2018 at 7:11am Reply

        • Aurora: Yes, there is a review! June 26, 2018 at 9:30am Reply

  • Kisa: Thank you all for these wonderful recommendations. I can see I will have lots of sampling to do. June 25, 2018 at 4:57pm Reply

    • Cybele: I just thought that you might like Alaia in the black bottle. Pretty bottle too. June 25, 2018 at 10:35pm Reply

  • Lily: I went looking at Sephora over the weekend for a perfume to pair with a villainess costume (seductive sorceress, definitely not the hero of the story but interesting and powerful) and ended up bringing home a sample of Kat Von D’s “Sinner.” It pretty well fits the vibe I am looking for…overtly sensual, an almost overripe sweet fruit and some indolic floral, a bit of darkness beneath.

    My questions for you ladies is basically, has anyone else tried this scent and what are your thoughts (particularly those whose wheelhouse is sensual or seductive frag’s Bc mine is DEFINITELY not lol) and is this an interesting perfume against its own genre? If it’s derivative or cliche what are the masters in that category? This is a situation when the scent is part of the costume so I am looking for obvious…. June 25, 2018 at 5:55pm Reply

    • Cybele: Poison, Agent Provocateur L’Agent, Habanita, Tuberose Criminelle, Amaranthine come to mind June 25, 2018 at 7:04pm Reply

      • Lily: Cool, thanks for the rec’s! I have heard of almost all of these but never tried them since…not something I typically want to try and pull off lol. June 25, 2018 at 7:07pm Reply

        • Cybele: no worries! would be curious to hear what you pick in the end. June 25, 2018 at 8:09pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Vintage Dior Poison is the ultimate sexy villainess scent, complete with overripe fruit, tuberose, and jasmine. Think Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, or Susan Sarandon as the evil stepmother in Enchanted! June 25, 2018 at 9:35pm Reply

      • Lily: Thanks! I have never tried poisin Bc of t’s reputation as a big perfume and its lack of subtlety, but I am remembering now the ad copy with poison apples and of course I need to try it for this character now! June 26, 2018 at 7:59am Reply

  • EvaAdelaide: I would love recommendations on fragrance shops in Rome and Krakow. I will be there in September on holidays and I always purchase a perfume in the country’s I visit. June 25, 2018 at 7:35pm Reply

    • Tara C: Mazzolari is good. July 2, 2018 at 3:40pm Reply

  • Old Herbaceous: I have tried the Forage scents and I liked them a lot! I’d have to pull out a sample to remember much about Hidden on the Rooftops, though. But if you’re looking for something fresh that might remind you of Mediterranean Honeysuckle, have you tried Dame Perfumery’s Limd, Gardenia and Benzoin, or Bergamot, Jasmine and Labdanum? Or any of the other eaux de toilette? They are an excellent value, especially compared to Miller Harris, and you can also buy trial sizes in 5 ml. June 25, 2018 at 9:17pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Sorry, this was meant to be a reply to Katya, above. June 25, 2018 at 10:20pm Reply

  • Eudora: Hello, I want to ask you about a brand I just discovered and loved, Heeley. I smelled the Iris perfume and loved it on my skin and I tested a couple more of their perfumes and was very surprised for the good. I want to ask you about it and, as I will have the chance to go to the city in a few days, your recommendations and thoughts. Thanks! June 26, 2018 at 2:05am Reply

    • Cybele: Cuir Pleine Fleur is a nice light floral leather, quite unique. June 26, 2018 at 6:02pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Eudora: Also, L’Amandiere is often recommended for a lovely almond perfume. June 27, 2018 at 5:14am Reply

  • Eudora: Hello, a good and not expensive summer lilac cologne? Thanks! June 26, 2018 at 2:15am Reply

    • Katya: There’s this brand they sell here in the UK called Aromas Artesanales de Antigua. (Distributor’s name is Somerset Toiletry Company) Not sure if they have a cologne but they have a beautiful lilac line that is very inexpensive. They sell it in bigger Tesco’s stores so if by any chance you live near one it might be worth exploring?

