Recommend Me a Perfume : May 2019

Are you looking for a new fragrance? 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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174 Comments

  • Tati: Hello everyone. I am on the hunt for a flower fragrance: it has to be as indolic, sweet and befoging as the summer smell of wisteria. It should fill the room with the presence of lilies if oversprayed. Something like “death and decay” from Lush, but sweeter, less soapy, more summery. Best case: wisteria on its own, without any watery or ozonic notes. Can you help me with my quest? May 20, 2019 at 8:48am Reply

    • Hayley: Byredo Casablanca Lily Extrait is ridiculously expensive but it is a honeyed summery white floral. I heard rumors that it will be discontinued and come back as an EdP at a more reasonable price point! May 20, 2019 at 9:05am Reply

      • Tati: Aaaaah, the black bottles…yes, this is more than I am willing to pay, nevertheless I will try to sniff it, you know, for the experience.

        By the way, right now I am wearing Do Son. I love it, but I am looking for something with less (or without) tuberose.. May 20, 2019 at 9:15am Reply

      • Ed: Hi i recently came home with some things that belonged to a relative that passed. Im curios to know more about it. So it appears to be a bottle of perfume. It says crepe de chine. F millot paris france. I know its perfume but what strikes me is that it is as big as a large bottle of whiskey and weighs about 3 pounds. Any info would be great. May 26, 2019 at 3:19pm Reply

    • Sherry: Maybe Olene from Diptyque? The wisteria is one of the floral notes, dominantly jasmine and narcissus, nonetheless beautiful and fits your requirements. May 20, 2019 at 10:16am Reply

      • Tati: Hi Sherry, Thank you. As a matter of fact I used to wear Olène but then switched to Do Son, since Olène is quite a green jasmine tea kind of scent for me. Love it though May 21, 2019 at 6:23am Reply

        • Karina: I’m in Japan! Any fragrance I consider looking into that’s not easily available elsewhere? May 22, 2019 at 6:19am Reply

          • Maddalena: Parfume Satori June 27, 2020 at 5:49pm Reply

    • Chin C.: +1 for Olene. It’s quite loud and sweet (in a floral way… If that makes any sense) May 20, 2019 at 10:55am Reply

    • rickyrebarco: Iris Fragonard from 2016 is a fragrance along these lines. It is described as having top notes of Iris with citron and bergamot, followed by violet and heliotrope in the heart. The base is warm and resinous, composed of tonka, and provides extremely powdery chord of iris absolute. It is refreshing and not too sweet on my skin. None of those candy notes that I hate. May 20, 2019 at 1:42pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Aqua Allegoria Lys Soleia by Guerlain is a beautiful summery lily. Here’s Victoria’s review (she also loves it): https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/01/guerlain-aqua-allegoria-lys-soleia-perfume-review.html May 20, 2019 at 4:13pm Reply

    • Courant: I often recommend perfumes at a budget price that represent wonderful quality. At present you can buy Guerlain’s ‘Love Blossom’ which is an internet sell off of Duet-Jasmin Lilas. My favourite in this category is ‘Love Chloe’. You must have tried Stella McCartney’s Lily, or if not, it’s quite lovely. May 20, 2019 at 5:33pm Reply

    • Aurora: Tati: When lilies are mentioned I always think of Cartier Baiser Vole. Do you know it? Try all the concentrations available are they are quite different. For summer, I like the EDT best, another summer choice would be Lys Mediterranee, I also second Guerlain AA Lys Soleia (but maybe some difficulties in obtaining as it is discontinued) for summer as well. May 20, 2019 at 10:49pm Reply

      • Tati: Hi Aurora, Thanks! I have tried Baiser Vole some time ago but can’t remember…but there it goes up my list! May 21, 2019 at 6:22am Reply

    • Tatjana Soli: Hi Tati: This is the other Tati on the thread. 🙂 Have you tried Tom Ford’s Shanghai Lily? It is rich and indolic. Definitely fills the room. May 21, 2019 at 2:20am Reply

    • cassieflower: My vote for a big lily is Donna Karan Gold, now discontinued but can be had from the discounters or the bay for very little money. Nicely rounded out with spice and amber in the base. May 21, 2019 at 7:39am Reply

