Recommend Me a Perfume : November 2018

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating this week! Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open. You can use this space to find perfume recommendations, to share your discoveries and favorite scents, and to ask any questions about scents, aromas and flavors. If you’ve asked for recommendations before, we would love to hear what you’ve found. And if you still need more help, ask away.

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, Iranian black tea with saffron sugar

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194 Comments

  • OnWingsofSaffron: That Iranian tea looks lovely, especially with the saffron sugar! Brings to mind saffron flavoured perfumes. I have Safran troublant, and an Aramis saffron scent of which I forgot the name (Calligraphy?). Would love a potent saffron brew, perhaps an attar—but which one? November 19, 2018 at 7:40am Reply

    • Aurora: Prada Amber pour Homme has saffron, it’s discontinued but still available on eBay, not very expensive here. So sorry, I don’t know a good attar with saffron, Al Haramain is a reliable source for attars. November 19, 2018 at 1:34pm Reply

    • Aurora: I did a little search of Al Haramain and there is a saffron attar, Rafia gold, perhaps sample it, prices are very reasonable. November 19, 2018 at 2:44pm Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: Thank you, Aurora, for your recommendations! I‘ll go search the Al Haramain website a bit closer when I‘m home. It‘s always fun to discover new scents. November 19, 2018 at 10:05pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Cimabue by DSH Perfumes is a gorgeous spicy saffron perfume that smells very Middle Eastern to me. https://www.dshperfumes.com/shop/cimabue/ November 19, 2018 at 10:58pm Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: Yet another very interesting suggestion for a perfume of which I have not yet heard! Thanks, Nina, for pointing out this brand! November 21, 2018 at 1:20am Reply

        • Nina Z: Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is a very talented American indie perfumer, who uses very high quality ingredients and no screechy synthetics. Everything I tried was well done, even if not my kind of thing. Cimabue is one of her older and most well known scents, at least in perfumistas circles. It is very unusual. November 21, 2018 at 10:01am Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: BTW, I looked at your little signiture picture (don‘t know the correct name) and possibly (?) discovered a Hindu Deitiy behind the doll. That‘s a coincidence as I‘m in Kerala at the moment, and there are three Hindu temples surrounding the house where I am at the moment …! November 21, 2018 at 1:24am Reply

        • Nina Z: Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is a very talented American indie perfumer, who uses very high quality ingredients and no screechy synthetics. Everything I tried was well done, even if not my kind of thing. Cimabue is one of her older and most well known scents, at least in perfumistas circles. It is very unusual. November 21, 2018 at 10:03am Reply

          • Nina Z: Oops! What I meant to say here is that, yes, you are correct. That is Krishna. I thought the Barbie and Krishna combo did a good job of symbolizing what seems to me like a a very combination of interests—yoga plus perfume and fashion. I actually am a yoga writer—have written three books—and have a yoga blog. The perfume obsession took me over suddenly and inexplicably. November 21, 2018 at 10:10am Reply

            • OnWingsofSaffron: That‘s a coincidence! I‘m in Trivandrum on a ayurveda retreat, and yoga (very slow and all focussed on breathing, no high power Californian whirling here in this heat and humidity!!) is very much a part of the treatment.
              Funnily and interestingly, I haven’t used a perfume in the last two weeks: it doesn’t feel right at the moment. Anyway, the staggering array of colours, spices and sounds are my „scents“ at the moment. November 22, 2018 at 10:53pm Reply

            • Tara C: Hi, I have been following your blog Yoga for Healthy Aging for several months now, it is very helpful! Just wanted to say thanks. November 23, 2018 at 6:58pm Reply

    • Ophelia: Penhaligon’s Sohan is a potent brew of saffron and oud. Stunning! November 22, 2018 at 3:02pm Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: Seeing I‘m a bit on my—very belated—oud odyssey, this might be very interesting. Thanks, Ophelia, for your recommendation! November 22, 2018 at 10:46pm Reply

    • Klaas: If you’d like to try saffron in something a bit lighter, Neroli Doré (Hermes) is a luminous neroli cologne agains a backdrop of saffron. Great for summer (or for a grey and chilly autumn morning in Amsterdam!) November 25, 2018 at 3:47am Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: I have a bottle of Eau de mandarine ambrée; now I wish I had the Eau de néroli doré! Oh well, I’ll just have to start a new search option on ebay…
        Dank voor jouw aanbeveling, Klaas, en groetjes uit Keulen! November 25, 2018 at 11:11am Reply

        • Klaas: Oh well, that’s how it goes……there’s always that next bottle on the wish list!

          Keulen! The hometown of 4711 😉 November 25, 2018 at 12:29pm Reply

          • OnWingsofSaffron: Hoi Klaas, I’d like to thank you for this tip! I got a big bottle for 32 EUR on ebay—and am utterly enchanted. Truth be told not by the saffron dry down—so I’m continuing my search here!—but by the overwhelmingly juicy, delicious, sunny, seductive neroli! Lordy, what a fabulous scent! Just to think of all those horrible cool/blu(e)/black/xtreme monstrosities out there, and most men could wear something so sunny and delicious… December 8, 2018 at 4:42am Reply

            • Klaas: Hahahaha, this is exactly why I love this blog! Sharing the love…..

              Isn’t Neroli Dore just glorious?!? I also wonder why there is so much heavily overpriced but cheap smelling toilet waters out there when you can just as easily have this kind of quality. I’m so happy you’re enjoying it! And it gets even better in summer 😉 Groetjes! December 8, 2018 at 9:41am Reply

  • shoshao: Hallo everybody, thank you so much for this wonderful salon of shared love, insights & inspirations. I admire your ability of building and hosting this network of kindred soul with elegance, wit & wisdom, Victoria.
    I also have question: my aunt told me she used to love “dark poison” in the 80s, now discontinued. I didnt find anything like that so far in the internet. Does anybody know of this perfum or has something similar to recommend? Have a good start in the week! November 19, 2018 at 7:45am Reply

    • Jodee: Perhaps she meant Dior Poison? I love the flanker, Hypnotic Poison and in fact, have been wearing it quite often this fall. November 19, 2018 at 11:27am Reply

    • Nina Z: I would also guess she meant Poison by Dior. It was very popular in the eighties. It’s pretty easy to find old bottles. It is a huge tuberose fragrance. November 19, 2018 at 11:02pm Reply

      • Nina Z: But you should check with her because Poison had four flankers, including Midnight Poison and Pure Poison, as well as Hypnotic Poison and Tendre Poison and they all small different. November 19, 2018 at 11:05pm Reply

  • DianaTX: Hello Victoria, What a great way to start my morning than asking you for a recommendation for a new fragrance. I have been wearing Quelques Fleur for 20 years on and off, I Love also Diptyque Do Son, Bottega Venetta Eau Velours but I am always find my self going back to Quelques Fleur, I just had a sample o Aerin Lauder Rose de Grasse and Looove it, but the price is prohibited for a non lasting Fragrance. Please help me to find a Christmas gift for Myself. November 19, 2018 at 9:08am Reply

    • Anne: Hello I have never tried rose de Grace but I have heard it bears ressemblance with Stella MAC Cartney( the one in the purple bottle). This perfume is gorgeous and you might enjoy it.
      Anne November 19, 2018 at 9:58am Reply

      • Caitlenn: Jo Malone’s Red Roses is a beautiful blend of 7 different types of rose. And some folk enjoy Fresh’s Rose Morning for daytime: rose petals on a tea, velvet musk and warm amber base. November 19, 2018 at 1:37pm Reply