      Bronnely also lists lilac as a note in their Freesia perfume – I love their Orchid range and the EDT is 14 pounds for 50 ml, so maybe worth giving it a go if you like the lineup? Website says it contains notes of rose, lilac, freesia and iris.

      Also, Yardley has a Lilac perfume. Haven’t smelled that one but it seems like English brands have a thing for making colognes with this ingredient so I think it’s a safe bet. In Boots it’s 25 pounds for 50 ml .

      Pacifica is another brand that has a French Lilac scent – I’ve given it a sniff in candle form and liked it well enough, but not so much I would buy it. June 26, 2018 at 4:50pm Reply

    • Katya: Oh, wait. The Yardley one doesn’t actually have lilac listed in the notes. Nevermind…. June 26, 2018 at 4:52pm Reply

      • Eudora: Thanks Katya for your very informed recommendation. I just found your blog. I will explore it as well as your recommendations. Really appreciate it. June 27, 2018 at 3:04am Reply

    • Mariann: Pacifica Lilac is excellent for the price if you can get it. June 26, 2018 at 11:15pm Reply

      • Eudora: Thanks! Never tried Pacifica’s colognes, I will look for it! June 27, 2018 at 3:02am Reply

    • Aurora: Nice recommendations already. I’ll add Trussardi which has 2 perfumes with lilac, My Scent and My Name. My favorite of the moment is My Scent because it captures the unripe almond aspect of lilac blooms very well but My Name is rated more highly on Fragrantica. Prices: it’s middle range when new, not very expensive, I got my almost full bottle for less than £20 pounds on eBay. June 27, 2018 at 5:18am Reply

      • Eudora: Thanks Aurora! June 27, 2018 at 10:37am Reply

    • Jennifer S.: Highland Lilac which is made in Rochester NY is true to its name. All authentic Lilac and a $3.00 sample will last you forever! July 10, 2018 at 11:14am Reply

      • Eudora: Thanks! I am in Europe and they don’t ship outside the US but I am traveling to the States in Fall. Sounds lovely, thanks! July 10, 2018 at 3:15pm Reply

  • Nora Szekely: Hi Roziel,
    I recommend Silences by Jacomo and Chamade by Guerlain. June 26, 2018 at 4:05am Reply

  • Annabel Farrell: Would be grateful for a recommendation for the sadly discontinued Tilleul by Parfums D’Orsay, a light summery lime blossom scent.
    Thanks! June 26, 2018 at 5:56am Reply

    • Mariann: Interested too, I havent found a good one yet to replace Zeta. I did like Jo Malones Lime Blossom but its being discontinued as well. Undina’s Looking Glass has several recommendations in her hunt for the perfect linden blossom on her blog but I havent been able to try those. June 26, 2018 at 11:18pm Reply

      • Aurora: Hello Marianne: So sad about Jo Malone French Lime Blossom, thank you for the info, it’s a favorite of mine , I had no idea it was discontinued, a good thing I have 2 bottles but I am going to chase more. It was a classic from JUM and seemed to have been around forever 🙁 June 27, 2018 at 5:25am Reply

        • Aurora: Mariann, not Marianne, sorry for the typo. June 27, 2018 at 5:27am Reply

      • Annabel Farrell: Thanks. Am sipping coffee in Covent Garden across the road from a Jo Malone store so will nip in anyway! June 27, 2018 at 5:47am Reply

    • Aurora: Oh, French Lime Blossom by Jo Malone is my bet too. So sad to learn it’s discontinued. Looking up Fragrantica is see Fragonard has Tilleul Cedrat, perhaps it would be worth sampling it. I am generally fond of Fragronard, who knows it may be a tilleul you’ll like. June 27, 2018 at 5:22am Reply

      • Annabel Farrell: Will pop into M&S later, they carry FragonRd. Thanks! June 27, 2018 at 5:48am Reply

