Recommend Me a Perfume : December 2018

Still in time for holiday gift selection, our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. 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.

How does it work: 1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know what you end up sampling. 2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!

To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link under their comment.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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235 Comments

  • Muriel: Hello everyone,
    I have a question that is haunting me for weeks now: at the station where I take my daily train, there is an add for Givenchy Gentleman with this white and black picture of a guy smelling some tiny white flowers, which to me look like gypsophila… but these flowers don’t really smell much/good, so I’m guessing I’m wrong… Does anyone know what he’s smelling? Thanks! December 17, 2018 at 7:33am Reply

    • Lari frank: I had to smile. Back in the 1970s I was crazy for Givenchy Gentleman (don’t know what it smells like currently) and handed it out as gifts to any important men in my life. December 18, 2018 at 10:16pm Reply

  • kat: I’d say you’re right – those look like gysophila to me too. Since the scent is not containing any white flower notes (AFAIK) I think this is a bit of artistic licence. December 17, 2018 at 8:11am Reply

  • eudora: hello!
    one of those loves at first smell, I won’t forget you perfumes of mine is Hermes Hiris. But I never owned it for whatever reasons. Not long ago I think you had a discussion here about it being reformulated, for the bad. It was a dream or is it true?
    thanks and happy holidays. December 17, 2018 at 9:05am Reply

    • Aurora: Yes Eudora, you are right, it was reformulated when the bottle changed, it’s been a few years already
      Blue bottle: older version
      Clear bottle: new version December 18, 2018 at 4:52am Reply

      • eudora: thanks Aurora, can you tell me how different they are? it is the current version good? good enough? December 18, 2018 at 8:28am Reply

        • Aurora: They are still very similar, it’s a subtle difference, I find the original more honey-like for sure, but otherwise very close, so my take is that you wouldn’t be too disappointed in your favorite, Eudora, it’s still very good.
          Happy holidays December 18, 2018 at 9:00am Reply

  • Ines: Hi everyone,
    when it comes to essential oils, palo santo seems to be all the rage. I was wondering if there are any fragrances out there that use it as ingredient. Thank you for your help. December 17, 2018 at 9:07am Reply

    • AWS: Try Hi Wildflower’s Mojave or Mondo Mondo’s Hysteria. I have Mojave and it’s really nice and cooling in the summer. December 17, 2018 at 12:38pm Reply

    • Holly: DSH’s “Become the Shaman.” December 17, 2018 at 1:38pm Reply

      • Tara C: Love the DSH! December 19, 2018 at 6:42pm Reply

    • kpaint: The Different Company Le 15 is all about Palo Santo. December 17, 2018 at 10:53pm Reply

  • eudora: hello, again!
    I cannot believe here I am as every year asking for advice for my mother-in-law holiday gift…the question: Nuxe perfume or Guerlain’s Terracotta? Or anything similar.
    thanks! December 17, 2018 at 9:16am Reply

    • Sarah: I find Terra-cotta to be sublime. It is soft, never gives me a headache and I get get compliments galore. December 17, 2018 at 9:53am Reply

    • jodee: I second Terra Cotta. At one point Guerlain made TC in a body/bath oil as well. I own it and it is divine. Nuxe is also lovely– beachy and tropical, just a bit more casual, in my opinion. December 17, 2018 at 11:46am Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Nuxe might be perceived as a tad thrifty, no? December 17, 2018 at 12:01pm Reply

    • Aurora: I would vote for Nuxe which I like even better than Terracotta but I was thinking, my preferred version is the oil, so if your budget allows maybe give her both Terracotta and Nuxe huile prodigieux 🙂 December 18, 2018 at 4:54am Reply

      • eudora: Aurora, that was my first choice, to buy one of Nuxe’s Christmas boxes with the oil and the perfume. I love the oil but never smelled the perfume. On the other hand, for the same price, I could get a Guerlain…that was my dilemma. Thanks! December 18, 2018 at 8:35am Reply

      • eudora: thanks Aurora, again.
        yes, my first idea was to get for her one of those Nuxe’s Chritmas boxes with the oil -I love it- and the perfume -?. On the other hand I could get a Guerlain…that is the dilemma 🤔 December 18, 2018 at 8:40am Reply

      • eudora: thanks Aurora, again
        yes, my first idea was to get for her the oil, which I love, and the perfume, which I don’t know, in one of those Christmas boxes Nuxe has. But for the same price I could get a Guerlain…That was my dilemma. I don’t know about Terracotta but quite often I read about it in the blog. December 18, 2018 at 8:50am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: Although I love the Nuxe body oil, the perfume lacks the richness of the oil and smells thinner and more artificial for me. I much prefer the Terracotta Le Parfum. December 20, 2018 at 7:18pm Reply

  • Wendy Debona: If I get the most compliments from simple So Pink sold at GAP stores, what other fragrances should I try? Light, clean, young, NOT too heady!! Please help and thanks! P.S. Signature Club A French Vanilla body spray was the best ever. Discontinued. December 17, 2018 at 9:24am Reply

    • Heidi: You might like the Atelier line, which is available (and also sold in rollerballs) at most Sephora stores — in particular, try Vanille Insensée. December 17, 2018 at 10:33am Reply

    • Aurora: Also, you might like Prada Candy, it doesn’t take itself seriously and smells v. good, it is better for winter.

      For summer Cacharel Noa l’Eau is very pretty, fruity apple and cassis, on a light musky base. December 18, 2018 at 4:58am Reply

    • AnnieA: if you’re near a Sephora they have Tocca perfumes, with both rollerballs *and* too-cute mini-bottles. Have a sniff and see what you think. December 21, 2018 at 5:48pm Reply

  • Sarah Hicks: Hello All,

    I’ve been craving citrus lately, not my usual go to notes – recently came across Eau d’Hermes and fell in love! Favourites for me are Bottega Venetia, Byredo Black Saffron, Guerlain Songe d’un bois d’ete, and mitsouko. Any suggestions for interesting citrus scents with long lasting power?

    Thanks! December 17, 2018 at 9:25am Reply

    • Sarah: I find Byredo Bal d’Afrique very citrusy. According to Fragrantica it has woody and citrus listed as top notes. I have the body cream, EdP, hair mist and shower gel. It has good sillage and longevity. December 17, 2018 at 9:58am Reply

    • Ashley: Not so sure about longevity but a couple of interesting citrusy scents I would recommend are Heeley Note de Yuzu and Bergamote Soleil by Atelier Cologne. December 17, 2018 at 10:26am Reply

    • Heidi: Monsieur Balmain is citrusy and long-lasting and very interesting (like most of Cellier’s work)! If you’re looking for something more available, you might also like Guerlain’s Pamplelune, which is a fantastic bitter grapefruit scent — not super long-lasting, though. December 17, 2018 at 10:36am Reply

    • GTP: Have you tried Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune? Beautiful grapefruit with a subtle vanilla drydown. Long lasting! December 17, 2018 at 11:31am Reply

    • Merylam: I second pamplelune, but I’m a grapefruit fiend so I also love atelier cologne pomelo paradiso. But I’m not sure that’s what you are looking for as it is fairly straightforward and not all that interesting ( but as I said, I LOVE it).
      Olfactive studio has a couple interesting citrus perfumes. Still life and still life in Rio are fun citrusses. December 17, 2018 at 2:45pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Ok, long lasting power citrus, that’s a challenge! Yet I’d like to mention Hermès’ “Eau de neroli doré”. First of all, because it is the most magnificent, succulent, delicious neroli scent. And second as it isn’t gone with 20 minutes. An hour or two? December 17, 2018 at 4:21pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Sarah: Also, on my skin Eau de Rochas, I wear it every summer, it has a lovely mineral drydown that lasts, also Eau de Guerlain smells so good herbs, citrus and woods and it is complex like Eau d’Hermes, and I like very much, as mentioned Atelier Cologne is a really good option, perhaps Grand Neroli which smells of the complete orange, juice and leaves, but don’t remember the performance. Another one worth trying would be Annick Goutal Eau du Sud, like a longer lasting Eau Dynamisante. And you definitely have to tried Pampelune once :), it’s quite unique. December 18, 2018 at 5:09am Reply

    • Klaas: Ok, take the plunge and go to the men section! There are some great citrusses to be found! Eau Sauvage (Dior), Chanel pour Monsieur, Whip (Le Galion), Colonia (Aqua di Parma), and I’m sure I’m forgetting some. For something more feminine I can greatly recommend Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat (Guerlain), Azemour les Oranges (Parfum d’Empire) and Fleur de Citronier (Serge Lutens). Hermes’ Eau de Neroli Dore is glorious, as Onwingsofsaffron already mentioned. Happy hunt! December 18, 2018 at 12:47pm Reply

      • Sarah Hicks: I am a big fan of men’s – especially – love Terre D’hermes. Definitely would like to try the Guerlain eau de Cletus de cheddar. I love Eau Imperiale. Thanks I will let you know how I fare with these! December 18, 2018 at 8:53pm Reply

        • Klaas Backx: Terre is wonderful! And your auto correct has concoted a very intriguing new Guerlain ;-))
          Yes, do let me know if you find something you like, it’s always interesting to hear what other people end up choosing. December 19, 2018 at 7:14am Reply

    • Klaas: Oh, I forgot Cedrat Intense (Nicolai). It is class in a bottle and perfectly blended; very citrussy but not too highly piched. It is also perfectly unisex and a true 4 season scent. December 18, 2018 at 7:31pm Reply

    • Jodee: Parfums de Nicolai L’Eau Mixte might do the trick! December 18, 2018 at 8:29pm Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: Parfums de Nicolai Neroli Intense in interesting herbal and citrus scent.. (Haha, looks like PdN makes long-lasting citrus scents.)