    • Caitlenn: Lately when I needed a change of pace from Do Son, I found Byredo’s Flowerhead to be a most enjoyable and uplifting change of pace. Superbly blended & uniquely/crisply lovely white flowers. My lunch companion advises she had the same issue as you re Quelque Fleurs. She found some reliable/cost effective suppliers on EBay for Chanel Beige which is a truly beautiful, radiant floral bouquet scent. She tells me she also just tried and quite enjoyed Jo Malone’s new limited edition, English Fields: Primrose & Rye. Says it’s a surprisingly pleasant hazy solar accord of Wildflowers/Primrose balanced with earthiness from rye, grains and vanilla. November 19, 2018 at 1:30pm Reply

      • Monika: Your note could have been written by me! I, too, was getting tired of Do Son and changed to Byredo Flowerhead! I love it! I get lots of compliments on it, which is unusual as most people can’t smell the scents I wear! This one makes me happy! I also LOVE FM’s Carnal Flower, but the price is ridiculous for a scent that no one smells on me. Rice Gauche used to be my signature scent until I moved on to Do Son. Have you tried The Different Company’s Adjatay? I’m dying to try it. Unfortunately it’s not available anywhere near me… November 21, 2018 at 10:41am Reply

        • Caitlenn: I’d not heard of Adjatay before this. Leather is such a tricky note for me I’m not sure my nose would accept it well. While reading up on it I found Luckyscent.com sells samples of Adjaytay online that they can ship direct to your home. November 23, 2018 at 4:02pm Reply

    • Aurora: Perhaps one of the roses from Annick Goutal: Rose Absolue, it lasts and is very natural smelling. I also love Floris White Rose (rose with carnation) or for a retro powdery rose Jean-Charles Brosseau l’Original. November 19, 2018 at 1:47pm Reply

    • Megan: I think Amouage’s Lyric Woman is a nice rose that’s not too sweet. November 19, 2018 at 6:35pm Reply

    • Aurora: *It’s Ombre Rose, l’Original by Jean-Charles Brosseau, a long name. November 20, 2018 at 5:29am Reply

    • DianaTX: Thank You all for your suggestions !!
      By any chance any of your tried the New Chanel Mademoiselle Intense ?? November 21, 2018 at 10:50am Reply

  • Austenfan: This is a random guess; but doesn’t your aunt mean the original Dior Poison? That came in a dark bottle, unlike Tendre Poison in it’s pale green bottle (which came out in the nineties). I think Poison can still be found but it probably will not smell the same. November 19, 2018 at 9:21am Reply

    • Austenfan: This ended up in the wrong place, it’s a reply to Shoshao’s question. November 19, 2018 at 9:22am Reply

      • shoshao: Dear Jodee, Nina & Austenfan, thank you for your help! I`ve been a bit unprecise in my question. I remember her saying she liked Dior Poison, the dark Poison. She was a busy midwife at the time, raising 3 kids by herself and definitely caring for a good party, and probably not at all for a label 😉 So thanks for your guess Austenfan! I`ll go check for the original & will see if I find something she is enjoying – if only for bringing back that time if I see her again :)) November 23, 2018 at 8:03am Reply

        • Austenfan: It had to be the original Poison! What might be worth a try is to see whether you can find a mini of Poison esprit de parfum which ought to smell closer to the original as you remember it. I was never a big Poison fan, but do admire it. Have you ever tried Lutens Cèdre? It’s actually a mix of tuberose on soft woods with some spices thrown in.
          https://boisdejasmin.com/2005/07/serge_lutens_cd.html November 27, 2018 at 6:56pm Reply

  • Allyson: Hello! I’ll be traveling next month and have a four hour layover in Paris. Does anyone have a recommendation for a perfume in duty-free that may be difficult to acquire in the US? My taste in scent is diverse, but I tend to steer away from the sugary/gourmand. Thank you in advance. November 19, 2018 at 10:29am Reply

    • Rickyrebarco: There are generally Hermes boutiques in the airport with lots of different scents, and possibly Chanel boutiques, but I think Chanel are mainly clothes. November 19, 2018 at 12:32pm Reply

      • Joy Erickson: The Chanel duty free perfume boutique, when I last visited, carried only the basics. They had no.5, Coco, Coco Mademoiselle. November 19, 2018 at 3:16pm Reply

    • Caitlenn: Etat Libre d’Orange has a great array of fragrance choices as does Mizensir (Alberto Morilla’s Maison), Honoré des Prés, Teo Cabanel & Meo Fusciuni. Same is true for Divine, Arte Profumi, Sez, Atelier Flou, Moresque Paris, Esse Strikes the Notes, WeinerBlut, Sospiro and Evody. You might also watch for one of my Swedish faves: Stora Skuggan. Their Fantome de Maules is a truly intriguing blend of forest flowers, mossy woods and fresh greens. November 19, 2018 at 2:16pm Reply

    • Caitlenn: Honoré des Prés and Etat Libre d’Orange have a great array of fragrance choices as does Mizensir (Alberto Morilla’s Maison), Teo Cabanel & Meo Fusciuni. Same is true for Divine, Arte Profumi, Sez, Atelier Flou, Moresque Paris, Esse Strikes the Notes, WeinerBlut, Sospiro and Evody.
      You might also look for one of my Swedish faves: Stora Skuggan. Their Fantome de Maules is a intriguing blend of forest flowers, mossy woods and fresh greens. November 19, 2018 at 2:29pm Reply

      • Allyson: Thank you Caitlenn. I will certainly look for these. Fantome de Maules does sound like something I would love. November 19, 2018 at 7:08pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Guerlain has closed many of its counters within department stores in the US but still seems to have its own boutiques in airports, so maybe that’s an option. November 19, 2018 at 8:42pm Reply

    • Maggiecat: The Chanel boutique in CD had the Eaux des Chanel in June before they were available in the US. It’s worth a look! November 20, 2018 at 10:10pm Reply

  • Cyndi: Looking for a new fall/winter perfume. For years I’ve worn Opium, Shalimar, L’Heure Bleue, and Chanel’s Coco. Any suggestions that are not too expensive? November 19, 2018 at 11:46am Reply

    • Kim Cravatta: Really loving Chanel’s Cuir de Russe this season. Lovely warm and clean with a buttery leather nudge to it. Does not have the spice as in Coco, or the vanilla in Shalimar, I love both of those scents.

      I find myself reaching for Cuir De Russe time and time again this fall. Quite lovely in my experience. November 19, 2018 at 11:55am Reply

      • Cyndi: Thanks for your suggestion! I’ve been wanting to try that perfume for several years – looks as though I should purchase a sample. November 19, 2018 at 12:05pm Reply

    • Aurora: Have you tried Serge Lutens fragrances? Five O’ Clock au gingembre (a gingerbread scent) or Ambre Sultan (an herbal amber) or Fille en Aiguilles (pine and fruit) or Chergui (spicy tobacco). Look for SL at the discounters, where I am in the UK you can get 50ml bottles for around £60. November 19, 2018 at 2:56pm Reply

      • cyndi: Thank you! I’ll definitely look into Lutens. I have La Fille de Berlin, and I love that, but the Ambre Sultan sounds interesting. November 19, 2018 at 10:59pm Reply

        • Tati: I would add Serge Lutens Daim Blond and Theorema by Fendi. Both give me a feeling of fall. November 21, 2018 at 1:36am Reply

