Recommend Me a Perfume : July 2018

Our July newsletter is out! Please take a look and let me know what you think.

Meanwhile, the “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.

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 uner their comment.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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231 Comments

  • KimCravatta: Looking for a feminine ‘spicy’ frag for the winter. Wore ‘Coco’ many years ago and loved it, but that was a different time and they changed the formula. Now looking for something newer.

    currently wearing:
    Santal Blush (Tom Ford), Carnal Flower (Frederic Malle) and 24 Faubourg (Hermes) July 16, 2018 at 9:11am Reply

    • Nina: Maybe Frederic Malle Noir Epices? Lots of spices & rose, very feminine IMO. July 16, 2018 at 9:48am Reply

      • KimCravatta: Thank you ! I’ll get a sample of that. July 16, 2018 at 10:04am Reply

    • Anne: Hello, I am just jumping on this thread. I am thinking this winter I will buy santal blush, but I am also thinking about carnal flower, so we seam to share similar scent.
      Have you tried Dyptique eau Duelle (spicy vanilla), I also used to enjoy Volute from Dyptique. And how about coco noir? July 16, 2018 at 10:18am Reply

      • KimCravatta: Anne: Hi, thank you for those recommendations. Adding to my sample list ..

        NOTE on Santal Blush. It took me several tries for my ‘nose’ to really like this. Once I did, it is quite lovely. Wearable literally anywhere. It’s the only scent my husband complements me on. He says how wonderful I smell when I walk into a room. July 16, 2018 at 10:54am Reply

        • Anne: Thanks for this. I have a quick question for you then. Do you find Santal Blush is a power house sent? Or is it quite intimist? I can’t handle big diva perfume, they always end up wearing me. I m a too shy person for them. I would love a bit of personnality but very discret, and I am bored of the musky/ fresh sent that I keep being offered by the SA in my département. Thanks! Anne July 16, 2018 at 12:38pm Reply

          • KimCravatta: Not a powerhouse at all. Light but still very sensuous. Try getting one of the the larger sample-sizes some of the perfume decanters offer so you may try wearing it several times. July 16, 2018 at 6:53pm Reply

    • Anu: Hello KimCravatta: some suggestions come to mind, Indochine by Parfumerie Generale, Plum Japonis by Tom Ford, Parfum Sacre by Caron July 16, 2018 at 10:36am Reply

    • rosarita: Coco was my signature perfume for years and it’s sad that it’s now a shadow of it’s former glory. Have you tried Coco Noir? It’s definitely not noir but it’s elegant and well made as is Tom Ford Black Orchid. Neela Vermeire Trayee is a gorgeous spicy creation by Bertrand Duchaufour and he is the nose behind many spicy scents from L’Artisan, Commes des Garcons and many others, you can look him up on Fragrantica. July 16, 2018 at 10:44am Reply

      • Eudora: Hello Rosarita and perfume fans! I finished my Coco’s edt bottle months ago. It was maybe 15 years old. Do you think it was a reformulation? July 18, 2018 at 3:49pm Reply

        • rosarita: Hi Eudora 🙂 from 2003, I really have no idea when Coco has been reformulated or how many times. Maybe someone else will chime in. July 18, 2018 at 3:56pm Reply

          • Eudora: Rosarita,
            What do you think about the edp compared with the edt?
            I wanted to buy Coco (or Paloma Picasso…) July 18, 2018 at 4:06pm Reply

            • rosarita: The edp is richer but I have always preferred Coco edt, to me it’s spicier and less floral which is my preference. I haven’t smelled Paloma Picasso in years so I’m definitely no help there! July 18, 2018 at 6:40pm Reply

    • Aurora: Very good recommendations already, I especially second Rosarita for Trayee, so good, also, Jacomo Art Collection No 8 is a lovely spicy fragrance if you like cardamom, cinnamom ginger and tea. It is very like the original Omnia, perhaps you know that one? now discontinued. July 16, 2018 at 12:52pm Reply

    • Sarah: Kim, I think yo might enjoy Rose of No Man’s Land by Byredo. Spicy but feminine. I love it! July 16, 2018 at 3:15pm Reply

    • Floras: Hi Kim have you considered Jo Malone’s Myrrh & Tonka? It is nice and warm but also spicy. July 16, 2018 at 5:13pm Reply

    • Melissa Rosen: MARNI…….yum July 20, 2018 at 10:17am Reply

    • Tamasin: Do try Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne – I love this in winter, it’s got an incredible role call of ingredients: Chinese cedar, incense, myrrh, bay, pimento berries, sambac absolute, bergamot …which sounds like it would be over the top, but it’s not! Just sophisticated and gorgeous. I think they now do 2mls samples called Petit Fours, which are refunded if you buy the bottle of perfume. August 10, 2018 at 5:40am Reply

      • KimCravatta: I wanted to update this thread. After sampling several great recommendations here, ‘Orris Noir’ by Ormonde Jayne really does it for me. It’s got a dark, spicy vibe I was looking for.

        I tried a sample ‘Trayee’, which I really love too, but it’s more of a spring/summer frag.

        Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. August 22, 2018 at 4:26pm Reply

  • Nina: Hi, I’m obsessed with sandalwood in general and SL Santal Blanc in particular. To me the sandalwood in SB smells ”salty”. Does anyone know which aromachemical or natural essence it is I smell as salty? Any other recs for salty sandalwoods? Thanks & wish you all a lovely monday! July 16, 2018 at 9:18am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Nina: Definitely some perfumes have salt among their notes. Could be also the spicy pink pepper in SB which reads as salty to you. Pink pepper is very popular so you might have another perfume to compare it. I checked Fragrances of the World for you (it’s a useful site, check it out to match your favorite scent) and the 3 fragrances that are compared to Santal Blanc are the new Miller Harris Lost in the City, Profumi de Pantelleria Ghunter (have never heard of this line which must be Italian) and Dior Santal Noir. July 16, 2018 at 3:30pm Reply

      • Nina: Thank you! I’ll sample those for sure, especially Santal Noir seems nice! Also thanks for the rec about the website you mentioned, it was great fun looking up fragrances! July 17, 2018 at 12:45pm Reply

    • Cybele: Try Bulgari Aqva Divina and Loewe 001 Woman July 21, 2018 at 10:05pm Reply

      • Nina: They look interesting, thank you! July 26, 2018 at 4:50am Reply

    • Tiamaria: Hi Nina,

      I love sandalwood too. Have you tried Dries Van Noten by Frederic Malle? A beautiful gourmandy sandalwood that I think has a hint of saltiness in the later stages. July 25, 2018 at 11:25am Reply

      • Nina: Actually I was checking this one in the other day, it does sound really nice, and the fact you think the sandalwood is a little salty made me order a sample. Thank you! July 26, 2018 at 4:52am Reply

  • Joanna: Hi everyone! Could you recommend something similar to “Jasmin Noir” by Bvlgari? I love the mix of darkness and sweetness, would love to smell something going this direction. My other perfumes usually include incense, I am also huge fan of “Like this” by Etat Libre d’Orange but it feels to much like a scent of fall/late august and just doesn’t wear well at the moment. Any suggestions (for something affodrable)? July 16, 2018 at 9:21am Reply

    • therabbitsflower: I really like Jasmin Noir too and find these similar: The Different Company Jasmin de Nuit, Masque Milano Tango, and Diptyque Benjoin Boheme. The Benjoin has the least floral presence of those and is the most gourmand, but there is something about it that ties it to the others for me. July 16, 2018 at 10:08am Reply

      • Joanna: Thank you very much! I cannot see Tango available for sampling where I live (Poland) but other two I will have to check. July 16, 2018 at 10:57am Reply

  • Nina: Hi perfume lovers! I’ve been in a serious perfume rut and can’t seem to find my summer scent. Because of this I have been wearing the same perfumes in summer for quite some time. I need something new! I was wearing Guerlain’s Terracotta but stopped when tiarè went mass market and became too sweet. Chanel no. 19 Poudré is too woody. And then I got really tired of wearing Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, Kenzo Amour Florale, Lostmarch Ael Mat and Acqua di Parma Gelsomino Nobile.
    I want something ladylike and elegant, and a little different, but not weird. I wear a lot of white florals in winter, so I really want to skip them in summer. I don’t want to wear men’s fragrance though. I live in Milan, so it has to be sophisticated, but not overpriced.
    Thank you very much! July 16, 2018 at 9:25am Reply

    • Hayley: have you tried the Prada Infusions? They would fit ‘ladylike and elegant, and a little different, but not weird’. Also Prada is very Milan 😉 July 16, 2018 at 11:22am Reply