      Also, Azemour Les Orangers Parfum d’Empire, which Luca Turin gave 5 stars, is absolutely gorgeous. December 20, 2018 at 7:22pm Reply

  • Karen: I’m very new to this world of fragrance, but would appreciate your suggestions. I happily wore YSL’s Parisienne through all of my 40’s. I’m now entering the next decade and I’m hoping to build a fragrance wardrobe with options for different moods – from serious/studious to light and casual. I do love white florals, some cedar and incense, and I don’t mind some citrus. I don not like vanilla or oriental scents. I’ve been wearing Serge Lutens’ De Profundis and Bois de Violet. My most serious self loves them, but I also feel they are similar in mood, so I’m looking for lighter, more casual companions. Thanks. December 17, 2018 at 9:49am Reply

    • Craig: Hi there! In the white florals section, I’d heartily recommend Chanel no. 22 (beware though that the opening, like that of most Chanels, particularly the numbered ones, is very aldehydic). To me what comes up most of all in it is the tuberose, but it is blended beautifully and stunningly, and I find it to be an interesting mix of warm and cool, chic and casual, and I find as such it can be worn to suit many moods and occasions. (Another one in the warm/cool chic/casual double-bill I find is Dior Dune. Though you mentioned you don’t much like orientals, Dune is sometimes classified as such, but really, I find most people wouldn’t think of it that way. Like the name suggests I find it smells mostly of sand and bunched flowers, a lot of which are white, in a cold breeze. It really is quite exquisite.) Then of course there’s Robert Piguet Fracas, queen of all tuberoses, which is not casual at all, but is very much one of those evening-making-an-entrance-in-a-grand-staircase scents, which is always nice to have in your repertoire. Twilly, d’Hermès, another tuberose-vehicle, I thought was a lovely surprise, and I find it to be quite bouncy and in a joyous mood. And speaking of recent white floral releases, a while ago there was Chanel Gabrielle (I’m not that crazy about it to be honest, since I find in some ways it smells somewhat generic, but it is an easy to wear white floral, and I think it can carry through many occasions, and though it’s no work of genius, it’s a pleasant smell, and I know quite a few people, fume-heads and casual consumers alike, who were rather taken in). If Fracas is too much or too old-fashioned for you, you might find you like Carnal Flower (Frederic Malle). It’s likewise a big evening, making an entrance, people gasping scent, but goes in a different direction from Fracas (I find most die-hard tuberose fans can fall in love with either one or the other, if not both). I used to love Nina Ricci L’air du Temps, but have heard horrid things said about its current reformulation state. Then there’s Creed White Flowers, Givenchy Amariage, Miller Harris Noix de Tubereuse, Dior Diorissimo (though I have heard harsh things about the reformulation of this one as well), Diane von Furstenberg Tatiana, YSL Cinéma. I hope some of these options help! December 17, 2018 at 1:39pm Reply

      • Leslie: To Craig, what a spectacular response. It made me remember how much I love Chanel No. 22. December 17, 2018 at 9:57pm Reply

        • Craig: Oh, thank you Leslie! Yes, Chanel No. 22 is quite the dream, isn’t it? I keep finding myself thinking of it lately (maybe that means it’s time to get a new bottle?) December 18, 2018 at 9:26am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Hi! If you want a scent wardrobe with options, you might like the Jo Malone line, whose fragrances are meant to be layered with each other to change the mood. The website even suggests combinations! Jo Malone (the person) has a new line of her own, Jo Loves. December 17, 2018 at 8:26pm Reply

    • Michael: Not sure if Miller Harris is available where you reside, but if the answer is yes, you could check out Le Jasmin and Tuberosa from their Perfumer’s Collection range. I also second Craig’s recommendations of Chanel No 22 and Carnal Flower. December 18, 2018 at 4:37am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Karen I second Old Herbaceous for Jo Malone, some are a bit on the light side but I tried Pomegranate Noire recently, and it lasts and is interesting as is Wood, Sage and Seasalt. I also second some of Craig’s ideas, if No 22 works for you it is such an elegant scent, maybe also, Chanel Beige, white flowers with honey, on the sweeter side, for fun I often recommend Noa, a light musk with coffee and Noa l’Eau, an even more fun fruity (apple and cassis) perfume, and they are both so affordable, Annick Goutal Quel Amour, a light rose/peony fruity scent. I end with the very easy going Serge Lutens Clair de Musc, when I want casual but elegant and don’t know what to wear. Oh and none of these perfumes have vanilla 🙂 December 18, 2018 at 5:38am Reply

      • Craig: Oh, yes, Chanel Beige I think is a wonderful recommendation! I definitely second that one! December 18, 2018 at 9:27am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hi Karen, you already have some great options. I second the Chanel’s mentioned (except Gabrielle, which I found blah/bland), and also Jo Malone and Miller Harris. All have excellent selections. So, here I will suggest something different- it might be worth trying Eau d’Italie. They have some that might fit your preferences. I recommend trying Un Bateau Pour Capri (floral but lightly woody too), Baum du Doge (incense and warm spice) or Fior Fiore (delicate jasmine). Or their two rose ones: Paestum Rose (my favourite) or Rosa Greta (pretty delicate rose). The other Italian perfume house that I like is Carthusia. The Aria de Capri is best, but also Fiori de Capri.

      Hope you enjoy experimenting.

      Estée Lauder also has some beautiful perfumes: Tuberose Gardenia and White Linen are both lovely. Slightly stronger smelling, almost leather-like is EL Azuree. Elegant and very reasonably priced. December 18, 2018 at 3:30pm Reply

  • Ashley: Hello all! I am looking for a non-linear unisex leather scent. I already have Acqua di Parma Leather, and Hermes Kelly Caleche, not a huge fan of Tuscan Leather for the ash tray drydown. Any other ideas that are soft realistic leathers? December 17, 2018 at 10:15am Reply

    • Heidi: If you like soft unisex leathers, I’d recommend Cuir de Lancôme (more like suede than leather), Parfumerie Generale’s Cuir d’Iris, Serge Lutens’ Cuir Mauresque, and vintage Diorling. December 17, 2018 at 10:40am Reply

      • Ashley: Thanks I’ll have to try those! December 17, 2018 at 11:45am Reply

    • Muriel: Hello Ashley, Victoria recommended Mont de Narcisse from l’Artisan Parfumeur in her section on Fall Perfumes and it is a very nice unisex prefume with leather notes 🙂 I really enjoyed it! December 17, 2018 at 12:07pm Reply

    • Michael: Cuir de Russie from Chanel’s Les Exclusifs collection.

      Also, Galop by Hermes. December 18, 2018 at 4:39am Reply

    • Aurora: Vintage Diorling and Cuir de Lancome may be a little hard to get hold of, try also the new Diorling, a soft, flowery leather, I wear it with pleasure, and have you tried Bottega Veneta? There is the original one and the Eau de Velours (with plum). Also, l’Artisan Parfumeur Traversee du Bosphore is a gourmand leather. December 18, 2018 at 5:50am Reply

    • Neva: There is Cuir d’Ange from the Hermessence line. It is truly very soft. December 18, 2018 at 9:05am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Ashley, I second Michael (Cuir de Russie and Gallop) and would add Knize Ten. This is probably one of the greatest leather perfumes. One of my all time favourites. Made/marketed for men, but great on women too. So fits your unisex and nonlinear categories. If you are in the UK, the London shop Les Senteurs stocks it (They also ship). December 18, 2018 at 3:39pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hi Ashley,

      If you would like something very very soft, Serge Luten’s Daim Blond is a pale suede with a touch of apricot.