    • Anu: Hello Cyndi, based on your likes I would suggest Espirit d’Oscar by Oscar de la Renta, Samsara by Guerlain, Jitterbug by DSH perfumes, Parfum sacre by Caron. A bit pricey, but Noir Epicees by Frederic Malle is another suggestion. November 19, 2018 at 3:11pm Reply

      • Cyndi: Thanks so much for your input! Except for Samsara (which I love) I’d like to get samples for the de la Renta, Caron, and Malle (although I agree that it’s a little pricey. November 19, 2018 at 11:03pm Reply

    • Erry: Parfum de Nicolai Maharanih
      PdN Sacrebleu

      At first, I would also like to recommend Incense Pure, Yin and Ylang, and Champagne de Bois from Sonoma Scent Studio, but sadly, they are closed. November 19, 2018 at 4:20pm Reply

      • Lari: I really really enjoyed several of Laurie Erickson’s creation for Sonoma Scent. I could really live with just wearing those. I’m missing them November 21, 2018 at 11:03am Reply

    • Megan: There’s a shower gel & eau de cologne you can get from L’Occitane called Eau des Baux that is both reasonably priced and reminds me of the holiday season. November 19, 2018 at 6:33pm Reply

    • Michael: The two perfumes I find myself reaching for during the fall are Dries van Noten by Frederic Malle and Diptyque’s Volutes. I also wear Les Exclusifs de Chanel’s Bois des Iles in the colder months. You might also want to check out Diptyque’s Eau Duelle. November 19, 2018 at 10:20pm Reply

      • Cyndi: Thanks for all your suggestions! November 19, 2018 at 11:05pm Reply

    • Lydia: DSH has three Discovery Packs of samples focused on the orientals perfume category.
      The third pack, which is amber-orientals, includes the fragrance Anu recommended, Jitterbug. (I remember Jitterbug as being a really nice spicy, vintage-style scent.) November 20, 2018 at 12:17am Reply

      • Cyndi: I would really like to try the DSH Discovery packs of samples. I don’t think I’ve ever tried any of their fragrances. Thanks so much! November 20, 2018 at 10:01am Reply

        • Lydia: I hope you find something you love!

          FYI: DSH is offering a really nice discount and bonus gift until January if you up for the newsletter. November 20, 2018 at 1:27pm Reply

    • Cybele: Antaeus! November 20, 2018 at 7:20am Reply

      • Cybele: and Coco Noir November 20, 2018 at 7:21am Reply

      • Cyndi: I’ve never heard of Antaeus. I’ve got to give that one a try! November 20, 2018 at 10:02am Reply

        • Cybele: It’s a male fragrances but I recently started wearing it, if you wait a moment till the top notes pass it turns into a gorgeous, soft, dark oriental. November 20, 2018 at 10:43pm Reply

    • rosarita: We have very similar taste, Cyndi 🙂 how about a venture into a couple indie perfumers? Zoologist is a quirky line with both generous samples and travel size bottles available (they are closed for vacation till Dec 10.) Moth is a spicy gorgeous scent and Civet is also excellent. Imaginary Authors is another line I like and all their samples are half price right now. Favorites are Memoirs of a Trespasser and Slow Explosions, they also offer travel size bottles and the concept is fun. Bourbon French, an exclusive New Orleans boutique, has some great perfumes with lots of bath and body products, too. Very helpful customer service to help you figure out what you’d like to try. Google will take you to each of these sites, have fun! Oh, try some Commes des Garcons too, the original edt and 2 Man. Samples at Luckyscent. November 21, 2018 at 2:55pm Reply

      • Cyndi: Thanks! I’ve never heard of Zoologist or Imaginary Authors, and I love trying new lines. And Bourbon French sounds fun, especially since they carry lots of bath and body products. Thanks for the suggestions! November 21, 2018 at 8:19pm Reply

  • Rickyrebarco: I think she was referring to the original Poison by Dior. It’s a big scent and came in a dark purple bottle. November 19, 2018 at 12:28pm Reply

  • Nancy A.: Hi V,

    Love that visual with the saffron sugar. It reminds me of rock candy served by my Mother as a child. Of late, I’ve been testing without purchase $$ burns a hole in my pocket! but I’ve managed to acquire some samples by way of Saks Fifth Avenue’s new beauty department. Stopped by Editions des Parfums and was offered a sample of MUSIC FOR AWHILE by creator Carlos Benaim and asked to offer up my critique. It was not to my taste at all but today for some reason I found myself sporting it — the topnote on me very pronounced in lavender. What I have put off and finally did was write Chanel with my complaint about the consistent arrogance and ineffective reps in their boutiques! I had acknowledgement that they would extend my complaint and return a response. Not yet, I’m afraid. The Chanel trilogiy: Deauville, Biarritz & Venise are however equally praise worthy but try and score a sample – mais non. HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all! Note to Allyson: BON VOYAGE and keep us in the loop should you discover the “off the beaten track” fragrance. You may want to contact the newsletter FRENCHLY here in the US or even French Vogue with your inquiry. November 19, 2018 at 1:01pm Reply

    • Allyson: Thank you for the suggestions, Nancy. I will try those. November 19, 2018 at 1:58pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I was able to get store-made samples of the new Chanel trio at Nordstrom recently. The SAs there are very nice, too! November 19, 2018 at 8:33pm Reply

  • Marie: Hi
    Anick Goutal Perfumes HQ Paris November 19, 2018 at 1:44pm Reply

  • Asya: I would love a recommendation:

    I’m looking for something that starts off sharp and citrus, then has a natural herbal dry down.

    I KNOW that’s vague! Examples of fragrances I’ve found that do this are:
    ELDO You Or Someone Like You
    Byredo Inflorescence

    Basically something that starts sharp and then turns into a woody/herbal/fancy shampoo type scent. I’d even say SL Fille de Aiguilles has this quality. I would prefer no strong incense, smoke, or vanilla in the drydown. Both also feature rose, so maybe there’s something to that.

    Any ideas? November 19, 2018 at 1:50pm Reply

    • Aurora: Have you tried Eau de Guerlain? It’s one of my best citrus aromatic on a herbal, woody base, no incense, smoke or vanilla. November 20, 2018 at 1:03am Reply

      • Asya Litvina: I haven’t! That does sound lovely. I have to admit my tastes recently shifted toward greens and citrus, so I’m just now dipping my toes in the water of this scent family. I was a woodsy vanilla person before this! November 20, 2018 at 4:50pm Reply

    • Aurora: Forgot to say, Acqua di Parma colognes might also be a line to explore, they are among the best colognes. November 20, 2018 at 1:27am Reply

    • Cybele: try Tacid by Aesop November 20, 2018 at 7:22am Reply

      • Asya Litvina: Thank you! *waits for Luckyscent to restock samples* November 20, 2018 at 4:49pm Reply

    • rosarita: Perfums de Nicolai come to my mind, especially New York. Available at Beautyhabit and iirc they sell samples, too. November 21, 2018 at 2:59pm Reply

    • Caitlenn: Azemour les Orangers from Parfums d’Empire starts off brightly citrus and has a warm hay, moss, henna and cypress dry down you might like. Another comes from Pryn Parfum. Pryn’s Amalfi has a truly lovely ambergris/Mediterranean herb/salt drydown. November 23, 2018 at 7:06pm Reply

    • silentdraperunners: Parfum de Nicolai has a great line in citrus and herbal. Vie de chateau has an incredible cut grass scent. Lush’s The Smell of Weather Turning is less elegant but smells of meadows of herbs and nettles. At the opposite end of very polished, Cristalle EDT? November 27, 2018 at 3:10pm Reply

  • laura: I love this!!
    My signature scent was Volupte by Oscar DeLa Renta….looooved it but feel like I’ve outgrown it and want to find a new signature scent that is similar to Volupte only more sophisticated, classy, heady, darker, edgier….
    I do like JoMalone Myrrh and Tonka but sadly it doesn’t last very long. Thoughts? Anything like JoeMalone’s Myrrh/Tonka but in a parfum form instead of cologne? November 19, 2018 at 2:14pm Reply

    • Aurora: I’ve tried it recently and liked it very much. Maybe if you layer Myrrh and Tonka with the body lotion?