    • Nina Z: There actually is a wisteria fragrance called Wisteria Hysteria by Stephen Jones. But I have never tried it. Looking at the notes just now, it looks sort of intriguing. It is a floral oriental. May 21, 2019 at 9:46am Reply

    • Leslie: Tati, have you tried Moon Bloom from
      Hyram Green? It is floral, lush, indolic, with no soap, water, or ozone. It’s natural, but really lasts and fills the space. You can sample on luckyscent.com. May 21, 2019 at 9:57pm Reply

  • Celie: I’m trying to find a perfume that is what I wanted no 19 poudre to be. What I love in no 19 poudre is the green softness of commingled vetiver, citrus, and galbanum within a cloud of iris. The sip of green tea it was compared to on this site, but also the cuddly, powdery softness others have compared it to.

    However, I’m hyperosmic to the white musk in this one, so to enjoy it I have to go outside and spritz myself (far from my face) once, then take a very long walk while it fades somewhat, or it’ll give me a headache. I can smell it on my skin for almost 48 hours (the musks survive a shower), and in the end it’s mostly just some kind of woody amber and the whitest of white musks.

    My white-musk-phobic husband – normally a scrupulously polite man with endless amounts of patience – said the smell of it reminded him of a quote from the BBC North and South miniseries: “I believe I’ve seen hell, and it’s white, it’s snow white.” Then he asked me to never wear it again in his presence unless I’d stopped loving him.

    So! Are there any iris-y, powdery, green fragrances without too much white musk/woody ambers that I could turn to instead? I’m in my early thirties, I work in the heritage/museum sector, and I favour classic scents or newer scents that mimic an older style. I’m an underapplier who tends to dab, rather than spray.

    Iris is a favourite note of mine, but I’m no fan of the original no 19 (something about the metallic iris and the leather makes me smell blood in it) or infusion d’iris. My iris loves are l’heure bleue parfum, shalimar parfum (I get a lot of powdery iris in the drydown), and après l’ondée (cold days in spring only).

    As for green, I prefer it to be bright and crisp as in bandit (that galbanum!) or hiram green moon bloom (crunchy tuberose before it turns whiter and smoother), and I adore byredo’s la tulipe from a distance, but up close it’s too musky/synthetic in a bad way.

    Any tips? I seem to remember there are quite a few fans of iris around here. 😉 May 20, 2019 at 8:57am Reply

    • Zuzanna: Maybe Mythique DelRae (iris plus suede, peony, jasmin – very soft and elegant, with a vintage vibe) or Iris de Nuit Heeley (iris – or maybe rather violet – with ambrette), or Fleur de Louis Arquiste (rather green and fresh,a bit powdery, I could swear I feel hyacinth, but maybe too much musk…). No metallic/ wet hair note in any of them. May 20, 2019 at 1:26pm Reply

      • Zuzanna: I meant dirty hair 😀 May 20, 2019 at 1:29pm Reply

      • Celie: These all sound lovely! Mythique seems to be difficult to sample in Europe, but I’ll definitely try the others. Especially Fleur de Louis sounds like just my thing, based on your comment and the reviews on Fragrantica and elsewhere. May 21, 2019 at 3:41am Reply

        • Zuzanna: And they are lovely! Iris is one of my favourite notes, and these are one of my fave irises. Mythique is available in Galilu (Poland), they ship abroad, you can also buy a sample. May 21, 2019 at 10:45am Reply

          • Celie: Thank you for the tip! May 21, 2019 at 4:01pm Reply

    • rickyrebarco: Here is a totally different iris fragrance, Iris Macchiatto by Auphorie, a perfumery in Malaysia that makes all natural perfumes. It is a dryish iris with heavy coffee and chocolate notes, but it’s not sweet. Since it is a perfume elixir it lasts easily 2 days on my skin.
      Auphorie is 2 talented perfumers who are doing unusual and very well done fragrances. May 20, 2019 at 1:45pm Reply

      • Celie: I’ve been dying to try this brand ever since reading Luca Turin’s review of Miyako, but never got round to doing it, so thank you for reminding me to order some samples! May 21, 2019 at 4:16am Reply

      • Klaas: Wow, that sounds amazing! Iris, coffee and chocolate….Not sweet you say? I’d love to try it! May 21, 2019 at 5:27pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I’ve just tried Splendiris from Parfums Dusita, and it is beautiful, you might like it. No musk. May 20, 2019 at 2:05pm Reply

      • Celie: I’d never heard of Splendiris! That’s what I love about this community, I always learn something new. It sounds like a lovely perfume, and I’ll sample it as soon as it becomes available in Europe. May 21, 2019 at 8:50am Reply

        • Charlotte Barrow: Chiming in late here but Splendiris is from Dusita, a Paris-based perfumery. So should be easily available across Europe!