      I’ll second the suggestion for Hermes Galop, it has an air of casual sophistication. December 20, 2018 at 12:16am Reply

    • liz: You may enjoy Voleur de Roses … while the base is actually patchouli, it reads to me very much like leather with a hint of rose, like finding a rose crushed and dried inside a dense leather satchel, a poignant memory of something dark and sexy. December 28, 2018 at 11:52am Reply

  • Maude Elisabeth: Helas, 24 long years and still searching for Catherine Deneuve’s remarkable fragrance. Got a few tip on similar ones but nothing strikes me as the real thing. Can one have scents recreated? Where? December 17, 2018 at 10:19am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: so sorry you are missing Deneuve. It should be possible if you go for a bespoke perfume, made only for you, you would indicate you want a similar scent to Deneuve. Where I live in the UK there is Lynn Harris offering bespoke services, one issue though might be the price, it is expensive.
      Happy holidays! December 18, 2018 at 8:08am Reply

      • Maude Elisabet: Dear Aurora, heartfelt thanks. Will try. Merry Xmas! December 18, 2018 at 8:17am Reply

  • Ashley: Not so sure about longevity but a couple of interesting citrusy scents I would recommend are Heeley Note de Yuzu and Bergamote Soleil by Atelier Cologne. December 17, 2018 at 10:25am Reply

  • jodee: I second Terra Cotta. At one point Guerlain made TC in a body/bath oil as well. I own it and it is divine. Nuxe is also lovely– beachy and tropical, just a bit more casual, in my opinion. December 17, 2018 at 11:45am Reply

    • jodee: Oops, wrong spot. This reply goes to the question Above. December 17, 2018 at 11:47am Reply

      • eudora: got it jodee! thanks! December 18, 2018 at 3:10pm Reply

  • Mare: Maybe you should try some of the Pinrose scents. Lil Dipper & Merry Maker work nicely for you. I have seen this brand at Sephora. December 17, 2018 at 12:25pm Reply

  • Pete: Oh, this comes at just the right time! I have three young nieces (12, 10 and 9) that I asked what they’d like for Christmas. After some time deliberating all three said they’d like Chanel perfumes (I know!) and I promised I’d comply. The whole thing’s pretty much all for play (I think they want to feel grown-up, glamorous) and I don’t expect there to be any Chanel scents targeted towards this particular audience, so I thought I’d really just oblige their imaginations and flights of fancy anyhow (gay uncle on duty I guess). But I still wanted to give them something that might to some extent relate to their personalities (who knows, maybe when they grow up they’ll remember it and try to track down the scents if reformulation isn’t the end of everything until then), but seeing as I’m a Guerlain faithful, I know very little of Chanel and am looking for help. I need a (Chanel) perfume for:
    – Someone who’s girly-girly in the extreme, only wears dresses (with matching headbands and hats), is crazy about dancing and is exceptionally quiet, though I wouldn’t necessarily say introverted
    – Someone who’s outdoorsy, sporty, and is always running a mile a minute and looking to make everyone laugh
    – Someone who’s somewhat bossy, and very, very independent

    I’d really appreciate any help I can get! Thank you so much and happy holidays! December 17, 2018 at 12:30pm Reply

    • Caroline: Smart girls, and an intriguing shopping challenge!
      For the girly girl, Chance Eau Tendre
      For ms. sporty, No 5 L’eau
      For bossy one: No 19 edt December 17, 2018 at 8:57pm Reply

    • Leslie: I might switch Caroline’s sporty to Chanel no. 19, and independent to no. 5 le eau. Chanel cristale might also be nice or coco mademoiselle. I totally agree on the Chanel Chance line for super girly. December 17, 2018 at 10:04pm Reply

    • kpaint: Ha! Fun!

      Girly Girl: Coco Mlle Intense

      Sporty & humorous: Cristalle Eau Verte

      The Independent: Egoiste (!) (No, really – as a teen I wore men’s perfume as a badge of independence) but if that’s too much, No 5 edt

      Enjoy shopping and gifting! December 17, 2018 at 11:05pm Reply

      • Peter: Ha! I love the idea of Egoiste! As a (gay closeted teen) I did the opposite and wore women’s perfume as a badge of independence hahah! That’s how I fell into Shalimar and I’m afraid to say I’ve never given it up. December 18, 2018 at 9:31am Reply

        • Klaas: Hahaha, Pete, I wore Shalimar too, in my rather glamorous closet!! So funny! No more Chanel recomendations though, I think you have enough to go with 😉 These girls are very lucky indeed. Happy holidays! December 18, 2018 at 12:55pm Reply

          • Klaas: Ok, I take that back, I will recomend some Chanel after all. I just can’t help myself. I definitively think Chance and Nr. 5 L’eau would be suitable for little ladies. Cristalle is also very nice, albeit a little bit more grown up. When you’re at it, also try the new Deauville, Biarritz,Venise trio. I haven’t sampled them myself, but they might be your ticket. They are all light fragrances, reasonably priced and the bottles are generous. Happy shopping! December 18, 2018 at 7:10pm Reply

    • spe: Girly: Chance Tendre
      Sporty: Chance Eau Vive
      Independent: Chance Eau Fraiche

      Or if Chanel has those little gift sets with five minis, get them each one of those. December 18, 2018 at 3:23am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Pete: Lots of good answers already, so I just want to say how lucky your three nieces are to have you as an uncle, it is so thoughtful of you to search for and offer them Chanel perfumes. December 18, 2018 at 7:12am Reply

      • Pete: Oh, thank you Aurora, it’s so sweet of you to say! Happy holidays! December 18, 2018 at 9:49am Reply

    • Pete: Indeed, smart girls! Thank you all for the recommendations, you’ve just made the challenge quite a tad easier for me, and the outcomes probably quite a tad better for them as well! Enjoy the holidays! December 18, 2018 at 9:29am Reply

      • eudora: hello Pete! my very sporty and independent seven years old daughther loves Coromandel. Since she doesn’t have such a nice uncle she is happy spraying Coromandel in everyone of his teddy bears when she has the occasion. We travel to the city once a month or so and she takes one, only one, to the Chanel corner… my daughter’s playing smells Coromandel, everything Coromandel! December 18, 2018 at 3:21pm Reply

        • Pete: Eudora, that’s adorable! Your daughter must have the best smelling play-things ever! Happy holidays! December 18, 2018 at 6:48pm Reply

          • eudora: yes Pete!
            I was thinking about those lucky girls…
            girly: no doubt, allure! sweet and romantic but less gourmand and strong than Coco Mademoiselle.
            sporty: n5 eau premiere, because its iris smells nature. It is soooo beautiful, less madame than n5.
            independent: Coco mademoiselle goes here in my humble opinion.
            …and let us know how it went! happy holidays! December 20, 2018 at 8:30am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hello Pete. What a wonderful uncle.

      The suggestion to get the little collection of bottles might work (often available in big duty frees in airports). Otherwise:

      Girly girl: Diorissimo or no 22
      Sporty girl: Cristalle or No 5 l’eau
      Independent girl: Coco Mademoiselle or no 19 (although Egoiste was a great suggestion too) December 18, 2018 at 3:54pm Reply

      • Pete: Hi Silvermoon, sweet of you to say! Thanks for the suggestions (I have to say, I’m finding Egoiste very tempting!) Happy holidays! December 18, 2018 at 6:49pm Reply

    • elke: I have a 13 year old and of the few scents she has, Coco Mademoiselle is her absolute favorite (even though I don’t see what’s so great about it). I’m a little doubtful that girls would like Chanel 19 or 22, to be honest, and would probably rather for for Gabrielle or the already recommended Chance scents, or of course the newish Eaux. December 19, 2018 at 1:32am Reply

      • Marie: I agree with this, Chanel is difficult for young girls.
        However, here are some that I consider “starter scents” and that might fit the bill:
        girly girl: No 5 l’Eau
        sporty girl: No 19 poudre
        bossy girl: Coco Mademoiselle, no doubt

        Hope they’ll enjoy their beautiful presents! December 19, 2018 at 3:07pm Reply

    • Cybele: mini versions of chance line is a good idea!
      girly – tendre
      sporty – fraiche
      indepenent- vive
      otherwise:
      girly – chance eau tendre
      sporty – cristalle eau vert or chance eau fraiche
      independent – coco madmoiselle in edt (not edp) or chance eau vive December 21, 2018 at 5:42pm Reply

    • Liz: I agree with the recommendations for Chanel 19 and Cristalle for young people. For the girly-girl, if you are partial to Guerlain, perhaps Champs Elysees, soft, feminine, dreamy … December 28, 2018 at 11:59am Reply