      Do you know Molinard Habanita? It’s a powdery oriental and shares some notes with Volupte, it has a lovely, powdery drydown. November 20, 2018 at 1:15am Reply

  • Wendy Reinemann: I found bottles of Penhaligon’s Ostara in a very large, well known department store in the US. SA willing to handle inquiries/orders. He has 12 bottles:) If Boisdejasmin website lets me, I will include his name/phone number for anyone interested to call him and arrange shipment. November 19, 2018 at 3:32pm Reply

    • Lydia: Hi Wendy, What a kind offer. Ostara is really one of the indespensible narcissus florals. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to get some earlier this year, I’d be begging you for the contact info.

      (For those of you curious about Ostara, I recommend reading Victoria’s wonderful 2016 review of it.) November 20, 2018 at 1:37pm Reply

      • Wendyr: I understand! I am going to post the name/number/store info for anyone who wants to order under the Ostara review:). When it is gone, it is gone! November 20, 2018 at 2:04pm Reply

        • Notturno7: Hi Wendi, I didn’t see it in the Ostara thread. It will be at the end of the thread, I assume?
          If you don’t post it, could you please email me? Victoria can give you my email.
          Thank you so much! November 22, 2018 at 3:40am Reply

          • wendyr: Posted! November 22, 2018 at 9:06am Reply

    • Notturno7: Thank you, Wendy! I’ll check that thread 😍 November 22, 2018 at 3:32am Reply

  • Megan: I’ve been working hard to expand my perfume portfolio out of white florals. My husband recently introduced me to Nurture by Abel, which is a mild sandalwood-orange blossom scent that I like very much! I’m wondering if anyone has other light woody perfume suggestions, especially with cedar or pine. Patchouli does weird things on my skin, so I prefer to steer clear. November 19, 2018 at 6:29pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Serge Lutens Bois de Violette. No white flower, yet the violet is just wonderful: in no way sickly sweet or a „granny scent“, the cedar tempers the floral into a wonderful perfume. I find Bois de Violette is a magnificent scent! November 19, 2018 at 10:18pm Reply

    • Lydia: I’ve been exploring Sylvaine Delacourte’s scents and one I’ve especially enjoyed is Virgile, which has cedar, sage, and rosemary with vanilla (it’s from her vanilla line). The sweet, herbal woodiness of it is nice and not a combination I’ve smelled before.
      The website offers free samples (you just pay for shipping).

      I also recently enjoyed Olfactive Studio’s Auto Portrait, a really nicely balanced unisex woody scent with bergamot, cedar, vetiver, and incense. November 19, 2018 at 11:33pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Megan: I second OnWingsofSaffron’s lovely suggestion and will add while you’re investigating Serge Lutens to sample SL Cedre (for cedar) as well and Fille en aiguilles (for pine) as well as Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilee EDP (pine) and Tocca Colette (both for pine and cedar) and Byredo Gypsy Water (pine and juniper). November 20, 2018 at 6:09am Reply

    • Shelby: I second Aurora’s suggestion of Byredo’s Gypsy Water, and would also add Aroma M Vanilla Hinoki. December 3, 2018 at 9:36pm Reply

  • Christina Knight: I enjoy ”Patchouli” from Reminiscene but it’s hard to come by in Sweden where I live. Any ideas on something similar but more available? November 20, 2018 at 1:36am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Christina: I’m sorry that Patchouli Reminiscence is difficult to find in Sweden. I thought I might help a little bit by listing some patchouli I like, even if I’m not sure they are available in Sweden.
      The most recent I tried is Diptyque Tempo and it is a very nice patchouli, there is also Les Nereides Patchouli Precieux formerly Antique which I own and like very much, Les Nereides is a French house, Nobile 1942 Patchouli, an Italian House.
      Patchouli is also very present, although it’s a rather clean one in Miss Dior Le Parfum which I enjoy. November 30, 2018 at 7:28am Reply

  • Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and perfume lovers,
    I have a question intriguing me for a while now.
    What do you think which type of scent will be trendy in the next couple of years after gourmands ? November 20, 2018 at 6:08am Reply

    • John: I think Ariadne (see below) has a point… The tail end of post-Angel gourmand fruitchouli things continues to spin off variations, but I noticed that a sample I recently picked up for my daughter, Dior’s Poison Girl, really has a marked candied cherry note that seems to set it apart from that family… You can see the relationship but the scales have tipped.

      This is just my perspective (and does not really reflect my preferences), but we do seem to have a lot of things with mineral accords and musks (I’m thinking of some recent Tom Fords or in general things put out by the House of Narciso Rodriguez, which seem very forward-looking to me, or Maison Margiela, which seems to embody a certain trendy nowness.) On the one hand, there’s the lingering desire to associate perfume with smelling like a spa (those laundry musks! Those clean, clear mineral accords!), the translucent heritage of Ellena, and the eau de cologne revival brought about by Atelier, Acqua di Parma and others. Relatedly, there is a connection to grooming products and cosmetics (lips stick irises and makeup bag musks.) The general heritage of niche has brought us a focus on the ‘curated accord’ (a whole perfume based on neroli or bergamot or saffron, etc.); as labs get better at molecularly separating ingredients, the idea of creating a deconstructed version of an impression of an accord has become the complex synthesis that replaces the old, shaggy (perhaps banned) natural, with its flurry of organically complex, sometimes dissonant impressions… Anyway, that’s my impression. Someone rather wickedly said it could be the era of ‘easy listening’ in perfume; I keep wondering if it’s EDM… either way, not quite my cup of tea. Speaking glumly, I’d say “pseudo niche” is the present tense and near future: niche houses bought out by major producers and designer-level products aping the marketing strategies of the niche. I think people want to smell ‘natural’ in a digitized way. Personally, I just want to smell like Guy Robert’s idea of a cold pipe and that’s why I am waiting for my sample of Equipage to come in the mail, and hoping Ellena didn’t lighten it up *too* much… November 20, 2018 at 11:08pm Reply

    • AnnieA: @Nora, I am hoping for carnation to become the next trendy note! November 25, 2018 at 5:29pm Reply

  • Aurora: Hello everybody: What perfumes are Christmassy to you? November 20, 2018 at 12:50pm Reply

    • Figuier: Great question! I love the smells of Christmas and would also like recommendations for things that feel seasonal. My own go-to is Tom Ford’s Plum Japonais, which sounds odd, but the spiced plums feel very Christmassy to me. I’m not sure if there’s actually a cinnamon note but I always ‘read’ one into it. It’s also a great perfume (& not a failed doppelganger of Filles en Aiguilles, as some contend) November 20, 2018 at 2:35pm Reply

      • Lari: Caron “Nuit de Noel”, vintage or new edition is similar and nicely done November 21, 2018 at 11:08am Reply