        • Aurora: Thank you for your reply Annabel, I’m in the UK too. Waving! It’s great isn’t it about M&S, Fragonard’s prices are so affordable and I love their Fleur d’Oranger, it’s a classic in France where I’m from 🙂 June 27, 2018 at 6:23am Reply

          • Annabel Farrell: Waving back! I was in Bloom Perfumery, Covent Garden and the wonderful sales virl, am I allowed to use that term, let me try lots on and when I told her about Tilleul it turned out she loved it too, so to cut a long story short I bought a bottle of The Soft Lawn, linden, oakmoss,fresh tennis balls!. Look up imaginaryauthors.com. It’s by an American company I never heard of. But I think I really like it! June 27, 2018 at 8:21am Reply

            • Aurora: That’s wonderful Annabel! Thank you so much for reporting back, I had never heard of The Soft Lawn (pretty name) so I’m really grateful.
              Bloom people are very helpful indeed, I have been to the Shoreditch one twice and each time I discovered something new and they gae me samples. So happy for you that you found a linden that can replace Tilleul. Enjoy your new bottle! Off to look at imaginaryauthors.com June 27, 2018 at 11:44am Reply

              • Annabel Farrell: Just noticed that the very first comment here mentions Imaginary Authors! Coincidence. Will belooking them up myself if this bus ever arrives in Fulham! June 27, 2018 at 12:10pm Reply

  • Andrea: Victoria, I love the photo! June 26, 2018 at 6:56am Reply

  • Andrea: I recently discovered L’Artisan Parfumeur Bucoliques de Provence. Funny because I don’t like lavender in perfumes. But the scent is so calming and soft, that I use it occasionally for better sleep. Which perfumes do you use for cozy moments? I would love to hear. June 26, 2018 at 7:06am Reply

    • Anne: Hello! That is a fun question. Vetiver tonic from Hermes as totally that calming effect on me. I don t know why. It is soft earthy, feels natural… i don t know what it s about it… I love it. Physolikos from dytique ( the EDP not EDT) has a similar effect too. June 26, 2018 at 7:23am Reply

      • Andrea: Hello Anne, Vetiver Tonka looks great. Hope I can try it soon. June 26, 2018 at 5:36pm Reply

    • Michael: The first two “skin scents” that conjure up intimate moments with a loved one are Dries van Noten and Dans Tes Bras, both from Frederic Malle. June 26, 2018 at 11:30am Reply

      • Andrea: Hello Anne and Michael, thanks for your answers. I googled the scents and they sound really nice! June 26, 2018 at 1:04pm Reply

        • Eudora: Hi Andrea, for cozy moments I love incense. Comme des Garcons Avignon is my choice. What do you feel about incense? June 26, 2018 at 4:52pm Reply

          • Andrea: Hi Eudora, thank you for your recommendation. I like incense if it isn’t too prominent. I started my perfume journey only two years ago so I still prefer the sweeter, not too dark scents. My taste changes rapidly, though, so maybe I’ll grow into appreciating incense more in a year or two. I’ll google Avignon nevertheless. June 26, 2018 at 5:30pm Reply

            • Eudoa: Avignon’s incense is vey prominent indeed but sweet and warm.
              We are always in a perfume journey in my opinion…it never ends. Good luck. June 26, 2018 at 5:57pm Reply

    • Katya: Chanel Eau Premiere, only on special occasions though. Otherwise, any rose perfume/handcream. I, too, don’t like lavender too much, although I have a soft spot for Twilight/Sleepy from Lush. June 26, 2018 at 5:01pm Reply

      • Andrea: Hello Katya, I know and love Eau Premiere. I tried it in Weimar, Germany, where I spent my holidays. Always nice to have some good memories connected with a perfume. June 26, 2018 at 5:33pm Reply