          My favourite iris is Dzonghka from L’Artisan Parfumeur; lots of smoky, spicy-sweet iris but not particularly green so might not be your thing. Also perhaps someone has already mentioned Lipstick On by Maison Martin Margiela; again not particularly green but lovely retro makeup vibe with buckets of powder; I’ve heard Lipstick Rose by Frederic Malle is similar.

          Good luck with your search and keep us posted if you find your perfect iris! May 25, 2019 at 3:20am Reply

          • Celie: Another vote for Splendiris! It only just showed up on First in Fragrance/Aus liebe zum duft, where I get most of my samples, but it’s still just pre-order, so I’ll have to wait for a while.

            Dzonghka sounds lovely, and so does the lipstick irises.

            I’ll certainly get back to you all once I’ve finished sampling! May 31, 2019 at 4:26am Reply

    • Nina Z: Have you tried Annick Goutal L’Heure Exquise? It’s very similar to Chanel No. 9 but warmer and softer. May 20, 2019 at 4:15pm Reply

      • Celie: I’ve never tried l’Heure Exquise. I’ve always assumed it was pretty much a less complex no 19, but some of the reviews on fragrantica makes it sound very tempting indeed – as if it could be just the thing I’m looking for.

        Does it smell like narcissus to you? Some of the reviews mentions it together with hyacinth, which frightens me as narcissus is one of my most dreaded notes. It always smells rancid to me – like halitosis, or stale water in a vase of flowers. May 21, 2019 at 9:07am Reply

        • Nina Z: No, it doesn’t like narcissus to me. That’s not a note I like in perfumes, either, though I like it in real life. May 21, 2019 at 9:42am Reply

        • AnnieA: @Celie, I do like L’Heure Exquise, but there sometimes is a hint of vase-water. See if you can get a sample first… May 26, 2019 at 6:18pm Reply

          • Celie: Oh, no! The dreaded vase-water note. Thank you for letting me know. I’ve had bad luck with Anick Goutal so far, so I’ll be sure to sample first.

            The places I usually buy samples from don’t have it, so it seems I’ll have to order from one of the American sample vendors, which I’ve never done before (I’m in Europe). May 31, 2019 at 4:29am Reply

    • Caroline: Ha, have a very similar reaction to no 19 Poudre. Love the 1st 15-20 mins, but that tenacious musk drydown is indeed tiresome.
      Masque’s L’Attesa does have some leather, but it’s not metallic seeming to me–love the champagne note.
      Haven’t tried it, but am curious about April Aromatics Irisistible (the comments on Luckyscent describe it as very green). May 20, 2019 at 6:15pm Reply

      • Celie: It’s so annoying, especially when some people find it to be so short lived! Irisistible sounds delicious, I love a green iris. May 21, 2019 at 4:03pm Reply

    • Aurora: VC&A Bois d’Iris (iris and amber) might be worth trying, I also second Nina for Annick Goutal Heure Exquise (iris, rose and sandalwood) and Grand Amour (for galbanum). May 20, 2019 at 11:32pm Reply

      • Celie: Thank you for the suggestions (now I’m even more keen to try Heure Exquise). Onto the list they go! May 21, 2019 at 4:05pm Reply

    • limegreen: I agree with the recommendations to try L’Attesa and Mythique, just as an iris fan.

      Something iris and powdery is Armani Prive Iris Celadon, with a soft cacao patchouli (very soft). It’s iris meets Chanel Coromandel.