        • Aurora: Thank you, Lari: Perfect name for what I’m looking for, it’s such a classic, and I haven’t tried it, so helpful too to learn from you that the current one is worth it. November 22, 2018 at 5:12am Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you so much Figuier! If Plum Japonais has a ‘phantom’ cinnamon note I should try it.
        Molto Missoni is my favorite for a cinnamon scent. November 22, 2018 at 1:29am Reply

      • Aurora: Not sure I posted correctly to answer you the first time, so with many thanks again for pointing out Plum Japonais which I haven’t sampled and sounds like a delicious plum-pudding perfect for the season. November 22, 2018 at 5:28am Reply

        • Figuier: You’re welcome Aurora! I only have a sample of it myself or I’d volunteer to send you some – in the Christmas spirit 🙂 November 22, 2018 at 3:37pm Reply

          • Aurora: 🙂 November 23, 2018 at 7:51am Reply

    • Neva: Interesting question, Aurora. I’ve never thought about it but here’s what first comes to my mind: A.Goutal Nuit Etoillee – pine with sweetness, Humiecki & Graef Multiple Rouge – red metallic berries, Atelier des Ors Choeur des Anges – gingerbread orange cookies, Amouage Epic Woman – warm spicy incense. November 20, 2018 at 4:30pm Reply

      • Aurora: Neva, thank you very much for your answer. I don’t know Multiple Rouge, Choeur des Anges and Epic so you’re giving me choices to explore. Nuit Etoilee: you’re right, it is perfect as a walk in the forest at Xmas.a November 22, 2018 at 1:35am Reply

    • Ariadne: Kenzo ‘elephant’. November 20, 2018 at 5:55pm Reply

      • Aurora: Great choice! November 22, 2018 at 1:38am Reply

    • John: I love your Christmas question… I remember my son wearing the very coniferous, soapy and galbanum-esque Sung Homme while decorating the Christmas tree, and I suddenly realized that this is worth putting something on for… Obviously this is a male perspective, but it still might give you ideas. Two names that popped up in other suggestions (Filles en Aiguilles and Nuit Etoillée) are certainly things I would suggest, albeit for completely different ends of the Christmas spectrum…I think points along this continuum include midnight mass with incense (Guerlain Heritage Parfum), dressing the tree (Polo Green) and potpourri (Old Spice)… Also L’Occitane Eau des Baux (my wife says the opening notes are a spice cake, basically), Yatagan (for the yule log of smoky pine resins), Eau Sauvage Parfum (for the myrrh, minus the stone cold tomb, if you get the reference…), and for nostalgia, vintage Opium because it is the most comforting smell in the world. November 20, 2018 at 10:46pm Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you so much, John you’re giving me lots of ideas, I wear men’s perfumes too. I really want to check Sung Homme now and as a Guerlain lover I should have tried Heritage long ago. I haven’t tried ES parfum, I think myrrh was used in death rituals, but I love it nonetheless. what a good description of Eau des Baux by your wife. Many thanks again. November 22, 2018 at 1:49am Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi Aurora, I second Caron Nuit de Noel, especially in the parfum version. It’s my Christmas go-to favorite.
      I also end up wearing Opium and Coco perfumes more in the holiday season. November 22, 2018 at 4:00am Reply

      • Aurora: Hi Notturno: Thank you so much for your endorsement of Nuit de Noel. Now, with two recommendations, I really have to try it soon, I will seek out the extrait. I can relate to your choice of Opium and Coco, I love them both, for Coco, I am more into the EDT for its clove especially, but all concentrations are absolutely beautiful. November 22, 2018 at 5:21am Reply

    • Ophelia: Serge Lutens Arabie. November 22, 2018 at 3:07pm Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you Ophelia! I read such good reviews of that one but am a little afraid of the cumin which is a problem note for me. November 23, 2018 at 7:19am Reply

    • Lily: I have 3 plus a bonus.
      1. SL Fille en Aiguilles for the pine/incense smoke. I call it my Christmas tree scent but I mean it in the best way. I adore this perfume.
      2. Burberry London for him – cinnamon and tobacco over lavender. Very spicy. Beat spicebomb on a side by side skin test for me. I have seen it described as Christmas in a bottle and find it apt.
      3. ELDO Noel au Balcon for a spicy-sweet orange blossom. It is too heavy for me to wear during the summer so I enjoy it in fall and winter, is definitely my cool weather go-to to smell feminine and pretty and joyous.

      Bonus – houbigant orangeurs en fleur, because one of my guy friends said the combination of spice and citrus and wood (what he smelled more than the flowers that dominate to my nose) were like sitting in a study full of wooden furniture while someone mulled citrus and spice down the hall, like you might at Christmas. And now I wear it around the holidays Bc it has that association for me now too. November 22, 2018 at 9:04pm Reply

      • Aurora: Lily, thank you so much for answering. You will be smelling delicious at Xmas with all these perfumes. Without you, I wouldn’t have considered Houbigant Orangers en Fleur, now I’m intrigued and will try it, wondering whether it is the nutmeg that makes it a winter holidays scent, nutmeg is so christmassy, Ivoire first version has such a nice nutmeg note, but there is so much going on in Ivoire. November 23, 2018 at 7:29am Reply

    • AnnieA: @Aurora, I have a teensy bottle of AA Winter Delice which is pine-based… November 25, 2018 at 5:33pm Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you so much for your answer Annie, Winter Delice is wonderful, you’re absolutely right. What I like is that it develops some much from pine to gingerbread. I finally was able to get a large bottle this year, full, for a very reasonable price, keep an eye on eBay if you want to get more, in time you might get a bargain 🙂 November 26, 2018 at 12:52pm Reply

  • Ariadne: I have been watching how scent trends follow the yearly Pantone color prediction/forecasts and believe there is a “synergy”.
    reference: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/fashion-color-trend-report/fashion-color-trend-report-new-york-spring-summer-2019
    To me the Pantone colors have been a ‘candy store’ of brights and I think this may be reflected in popular odors. Just my 2 cents and my belief in everyone’s to capability for some level of synesthesia. November 20, 2018 at 5:52pm Reply

    • Ariadne: please associate this with Nora’s query November 20, 2018 at 5:54pm Reply

      • maja: Thank you for the link, very interesting! November 23, 2018 at 8:16am Reply

  • Linda: My all-time favorite perfume was Donna Karan’s “Chaos” in the 90s. Of course it was discontinued as so many good things are, resurrected briefly at a few retailers, and is apparently now gone again. There are some on eBay but at stratospheric prices! Any suggestions for something in the same vein? November 20, 2018 at 9:08pm Reply

    • rosarita: Check out DSH perfumes – Dawn Spencer Hurwitz. Cimabue is wonderful and she is very prolific with a gift for spices, rose and vintage type perfumes. She’s also a very nice person and you can get some help over the phone for choices; samples are available of everything. November 21, 2018 at 3:03pm Reply

  • merylam: hey there, this is my first time posting. i am a fledgling perfume enthusiast and I have been on something on a perfumebinge lately. I also live in belgium (not in Brussels, but close enough) and I was wondering which shops are the best to explore the more interesting perfumes? I have been to skins in Ghent and it was fine, they let you explore without being pushy, but I didn’t find them to be knowledgeable at all. In Brussels I’ve visited Senteurs d’ailleurs and they have a good selection, but they were so pretentious and not really helpful.
    So where are the good spots in belgium (preferably the flemish part) to get some perfume sampling done? November 20, 2018 at 10:33pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Merylam: Victoria has a post about a great perfume shop, Place Vendome, in Belgium, an hour from Brussels, check out that article to see if you are interested 🙂 November 22, 2018 at 2:08pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Hi Merylem, I lived in BXL for 7 years. I am amazed that there aren‘t more high quality perfume stores in BXL! I would like to point out this one shop: Kroonen & Brown in Rue Lebeaustraat 49, Bruxelles 1000. I find they are well stocked with some really interesting interesting brands. Otherwise, Antwerps ought to do the trick. November 22, 2018 at 11:03pm Reply

  • Michael: This isn’t really a direct perfume recommendation request per se, but just thought I’d pick your collective minds about a topic that has been on my mind for awhile.