      • Nina: Thank you Hayley! Years ago I wore and loved Infusion d’Iris, I will check others out. Do you have a favourite? July 16, 2018 at 11:27am Reply

        • Allison C.: Following Hayley’s great suggestion, I’ve tried a few of the Prada Infusions and you might enjoy Infusion d’Oeillet which is a little spicy due to the carnation. July 16, 2018 at 12:48pm Reply

        • matty: I like all the infusions. Iris is my favourite along with Tuberose. July 16, 2018 at 1:37pm Reply

        • kpaint: My favorite Prada Infusion for the summer is their Vetiver. It opens with lots of lemon, while the vetiver is a light hum in the background. July 19, 2018 at 12:14pm Reply

    • Sandra: How about Songes? July 16, 2018 at 12:44pm Reply

      • Nina: Had it and loved it! July 16, 2018 at 1:23pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi: How about Bvlgari au The Rouge, nutty and figgy and Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil – has a green mango note, I really enjoy both in summer, I think both fit sophisticated, they are quite affordable and neither is a white floral. July 16, 2018 at 1:07pm Reply

      • Nina: Thank you Aurora, I have already tried and worn all the Jardin line, favourites being Sur le toit and Nil. Loved them. Will put Bulgari on the list. July 16, 2018 at 1:21pm Reply

    • Neva: Hi Nina, I’ve recently tried the Chanel Eau de Colognes (Paris-Venise, Paris-Biarritz and Paris-Deauville). They are all very classy and feminine and the price is okay for a 125 ml bottle. They may be a little too light but you should try them. MFK has some beautiful perfumes that could fit your description: Aqua Universalis, Aqua Vitae, Aqua Celestia… July 17, 2018 at 6:14am Reply

      • Nina: Hi Neva! Thank you for reminding me of Kurkdjian fragrances. I had a tester of Acqua Univeraalis and absolutely loved it. I think they will go on the top of my list! Also thank you for other recommendations! July 18, 2018 at 5:34pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I love two of the Hermes’ Jardin series in the summer: Un Jardin Sur le Nil, and Un Jardin Apres la Mousson. I wrote about the latter here: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/tag/un-jardin-apres-la-mousson/. They are both sophisticated and interesting; and often available online for reasonable prices! As you’re in Milan, you have stores where you can sample them. July 17, 2018 at 6:33am Reply

    • Petunia: I suggest Ouarzazate (Wa-za-zate) by Comme des Garcons. It a beautiful light, etereal incense fragrance and is fairly inexpensive by today’s standards. July 22, 2018 at 10:25am Reply

    • Sissi Redegold: You could try Lancaster‘s Eau de Concentree. To me, it is in the same category as Lauder‘s Private Collection. Very refined, green but not cold and to be had at a very good price in Germany – so I presume all over Europe. August 4, 2018 at 6:12am Reply

  • Devon Rubin: Hello,
    My daily signature perfume s L’eau d’Issey and for dressy evenings, I wear Chanel Coco. I am currently wearing Cristelle Verte for the summer. I like certain scents in all of the families, Oriental, floral etc.
    thank you!
    Devon July 16, 2018 at 10:03am Reply

    • Figuier: Hi Devon, that’s quite a wide range of perfumes alright!

      First, something similar to your signature: I wore l’eau d’Issey as a teenager, and although I haven’t smelled it in a long time, I remember it being not just aquatic but also quite bright and yet zen in feel. Maybe another ‘calm’ perfume would suit? Chanel No 18 has a touch of water and is bright and calming to wear; or you could try two of the Frederic Malle perfumes, Angeliques Sous la Pluie and En Passant, both of which feel a little watery, like L’eau d’Issey. More easily available would be the Hermes “Jardins” perfumes that have been mentioned in response to other questions here: Jardin apres la Mousson, Jardin sur le Nil, Jardin sur le Toit and Jardin en Mediterranee might all appeal.

      Chanel Coco is great, and there are rafts of good orientals. You could try the Chanel Exclusifs line’s orientals, Bois des Iles and Coromandel; or if you want to try out some niche fragrances, you could test Parfumerie Generale Indochine, Arquiste Anima Dulcis, or Diptyque Eau Duelle & Volutes. July 17, 2018 at 5:18pm Reply

  • Melanie: Hello,
    I’m looking for a fragrance that is along the lines of Calandre or Azurée’s basenotes. Would that be woody and musky (sorry, I’m very poor at describing scents)? Something with depth (or even a bit of smoke). Both of the above are lovely, but I mainly wear them to get to the basenotes. In addition to these, I also wear Sycomore edt, though I am conserving it.
    Many thanks in advance,
    Melanie July 16, 2018 at 10:04am Reply

    • rosarita: To my nose, Calandre and Azuree are green chypres which is a category I really like. I highly recommend En Voyage perfumes Zelda and Go Ask Alice from the En Voyage website, they have samples available. You also might like Zoologist Macque, samples available from the Zoologist website, and Jacomo Silences and Lalique Encre Noire. The last two can be found very inexpensively at online discounters or Ebay. July 16, 2018 at 10:54am Reply

      • Nina: 2nd Encre Noir! My favourite vetivert and can be found at bargain prices! July 16, 2018 at 11:36am Reply

        • Melanie: Thank you both! July 16, 2018 at 4:30pm Reply

      • Karen Beadling: We are scent sisters! I am very fond of all the perfumes you mentioned and wear them every summer. July 16, 2018 at 12:33pm Reply

        • rosarita: We both have good taste 🙂 July 17, 2018 at 8:44pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Melanie: you might also enjoy YSL Rive Gauche, it is very much a sibling of Calandre, I love them both. July 16, 2018 at 1:16pm Reply

      • Melanie: Thank you! I was surprised at how similar they are! I’m hoping to find something that just gets straight to the base of Azurée and Calandre. I always like how they smell hours after spraying them. July 16, 2018 at 4:32pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I love Azuree! Have you tried Piguet’s Bandit, or maybe Paloma Picasso? I second suggestions to try Encre Noire, too, but make sure you get the one sold for men, not “pour elle.” July 17, 2018 at 6:47am Reply

      • Melanie: Thank you! I had forgotten about Paloma Picasso! I’m going to track it down. July 18, 2018 at 2:06pm Reply

    • Figuier: How about Estee Lauder Private Collection, or Clinique Aromatics Elixir? July 17, 2018 at 5:20pm Reply

      • Melanie: Adding these to my list! Merci ! July 18, 2018 at 2:06pm Reply

  • Devon Rubin: I am enchanted with this website and look forward to reading it whenever it pops up. I think we Americans, perhaps because of our Puritan heritage, don’t pay enough attention to the sensuous life. July 16, 2018 at 10:05am Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: I have the feeling that a large section of the so called „West“ is like that. I live in Germany and half the population walks around in drab black or grey clothes! There seems little joie de vivre, and a lot of bleak conformity. July 17, 2018 at 12:22pm Reply

    • MMKInPA: I agree. I don’t know anyone in real life who is interested in scent, which for me is not only perfume but everything in life that has an aroma. My own family finds me odd for wanting to smell everything! July 17, 2018 at 12:29pm Reply

  • Martha Williamson: Hello, and hoping perhaps one of you can help me… I had worn Ivoire de Balmain (daily), for 20+ years, and cannot bear the reformulation; thus, I’ve been casting about for a new scent. I am a neophyte in the fragrance world, and have purchased many perfume samples (mostly featuring leather, amber, vetiver – 3 notes I know I love) looking for a replacement, but have not found “the one”. I think I should have loved Bandit, but I could not detect its presence on my skin, and could barely smell it in the vial. I really like Fat Electrician and Cabochard. Do any of you have suggestions for (reasonably priced) scents in a similar vein? Thank you for your thoughts!
    And thank you, Victoria, for this forum and for your thoughtful and very insightful blog! July 16, 2018 at 10:38am Reply

    • rosarita: I’m wondering if you received a sample of Bandit that is “off” as in my experience it’s a leathery green powerhouse! Imaginary Authors is an independent perfumery that offers generous samples online and their Cobra and the Canary is a great leather, slightly smoky perfume. Their line is also available in nice travel bottles too. Lalique Encre Noire has a great smoky vetiver and it’s really cheap at online discounters or Ebay. July 16, 2018 at 11:03am Reply

      • Martha: I must try another sample of Bandit. Thank you for your suggestions – I will start with Encre Noire… July 19, 2018 at 9:13am Reply