    • Aurora: What a good question! I used to wear my ‘big’ perfumes post shower/bath like Rumba, Badgley Mischka, ET White Diamonds, Nahema Parfum de Toilette, the ones that I don’t feel comfortable wearing outside, but lately I’ve discovered Jesus del Pozo Ambar, orange and amber, it has a really relaxing quality and I found it works in the summer as well. Oh, and I agree with Eudora, incense is for relaxed, contemplative moments, mine is AG Encens Flamboyant. June 27, 2018 at 7:47am Reply

      • Andrea: Maybe I will have a closer look at the incense perfumes. The Comme des Garcons incense series looks really interesting, and Encens Falmboyant as well. I too have a few perfumes, that I don’t feel comfortable with outside and which I enjoy at home on my sofa, Chanel Rue Cambon for example. Ambar looks interesting on fragrantica. Thanks for your answer, Aurora. June 27, 2018 at 12:29pm Reply

      • Eudora: Hi Aurora, I want to ask you how you compare Avignon and Encens Flamboyant… Thanks! June 28, 2018 at 5:27pm Reply

        • Aurora: Hi Eudora! I’ve never tried Avignon, I know it’s very good from commenters here.

          But what I can do is describe my impressions of Encens Flamboyant: It wears like a gauzy veil of scent, it is not heavy at all contrary to some other incenses (like TF Sahara Noir for eg although I like it) it is a true incense, frankincense, with no labdanum which tends to weigh a scent (I do like labdanum but it gives a different feel to an incense perfume). To sum it up I would say it is like the inside of a church in Provence where smells of the herbs and trees from the guarrigue come in from the opened door and mingle with smoke from the mass. It is probably one of my top five perfumes of all times, and I wear it at special ‘me’ moments. I hope this helps you a little bit. June 29, 2018 at 9:36am Reply

          • Eudora: Avignon is a catholic church, no trees no herbs but the Inquisition! And I wear it at special “me” moments too.
            I’ll try your heretic incense, thanks Aurora! June 29, 2018 at 3:47pm Reply

    • Nat: For my comfort moments- usually before bed- I adore Mochino’s Couture! It’s slightly warm and cozy, like a light sweater. Maybe it’s the peppery bits or the woods? June 27, 2018 at 9:13am Reply

      • Andrea: Sound just right for the time before bed! Thanks for your answer, Nat! June 27, 2018 at 3:16pm Reply

  • Potimarron: I get a bit stuck with perfume in summer. My favourites so far are Ealing Green by 1460 Tuesdays (one of the few instances where I actually get on with patchouli- it just gives an idea of dewy grass here) and Gin and Tonic by The Library of Fragrance (inexpensive, but summers are unpredictable here!). Does anyone have suggestions for something with that sort of freshness, but perhaps a bit more sophisticated than smelling like a G&T? June 26, 2018 at 12:56pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Potimarron: nothing wrong with smelling like a G&T 🙂 but if you want more sophisticated while still fresh what about Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling? I’ll also list some of my staples for summer: Eau de Rochas which is more than a cologne, a refreshing chypre, like water on hot stones in the drydown, Jacomo Silences, green, green and more green, Fragonard Fleur d’Oranger, the original one not the new intense version, Rance Eau Sublime austere and elegant, Vent Vert (the 90s version) one of my greenest scents, Eau de Germaine Monteil, a really well done salty jasmine, which wears like a cool caress, discontinued but still really affordable on eBay where I live. Also, l’Artisan Caligna reads very fresh to me with its pine needles. June 27, 2018 at 7:18am Reply

      • Potimarron: Thank you! I’ve heard good things about Vent Vert and Fragonard is stocked in a few places near me. June 28, 2018 at 7:16am Reply

    • Cybele: L’Eau Froide Serge Lutens, Outrageous Frederic Malle, Eau de Cartier June 27, 2018 at 3:08pm Reply

    • DaveStPaul: Hi Potimarron,

      How about Nicolai’s L’EAU MIXTE. Really zippy, and it has a subtle classiness that all Nicolai’s seem to have. Plus they sell a 30ml bottle! There’s a nice review on this site from 2013 if you’d like some writing on it that’s from the real pros. =:o) June 28, 2018 at 2:03pm Reply