    Recently I’ve read some articles claiming that modern/contemporary chypres no longer adhere strictly to the bergamot-oakmoss-labdanum combination. Some writers have even suggested that patchouli is now an acceptable substitute to any one of the three ingredients, the most obvious being oakmoss due to IFRA regulations.

    So this conundrum leads me to ask: what would you consider a “chypre” and what perfumes would you classify as chypres?

    I’m trying to diversify my fragrance portfolio. I tend to lean towards floral, woody and oriental ones as citrus doesn’t really work on me, vetiver as a main ingredient turns a bit sour after awhile and I also tend to avoid fougeres because I don’t like a strong lavender note in my perfumes.

    Any feedback is much welcome and appreciated. Hope I’m not gate crashing this thread Victoria! November 21, 2018 at 4:36am Reply

    • Nina Z: Yes, modern chypres are different due to IFRA restrictions. But some are quite beautiful. Two I love are 31 Rue Cambon by Chanel and Jubilation 25 by Amouage, which is somewhat similar to the old Rochas Femme. November 21, 2018 at 10:43am Reply

      • Notturno7: Hi Michael and Nina,
        I love 31 Rue Cambon, too and EL Private Collection, a lovely chypre. Both Victoria and Turin gave it a wonderful review.
        Nina, thank you for the Jubilation 25 comparison!
        I’ve been loving and wearing vintage Rochas Femme almost every day this week ( I bought enough to last me a lifetime) and it’s nice to know I might enjoy Jubilation 25. I own a bottle of Amouage Gold, too. It’s a gem. November 22, 2018 at 3:55am Reply

        • Michael: I need to check out EL Private Collection. Amouage Gold sounds like a symphonic floral along the lines of Joy and 24, Faubourg. November 22, 2018 at 9:20am Reply

      • Michael: I love 31 Rue Cambon and have a 200ml FB of the fragrance. It’s one of my top 10 fragrances, together with Cuir de Russie and Bois des Iles, from the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection. Thanks for the other recommendations, will check out Jubilation 25 but it will probably be harder to get hold of vintage Rochas Femme. November 22, 2018 at 9:15am Reply

        • Notturno7: Hi Michael,
          Did you try Aromatic Elixir? It’s unique and got wonderful reviews from both The Guide and Victoria.
          I love and own the same Chanel Les Exclusifs as you.
          Did you try Misia?
          No 19 vintage or in pure perfume is a true gem. That iris / chypre combination in the extrait is pure heaven for me.
          Chinatown chypre is lovely but you might find it too sweet. I love it in the winter.
          I don’t think Femme or Gold is what you said that you were looking for. I only mentioned them cause I’ve been wearing them lately.
          It took me a while to fall in love with Mitsuko. Delicate peach and chypre in extrait it’s just like nothing else. Dry down is masterful.
          Happy perfume hunting 😀. Please share with us what you fall in love with.😍 November 23, 2018 at 2:45am Reply

          • Michael: Hi Notturno7. Thanks for your replies. I think Misia is a solidly constructed fragrance; it ticks all the required boxes, but lacks that certain “je ne sais quoi” that would encourage me to invest in a FB. No 19 is too austere for me. I find the verdancy of the galbanum too sharp, and the vetiver in the drydown also causes issues for me. Whilst I do admire its construction though, it doesn’t do anything for me personally. I will check out Aromatics Elixir though. I have come very close to buying the Chanel No 22 extrait de parfum a few times, so perhaps I need to make a decision here first before attempting to cast my perfume net wider! LOL November 23, 2018 at 5:30am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Michael: What an interesting topic.
      Guerlain Mitsouko is still very much a benchmark chypre, and contrary to some others, it is available in splendid form as Thierry Wasser used a special type of oakmoss with the component that caused the ban removed from it, go for a date of 2013 or after, basically as recent as possible. To my mind, but I realize it is arbitrary, bergamot-oakmoss-patchouli constitute the chypre trinity, maybe more or less as in Coty Chypre, with labdanum (or amber accord) being welcome but perhaps not indispensable, I find, sometimes, if too present, it weighs the composition too much for me. Apart from Mitsouko, I also enjoy in no particular order, Chanel Pour Monsieur, Cristalle, Aramis Aramis (modern one is v. good) Cabochard (vintage), Jean-Louis Scherrer, Liz Earle No 9 (a recent fruity chypre) and like Notturno vintage Femme (simply because it doesn’t have the cumin so present in the modern one but for lovers of cumin the modern one is great too). November 22, 2018 at 8:32am Reply

      • Michael: Thanks for the recommendations Aurora! I guess the definition of “chypre” has evolved over time and patchouli is now an acceptable substitute for either labdanum or oakmoss these days.

        It’s interesting that you should mention how the labdanum can be overpowering at times, because I feel that patchouli can impart that same kind of pungency when used in large quantities.

        I like both Chanel Pour Monsieur and Cristalle, but not enough to invest in a FB. I’m still on the fence about Mitsouko. Maybe I just need to be more open-minded and take the plunge, so to speak! LOL November 22, 2018 at 9:25am Reply

    • Cybele: A rose chypre: Rive Gauche YSL also try Givenchy III in the collection Mythique November 22, 2018 at 10:54am Reply

      • Notturno7: Cybelle, I love Rive Gauche especially in the summer, I don’t know why,
        Haven’t been able to find Givenchy III, they have only new Givenchy fragrances whenever I try to find it.
        Maybe Mythique is the new collection! I hope they have haven’t changed the formulation. Thank you for letting us know. November 23, 2018 at 2:51am Reply

        • Cybele: It’s not a new collection and it’s widely available but only in the stores that are better stocked or a bit more upscale maybe. The reformulation is supposed to be quite good. November 23, 2018 at 7:54am Reply

          • Notturno7: Thank you, Cybele.
            After you wrote about Givenchy III, I searched ebay and found an 1oz vintage pure perfume for $69.
            The seller😊 is good and allows returns and full refunds if needed.
            I can’t wait for my shipment now 😀 November 24, 2018 at 3:47am Reply

            • Cybele: great! please report how it is! November 24, 2018 at 1:11pm Reply

      • Michael: Hi Cybele, thanks for the recommendations. I’ve heard that Riva Gauche has lost some of its lustre due to reformulation, but I will endeavour to find a vintage bottle. November 23, 2018 at 5:32am Reply

        • Cybele: I personally have not met a ‘modern’ chypre that capture me. Rue Cambon comes close, I like it very much but it feels much softer than a classic chypre – which makes it very likeable though. Panthere left me cold for some reason. I suspect that the substituted ingredients just don’t properly sing together and instead something a bit lifeless comes out. Of the old ones I’m a big fan of Cabochard and the oriental chypre Halston, both by Bernard Chant. And I think current formulations of Chanel 19 EDP, Chamade and Aromatics Elixir are good. Have yu tried 19 in EDP? November 23, 2018 at 8:18am Reply