    • Aurora: I too love the original Ivoire, perhaps you would like Ralph Lauren Safari? It reminds me of it.
      Your Bandit experience is a puzzle.
      A summer leather I like is Shiseido Koto, I say summer because it’s definitely not as potent as Cabochard 🙂 July 16, 2018 at 1:59pm Reply

      • Martha: Thank you. I will add these to my list to sample! July 19, 2018 at 9:14am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: You might look at some of Paul Kiler’s PK Perfumes. He was the nose behind Zoologist’s original Panda and Rhinoceros as well as his own fragrances. He uses a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients as the classic perfumers used to do in fragrances like Ivoire. He has a website. July 17, 2018 at 8:37am Reply

      • Martha: I will look into PK Perfumes, with thanks for your help! July 19, 2018 at 9:16am Reply

    • Andy S: Hi Martha, I loved the ‘old’ Ivoire too, and miss it. While not the same, another perfume I love that makes me feel good in the same way Ivoire did, is Estée Lauder’s Private Collection. The one in the frosted glass bottle and gold lid. It’s not priced too badly and easy to find. Good luck! July 18, 2018 at 9:16am Reply

      • Martha: I appreciate your reference to the “feeling” that Ivoire invoked…I will certainly try the Estee Lauder, which I had sort of forgotten about. Thank you! July 19, 2018 at 9:21am Reply

    • Cybele: It may sound odd but for an Ivoire replacement try Hermes Twilly. Once you get over the floral opening you will find a white soapy creaminess that is reminiscent of older eg 70ties fragrances. It gets better and better and lasts very long but is elegant and refined. Good luck! July 21, 2018 at 10:12pm Reply

      • Cybele: Also test Hermessence Cuir d’Ange. It is a femine leather but not sweet, it might hit the spot! I enjoy it very much. July 21, 2018 at 10:15pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: I love Fat Electrician! I was recently pleasantly surprized by Vetiver Elemi by 7 Virtues. It has a surprizing hit of cumin and is earthy, but is still a light wear for the summer. Very affordable and vegan to boot.

      I’m also surprized about your experience with Bandit. It comes on quite strong for me. If you like a good slug of green galbanum, Bois d’Orage/French Lover by Frederic Malle is wonderful but more on the pricier side. July 26, 2018 at 8:41pm Reply

  • Erin Isaacs: Hi perfume lovers,
    I’m looking for a feminine leather fragrance. Im thinking date night ffragrance. I’m not a fan of spice or gourmands. My husband hates vanillaf so I would like to avoid that note. A few of my favorite fragrances are Shalimar Souffle de Parfum, My Burberry EDP, Jour d’Hermes Absolu and L”Artisan Parfumeur Seville a l’Aube. July 16, 2018 at 10:45am Reply

    • Hayley: How about Daim blonde by Serge Lutens it’s an apricot suede so not full on leather and very feminine. It’s my partners favourite 🙂 also Alaïa Paris is very nice with really subtle leather. July 16, 2018 at 11:11am Reply

      • Erin Isaacs: Thanks! July 16, 2018 at 11:57am Reply

    • rosarita: Bottega Veneta is a lovely smooth creamy leather and I highly recommend it as it’s a favorite of mine and works well all year. July 16, 2018 at 11:15am Reply

      • Erin Isaacs: It does sound lovely. I notice there is a velours flanker as well. July 16, 2018 at 12:00pm Reply

    • Hayley: Hermessence Cuir d’Ange (sheer leather), Cuir de Lancome (rich violet suede), or TF Ombre Leather (stronger than the other two, but interesting with raspberry notes) might work?

      Your husband is the opposite of mine, who only likes vanilla and tolerates a narrow range of other notes 😛

      p.s. I am a different person from the other Hayley July 16, 2018 at 11:27am Reply

    • Andrea: Hello Erin, have you tried Hermès Kelly Calèche or Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacre? The latter is not available at the moment, I think, but I hope that it will come back soon. Victoria wrote reviews for both scents.
      By the way, does anyone know anything about the Ann Gerard scents? Are they gone for good? July 16, 2018 at 11:38am Reply

      • Erin Isaacs: I’ll have to check out Kelly Caleche. Hermes seems to be popular for leather scents, which makes sense considering its leather goods. July 16, 2018 at 2:39pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi: Have you tried Hermes Galop for a rosy, fruity leather, quite feminine – and I don’t think it has the dreaded vanilla 🙂 July 16, 2018 at 2:31pm Reply

      • Erin Isaacs: I have tried Galop. It is gorgeous! July 17, 2018 at 7:15am Reply

    • Sarah: Hi Erin, I think you might like Hermès Galop. Leather plus lots of other good stuff. A favorite of mine. July 16, 2018 at 3:23pm Reply

      • Erin Isaacs: It is lovely and the bottle is stunning. July 17, 2018 at 7:16am Reply

    • Marie: Evody Cuir Blanc is another nice one 🙂 July 17, 2018 at 4:47am Reply

      • Erin Isaacs: Ooh I’ll have to try it! Thanks for the recommendation. July 17, 2018 at 7:16am Reply

    • Nadja: Hi Erin! You should try the original black bottled Alaia (i think it’s their only perfume). It is very gentle leather with musk and violet. July 23, 2018 at 2:41pm Reply

    • Tara C: Two of my favourites are Parfums d’Empire Cuir Ottoman and Naomi Goodsir Cuir Velours. July 23, 2018 at 6:49pm Reply

  • Devon Rubin: I told you about my perfumes but forgot to ask for suggestions for a new one or two.
    Thanks July 16, 2018 at 10:48am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Devon: Have you tried the Hermes Jardins series?: Un Jardin sur le Nil is my favorite, it’s fruity (mango) and woody, U. J. en Mediterranee has fig, U. J. sur le Toit has apple and U. J. apres la Mousson is probably the most original, aqueous and spicy, but less of a crowd pleaser than the others. July 16, 2018 at 1:27pm Reply

      • Devon Rubin: Thanks! I’ll give them a try.
        Devon July 17, 2018 at 12:42pm Reply

  • Erica: I am looking for a summer scent that is airy, gauzy, transparent, but feminine. Maybe with a touch of violet or a powdery, clean note. I bought and returned Guerlain Meteorites Le Parfume – which had something sharp and unpleasant to my nose – and it smelled a touch too twee. I dislike those “beachy” scents that are popular right now and I was told that Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume, smells like stale cigars on me. I like warmer spicy scents in the fall/winter (Opium, Calvin Klein Obsession, Maison Margiela Lipstick On). I have and enjoy Creed Spring Flower, but I am looking for something cleaner and more airy-feeling. Big plus if I can test it before I buy, besides some internet sites that sell samples, I don’t have easy access to Niche brands. Thank you to all who can help! I love reading what scents others are craving and loving. July 16, 2018 at 11:02am Reply

    • Lizbee: Have you tried Sans un Mot by Jovoy Paris? It’s lovely and gauzy and feminine. I adore it for summer. July 16, 2018 at 12:12pm Reply

      • Erica: I will definitely try this one! The violet in it sounds beautiful. July 16, 2018 at 8:44pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Erica: my cleanest, just out of the shower scent is Philosophy Pure Grace, I think. It should be easy to sample if you haven’t tried it already. It’s along the lines of a cologne but has very good longevity on my skin, otherwise, I’m also thinking of a cologne like 4711 (the problem is that it is fleeting) or the longer lasting Guerlain Eau de Cologne Imperiale. July 16, 2018 at 2:13pm Reply

      • Erica: I went through a bottle of Pure Grace one summer about a ten years ago! I will have to look for this one again – and 4711 was my first ever cologne (thanks, mom!) – so I have especially fond memories of that scent. I should definitely revisit both of these. July 16, 2018 at 8:52pm Reply

    • Debby: I’m currently wearing Karleidoscope by Karl Lagerfeld, it’s a beautiful powdery violet and heliotrope, Angelica opening with a patchouli drydown. Really pretty, and also very cheap online, worth a try as a blind buy if you can’t get to sample before hand. July 16, 2018 at 6:03pm Reply

      • Erica: This sounds beautiful…..I’m having a hard time finding the Karl Lagerfeld (I’m in the US), but will keep looking, it sounds like the most beautiful mix of green and violet with a warm base. July 16, 2018 at 9:51pm Reply

    • Christine Lee: Have you tried En Passant by Frederic Malle or Neroli36 by Le Labo? Both are very summer floral after a rain. You can order samples online. There is also a brand called Olo which has some good scents which also sells sampler sets. July 16, 2018 at 7:13pm Reply