  • OnWingsofSaffron: I have a question about the Dior Collection Privée line. I am amazed how few reviews there are out there, especially on the new ones. I fully understand that most companies have „exclusive“ lines, and all of them are constantly churning out new scents—so where to start? Still, all of these perfumes: Sakura, Kabuki, Grand Bal, Jasmin des Anges, Gypsy, Dioramour, Purple Oud etc seem to go unnoticed, unmentioned. I‘d be keen to hear more on these Demachy perfumes.
    So I‘ll start by mentioning the two I have: Oud Ispahan: I got a bottle cheap on ebay. I‘m no fan: it has nuclear force, never-ending longevity, and I find it rather to strong on aromachemicals. Then Colle de Noir. Very sweet (as in cute not sugary), charming somewhat wane.
    I tested Grand Bal today in Düsseldorf, spritzed it with great abandon and found it somehow boring. The only one I‘m interested in now is Leather Oud, but not if it‘s like Ispahan! What do you think? December 17, 2018 at 12:33pm Reply

    • Heidi: I tried Purple Oud after a friend bought a bottle — intriguing, but more of a patchouli blast than I care for. December 17, 2018 at 12:42pm Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: … patchouli, not oud? I rather like patchouli, but the hard core stuff: Santa Maria Novella or Borneo 😀 December 17, 2018 at 12:52pm Reply

        • Heidi: It actually reminded me somewhat of Borneo! December 17, 2018 at 1:17pm Reply

          • OnWingsofSaffron: Cool! December 17, 2018 at 4:07pm Reply

            • Heidi: Oh wait! Gah! I’m confusing this with Prada’s Purple Rain! The Prada is the patchouli bomb. Sorry! December 17, 2018 at 4:21pm Reply

              • OnWingsofSaffron: 🙂 And I thought haughty Dior was enjoying a little prank at the expense of their select customers!! Expect Middle Eastern royalty, welcome feminist hippy. December 17, 2018 at 4:34pm Reply

                • Heidi: Ha! My bad. BTW, given your username, have you tried Zoologist’s Moth? It smells like Goth saffron! It’s fantastic. December 17, 2018 at 7:17pm Reply

    • Tara C: I haven’t had a chance to smell the second generation Dior Privées, but I do love Mitzah, Ambre Nuit, Gris Montaigne, Fève Délicieuse and La Colle Noire. Oud Ispahan and Leather Oud were far too strong. December 19, 2018 at 6:54pm Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: Thanks Tara! Yes, especially the first scents—I’m thinking of say Eau Noir and Cologne Blanche—were kind of in a different league. December 20, 2018 at 1:14am Reply

  • Craig: Hey guys. I’ve recently gotten engaged, and though I love my fiancé extremely, it bothers me sometimes how inscrutable he can be, and I think his perfume (he wears Chanel no. 19 exclusively, and has done so from the age of 16!) is an extension of that, and very often it works as a kind of sensory-physical barrier between us. I understand it’s part of his personality and of who he is, but I was looking to find a fragrance that is similar to no. 19, but that at the same time isn’t quite as stand-offish, and can kind of make room for some warmth. What do you guys think? December 17, 2018 at 12:33pm Reply

    • Caroline: Goutal’s Heure Exquise is worth a try. December 17, 2018 at 9:04pm Reply

    • Leslie: For green lovers…Bruno Fazzolari Vetiverissimo or Unsettled. Sammarco Vitrium. Two very cool lines on luckyscent. I loved Chanel No. 19, but my current favs are Ummagumma by Fazzolaro and Bond-t by Sammarco…both dark chocolate, spices, and soft dry down. Very cozy, not childish, definite warmth. December 17, 2018 at 10:17pm Reply

    • Lydia: I remember thinking that Amouage’s Bracken Woman reminded me of Chanel No. 19. It’s crisp and green with some herbal notes.
      There’s alao a Bracken Man, which I haven’t tried yet. (One reviewer on Fragrantica actually recommended layering them.)

      Congratulations! December 17, 2018 at 11:53pm Reply

    • Aurora: Congratulations, Craig! Seconding Heure Exquise, it strikes me as an ‘easier’ No 19, although No 19 in extrait concentration is softer, rounder. December 18, 2018 at 6:26am Reply

      • Craig: Dear all, thank you so much! Now the shopping begins! Wish me luck! And happy holidays to all! December 18, 2018 at 9:24am Reply

    • Maria: Hi Craig!
      I love Chanel 19 Edt, but if you want a warmer version, you could also try Chanel 19 Poudré. It is warmer, but stays close to the original. December 19, 2018 at 10:33am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: As someone who has been married a very long time, I think it’s important to give your partner the space to be who they are and love what they love even if you do share their taste. Perhaps you could just begin by asking why he wears that fragrance (which is very unusual for a man to wear). If he has an important reason for wearing it, let him be. If that isn’t true–if it’s just habit or something–then ask him whether he might like you to help him choose a new one. While it is true that L’Heure Exquise is a warmer version of Chanel No. 19, perhaps it isn’t even the smell of 19 that he is so attached to. December 20, 2018 at 7:33pm Reply

      • Nina Zolotow: Today I’m wearing Chanel Bois des Iles. Of course, it smells nothing like No. 19, but it’s a gorgeous warm woody fragrance and maybe rather than just try to almost duplicate No. 19 with another green fragrance (which, frankly, are mostly not very warm), you could go in an entirely different direction. December 20, 2018 at 7:37pm Reply

    • Cybele: try French Lover by Frederic Malle.
      And in case he is wearing 19 in EDT he could add the EDP, which is warmer December 21, 2018 at 5:46pm Reply

      • Cybele: Also, Ormond Woman might be great and try Vert d’Encens by Tom Ford December 21, 2018 at 5:48pm Reply

  • Andrea: Hi All, what fragrances remind you of a storm? Not necessarily realistically, could be related to character. I’m looking for something that’s fresh but powerful and dark, instead of clean or comforting. I’m also open to other interpretations of the word. December 17, 2018 at 2:24pm Reply

    • Aurora: Do you know Balmain Vent Vert, Andrea? It has a blast of galbanum, it makes me think of a storm, especially the vintage one (the 90s formulation is not too hard to find). December 18, 2018 at 6:39am Reply

      • Lily: On that note jacomo Silences might work as well. I never understood that perfume until I tried it on a rainy day.

        Bvlgari Black does for me only Bc it matches the “storm within my soul” on the days I feel that wild wind blowing through my heart.

        Fascinating question – good luck with the hunt! December 18, 2018 at 2:18pm Reply

        • Andrea: Awesome, thanks for the ideas! I’ll check them out! December 18, 2018 at 3:19pm Reply

      • Andrea: No, I don’t know that one, thanks for the tip, I’ll check it out! December 18, 2018 at 3:18pm Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hi Andrea,
      I would suggest Annick Goutal’s Un Matin d’Orage. A spring storm ☔️ warm, misty and beautiful. December 19, 2018 at 3:47pm Reply

      • Andrea: Ooh sounds nice, I see there’s ginger in it, I love that note! Thanks for the suggestion! December 19, 2018 at 3:57pm Reply

        • Silvermoon: I also know that Victoria really likes it. If I remember correctly she even used it during her wedding. December 19, 2018 at 4:01pm Reply

      • AnnieA: Seconding the suggestion! December 21, 2018 at 6:01pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hi Andrea,

      For me that would be Frederic Malle’s Bois d’Orange. It’s fresh and very polished, but there is also humidity, moisture and earthiness to it from the galbanum that gives it a dark edge. December 20, 2018 at 12:22am Reply

    • Cybele: Superstitious by Frederic Malle and Black by Comme des Garcons December 21, 2018 at 5:50pm Reply

  • Merylam: Hey there, I am hoping some of you can help me find a rose perfume. So far caron delire de roses comes closest to what I am looking for, but it isn’t quite there. Some other perfumes I have tried in the same vein but didn’t hit the mark annick goutal rose splendide, but that is too florist shop for me. Rose pompon, also by annick goutal, I love and own, but I am looking for something more sophisticated. Miss charming by juliet has a gun is too timid and I can hardly smell it.

    A la rose by mfk isn’t really the same type, but that one Also doesn’t work on me ( no longevity at all, and that isn’t usually one of my problems.

    Anyway, I hope you guys can give me some Recommendations too help me find what I am looking for.