    • Carla: Eau de Rochas July 2, 2018 at 8:50pm Reply

  • Eudora: Nothing can replicate a new born baby smell. That smell…that dissapears forever but never forget.
    Just that thought. June 28, 2018 at 5:32pm Reply

  • Yvonne: My request may sound strange but I absolutely love chypre scents and have recently fallen in love with the woods, fruit and leather in La Panthere, however I’ve been looking for a wonderful herbal Mediterranean limoncello meets Sea and Sand scent with the same complexity of a chypre. Is there such a mermaid as this? I’m thinking perhaps Hermès or Guerlain, but I’m open to trying anything. June 29, 2018 at 11:48pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Yvonne: How about a summer chypre? I am thinking of Eau de Rochas for you, have you tried it? I wear it every summer,iIt has the citrus although no limoncello and the chypre structure and the bonus is a mineral drydown that can make one think of sand which is more noticeable in the vintage version, but the newer one has it too although toned down. Also, I see on Fragrantica that it is compared to Lorenzo Villoresi Aura Maris which I don’t know but has the added bonus does of the sea, marine note you’re looking for, so you might investigate by looking it up and see if it might suit you. July 1, 2018 at 1:32pm Reply

      • Yvonne: Thank you, sounds wonderfu!! I can’t wait to try them!! If you think of any other summer chypre Mediterranean coastal scents, please let me know! It’s always summer here in TX, but I love the sophistication of the French, Italian, and Grecian coasts. July 1, 2018 at 5:55pm Reply

  • Theresa: ISO my first signature scent. hello! I am 21, but a bit of an old soul, and I am about to buy my first full bottle of perfume…and was hoping you guys can help me out. I am a scholar and philosopher primarily of ancient Sanskrit philosophy. I have the mix of soft, severe, and angular face, black wavy hair, and dark skin of my south indian blood. I have tried a number of samples and loved Sycomore by Chanel, Encre Noire, Cristalle, and No. 19– but the Chanel is too expensive for my graduate student wallet. I’d love a bold, unisex, and daring take on those scents that pervade the Sanskrit poetry I spend so much time with: vetiver, sandalwood, pepper, incense, jasmine. I am currently deciding between Bulgari Black and Encre Noire. It’s been too long since I sampled Bulgari Black to decide. Any thoughts? July 1, 2018 at 11:18am Reply

    • AnnieA: Bulgari Black can smell quite different on people, rubbery vs. more vanilla. It can be found quite cheap. Not as cheap is Nombril Immense Etat by Libre d`Orange, a serene patchouli. July 1, 2018 at 3:21pm Reply

    • Tara C: Encre Noire is great stuff. Bulgari Black has vanilla, depends if you want any sweetness. Encre Noire can be had very cheaply on fragrancenet.com. July 2, 2018 at 3:47pm Reply

    • Klaas: Encre Noire would be a great choice! It’s bold, different, and wears well in all seasons. If you happen to pass the Guerlain counter on your way to Lalique, you could try a spritz of Guerlan Vetiver. It’s a great on as well, and not too expensive either.

      Don’t worry about having to find your signature scent. Just buy something you like, and it might become your signature scent…… if it doesn’t just keep exploring 😉 July 3, 2018 at 7:25am Reply

  • Ella: Hi! I recently stumbled across your 2011 blog on the reformulation of J’adore and it’s been a revelation. Ive worn J’adore since 2001. I still love it but I’ve noticed in recent years that it’s not as warm or long lasting as it used to be. I thought my tastes had changed, it didn’t even occur to me that it had been reformulated.

    Is the J’adore extrait de parfum, J’adore absolu or J’adore L’Or at all similar to the original EDP? Or are there any other fragrances that are similar??

    Thank you July 5, 2018 at 7:32pm Reply

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