      • Erica: Just added a sample of En Passant to my online sampler order – and I’ve spent the last 15 minutes on the Olo site – – lots of yumminess there! Thank you for the recommendations! July 16, 2018 at 9:59pm Reply

    • Hayley: Hi Erica what about hermes Claire eau merveilles? I’ve just tried it and love it for the reasons you’re looking for – airy, powdery clean feel and very feminine. July 17, 2018 at 6:00am Reply

      • Erica: Hi Hayley – this sounds perfect! Any ideas on where I can purchase this one? It looks like it has been discontinued. July 17, 2018 at 10:18pm Reply

        • Hayley: Ahh didn’t realise it was discontinued. That makes sense as it’s silly money in my local outlet am in uk and your USA I think? Had a quick google and amazon had some, but that means blind buyiny. sorry not sure I’ve helped!! July 18, 2018 at 9:20am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: You can’t really beat Jean-Claude Ellena’ scents for transparency and I like all of his Hermes’ Jardin series for summer, though I wouldn’t call any of them powdery. Sephora carries them and you can test them there, if you have one nearby. They also sometimes have a coffret of minis with four of the five Jardin scents. Many iris-based fragrances have that powdery feel. Prada Infusion d’Iris is lovely; also Laboratorio Olfattivo’s Nirmal for a summery iris, or Miller Harris’ Terre d’Iris. July 17, 2018 at 7:00am Reply

      • Erica: Thank you for the recommendations! I just added the Hermes Jardin Garden set to my Sephora basket – what a great way to try several. I didn’t realize that Jean-Claude Ellena made the Eau Claire Merveilles Hayley mentioned and also one that my husband and I share: Hermes Voyage d’hermes. Thank you for reminding me of the Prada Infusion line as well. I really need to revisit Infusion d’Iris – it was *everywhere* for awhile and so I purposely avoided it, but it is probably time to give this an honest test drive again – the problem I have with most Iris based scents is that they tend to be mixed with something that smells wet and heavier than what I am seeking right now, but I really need to hunt down some samples of the ones you mentioned. I enjoy how close to the skin iris scents seem to wear. July 17, 2018 at 10:34pm Reply

        • Old Herbaceous: I’ve come recently to iris scents and I find I like them very much! I shared my thoughts on Terre d’Iris and Nirmal on my personal blog, which you should be able to reach by clicking on my name if you’re interested! Nirmal is especially nice for the summer, I think. Have fun experimenting! July 22, 2018 at 9:16pm Reply

    • kpaint: Hi, Erica. We have a lot of crossover in our likes and dislikes. What comes immediately to mind for me are:

      Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte
      Prada Infusions de Vetiver
      YSL Rive Gauche
      EL White Linen
      Hermes Caleche (the original, not Kellly Caleche)

      Not quite as on-the-spot, but possibly worth exploring:

      Guerlain Chamade
      Lolita Lempicka L’eau en Blanc
      Rosine Secrets de Rose
      Mugler Cologne
      VCA Gardenia Petale
      Aedes Copal Azur
      Aroma M Geisha Vanilla Hinoki

      I wish I could come up with something that fits the bill with violet in it, but I’m a bit stumped on that one.

      BTW, I was also disappointed in Meteorites but have fallen in love with Insolence. For violets and powder, I love ELdO Putain des Palaces but that’s one I wear in cooler months.

      Have fun exploring! July 19, 2018 at 12:52pm Reply

    • Petunia: Erica, My recs. are unfortunately niche and expensive but Puredistance White and Opardu are both gorgeous refined florals. Also, Rose de Siwa by MDCI. All of these companies have websites. For cooler months Black Jade by Lubin is a beautiful softly spiced rose. July 22, 2018 at 10:45am Reply

  • Hayley: Hermessence Cuir d’Ange (sheer leather), Cuir de Lancome (rich violet suede), or TF Ombre Leather (stronger than the other two, but interesting with raspberry notes) might work?

    Your husband is the opposite of mine, who only likes vanilla and tolerates a narrow range of other notes 😛 July 16, 2018 at 11:26am Reply

  • kat: The Velours flanker is a great somewhat fruity variation on the original – it’s advertised as a rose variation but I find the plum more distinctive than in the original. As much as I love leather notes I find them both a tad heavy for summer – but there’s still the Eau Légére. Just to make matters more complicated 😉 July 16, 2018 at 2:36pm Reply

    • Erin Isaacs: They all sound lovely. July 17, 2018 at 7:13am Reply

  • Floras: Hi, I am looking for a nice vanilla tobacco scent. I loved Penhaligons roaring radcliff but found it too expensive at 185 gbp a bottle. I am recently very much into more masculine scents (myrrh &tonka jo malone, musc ravageur from Malle) and I like to switch it up sometimes oriental florals like cinema YSL and chanel coco mademoiselle. A hint of Vanilla seems to be my go to formula. Any recommendations to add a tobacco oriented perfume? Or should I go for layering and buy a vanilla scent? Any recommendations? July 16, 2018 at 3:05pm Reply

    • Anne: Hello. Have you tried Dyptique eau Duelle, it s a spicy vanilla. And also, from the same house, Volute….. cigar in a boudoir to me. July 16, 2018 at 4:37pm Reply

      • Floras: Hi Anne, yes I tried Duelle and I sort of liked it…but after a while it looses a bit of the appeal. It becomes a bit too simple, I almost get the same effect from using cheap vanilla bodyspray. Do you use it for layering also? July 16, 2018 at 5:09pm Reply

        • Anne: Yes I kind of agree with you on eau Duelle. It is very light and I agree the spices don’t develop enough, but i still really love it somehow. Saying that, it s not the tobacco sent you re looking for. Try Volutes, you might well enjoy it. 😘 July 17, 2018 at 12:54am Reply

          • Floras: Thanks, will try and get a sample! July 17, 2018 at 7:51am Reply

            • limegreen: Hello again, Floras:
              If you do like the Diptyques, both Eau Duelle and Volutes come in EdP and they not only last longer but have much more depth. Good luck! July 18, 2018 at 10:00am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Floras: there is the new Maison Martin Margiela Jazz Club but only if you like rum with your tobacco and vanilla, it would be more affordable than Penhaligons. You probably know about Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille but it is even pricier. July 16, 2018 at 5:17pm Reply

      • Floras: Yes I love TF tobacco vanille but indeed pricey. Good tip! I also recently sampled dancing on the moon from Margiela which is also eccellent. July 16, 2018 at 5:33pm Reply

        • limegreen: Hi Floras– I replied to your comment and Aurora’s but it ended up way below!
          I was recommending the Tom Ford body sprays, of which Tobacco Vanille is one of them, at one-third of the price of the perfume. Long lasting, but muted, so nice for summer wear.
          Good luck! July 17, 2018 at 4:21pm Reply

          • Floras: Good one! I will check itnout thanks! July 17, 2018 at 4:40pm Reply

          • Aurora: I didn’t know about these body sprays, thank you so much limegreen. I wonder if there is one for Cafe Rose which I love but is indeed too much for summer. July 18, 2018 at 5:11am Reply

            • limegreen: Hi Aurora,
              They are relatively new, except for the body sprays for Neroli Portofino and Oud Wood which have been out for a while. Apparently they are going to come out with even more body sprays. There must be almost 8 or 10 out right now. Haven’t seen Cafe Rose in the “brown” bottles (vs. the blue bottle cologne types like NP and the other citrus colognes, can’t keep them straight) but who knows. Only have seen Noir de Noir, Tuscan Leather and Tobacco Vanille, of course. I was surprised at the sillage of the Noir de Noir body spray, people can smell it on me (in a nice way, I hope). I don’t spray all over, but I suppose one could afford to do so, given that it’s a large 150 ml! July 18, 2018 at 10:13am Reply

              • Aurora: Thank you Limegreen, I will follow the development of this bodyspray line now that I am aware of it, and I’m sure you smell great in Noir de Noir 🙂 July 18, 2018 at 2:33pm Reply

    • John: Two others worth mentioning:

      L’Occitane’s Eau des Beaux, which is actually spices, cypress, tonka and vanilla, but simulates a lovely tobacco note right in the transition between the top and heart. Cheap (the vanilla-amber base might seem too bodyspray-ish to you, but a good musk holds it together, IMO) but cheerful.

      Serge Lutens Chergui…More austere than the Tom Ford, but more comforting too, I think. But I derive comfort from the thought of the gravitas that comes with its austerity, so there you go. Less vanilla in this one, but some.