    Thanks! December 17, 2018 at 2:54pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Hi Merylam, “La fille de Berlin” by Serge Lutens, perhaps? I think it’s special as I smell a rose plus mint! Victoria in her review mentions “overripe blackberries”—but for me it’s that extra mint scent which is unusual and therefore exciting. December 17, 2018 at 4:15pm Reply

      • merylam: I have only quickly tried it on a blotter after a long day of perfume trying, and it didn’t really leave an impression, but I should really properly sample it on skin.
        But I think I want something “pinker” if that makes sense. December 17, 2018 at 5:38pm Reply

    • Anu: Hello Merylam,the house Les Parfums des Rosine has all it’s perfumes centered around rose. They also offer a very affordable sample set on their website. My favorite is Rose d’ete. I think Victoria has a review on it too. December 17, 2018 at 4:39pm Reply

      • merylam: yeah, I’ve already tried just about every rosine, and like quite a few, but they aren’t exactly what I’m looking for.
        Thanks for the reply though! December 17, 2018 at 5:35pm Reply

        • Filomena: Merylam, I am not a real fan of Byredo, but their “Rose of No Man’s Land” is really a good one. December 17, 2018 at 11:09pm Reply

    • Heidi: Neela Vermeire’s Mohur, perhaps? Or Serge Lutens’ Rose La Nuit? Or EL’s Knowing? December 17, 2018 at 7:21pm Reply

      • Gretchen Wyatt: I second Mohur! The Tauer roses are also spectacular. December 21, 2018 at 5:03pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Montale has some gorgeous roses: I like Intense Cafe and Roses Musk. December 17, 2018 at 8:32pm Reply

      • Merylam: I am definitely going to try those! Are candy rose and roses elixir also worth a shot? December 18, 2018 at 2:58am Reply

        • Tara C: I love Roses Elixir. December 19, 2018 at 6:58pm Reply

        • Old Herbaceous: Sorry, just saw your question! You might get the Montale “Roses and FLowers” discovery set that Neiman Marcus sells, including online. It has 7 scents, including some mentioned here! December 28, 2018 at 6:11am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Merylam: Another Caron simply called Rose is my favorite rose (the extrait concentration), Have you tried it? Until recently it was discontinued but has reappeared on the Caron site, I was thrilled to see that but hope they haven’t changed it. It’s a very bright rose, a pink rose, only slightly retro, what shines is the quality of the rose essence. Guerlain Nahema is very sophisticated but there is a lot going on in it especially passion fruit, it’s a rather dark, fruity rose, so not sure if it’s what you are looking for. I love rose quests. I also second La Fille de Berlin recommended by OnWingsofSaffron, and while you are sampling Serge Lutens, Sa Majeste La Rose, a green rose. Penhaligon’s is also good at quality roses, they have a new version of Elisabethan Rose which I haven’t tried (but I regret a little their classical one). December 18, 2018 at 6:56am Reply

      • Merylam: I have yet to try rose by caron, but I definitely will now. I like most of the carons I’ve tried so far (apart from the (reformulated) violette precieuse which was truly dreadful), so it could be a winner. I’ll report back.
        I have already tried some penhaligon scents and none seemed too work for me so far, can’t remember whether I tried the one you recommended, but as a major fangirl of the virgin queen, I would love it if I loved it.
        I would love to try sa majeste la rose by lutens but it is difficult sample it around here unfortunately. December 18, 2018 at 10:25am Reply

      • AnnieA: If Sa Majesté la Rose by Serge Lutens is still around that was quite grandly rosy. December 21, 2018 at 6:09pm Reply

    • Craig: Oh, have you tried Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady? To me, it’s the dream in terms of rose perfumes. Other than that, I’d say maybe try out Red Roses from Jo Malone (it goes in a rather different direction from Portrait, so if you don’t much care for that, perhaps you’ll enjoy this? I find it’s lovely, and a certainly more casual/wearable scent – Portrait is really a rose powerhouse) and maybe even Misia from the Chanel Les Exclusifs. Hope it helps! December 18, 2018 at 9:47am Reply

      • Merylam: I have indeed tried POAL and it just isn’t for me. I’m
        The jo malone one should in theory be something I really like, but somehow it just doesn’t quite get there. But it is definitely the direction I want to go in.
        Thanks for the tips though. Misia is on my To try list because I think its quite violetty and I love me some violets. December 18, 2018 at 10:39am Reply

        • Craig: Oh, in that case I think you might indeed like Misia (it’s a powder-room rose-violet delight). I was thinking also that Rochas used to make a delightful (sophisticated, but not quite night at the Opera sophisticated as POAL, for instance) rose one called something along the lines of Rochas Toca (I’m having a bit of trouble remembering the actual full name) and that was exquisite, though it might prove hard to find. Other than that, I know this is going to sound dubious, but have you tried Stella McCartney Stella (the purple bottle one?). December 18, 2018 at 7:02pm Reply

          • Craig: Rochas Tocade! It’s called Rochas Tocade! December 18, 2018 at 7:03pm Reply

    • Michael: If Portrait of a Lady is not your kind of thing, then you might want to try Une Rose or Lipstick Rose from Frederic Malle too.

      Red Roses from Jo Malone might also work for you. December 18, 2018 at 12:28pm Reply

    • Jessicarus: Have you tried Coup de Foudre by Parfums DelRae? I think it is pink in a similar vein as the Goutals, but maybe a little less bright, more complex and sophisticated. December 18, 2018 at 1:32pm Reply

      • Merylam: That sounds exactly like what I am looking for! Thanks! December 18, 2018 at 1:45pm Reply

    • Klaas: Paris by YSL! Vintage if you can find it….it is a shimmering, powdery, soft pink rose that is absolutely delightful. One to try for sure! December 18, 2018 at 7:23pm Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: Today I’m wearing Chanel Bois des Iles. Of course, it smells nothing like No. 19, but it’s a gorgeous warm woody fragrance and maybe rather than just try to almost duplicate No. 19 with another green fragrance (which, frankly, are mostly not very warm), you could go in an entirely different direction. December 20, 2018 at 7:38pm Reply

      • Nina Zolotow: Oops, wrong place. December 20, 2018 at 7:39pm Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: I have tried a million different rose perfumes and found true love in Guerlain’s Nahema. I love the vintage best but the modern is quite pretty, too. It has a lot of richness, depth, and intensity to it while still smelling of red, red roses. December 20, 2018 at 7:41pm Reply

    • Tuberose1: Isn’t there something just so lovely about rose perfumes? For something more “pink” as you requested, I would suggest Rose Alexandrie from Armani Prive collection- to me it smells like a sun drenched English rose after the rain. I also love the original Stella which is a true rose with a bit of musk in the dry down. Roses de Chloe always gets a lot of compliments and is a very fresh and clean rose soliflore. I agree that La Fille de Berlin is absolutely stunning. It is more of a jammy rose and slightly more complex. December 23, 2018 at 9:04pm Reply

      • Merylam: Thanks for the suggestions! These sound great! December 24, 2018 at 2:21am Reply

    • Potimarron: My comment to this ended up at the bottom for some reason- I’ll have another go.
      I really like Rose Silence by Miller Harris (I find it very dewy and fresh).
      The Candy Perfume Boy blog has a guide to recommended roses (a kind of fragrance “key texts”) which might help too. December 24, 2018 at 2:52am Reply

    • Liz: I also adore all things rose. Here are a few of my favorites: Annick Goutal Rose Absolute may be the rose you’re honing in on, Ce Soir ou Jamais is also amazing. Others worth experiencing may be Stella McCartney’s Rose Absolute, Jean Patou Joy, or for something very fresh, Noble Rose of Afghanistan. If budget is no object, Herme Rose Ikebana is equisite also very green and fresh. Jo Malone Red Roses is a faithful solo flor. For something different and assertive, Paloma … December 28, 2018 at 12:11pm Reply

  • Andy: I love the photo of mistletoe, which evokes memories for me. Though mistletoe does grow where I live, there is very little left due to a history of overharvesting and the fact that it is selective of certain habitats and tree types over others. So, it is a rare sight for me here in New Jersey. I remember a December trip to North Carolina several years ago where I saw it growing everywhere, high up in the treetops. That trip is scented, memorably, with sandalwood scented beeswax candles, and spicy amber. December 17, 2018 at 4:12pm Reply

    • Aurora: Thank you Andy, these are wonderful Xmas memories. I find mistletoe such an elegant decorative option. December 18, 2018 at 7:02am Reply

      • Andy: I do too, and using plant material is my favorite way to decorate. Bare mountain laurel branches or other beautifully shaped twigs bunched together in a vase, strung with those wire fairy lights, can be enchanting. Cranberries or other seasonal fruit displayed in a glass bowl or vase can make for a simple and striking centerpiece too. December 18, 2018 at 12:59pm Reply