          • Cybele: Ah I need to add that Agent Provocateur is a modern and really good rose chypre, I think! November 23, 2018 at 8:21am Reply

            • Cybele: And for Mitsouko, try the pure parfum! It’s amazing, so soft and beautiful. November 23, 2018 at 8:24am Reply

          • Michael: I have only tried Chanel No 19 in the EDT. I really like the hyacinth note in Chamade. Not tested Panthere and I’m wondering if Cabochard has been reformulated. November 25, 2018 at 4:36am Reply

    • maja: Great topic indeed. Apart from the gorgeous Mitsouko and 31, RC (both in my top five), I’d like to add two scents that I as a chypre lover enjoy very much – Chinatown by Bond n.9 and Beloved Amouage. They feel very chyprish to me. Strangely, Beloved behaves very well in hot weather. Chinatown is Christmassy. November 23, 2018 at 8:30am Reply

      • Michael: Thanks for the recommendations maja! Have not tried either Chinatown or Beloved, but Luca Turin gave the former a 5 star rating so that will definitely be on my “To Try” list. I think chypre is possibly the most complicated, complex and challenging of fragrance genres, but when you find the right one, it really hits the spot! November 25, 2018 at 4:42am Reply

    • Tati: Hi Michael,
      Late to the discussion but I wanted to add a favorite chypre of mine: Sisley’s Soir de Lune. November 26, 2018 at 5:35pm Reply

      • Michael: Thanks for the recommendation, Tati! Will definitely check it out when I get the opportunity to do so. November 27, 2018 at 11:42am Reply

  • Susan: Could anyone please recommend something along the lines of “Shocking” by Schiapparelli? I used to love this scent but it is unfortunately no longer available. November 21, 2018 at 6:39am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Susan: Victoria recommended Tabu by Dana as having similarities to Shocking. Go for a vintage bottle of Tabu on eBay, it has held very well the test of time, is plentiful and is still very affordable, I have a small bottle and it is very potent, lovely and ‘huge’. Of course, you might find Shocking there too, but I think it’s rare and more expensive. November 22, 2018 at 2:20am Reply

  • Marcy: After months of hemming and hawing, I finally caved and bought a bottle of Jasmin Rouge and I’m not entirely sure I love it – or, rather, that it’s right for me. It’s lovely, of course, but it feels like the older, sexier version of what I should be looking for. Does anyone have suggestions on lighter jasmine perfumes?

    Currently I default to Lust by Lush, and I like that it doesn’t smell too perfumey – a lot of the usual suspects end up smelling like straight up alcohol on me, unfortunately! I also love orange blossom, ylang ylang, and honeysuckle, if anyone has related suggestions for those as well. November 21, 2018 at 9:55pm Reply

    • Klaas: Hello Marcy, I’m no expert on Jasmine, but I can recommend Drama Nuui (Parfumerie Generale) and Madagascan Jasmine (Grandiflora). Drama Nuui is a light, creamy jasmine that shines with light, the other one features jasmine as young, green and crisp. I like them both… November 22, 2018 at 1:12pm Reply

      • Marcy: I think Drama Nuui might be perfect, thank you so much! November 23, 2018 at 8:12am Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi Marcy, I don’t know Jasmin Rouge but my favorite jasmin is Sarrasins.
      I have a bell jar and just a few dabs on my wrists is plenty.
      I have a funny memory. The first time I got a sample of it, I sprayed it on my friend’s hand as we were standing on the street in San Francisco and she was so taken by it that she stopped talking in the middle of the sentence and completely lost her train of thought. We laughed a lot afterwards. November 23, 2018 at 3:12am Reply

      • Marcy: I love this image so much, thank you so much for sharing it! November 23, 2018 at 8:13am Reply

        • Notturno7: Hi Marcy, So glad to hear that. Happy jasmine perfume hunting. 😉 November 24, 2018 at 3:35am Reply

    • Aurora: Also, for a light jasmine (you also have to like gardenia in the opening notes) try Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage EDT (the EDP is headier) it is sheer and light. For jasmine, orange blossom and ylang, Hermes 24 Faubourg with its orange blossom, jasmine and ylang fits your brief quite well but I think for white flowers, Jour d’Hermes is more effervescent and fun, Maison Francis Kurdjian APOM pour Femme is a rather luxury option: ylang and orange blossom, it’s popular for a reason, and Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang I find very well done, ylang on vanilla and it’s very affordable (my favorite from the line is Davana Blossom, a mix of white and yellow flowers, very unique). For honeysuckle AG Le Chevrefeuille is lovely.

      Enjoy the search! November 23, 2018 at 6:46am Reply

      • Marcy: These all sound absolutely gorgeous, I’m going to have to hunt them down to test. Thank you! November 23, 2018 at 8:19am Reply

    • Cybele: I think you should smell A La Nuit by Serge Lutens and Love and Tears By Kilian. Both are straight up jasmins and very beautiful. The Kilian is completely clean, transparent, airy and the Lutens more round and natural. Jasmin Rouge is sort of a Jasmin oriental, I guess. I never got excited over it either. November 23, 2018 at 9:02am Reply

      • Marcy: A La Nuit has been on my list for ages, I think this means I finally have it suck it up and go for it! Thank you so much! November 23, 2018 at 10:20am Reply

  • Michael: Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on Estee Lauder’s Wood Mystique? I was gifted a 100ml FB by a friend and while it would seem to be my cup of tea on paper, I’ve read quite differing reviews of the fragrance online. November 22, 2018 at 9:10am Reply

  • wendyr: I am smitten by Guerlain Bois d’Armenie lately. Love the warmth in the dry down. I find myself sniffing my wrist many, many times during the day. Any recommendations for similar yet different? November 22, 2018 at 10:14am Reply

    • Cybele: Bois D’Argent Dior November 22, 2018 at 10:50am Reply

      • wendyr: Thank you! I will try a sample:). November 22, 2018 at 11:17am Reply

    • Ninon: I adore this, too, and am wearing it tonight! I’ve never found anything similar, including, for me unfirtunately, the Dior. November 23, 2018 at 12:12am Reply

    • Tara C: Mad et Len Petits Papiers November 23, 2018 at 7:32pm Reply

      • Cybele: Hi Tara, thanks, that’s interesting, I was not familiar with the Mad et Len November 24, 2018 at 10:39am Reply

      • wendyr: Thank you! I found a Lucky Scent has it. I will let you know, it does sound wonderful. November 24, 2018 at 1:58pm Reply

    • Cybele: Also try Hypnotic Poison November 24, 2018 at 1:42pm Reply

      • Noelle: I love Hypnotic Poison. It reminds me of root beer! November 26, 2018 at 9:55pm Reply

  • Ophelia: I spritzed on Cartier Carat recently and found it very fresh and vibrant. I was wondering if anyone else has tried it and what you guys think about it. November 22, 2018 at 4:54pm Reply

    • maja: I thought it was pretty, too, and well made, but I like my florals a little less abstract and warmer. November 23, 2018 at 8:22am Reply

  • Merylam: Has anyone tried pink molecule 090.09 by zarkoperfume? What’s it like? November 23, 2018 at 12:04pm Reply

  • Laura: Hypnotic Poison by Dior is just the most festive fragrance, to me ! November 23, 2018 at 3:48pm Reply

    • Aurora: Yes, I agree, it comes into its own in midwinter. November 25, 2018 at 12:44pm Reply