      Good luck! July 16, 2018 at 7:16pm Reply

      • Floras: Thanks I was indeed considering Chergui already! I will try and get a sample! July 17, 2018 at 7:51am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: How about Solstice Scents’ Vanilla Pipe Tobacco, or Tauerville’s Vanilla Flash? July 17, 2018 at 7:33am Reply

      • Floras: Never heard of these (yet). Will defenitely have a look, thanks so much. July 17, 2018 at 7:52am Reply

        • Old Herbaceous: Solstice Scents has some amazing fragrances! They use many natural ingredients, they’re a true independent artisan perfumery. They sell directly through their website and you can order samples. Tauerville is perfumer Andy Tauer’s smaller-scale, innovative line of scents and you can often find them at online niche perfume retailers which also sell samples. Have fun! July 17, 2018 at 8:48am Reply

  • Angelo: Hello; can people suggest their favorite strong men’s vetiver scent? My go-to is Guerlain and Lorenzo Villoresi. although I find Villoresi, like Creed to dry off quickly. I prefer a strong scent to a “unisex” one, and my pet peeve is watering down the vetiver with grapefruit, etc. July 16, 2018 at 4:32pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Lalique’s Encre Noire is a good vetiver, and there is an “A L’Extreme” flanker that I haven’t tried, but it might suit you! July 17, 2018 at 7:06am Reply

      • Angelo: Thank you very much for this. I tried it a while ago and will try it again. July 23, 2018 at 3:15pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: „Vetiver Veritas“ (Heeley) is a „pure“, no-nonsense vetiver. July 17, 2018 at 12:03pm Reply

      • Angelo: That’s cool, I’ll check it out today. Thank you. July 23, 2018 at 3:22pm Reply

    • Cybele: Bel Ami Vetiver (Hermesse) and Sycomore (Chanel). I also like French lover a lot and Vetiver 46 Le Labo (this one is more smoky) July 21, 2018 at 10:35pm Reply

      • Angelo: Cybele, thank you. I do have the Hermes BA-V (I love the original BA, but in colder weather), but I don’t know that Chanel and will re-visit the Le Labo. July 23, 2018 at 3:25pm Reply

    • Adina: L’Occitane has a very good Vetiver too. August 20, 2018 at 11:30am Reply

  • John: Hi Angelo: have you tried Malle’s Vetiver Extraordinaire? It reminded me very much of the Guerlain in spirit, did seem stronger (full disclosure: this is based on a paper strip test only). July 16, 2018 at 7:11pm Reply

  • John: Also: another Malle, French Lover (I think it has been renamed Bois d’Orage?). It is a very woody, angelica, vetiver, incense combination with impressive longevity. July 17, 2018 at 2:18am Reply

    • Angelo: John, thanks very much. I actually bought and used the travel-size vial for a while and found it fresh but a bit more ‘soapy’ than the Guerlain. Of course, that’s just my personal reaction. July 23, 2018 at 3:17pm Reply

    • Angelo: That Bois d’Orage is massive…a bit scary for me in the morning whereas I think a more traditional vetiver can be worn in the office with less attention. July 23, 2018 at 3:19pm Reply

  • Marie: Hello, I would like to hear about your un-summery summer recommendations.

    Every year I have the same problem with the usual summer suspects (citrus, light, fresh fragrances). Most of them do not have much complexity and bore me after the intial refreshing 5 minutes. As a result, I wear my spring / autumn / winter favourites with a light hand but the wish for a nice summer perfume remains.

    Coming close but not quite there:
    Eau des Merveilles
    Un Zest de Rose
    Eau Parfumée au Thé Bleu
    Ninfeo Mio

    I like green scents, powdery musk is fine as well and vanilla.
    Not a fan of flowers though. July 17, 2018 at 5:00am Reply

    • Aurora: Jacomo Silences is green with a just right musky dry down and very affordable, Atelier Cologne Trefle Pur, a nice clover scent (it’s probably the most conventional of the bunch, but still nice), Vent Vert better in vintage is deeply green, Jean-Louis Scherrer and Estee Lauder Private Collection are 2 great classics, a little old school, green and austere, Diptyque Eau de Lierre (I haven’t tried that one, I’m going by Victoria’s recommendation because it sounded lovely and fresh with ivy).

      Have you thought of a light leather with green notes for summer? like Chanel Bel Respiro, or even Shalimar Eau de Cologne with all its development, it is certainly not boring but still light and refreshing, Hope this gives you some ideas, I’m sure there will be others. July 17, 2018 at 8:56am Reply

      • Marie: Thanks for your recommendations!
        I have never tried Silences but it might actually fit the bill, I heard it is a softer version of No 19.

        Re Shalimar EdC – yes, that is definitely the right direction! I own and love Eau de Shalimar 🙂 July 17, 2018 at 4:28pm Reply

        • Aurora: So glad you’re interested. Oh, yes Silences is definitely worth trying, I have a little bit of Eau de Shalimar – saving it as it is now discontinued 🙁 speaking of Shalimar there is a perfume I call the green Shalimar and it is Must by Cartier, if you have a chance do sample it, you might like it too, I don’t know why it is not mentioned very often on ‘recommend me’, it is such a great classic, but it is quite potent and there is no lighter flanker for it Must Gold is not as good. July 18, 2018 at 5:19am Reply

          • Marie: Aurora, I tried Must de Cartier briefly and I think it had an interesting combination of bright top notes, some animalic nuances and something warm and mellow in the base. It was the EdT though and I read that most people prefer the parfum which is considered more oriental.
            Which version would you recommend? Are you familiar with the newest versions? July 22, 2018 at 12:46pm Reply

            • Aurora: Hi Marie: so glad you tested Must and that you are interested. The version I have is the EDT in vintage + a bottle of a newer version, and they are quite similar, ie very good, with no notable difference, just that the vintage is longer lasting perhaps. I’ve never tried the extrait/parfum and of course I expect it must be very lovely, closer to the skin perhaps, what I like about the EDT is its sillage, but if you already liked what you smelled in the EDT – your description is spot on – go for it, yes the opening is a lovely bright green with galbanum, and that’s where it differs from Shalimar. If you want to check eBay for an older bottle and/or the parfum I can relay my experience that it’s a fragrance which holds very well even the top notes, is affordable here in the UK (the extrait more expensive though) if kept in the right conditions, mine smells pretty much as if it had been made yesterday. July 23, 2018 at 5:12am Reply

            • Aurora: I should add that my newer bottle is also several years old (purchased around 8 years ago) so not vintage but quite old, so maybe it was before the massive reformulation due to IFRA. July 23, 2018 at 5:24am Reply

        • kpaint: I own and love Eau de Shalimar, too. Shalimar Souffle is also great in warmer weather. As is Shalimar Eau Legere, though it’s d/c’d and $$$. July 19, 2018 at 1:01pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Green; powdery; vanilla: perhaps „Ariel“ by Sammarco—with a pronounced angelica accord. July 17, 2018 at 12:05pm Reply

    • kpaint: Some non-citrus/light/fresh and not-so-floral fragrances I love in summer:

      Tauer LAdDM & ACcD; Phaedon Dzhari & SHL Taklamakan (all “desert” scents)
      Alaia edp (black bottle)
      Guerlain Gourmand Coquin
      Chanel Bois des Iles
      All the vetivers (I’m partial to Guerlain and Prada)
      Aroma M Vanilla Hinoki
      Eau Claire or Eau des Merveilles
      Aedes Copal Azur
      Chanel No 19 cologne (this would have to be vintage; edt is good, too) and No 5 edt
      Etro Shaal Nur
      Hermes Caleche
      YSL Rive Gauche
      EL White Linen July 19, 2018 at 1:14pm Reply

      • Marie: Such a nice and helpful list, thank you, kpaint! July 22, 2018 at 12:48pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Angeliques Sous La Pluie by Frederic Malle is an effervescent gin and tonic that sparkles on the skin.

      Ealing Green by 4160 Tuesday is lovely, herbaceous and aromatic.

      Penhaligon’s Lothair opens with gentle spices and dries down to a tea. July 26, 2018 at 9:06pm Reply

  • Old Herbaceous: Miller Harris has a number of scents that might fit the bill. If you like iris, Terre d’Iris is very nice for summer. I also like Penhaligon’s Blasted Bloom, which I wrote about here: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2015/12/21/fragrance-friday-blasted-bloom/. Both remain interesting after a refreshing opening. July 17, 2018 at 7:18am Reply

    • Marie: Thank you and yes, the Miller Harris line seems to be a good starting point for me. Sadly, it has slowly vanished from all niche perfume stores in my region, not sure why. Maybe I can find an online shop that offers samples.