  • Andrea: Hi All, do any fragrances remind you of a storm? Not necessarily realistically, could be in character. I’m looking for something fresh but also ominous and dark and powerful. But I’m also open to other interpretations. December 17, 2018 at 5:20pm Reply

    • Craig: It doesn’t smell like a storm to me, but as far as ominous, dark and powerful, I always think Bandit (Robert Piguet) fits the bill. I’ll try to think of something else that’s more along the lines of an actual storm. Have to say, interesting challenge! December 18, 2018 at 6:56pm Reply

      • Andrea: Thanks! This is not the first time Bandit is suggested to me, I’ll definitely have to try it! December 19, 2018 at 3:59pm Reply

  • Rae: Hi people! I am drawn to Tolu, Shalimar, Chanel no. 5, L’heure Bleue, Mitsouko. I adore all these gems but I work in a nursery school and they are too heavy. Also the only perfume my husband has liked on me is called If it is a very floral perfume oil totally different. I like it also but it is not special enough to me it is too high pitched. Any suggestions? Thanks for taking the time! December 17, 2018 at 6:23pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Rae: Have you tried the newish Shalimar Cologne? It’s very like all the very good discontinued Eau de Shalimar, Shalimar Light… etc, bright and easy to wear but with some DNA of the original minus the leather.
      Another recent classic Jour d’Hermes (grapefruit and white flowers) might be worth trying too, it has elegance but is easygoing.
      Happy holidays. December 18, 2018 at 8:02am Reply

    • Anu: Hi Rae, Espirit d’Oscar has been described as a derivative of L’heure Bleue but much lighter. As a lover of both, I feel confident in recommending it. December 18, 2018 at 9:33am Reply

    • Marie: Seconding both Eau de Shalimar and Esprit d’Oscar! December 19, 2018 at 3:11pm Reply

  • Laura: Dear all, I am looking for a men fragrance for my husband. He usually wears Terre de Hermes, Guerlain Homme Boise and he is looking for a perfume which is smoky and evokes the idea of tabac. He did not like the mainstreams like Burberry London, D&G The One, Spicebomb, but he does not want either to invest in niche. Thank you all! December 18, 2018 at 4:42am Reply

    • John: I was on a similar hunt myself awhile back… I found Hermès Equipage very unusual but wearable and interesting (supposedly the brief asked for the taste of a cold pipe and it is there indeed!). Chanel Egoïste (the original, not he Platinum flanker) is an interesting mix of stonefruit and sandalwood with both tobacco and a sheer suggestion of smoke. I often wear Caron’s Yatagan at this time of year, which smells a lot like burning pine trees… One minor (and not too pricy) niche offering he could explore would be Lutens’ Chergui, a very accessible and friendly honey tobacco scent. Finally, if you’re just out at the mall together, he could stop in to a l’Occitane shop and sample their Eau de Baux, a simple, easy to like mix of incense laid over a tonka and vanilla musk…it creates a warm tobacco accord in its heart phase that is very easy to like. December 18, 2018 at 5:30am Reply

      • Laura: Thank you for these wonderful suggestions. After all, I’ve bought Franck Boclet Tobacco gor a christmas present. Hopefully, he will like it. December 21, 2018 at 3:56am Reply

    • Craig: Hi Laura! Though it’s usually marketed towards women, Chanel does a wonderful number in their Les Exclusifs line (it’s rather pricy, but I find perhaps it is advantageous to your situation seeing as it tows the line between commercial appeal and niche artistry) called Cuir de Russie, which I think is certainly fitting for a man (I find sometimes perhaps more than for a woman; well, as always it depends on the person). I suppose what comes out of it the most is leather, rather than a smoky tabac, but the tabac element is certainly a prominent component of it as well, and it is a striking, quite remarkable scent. Speaking of Chanel, I second John’s Egoiste recommendation, and would even send out Antaeus, another one of their famous men’s scents, your way. Admittedly, it has been a while since I smelt that one, so I’m not quite sure as to its current state, but I remember it as really rather smoky, and quite masculine (in an interesting, though still sexy way). December 18, 2018 at 9:43am Reply

      • John: I was just wearing Antaeus last night! I agree that it is a first-rate offering. I did not think of it immediately because, though it is sublimely smoky and leathery, it is so smooth and well-blended as to compose a large abstract character that wonderfully combines herbal notes with patchouli and a lovely beeswax accord. My bottle is a vintage splash, but I have sampled the current version, and would advise you to look for more recent (2015-current) bottles (a black rather than silver sprayer nozzle), which represent a real return to form in my opinion. Great stuff…
        Finally, this is kind of out of left field, but has he tried Encre Noire? It is not exactly smoky or tabac-esque, but I notice that the other things you say he wears (Terre and Boisée) both feature a strong vetiver-ISO E Super combination, something we also see in Encre Noire. Like those other two, Encre Noire is woody yet translucent, and does feature a cypress note that, in combination with two types of vetiver, can suggest a glassy smokiness. Good luck! December 18, 2018 at 1:51pm Reply

        • Laura Nistor: Thank you for these suggestions. He has Encre Noir, but it is not a super favourite scent of him. For now, I have chosen Tobacco by Franck Boclet, hopefully he will like it. December 21, 2018 at 3:59am Reply

    • Michael: Feuille de Tabac by Miller Harris
      Volutes by Diptyque December 18, 2018 at 12:31pm Reply

  • Ossie: Hello, everyone. I’ve been looking for something to get this new guy I’ve been seeing. Though he’s young (22), he quite likes classic things, particularly in scent, and he is quite androgynous, so I don’t think he’d mind at all something marketed more female, in fact, he might appreciate. His style is mostly black tailored suits and very long hair. He’s introverted, but not particularly shy, more just quiet. He doesn’t wear scent because he says he’s never fallen in love with any scent other than Mitsouko and that’s what his grandmother used to wear, and I want to get him a scent he can fall in love with and have be his signature. So far I’ve been thinking Bandit might be a good option, but perhaps it’s a bit unimaginative of me. I don’t know, please let me know what you think. December 18, 2018 at 6:54pm Reply

    • John: This will also seem unimaginative then, but how about Habit Rouge? Your man sounds a touch aristocratic…It’s certainly something a person can fall in love with. December 18, 2018 at 11:41pm Reply

    • Klaas Backx: I second Habit Rouge! It is a classic, luxurious and would make a great gift. On the other hand, it has great presence, and if he’s a liitle shy or introverted then he mioght consider it a little to flamboyant. Another great option would be to get him a set of small Hermessence bottles (15 ml). They are available at Hermes boutiques and online, and there are some gorgeous ones in the collection. If he likes soft, floral, peachy Mitsouko he might like Osmanthe Yunnan, Rose Ikebana and Cedre Sambac. Brin de Reglisse is my personal favorite, and Ambre Narguille is also very nice. Good luck! December 19, 2018 at 7:27am Reply

    • Klaas: Ok, my comments seem to get lost.
      I’m trying one more time, I hope I’m not spamming Victorias blog now ;-(

      I think my comment got lost, I’m posting it again hoping it will not apear twice now.

      I second Habit Rouge! It is a great classic, and very, very loveable. However, it is also quite flamboyant, so might not suit his introverted personality.

      On the softer side, do you know the Hermessence line from Hermes? They sell small bottles (15 ml) in sets of 4 or 8, and could make a great gift! If he likes soft, floral, peachy Mitsouko, he might fall for Osmanthe Yunnan, Rose Ikebana or Cedre Sambac. Brin de Reglisse is my personal favorite (a fabulous mix of lavander and licorice!), and Ambre Narguille is also a great one. Vanille Galante layers well with the floral ones. Good luck! December 19, 2018 at 7:35am Reply

    • Nina Zolotow: If it loves classic things and is androgynous, why not go with L’Heure Bleue? Or maybe Vol de Nuit? Or Bois des Iles by Chanel? December 20, 2018 at 7:50pm Reply

  • Klaas Backx: I think my comment got lost, I’m posting it again hoping it will not apear twice now.

    I second Habit Rouge! It is a great classic, and very, very loveable. However, it is also quite flamboyant, so might not suit his introverted personality.