  • Shelly Rubinstein: Hi I am new. Reading your fab blog I realise there is a chypre theme to my my fragrance journey through life. I started with Coty Masumi then Gres Cabochard, Aromatics Elixir, Paloma Picasso, Antonia’s Flowers Tiempe Passate, Sisley soir De lune and now Bottega Veneta the original one. Along the way in the summer I like citrus Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin, Clarins EAU Dynamisante, I also have liked Givenchy Le De, Chanel 19 and Coco Mademoiselle, Givenchy
    Ysatis , Miller Harris Terre D’Iris, Hermes Iris, Balenciaga Le Dix, Guerlain Insolence along the way. I made a mistake with Armani Privee Rouge Malachite it doesn’t suit me am thinking of passing it on. Any ideas for something new, I am not keen on vanilla and saffron on me. I have always been a fan of perfume and did a school project on it when I was 11. I work full time as a Business Psychologist in the UK. As I approach my 60th birthday in February I want to treat myself to something special as a celebration so thanks for any ideas it is appreciated. Shelly. November 24, 2018 at 6:04am Reply

    • Cybele: Hi Shelly, I would suggest for you to try 31, Rue Cambon by Chanel of the Exclusif line. It is beautiful and elegant and was created as a modern chypre. November 24, 2018 at 10:47am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Shelly: Congratulations on your coming birthday. I’m from the UK too, waving 🙂
      I’ll add a few more chypres: Jean-Louis Scherrer is a beautiful green chypre, you could also sample Grossmith Golden Chypre, it’s certainly expensive enough for a landmark birthday and it’s a classic chypre, Robert Piguet Bandit, a leather chypre, Cristalle EDP, a citrus chypre and its counterpart Chanel pour Monsieur.
      I also liked Floris Chypress when I tried it, vanilla was listed but wasn’t prominent at all and for one more UK choice, I like and own Liz Earle No 9, a fruity chypre. November 25, 2018 at 8:04am Reply

      • Shelly: Thanks I will try it November 25, 2018 at 7:27pm Reply

    • Figuier: I’ve been enjoying Dusita’s ‘Le Sillage Blanc’ for a beautifully vivid green chypre, would definitely recommend that. For something warmer 31 Rue Cambon is amazing so I’d second that – although the patchoul in it is noticeable despite being well blended, so do test first. November 25, 2018 at 8:56am Reply

  • Figuier: Or Dryad by Papillon perfumery is beautiful though more ‘rustic’ somehow. November 25, 2018 at 8:56am Reply

  • Shelly: Thanks everyone I will look into those suggestions I will be in London in a couple of weeks to sample them. I am loving all the articles and ideas. I will let you know what I think and thanks for the birthday wishes. November 25, 2018 at 7:30pm Reply

  • Noelle: Hi everyone,

    If I really like Bvlgari Black (Annick Menardo), is L’Artisan Tea for Two worth a go? Lapsang Souchong is the common note, I think! Are these two similar? I would like to find something new! Thanks for any help November 26, 2018 at 9:50pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Noelle: They’re both tea scents but not very similar. But by any means sample Tea for Two, it’s an excellent scent too. November 27, 2018 at 12:52pm Reply

    • Austenfan: And while you are trying Artisans you might want to try Dzing! as well. More leathery than Black but equally distinctive and original. November 27, 2018 at 6:58pm Reply

      • Noelle: Ahh thanks so much Aurora and Austen! I just ordered samples of Tea for Two and Dzing! hooray November 27, 2018 at 7:03pm Reply

  • J: Hello, It is my first time writing on this blog and I am so glad I’ve found this corner.
    While it is not a recommendation request, I would be grateful if I could be guided back to what is in my remote memory.
    It was at a Chanel counter in early 90’s. I tested a crisp, fresh perfume and told its name was Cristalle. What captivated me was what lingered on the testing paper. It was soft, innocent, vulnerable but with a spark of exhilaration – wrapped in soft strength. I wish I have more objective words to describe it. I was very young at the time and not quite familiar with notes of perfumes. Allure came later, and I wistfully thought the name was more suited to what I caught a whiff of on that day. It was some time before I finally got to buying perfumes for myself and since I have owned both EDT and EDP versions. But they do not seem to have what I remember and long for. When Exclusifs launched, I was recommended Bel Respiro. It felt like a blast of fine air but it has been just sitting in my closet. I wonder if the perfume I tested on that day was some other less available perfume? Or change in the composition? Could you suggest anything that might be similiar to what I had on that day?
    My other favourite perfumes are : Chanel No. 5 (the absolute, my first perfume – came across it when I was 8), White Linen, and Pour Monsieur. Less favourites – No. 19, Cristalle Eau de Verte, Kenzo Flower and Bvlgari au The Vert Extreme.
    Thank you for reading my rambling! I would be thankful for any help. November 30, 2018 at 2:33am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello J: Yes, both the EDT and EDP of Cristalle have been significantly reformulated, less galbanum, more citrus for the EDT and less fruity goodness, and oakmoss, less galbanum, less everything for the EDP, they are now ressembling more the very crisp Cristalle Eau Verte their flanker, I still like them but they are different. You could try Estee Lauder Private Collection Jasmine White Moss, it is very like Cristalle EDP as it was before reforumulation. JWM is discontinued but still available online and you could also chase a vintage bottle of Cristalle on eBay with a reputable seller. December 2, 2018 at 3:40am Reply

  • J.: Hello, it is my first time writing here and and I am so thankful for this corner! I have admired Victoria’s works and I often find the words even more lovelier than the perfumes they describe.
    It is not really a request for recommendation, but I would be grateful if I I could find a perfume that matches closest to to what is in my remote memory.
    It was at a Chanel counter in early 90’s. I tested a crisp, fresh perfume and told its name was Cristalle. What captivated me was what lingered on the testing paper. It was soft, innocent, vulnerable but with a spark of exhilaration – wrapped in soft strength. I wish I have more objective words to describe the notes, but I was really young at the time and not quite familiar with perfumes. Allure came out later, and I wistfully thought the name was more suited to what I caught a whiff of on that day. It was some time before I finally got to buying perfumes for myself and since I have owned both EDT and EDP versions. But they do not seem to have what I remember and long for. When Exclusifs launched, I was recommended Bel Respiro. It did smell like a blast of fine air but it has been just sitting in my closet.
    I wonder if the perfume I tested on that day was not Cristalle but some other less available perfume? Or could it be a change in the composition? I do not know, but I wish I knew what it was that made it so memorable.
    My other favourite perfumes are : Chanel No. 5 (my first perfume – came across it when I was 8), White Linen, and Pour Monsieur. Less, but still favourites : No. 19, Cristalle Eau de Verte, Kenzo Flower and Bvlgari au The Vert Extreme (nice but did not love it, more like a practical marriage).
    Thank you for reading my rambling! I would be thankful for any help. November 30, 2018 at 7:40am Reply

  • JulienFromDijon: – Etro “Marquetry”
    On blotter, it reminds me of boxwood, or wood varnish (hence the name). And I crave for this darker shade or galbanum green.
    I still have to try it on the long run though.

    – Amouage “Fate woman”
    I was almost sure you had reviewed it, but you actually didn’t.
    It’s half between “vol de nuit” (jonquil, endlessly balsamic vanillic drydown) and “havana vanille” fromo l’Artisan parfumeur (bread in the oven yeast smell).
    At the beginning, there is a dab of frankincense and pimento to add to the mystery, because… Amouage, you know…
    Depending on the batch or your mood, the main flower will be jasmine, jonquil, a strong lipstick madonna lilly note, or just the faint powderiness of rose atop the haze. November 30, 2018 at 3:12pm Reply

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