      PS: you have a nice blog! July 17, 2018 at 4:32pm Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: Thank you! I have fun with it as a personal creative outlet, I hope you’ll keep reading! Sorry to hear Miller Harris has been hard for you to find near you — if you ever travel through airports, I’ve seen a lot of it in airport terminals’ special fragrance boutiques, which is where I got two travel sets of three fragrances each. Sometimes I can find the brand online from US sellers, including on ebay. July 22, 2018 at 9:12pm Reply

  • Auntie Lar: Hello, this is my first post although I have been reading for awhile.

    I only recently sampled a “vintage” Annick Goutal Sables and fell quite in love, only to discover that the current version is not the same as the one I tried. Heartbreak.

    Any recommendations for worthy substitutions? I love the Herbal, comfortable in my own skin, unisex vibe. July 17, 2018 at 11:56am Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Heartbreak? Look for the vintage version on ebay. You won‘t find it at once, you‘ll skip a bottle or two due to daylight robbery prices but eventually you will get a bottle. I just bought a vintage bottle of „Myrrhe ardente“ which has been discontinued! Whyever did they discontinue this scent?! July 17, 2018 at 12:10pm Reply

      • Auntie Lar: Sorry for the confusion. I meant the new version of Sables was a heartbreak.
        Ah the joys and sorrows of ebay! July 18, 2018 at 11:19pm Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi Auntie Lar, for herbal and comfortable but with a strong signature, have you tried Estée Lauder Aromatic Elixir? It has a lot of personality 😉 July 18, 2018 at 3:41pm Reply

      • Auntie Lar: Totally agree with your description of Aromatics Elixir. I did wear that years ago. July 18, 2018 at 11:22pm Reply

    • Cybele: Have you tried Jicky? July 21, 2018 at 10:56pm Reply

  • limegreen: An idea: Tom Ford has come out with a limited line of body sprays that are quite nice, muted versions of the eau de parfum. Makes it office friendly and less oppressive for summer, and still long lasting. I don’t know about the “blue” series but the body sprays of the darker scents are very delightful, half the price. You might try the Tobacco Vanille body spray. (I wear the Noir de Noir body spray.) July 17, 2018 at 12:38pm Reply

    • limegreen: Oops (this was supposed to be in reply to Floras above on tobacco and vanilla scents) July 17, 2018 at 4:22pm Reply

  • Tory: Can anyone recommend a fragrance which will evoke the same notes, sillage, and lastingness as the original Flower Bomb by Viktor & Rolf? They changed the formula. I understand they have recently released a new “Flower Bomb Nectar”. How does this compare to the original? Also Flower Bomb Bombalicious cream, how does it compare to the original cream? July 17, 2018 at 2:42pm Reply

    • Aurora: First I am sorry that the formula of the scent you like has been changed. On Fragrantica it is compared to Lancome La Vie est Belle so you could sample it if you haven’t tried it already, I remember it as quite longlasting as well, I looked up the Nectar, it looks quite interesting but some difference from the original FB. July 18, 2018 at 7:22am Reply

  • Bonnie: Hi everyone! I was hoping someone could recommend me a perfume that is very similar to Signorina Misteriosa by Salvatore Ferragamo. I absolutely adore it and would love to have more like it! 🙂 July 17, 2018 at 6:34pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Bonnie: if you enjoy the blackberry and vanilla of Misteriosa I can recommend Philosophy Falling in Love, I love it in summer, it won’t be an exact match though. Also, I see on Fragrantica that Kenzo Jeu d’Amour l’Elixir is listed as similar to SM so perhaps try that one? July 18, 2018 at 7:32am Reply

      • Bonnie: Thanks for your help! 🙂 July 19, 2018 at 1:58am Reply

  • Quos: Hi everyone! I’ve got a few bottles *cough* of fragrance but I generally keep them boxed up and in a cupboard. And this means I lose track of what I’ve got and they don’t always get worn. I’d love to know from those of you who have “a few” fragrances, how do you catalogue them and do you keep any bottles out on a dresser ever? July 20, 2018 at 11:30am Reply

    • MMKinPA: I have an “ample” collection, and I keep it in a closet on a wide shelf, in trays and such (lipstick organizers for samples). I do know that some people keep a small selection of “in season” perfumes out, but I tend to look over everything every day before choosing. I have a google spreadsheet where I track what I have, although I wish I was better at tracking wears. When I fed like I haven’t been wearing things I’ll use random.org to pick a number from the rows in the spreadsheet! July 20, 2018 at 2:23pm Reply

      • Quos: Ooh the random.org idea is great! I was also considering a spreadsheet so I’ll get on that. Thank you! July 21, 2018 at 5:24am Reply

      • kpaint: I store my perfumes similarly. My collection is stored in a dresser. I have a cosmetic-type organizer that I put seasonal stuff and decants out on to remind me of what I’ve been meaning to wear. I also keep an excel spreadsheet where I log everything I have and have tried. July 21, 2018 at 8:46am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Quos: I too keep them boxed so far, not sure why as they are away from the light.

      I used to have around 40 bottles, but my collection has expanded since last year (my class with Victoria made me discover so many new perfumes to love). My collection of vintage perfumes are in a mirror cube in the guest bedroom because I don’t wear them as much as my current rotation which is in my bedroom, spring/summer scents at the moment in a deep drawer under my bed, easy to access (I will in due course permute with my fall/winter perfumes put away in a chest).
      The exception is my Shalimar collection which is on a little desk, I wear them so often and bottles are so lovely.

      As you keep your collection in a cupboard, I suppose you could file away the boxes, flattened, I am thinking of doing this, it would give more space to display the bottles and recognize them and be inspired to wear them. July 21, 2018 at 10:09am Reply

  • Jennifer: Looking for a gourmand mocha-scented fragrance. Chocolate-y with some vanilla, cream, a little coffee. Not too heavy on the coffee or patchouli notes (ie more sweet than say Borneo 1834). I’ve tried Comptour Sud Pacifique Amour de Cacao, Musc Maori, Dame Chocolate Man, and Chocolovers. I like them all but need a little more like the scent of a creamy cafe mocha. Perhaps something similar to Comptoir Sud Pacifique Mokha Vanille but a) available and b) longer lasting. Thank you!!! July 20, 2018 at 7:30pm Reply

    • kpaint: A*Men Pure Coffee might fit the bill. Parfumerie Generale Aoimassai and Musc Maori have coffee notes, but a lot of other things going on, too. July 21, 2018 at 8:43am Reply

      • Aurora: I second kpaint, in fact, you could sample all the A*Men to see what suits you, they all have coffee (although not all have chocolate) I own and enjoy Pure Tonka. I know Montale has Chocolate Greedy (cocoa, vanilla and coffee) and some time ago Victoria recommended Atelier Cologne Cafe Tuberosa but I haven’t tried it yet. Have you considered layering a milky scent like Philosophy Fresh Cream to give the creamy mocha effect you’re looking for? July 21, 2018 at 10:30am Reply

        • Jennifer: Oooh, those sound great as well. Have not tired the Pure Tonka or the Philosphy Fresh Cream. I do love Atelier Cologne’s Cafe Tuberosa, although for me, it’s more like chocolates with lots of tuberose and cigarettes(!) for some reason – I like it but it’s not the edible mocha-type effect I’m seeking. I will add those samples to my list. Thanks so much! July 22, 2018 at 11:44pm Reply

      • Jennifer: Thank you for the suggestions – I will get some samples ASAP! July 22, 2018 at 11:41pm Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi Jennifer,
      Have you tried Chanel Coromandel? In Perfumes, The Guide, Luca Turin mentiones a white chocolate note. I get compliments when I wear it and it has a nice sillage. July 22, 2018 at 11:05pm Reply

      • Jennifer: I haven’t sampled it recently but did in the past. I think I may still have the sample and I am now going to hunt it down. Thank you!!! July 22, 2018 at 11:45pm Reply

    • Tara C: Hilde Soliani Crema di Latte perhaps? Or Bounissimo? July 23, 2018 at 8:50pm Reply

  • Monika: I enjoy Myrrhe Imperiale by Giorgio Armani, YSL Cinema, M7 Oud Absolu by Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford Tuskan Leather, Sandalwood and Tangerine essential oil smell. I am looking for a perfume I can use daily. Thank You:) July 20, 2018 at 8:54pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Monika: You seem to like rich perfumes with lots of resins, am I right in understanding that you are looking for something lighter but still in that vein? Have you tried Prada Candy or maybe for summer Candy L’eau (not Kiss or Eau Florale), another idea from your list would be a light leather like Hermes Kelly Caleche, Hermessence Cuir d’Ange and Serge Lutens Daim Blond. Or an interesting cologne for the citrus e.o. with a sandalwood base, Acqua di Parma Colonia might suit you, it really is famous for good reasons. Hope this gives you some ideas 🙂 July 21, 2018 at 12:21pm Reply