    On the softer side, do you know the Hermessence line from Hermes? They sell small bottles (15 ml) in sets of 4 or 8, and could make a great gift! If he likes soft, floral, peachy Mitsouko, he might fall for Osmanthe Yunnan, Rose Ikebana or Cedre Sambac. Brin de Reglisse is my personal favorite (a fabulous mix of lavander and licorice!), and Ambre Narguille is also a great one. Vanille Galante layers well with the floral ones. Good luck! December 19, 2018 at 7:33am Reply

  • Annabel Farrell: I’m keen to try some of the Oriza Legrande perfumes, but not quite sure where to get samples. I live in the UK. December 19, 2018 at 8:51am Reply

    • Austenfan: You can order a small sample pack from the Oriza website. They used to have a large sample pack with almost all of their scents but now sell sample packs with (I think) 6 scents. Another option would be to order samples from Ausliebezumduft (= First in Fragrance) in Germany. They sell separate samples of nearly all of the scents in their (vast) collection. Shipping is reasonable. December 19, 2018 at 12:11pm Reply

      • Annabel Farrell: Many thanks, Austenfan, will follow that up (when I have decided on the six to try!). December 19, 2018 at 12:31pm Reply

    • Aurora: I’m in the UK too Annabel waving 🙂

      I’ll just add to Austenfan’s excellent information by saying that the €30 euro for 6 samples on the Oriza Legrand site are redeemable if you buy a bottle from them within 2 months.a December 20, 2018 at 9:00am Reply

      • Annabel Farrell: Thanks for that, too, Aurora, sounds good! December 20, 2018 at 9:17am Reply

    • Merylam: Parfumaria in the netherlands also sell samples of many of the oriza l. Legrand fragrances and they ship to the UK December 22, 2018 at 3:51pm Reply

      • Annabel Farrell: Thanks Merylam for the info, will check them out too (probably after Christmas!) December 22, 2018 at 4:08pm Reply

        • Merylam: You can buy single samples of fragrances, but there is also a discoveryset of 14 oriza L legrand fragrances. I frequently use their sample service and they have a massive selection and are very friendly and helpful and reliable. The only downside is the postage cost. December 23, 2018 at 7:39am Reply

          • Annabel Farrell: Thanks, will probably stick to six samples! Will probably be in Paris in spring, could visit their shop – if they have one? December 23, 2018 at 10:51am Reply

            • Austenfan: They do!
              Magasin Oriza L. Legrand à Paris

              18 rue Saint-Augustin – Paris 2ème
              (Métro Opéra ou 4 Septembre)

              I have never visited it myself but I will, at some point. December 23, 2018 at 11:14am Reply

              • Annabel Farrell: Thanks, I think that will be my best option! Always good to be able to sniff before buying if possible. December 23, 2018 at 11:19am Reply

          • Austenfan: Which is why I didn’t recommend them. Their postage is reasonable within the Netherlands (where I live) but outside it’s something. December 23, 2018 at 11:11am Reply

  • Cass: I am looking for an alternative to Guerlain’s Après L’Ondée. Many other violet perfumes are too sweet. Love a little of the green violet leaf (I think) smell, too. The closest I’ve found is a small batch attar called Violette Noyée.

    Any suggestions? December 19, 2018 at 8:55am Reply

    • Lydia: Hi Cass,
      I’ve seen reviewers compare Sylvaine Delacourte’s Florentina to Après L’Ondée because of the iris + vanilla notes. Florentina also has a distinct spiciness, which I like, and which tones down the vanilla sweetness. (FYI: If you spray it on cloth, the iris note is a lot stronger.)

      Based on reviews I’ve read, the Delacourte scents seem to smell quite different to different people. I found several of them (including Florentina) rather addictive. December 19, 2018 at 10:08pm Reply

      • Lydia: P.S. I just used a little of my tiny (recent formulation) Après L’Ondée sample and compared it to Florentina. I have to admit that besides the shared iris and violet notes, they seem pretty different to me. Après L’Ondée is much softer and sweeter, Florentina is sharper and stronger and spicier.
        Good luck with your search. December 21, 2018 at 12:00am Reply

    • Lydia: Cass,
      An additional suggestion: Route d’Iris by DSHmay be worth trying for the violet leaf note. It’s my favorite DSH iris scent and I’ve seen it compared to Après L’Ondée. December 19, 2018 at 11:06pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Cass: Tom Ford Violet Blonde has a beautiful violet leaf note and is not too sweet, it’s discontinued so maybe a little hard to find, also have you tried Serge Lutens Bois de Violette? It has both violet and violet leaf, it’s my go to violet.a December 20, 2018 at 9:21am Reply

    • Cybele: soon there will be a new Dusita, try that. Not like Après L’Ondée but non-sweet and great is Stephen Jones Comme des Garcons (black bottle). Try also Dans Te Bras. December 21, 2018 at 5:59pm Reply

    • Tuberose1: Have you tried Balenciaga Paris? It’s a violet that is very green and also feels a bit more modern. I rarely wear, but when I do always receive a ton of compliments! December 23, 2018 at 9:08pm Reply

    • Liz: Perhaps Jean Patou 1000? very complex and sophisticated, woods and florals on a violet leaf sandalwood base. Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose? is a violet/rose more powdery than sweet. December 28, 2018 at 12:21pm Reply

  • ninon: Divorce about to be finalized, I am looking for fragrances that support going inward (how I’ll spend the solstice) as well as fragrances for emergence. I gravitate towards complex, well-blended, and well-structured, but am open to other kinds of scents. Thank you! December 19, 2018 at 8:54pm Reply

    • Lydia: Blessings for your new beginning, Ninon.

      Maybe Fate Woman by Amouage for going inward, and Un Coeur En Mai by MDCI for emergence. December 19, 2018 at 10:57pm Reply

      • ninon: Thank you so much, Lydia–those are wonderful suggestions <3 December 19, 2018 at 11:00pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hello Ninon,

      Like Lydia, I wish you well in your journey.

      For going inward,

      CdG’s Kyoto which is a pretty and quiet incense to me.

      Slumberhouse’s Norne is like a deep, dark, resinous forest that is perhaps rougher than what your tastes indicate but is suitable for the solstice.

      Frederic Malle’s Le Parfum de Therese strikes me as introverted and vulnerable.

      Amouage’s Myths Woman is very well blended and structured. It is not as introverted as Therese but it has a quality to it that strikes me as withdrawing from the world.

      For emergence,

      Andrea Maack’s Coven is green and earthy and smells like fertility and groundedness.

      Neela Vermiere’s Mohur is a gentle, comforting rose that brings to mind the phrase, “milk of human kindness.” December 20, 2018 at 12:40am Reply

      • Ninon: Thank you so much, Pocketvenus–the divorce was made final today.

        I adore Mohur, especially the insanely expensive extrait, which I keep sampling! In the past I’ve worn Kyoto and Norne…I might have to revisit them. I tested Parfum de Therese years ago, when it was too complex for me. I thought it had been discontinued? I will look for it. Coven sounds lovely, maybe a little like my beloved Nasomatto Absinth. Again, thank you! December 21, 2018 at 12:43am Reply

        • Pocketvenus: Ninon, you are most welcome! I hope your solstice was suitably introspective and that you are looking forward to the new year <3 We seem to have similar taste (?), as I also enjoy Absinth. Coven is darker, and more realistically earthy. December 30, 2018 at 8:56pm Reply

    • Aurora: Ninon: How brave you are, I wish you all the best. For going inward I agree with PocketVenus that incense is a very good option, Kyoto is indeed appropriate and I’ll add a different kind of incense, Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant which smells like a church in Provence.
      For renewal and emergence, the complex and springlike Guerlain Chamade might be an option, or the similar Annick Goutal Grand Amour, or the very green and cheerful Jacomo Silences. December 20, 2018 at 9:29am Reply

      • Nino: Aurora, thank you, I really appreciate it. I love Chamade and have been wanting to try Silences for ages. December 21, 2018 at 12:45am Reply

    • Aurora: Oh, and I second Eudora’s idea of Cristalle, a very cheerful, citrussy chypre and all the incense suggestions by everybody. December 20, 2018 at 9:35am Reply

    • Cybele: Chanel 22 gives strength. Bois des Iles comforts, is contemplative. I would want these two around. December 21, 2018 at 6:06pm Reply

      • Silvermoon: Cybele, intriguingly these are the two Chanel Exclusifs that I have (plus Cristalle). I found it interesting that you mentioned these two together. And I can see what you mean when you describe them as giving strength and comfort respectively. I find 22 rather seems to give brightness and energy; of course that’s a kind of strength. December 21, 2018 at 6:19pm Reply

      • Ninon: Thank you, Cybele – I do in fact have both around. December 23, 2018 at 3:39pm Reply

    • Liz: I am also waiting for my divorce decree and I love your idea of solstice reflection and re-emergence. My question to you would be: what do you need from the re-emergence fragrance? comfort? power? healing? I find anything with oakmoss in it makes me feel like a powerful and sexy boss lady cougar: Jean Patou 1000, Chanel 19, Paloma … I’m personally finding strength in the Patou 1000. With it I feel polished, mature, strong, sophisticated, pulled together, sexy… December 28, 2018 at 12:32pm Reply