      • Monika: Thank You. I will try them all. This is what I exactly was looking for, I usually end up with rich perfumes, which are not always appropriate at work environment: ) July 21, 2018 at 11:02pm Reply

    • Cybele: Maison Francis Kurdjian Aqua Vitae
      Loewe 001 Woman
      Hermessance Cuir D’Ange
      Hermessance Agar Ebene
      Mugler Hot Cologne
      (maybe) Etro Sandalo July 22, 2018 at 7:16am Reply

      • Cybele: sorry I meant
        Aqua Vitae Forte July 22, 2018 at 7:24am Reply

  • Pat: Does anyone have suggestions for something similar to Shalimar, especially the older blend? Thanks so much. Pat July 20, 2018 at 9:50pm Reply

    • kpaint: I find all of these to be Shalimar-adjacent:

      Aroma M Geisha Noire
      Etro Shaal Nur
      FM Dries van Noten
      Guerlain Habit Rouge
      Thierry Mugler Oriental Express

      IMHO, all Shalimar fans should especially try Aroma M Geisha Noire. It’s gorgeous. July 21, 2018 at 8:38am Reply

    • Andy: Have you tried today’s Shalimar in different concentrations? That may help you find something closer to what you remember of the older formula. For some reason, I find Shalimar Eau de Cologne (which is different from Shalimar Cologne) to remind me the most of the vintage extrait. It is much lighter, of course, and more citrusy, a completely different character from the vintage parfum. But the Shalimar vintages I’ve tried have a stronger accent on bergamot and are less musky than today, and I notice that in the eau de cologne versus any other modern Shalimar.

      Alternatively, if you’re looking for a new perfume, I love the way that Huitieme Art Parfums Myrrhiad makes me think of Shalimar, whilst being an altogether different perfume. July 21, 2018 at 9:06am Reply

    • Aurora: Detailed answers from kpaint and Andy which give us, kpaint I take note of Aroma M Geisha Noire new to me, thank you, and George you’re so eloquent about Shalimar EDC.

      I too am a lover of Shalimar and so glad you asked this question, Pat. I will add Les Nereides Opoponax which smells exactly like the drydown of Shalimar, especially it is not talked about much but is wonderful and Miller Harris Fleur Oriental reminds me of it too. I’ve also read here, that Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu du Riz et des Agrumes is similar (I’ve not tried it but always mean to). July 21, 2018 at 10:54am Reply

      • Aurora: PS Sorry it’s Oppoponax with two p on the bottle, I think both are valid spellings, and I have an older bottle called Imperial Oppoponax, it’s been shortened since. July 21, 2018 at 11:11am Reply

      • Andy: I’ll have to try Les Nereides Oppopanax, it sounds interesting. Fils de Dieu is one of my favorite perfumes in the oriental family–it is at once recognizable as a relative of Shalimar, but with such a myriad of interesting and distinctively different notes as to make me feel bathed in sunshine whenever I wear it. July 21, 2018 at 8:34pm Reply

        • Aurora: Thank you for the mini review of Fils de Dieu Andy!
          Oppoponax was a wondrous discovery for me. Recently, I was talking about it when Victoria wrote about benzoin and she commented ‘less baroque than Shalimar, it’s a very good perfume’. And Les Nereides fragrances very affordable; the patchouli one is supposed to be very good too. I deplore that they discontinued many of their scents. July 23, 2018 at 12:51pm Reply

        • Mela E: I’m surprised how rarely this fragrance is mentioned but Canturi by Canturi the jeweler is a top notch modern sort of chypre oriental. Your comment about ‘Being bathed in sunlight’ really encompasses Canturi for me. It is like being bathed in warm sun in a Carolina summer while smelling a drift of flowers from the garden and seein the sparkle of water on a lake nearby. I realize this sounds a bit much but look it up in Fragrantica. I find it to be a mood lifter. It lasts a good while and is not feather light, but after dry down,it is not heavy either. July 26, 2018 at 10:23am Reply

  • Wendyr: Will be in London briefly. Running to Harrods and Ormonde Jane for perfume fix. Suggestions? I am from the states, so interested in a perfume that i can get in London, but hard in the states. Love Carnal Flower, roses and powdery perfumes. Iris too! July 21, 2018 at 4:59am Reply

    • AnnieA: Miller Harris, off the top of my head. Roja in Haarods I believe. Jo Malone has better prices inUK, but might not be your cup of tea. July 21, 2018 at 10:25am Reply

    • Aurora: So pleased for you Wendyr: I know Harrods carry the Boadicea The Victorious, they also have some AdP exclusives from their site it’s Vaniglia Cologne at the moment, and you might want to explore Penhaligons (the ones with long names) and Floris (they have a year series, 1962… etc) newer scents, perhaps they haven’t reached America yet? Also, perhaps the new Miller Harris?

      Have a wonderful time! July 21, 2018 at 11:37am Reply

    • Petunia: Ta’If, a gorgeous rose. July 22, 2018 at 11:00am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Ormonde Jayne has a lovely and varied selection so you will certainly find something. I have four – Ormonde Woman, Tolu, Ta’if, and Nawab of Oudh. There are also some lovely florals like Sampaquita. They also have a discovery box which allows you to sample a good number from the collection. Harrods have lovely stuff, but the multi brand niche perfume shops are much nicer really. I would suggest Les Senteurs (reasonably close to Harrods, if you are in that part of the city). Or Bloom Perfumery near Covent Garden. Of course, Penhaligon’s and Floris are also worth it and great British houses. Hope you enjoy your London perfume shopping. July 22, 2018 at 4:38pm Reply

      • Silvermoon: Oh, and forgot to mention Miller Harris. They also have a shop in Covent Garden. July 22, 2018 at 4:39pm Reply

      • Wendyr: Thank you very much! July 22, 2018 at 5:39pm Reply

    • MMKinPA: I had a lovely experience at the OJ boutique on Old Bond Street, and ended up with a custom travel set of 5 8ml sprays. It was totally worth the side trip (my family went to Harrods!) and I was able to smell the entire range. Y set was Frangpiani, Champaca, Woman, Ambre royal and Tsarina. July 22, 2018 at 6:28pm Reply

  • David: Can anyone comment on the current formulation of Azurée by Estée Lauder? I am a male, but I really like wearing “women’s” perfumes that have leathery notes. I have been lucky enough to find vintage versions of Miss Dior, Cabochard, Tabac Blonde, Bandit, and Scandal (Lanvin) and I am quite surprised how aggressive….dare I say “butch”…. they are (and I mean this in the best way). Thank you! July 21, 2018 at 12:22pm Reply

    • Heidi: My love affair with fragrance began with Azurée!

      My daughter gave me a bottle before it was recently reformulated and I treasure it. I guess it’s not what is was back in the 70’s when I first discovered it…. in a bottle covered with a white rubber-like material and yellow lettering…. and the reformulation I think is not quite what my current bottle is…. but for me any Azurée is better than no Azurée. I’ll buy a new one to wear and for special occasions I’ll pull out my current one.

      You can get it in the original bottle on ebay…. for a price. You may know that Azurée was created as a mate for Aramis. In fact, someone once asked me if I was wearing Aramis…. “NO it’s Azurée.”

      Love, love, love Azurée…. she’s still worth it! July 21, 2018 at 1:11pm Reply

      • David: Thank you so much for your reply, Heidi! I will search on eBay. Also, I heard Tom Ford did a flanker of Azurée. Have you tried that? July 21, 2018 at 1:29pm Reply

        • Heidi: Hi David, I believe that would be Azurée Soleil, which I’m pretty sure is the current EL Bronze Goddess. Very different from our Azurée…. but nice and especially for summer😎 July 24, 2018 at 8:33pm Reply

          • David: Thank you for your response. I wonder if I could get away with Bronze Goddess…. July 25, 2018 at 8:03am Reply

            • Heidi: Hi, the closest I’ve ever smelled to Azurée is Cabochard. (I may check it out again myself…. Fragrancenet.com…. great prices and very reliable. I’d still look for that older bottle of Azurée on eBay. And maybe test the EL Bronze Goddess the next time you’re in a dept store that carries it. I think it’s coco-nutty. July 25, 2018 at 10:47am Reply

              • David: Thank you so much for these suggestions. I love trying out women’s fragrances in dept stores, but one time an older sales lady seemed very concerned and confused that I, a man, was in the ladies department trying on fragrances. It was an unwelcoming “you don’t belong here” vibe I got. Haha, too bad. I like what I like. It’s not like I was in ladies lingerie trying on undergarments. July 26, 2018 at 11:13am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hi David, you already list many lovely leathers, but here are some more worth mentioning: Chanel Cuir de Russie and Hermes Cuir d’Ange? Also, Memo has varied leather ones (I think Irish Leather is beautiful), and then there is Knize 10 (the last two named are “for men” and yet lovely on women, so maybe meet your request in a round about way). July 22, 2018 at 4:27pm Reply

      • David: Thank you for these suggestions. I am very curious about Irish Leather. And my dream would be to find a vintage Cuir de Russie. July 25, 2018 at 8:02am Reply

    • Mela E: Azurée is one of my go to fragrances in summer and I think anyone can wear it, however my bottle is about 10 years old so I don’t know when it’s reformulations happened. It is still fun and still yells out ‘SUMMER IS HERE’ to me. July 26, 2018 at 10:30am Reply

      • David: I’m really looking forward to trying it and searching for a vintage version. Thank you! July 26, 2018 at 11:15am Reply

  • Nadja: Hi, I’m looking for yet another rose-black pepper-leather blend.
    Current faves:
    SL La Fille de Berlin,
    Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land,
    Hermes Kelly Caleche,
    Kilian Dangerously In Love.

    Other faves: Zadig&Voltaire This Is Her, Chanel Sycomore, Diptyque Philosykos, SL Louve. July 23, 2018 at 3:19pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Have you tried Eau de Protection by Etat Libre d’Orange? It is a spicy rose, although it’s more incense than leather in the dry down though. It might fit the bill 🙂 July 26, 2018 at 9:11pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Nadja: Some more ideas: Do you know Caron Parfum Sacre for a black pepper and rose scent? Or Tom Ford Cafe Rose might also suit you, the opening rose note is one of the truest I have experienced. For a leather rose there is also Hermes Galop, I have tried it recently and found it very pretty. July 29, 2018 at 9:14am Reply

  • Diana: Hi!
    I’m fairly new to this site but have loved the reviews I’ve found so far. I was wondering whether anyone knows of any perfumes that attempt to replicate (and come close) to the redolent headiness of fragrant daylilies? I know lots of perfumes have lily notes or lily-of-the-valley notes but there are lots of different species in the Liliaceae family, and I particularly like fragrant daylilies’ fragrance.

    In case it’s any help, I like and wear Serge Lutens A la Nuit, rubj, Amouage Fate, Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir, Shalimar, Diorissimo and a couple others. Thanks in advance for any help! July 27, 2018 at 2:21am Reply

    • Nancy Chan: Hi Diana, please see my comments below. I forgot to click on the blue reply. July 29, 2018 at 8:51am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Diana: I agree with Nancy, Lys Mediterranee is a lovely lily and I would add Cartier Baiser Vole, do you know it? I prefer the EDT (more sparkling and fresh)but try also the EDP and for more vanilla and winter the Essence de Parfum (although I’m not sure if it is the elusive daylily, it is very lovely, I think, evokes the whole lily plant). Also, a few years ago, Guerlain Aqua Allegoria series had Lys Soleia a budget option of Lys Med, Victoria has a great review of it and perhaps you could get a sample. Where I live in the UK it is still available on eBay for reasonable prices. July 29, 2018 at 3:24pm Reply

      • Diana: Thank you Aurora! I’ll check those out, and I’m not familiar with the Cartier selection you mention. I’m looking forward to trying them if I can track them down! July 31, 2018 at 6:48pm Reply

  • Heidi: No kidding! There are some men’s fragrances that I wouldn’t hesitate to wear.

    Stetson is one of them, and I think I’ll wear it today:)

    There’s a great review of Stetson in Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez PERFUMES THE GUIDE…. they gave it **** although they do give some *****…. but for a drug store cologne **** is pretty good. If you don’t own the book you should pick it up…. lots of fun reading their reviews.)

    Happy sniffing, and have a great day:) July 27, 2018 at 10:52am Reply

  • Nancy Chan: Hi Diana, You can try Frédéric Malle’s Lys Mediteranee which is supposedly based on Lily, and Kai perfume oil
    by Gaye Straza. The Kai perfume oil is more of a white flowers scent, Gardenia, Jasmine and Lily of the valley.
    Good luck. July 28, 2018 at 8:23am Reply

    • Diana: Thank you for the recommendations, Nancy! July 29, 2018 at 11:35am Reply

  • Auntie Lar: I haven’t. I didn’t realize it would fall into the same category. Thanks.

    Here is what I have tried:
    Fougere Bengale by Parfume d’Empire, L’homme Sage by Divine, 1740 MdS -Histoire d’Parfums.

    All of which I liked! – but, each of these were a lot more masculine on me and didn’t fill the brief, for a Sables -like vibe.

    Sigh, I’m purchasing the available version and just spraying on a LOT! August 1, 2018 at 8:18pm Reply

  • cheryllayne: It’s very generous of you to have the recommendation column.

    My favorite perfume right now is Tory Burch Jolie Bleu, and my only complaint is that I wish the intoxicating quality would last longer. According to the Tory Burch site it: captures the intoxicating aroma of tuberose in Tory Burch’s garden. An elegant and understated mix — crisp grapefruit, creamy sandalwood and earthy vetiver pair perfectly with sweet tuberose.

    I also like Atelier Rose Anonyme for about the first hour, and then it smells somewhat rancid to me. The internet says it has top notes of bergamot from Calabria, ginger from China, and Turkish rose essence; heart notes of Turkish rose absolue, incense from Somalia, velvet oud accord; base notes of patchouli from Indonesia, papyrus from India, benzoin from Laos.

    I wore Dune for many years and still love the smell, but the vanilla component gets old. Dune “includes notes of broom, bergamot, wallflower, mandarin, lily, peony, rose, jasmine, amber, moss, musk, sandalwood, and vanilla.”

    I wore Bulgari Jasmin Noir for several years, but it smells lovely when it goes on and then disgustingly rancid and rotten on me after half an hour. An internet search tells me it has top notes of green sap and gardenia, heart notes of sambac jasmine absolute, and almond notes, and base notes of precious woods, tonka bean absolute, and licorice.

    I recently tested Elizabeth and James Nirvana White, and I think it’s the most I have ever been repulsed by a perfume. I washed by wrists repeatedly and just couldn’t get rid of the smell. Awful. Their website give it top notes of peony, heart notes of lily of the valley, and base notes of musk. The smell made me feel ill.

    Is this too much information? Any thoughts? Thanks! August 8, 2018 at 6:13pm Reply

  • cheryllayne: Hi, I typed this once, but I am not sure it went through.

    Love: Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Bleu
    Used to love: Dune. Still love when I smell it on someone else, but I got sick of the vanilla
    Used to wear: Miss Dior Cherie, but I found it boring and too…can I say high-pitched?
    Used to wear: Bulgari Jasmine Noir, but now it’s rancid on me after half an hour. I still like the top notes.
    Used to wear: Atelier Rose Anonyme, which I always liked for a time after putting it in, but I never liked how it smelled after about an hour.
    HATE: Elizabeth and James Nirvana White. The smell makes me feel ill. And it’s so hard to wash it off too.

    I would love if the intoxicating elements of Jolie Bleu lasted a lot longer.

    Thank you! August 8, 2018 at 6:32pm Reply

    • Victoria: From your comment above and this one too I gather that you have troubles wearing fruity-florals or perfumes with the fruity floral accords that have a lot of citrus or sour fruit. Even metallic or citrusy roses can turn on you, so maybe explore florals that are creamier. For instance, the perfumes you mention as having enjoyed or loving now have creamy white floral notes (gardenia, tuberose). Have you tried Marc Jacobs for Her? It’s not a brand new perfume, but it’s really well done. I also like Bottega Veneta Eau Legere and Knot. Hermes Jour d’Hermes might be an interesting option too.

      I don’t know if it’s in your budget, but L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons is an excellent white floral bouquet that has a beautiful presence.

      Also, try perfumes with violet notes! Those wear quite soft and velvety. Bottega Veneta the original is one such example. August 9, 2018 at 2:35am Reply

      • cheryllayne: Dear Victoria,

        Thank you for the advice! I am putting everything you mentioned on my list of perfumes to try. I appreciate the expert input.

        Cherie August 10, 2018 at 4:37pm Reply

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