  • OnWingsofSaffron: I wish you well, Ninon. More general than specific: Incense scents come to my mind. They are cleansing in a special way (Orthodox or RC mass), they are an ancient, they have depth—and they smell terrific! I personally love myrrhe (ex. Caron, Parfum sacré: rose and myrrhe), but Omani frankincense is also wonderful. It depends on how much you can tolerate: Heeley has an EdP called Eau Sacrée, and even though I admire it greatly, it seems a bit as if you‘ve been clubbed by an incense burner! December 20, 2018 at 1:44am Reply

    • eudora: hello Onwingsofsafron and Ninon, for going inwards I agree Incens is great, at least for me, raised in a catholic place. Comme des Garcons Avignon is my thing. But it is not a very complex scent. It is simple yet goes deep. For emergence Cristalle came to my mind because is complex but fresh, smells nature and renewal, a new spring awaits for you…good luck and happy holidays! December 20, 2018 at 8:49am Reply

    • Nino: Thank you so much. I really need to retry Parfum Sacre. It was very linear when I tested, but I wouldn’t be surprised if my chemistry has changed. I tend to struggle with frankincense, but I will explore more myrrh scents. Thanks again. December 21, 2018 at 12:48am Reply

  • eudora: Hello, happy holidays to all!
    good candles that doen’t cost a fortune?
    thanks! December 20, 2018 at 8:53am Reply

    • Aurora: Happy holidays Eudora, they begin today for me as I’ve booked a few days off for Xmas.

      Candles: Pacifica candles are vegan – based on soy wax – are reasonably priced, and smell wonderful, I’ve bought Persian Rose and Mediterranean Fig, I’m sure the other fragrances are worth exploring too. December 20, 2018 at 9:53am Reply

  • Asta: Hi To All of you fragrance Afficianados!

    Please recommend a BEESWAX and also a HONEY centered fragrance. I have Elie Saab and Botrytis. All recs appreciated. Thanks and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! December 21, 2018 at 7:18am Reply

    • Aurora: Happy Holidays to you too! L’ Artisan Parfumeur Seville a l’Aube for beeswax (you have to like orange blossom and incense too for that one), VC&A California Reverie has beeswax and jasmine and is lovely. December 21, 2018 at 11:19am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Asta, earlier this year Jo Malone launched Honey and Crocus Cologne. It might have been a limited edition so not sure if it is still available. It is a lovely mix of soft herby floral (lavender), a warm hay like note, and honey. Very pleasant.
      Happy holidays to you too. December 21, 2018 at 6:07pm Reply

    • AnnieA: One vote for Hiram Green’s Slowdive… December 21, 2018 at 6:13pm Reply

    • Lydia: Happy Holidays, Asta.

      If you can find it, Penhaligon’s Ostara has a beeswax absolute note and is lovely. December 21, 2018 at 6:44pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: DKNY Nectar Love has a strong, realistic honey note, and a very cute bottle! December 28, 2018 at 6:28am Reply

  • Asta: Asta here again, does anyone know of a fragrance that combines Jasmine and honey? December 21, 2018 at 7:22am Reply

    • Lydia: Hi Asta,

      Amoureuse by DelRae has jasmine and honey. It smells like honeysuckle to me. December 21, 2018 at 10:38am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Asta: Serge Lutens A la Nuit. December 21, 2018 at 11:06am Reply

  • Asta: Lydia and Aurora thanks, I can’t wait to sample your suggestions! December 21, 2018 at 11:27am Reply

  • katherine x: Craig, enjoyed your comment – thanks! Interestingly – I had the same “grand entrance” impression of Fracas as you – until I wore it awhile. Now I find it to be quite versatile – I can wear it dressed to the nines – or everyday casual – it feels just right – almost comforting. Love it! And to your point – love Carnal Flower too! December 21, 2018 at 4:22pm Reply

  • Mostafa: Hello
    I’m Searching a Perfume with Bitter, Jasmine, Fruity Fragrances.
    Is there any Perfume with these scents?
    Thank You December 22, 2018 at 12:54pm Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hello Mostafa,

      Please could you give a little more information, perhaps about things you like, occasion for when you wish to use it, etc? That might help with suggestions. Because the three notes you mention cover a vast number of perfumes. December 23, 2018 at 12:04pm Reply

      • Mostafa: Hello

        Thanks for your response.
        I’m looking for a men’s perfume for daily use and also one for ceremonies and formal events.
        The three notes mentioned are the notes I have read about that cause calmness since I get headaches especially after using the ones with more alcohol.
        As I don’t have much experience in perfumes, I’m confused about choosing scents categories.
        By the way, I live in a warm country, which is relatively warm in all seasons, so maybe fresh scents are better for me. December 23, 2018 at 11:37pm Reply

        • Silvermoon: Just thought of a few possible ones to try. Among the classics, maybe Dior Eau Sauvage or Chanel Por Monsieur or Caron Pour in Homme. The last is a soft lavender, which is calming (as per your request). Also, very refreshing in a hot climate is 4711 (it’s great for headaches but doesn’t last long).

          Some others that you might like are Osmanthe Yunnan (Hermes), Zagara (Santa Maria Novella), Lime Basil and Mandarin (Jo Malone) and Timbuktu (l’Artisan Parfumeur). Hope you will enjoy some of these. December 25, 2018 at 5:17pm Reply

          • Silvermoon: Sorry, didn’t catch autocorrect. It’s Pour Monsieur and Caron Pour un Homme. December 25, 2018 at 5:19pm Reply

            • Mostafa: Hello
              Thank you so much for you kind response. December 27, 2018 at 1:11am Reply

              • Maggie: You might be interested in Pekji Perfumes by the Instanbul based perfumer Ömar Ipekçi. He sells online from his own website & has a discovery set available of all 5 of his perfumes for $30. I have his Ruh – predominantly rose -which is just lovely and a favourite in my collection. December 30, 2018 at 6:50pm Reply

  • Rachel: Hi, all, when I was young, I always loved the fragrance Amor Amor by Cacharel. I’ve never been any sort of perfume buff, so I don’t know to to go about picking a scent. I am looking for something similar with jasmine notes, but more “mature”…if that makes any sense at all. I think of Amor Amor as for young women, but I am about to hit 40 years on this planet and want a signatire scent.

    Thank you in advance! December 22, 2018 at 3:41pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Rachel and happy holidays. Have you tried Hermes, Jour d’Hermes it has a burst of citrus (lemon and grapefruit) which resembles the one in Cacharel Amor Amor (I love it too) and white flowers, among them jasmine, it is bright and that reminds me of AA. But I want to end by saying that imo if you love AA you could still wear it for yourself (except maybe at the office), I think perfume is not age related 🙂 December 24, 2018 at 11:22am Reply

    • Alexa: I too loved Amor Amor when I was younger. I sampled it at an airport recently, and still enjoyed it. While it is sweet, I think it has a cigarette-like dirty note that keeps it from being too sickly sweet. So it you like it, carry on wearing it! You might also try Jo Malone Sea Salt and Wood Sage or Etat Libre d’Orange’s I am Trash scent, which has a citrus note paired with the sweetness of rose and apple. December 31, 2018 at 12:44pm Reply

  • eudora: hello Rachel, if you like Amor Amor ypu can try Lolita Lempicka. It is sweet and cozy as Cacharel’s but more complex. Look for Victoria’s review! December 22, 2018 at 4:25pm Reply

  • Potimarron: I like Miller Harris’s Rose Silence (it feels very fresh and dewy to me. Sweet, but not off-puttingly so). The Candy Perfume Boy blog did a guide to rose fragrances (a sort of fragrance “key texts”) which might be worth a look. December 23, 2018 at 5:01am Reply

    • Merylam: I just put rose silence on my sample list together with scherzo en tender from miller harris. December 23, 2018 at 7:41am Reply

  • Sibyl S: Could you please recommend a fragrance close to Galore by Monteil & 5 Star?

    Described as:
    Top notes – aldehydes, spices, mandarin orange and bergamot
    Middle notes – jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, rose and narcissus;
    Base notes – amber, vanilla, vetiver and incense.

    Three generations of our family have loved and worn it exclusively and are now on our last bottles.

    We would appreciate any recommendations from your group.

    Thank you for your help! January 14, 2019 at 7:07am Reply

    • Victoria: I’m not familiar with this fragrance enough to suggest anything similar, but I hope that someone else knows it well. One suggestion, try reposting your question next week when this thread will be opened again (Jan 21st). This one is now quiet. January 14, 2019 at 8:22am Reply

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