      Or, Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums Iris Poudre, which is very powdery. (Not one of my favorites but it is powdery!) May 21, 2019 at 5:30pm Reply

      • Celie: More perfumes to sample! Thank you. The best thing about these replies is that you’ve all suggested perfumes I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. I have tried, and didn’t like, Iris Poudre, but the other ones sound tempting. May 22, 2019 at 4:04am Reply

    • Michael: Have you tried La Pausa from the Chanel Les Exclusifs range? This renamed EDP version is different from the original 28 La Pausa, which is lighter and softer in EDT concentration. May 26, 2019 at 8:57am Reply

      • Celie: I haven’t tried the new La Pausa. Thanks for the tip! May 31, 2019 at 4:31am Reply

  • Hayley: What is a new perfume that jolted you out of apathy/complacency? It’s been a while I’ve been excited about anything, partly because my outsized collection is stressful to look at. Maybe I should sell some of it 🙂 May 20, 2019 at 9:09am Reply

    • Heidi: A lot of the Zoologist scents are that way for me! I was anything but apathetic about Tyrannosaurus Rex — notes are lush tropical greenery, metallic blood, leathery hide, and smoke char (the asteroid!). When I smelled it, I laughed, and then I gagged. Ultimately hated it, but again, not apathetic. For a few I *didn’t* hate, but also found surprising and/or loved, try Fazzolari’s Lampblack (waxy smoke, ink, & bitter grapefruit), Aedes de Venustas’ signature (tart, fresh rhubarb chypre), and Zoologist’s Moth (Goth saffron). May 20, 2019 at 9:59am Reply

      • Hayley: I love Aedes Signature! I will try Bruno Fazzolari and Zoologist- for Zoologist, I have only tried Camel, which provoked some strong reactions. It soulds like T-Rex could be even more intense 😛 Thank you for the recommendations! May 20, 2019 at 11:07am Reply

        • Heidi Czerwiec: Funny — I thought Camel was the most tame of the Zoologist line — reminds me of Serge Lutens’ Moroccan-themed scents. But that line usually makes me think. Bat is probably my favorite out of everything of theirs that I’ve tried. It’s so unusual and weird and I can’t stop smelling it! Notes are mineral (cave), overripe fruit, and fur/musk. May 20, 2019 at 11:14am Reply

    • Tami: Given the size of your collection, it’s unlikely that I can offer anything specific that you haven’t yet experienced 😉 But recently I was impressed by Maison Francis Kurkdjian… basically everything by the perfumer. Usually I stick to citruses, or straightforward florals. But he takes notes I usually don’t particularly enjoy—oud, geranium, amber, for example—and weaves them into the perfume in a way that doesn’t “smell like geranium” but creates something totally elegant and symphonic. To put it musically, I’m not hearing the tympani… I’m feeling the drama of the music. I was really impressed. This experience really opened my eyes to the idea that it’s not always “the note,” but how it’s used in the hands of the perfumer.

      I wouldn’t have “discovered” this without deliberately asking the clerk at Neiman Marcus to show me something different from what I usually buy/wear. I really enjoy doing that exercise periodically—a good clerk is able to listen to what you usually enjoy, then know how to steer you to something that’s not a *complete* departure into patchouli-and-leather-scented waters (if you’re me)… but can deliver something that surprises and delights you. May 20, 2019 at 11:02am Reply

      • Hayley: I agree with your perspective on MFK! I wore A La Rose, then Baccarat Rouge 540, a lot for a while. The newest pair sounds interesting, though the naming is odd. May 20, 2019 at 11:12am Reply

    • Nina Z: If there are perfumes you don’t love and never wear, definitely sell them!

      I got newly excited about perfume from reading the latest version of Perfumes: The Guide. Some friends and I got together and sniffed as many of the 5 star perfumes we could get our hands on. That definitely led to new loves. In my case, Amouage Fate Woman and AZEMOUR LES ORANGERS. May 20, 2019 at 4:18pm Reply

    • rosarita: Totally agree with Heidi about Zoologist! Moth is probably my favorite, I also really like Elephant, Civet and Hummingbird. They are unique and yes, make you pay attention and think, plus they have generous samples and affordable travel size bottles. TRex made me gag also lol, but a lot of people love it.
      DSH perfumes is another indie that has a wonderful range of non boring perfumes. May 20, 2019 at 6:55pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hello Hayley,

      I had a very similar experience to Heidi. I really enjoyed the highly creative and unique Bat and found Camel pretty accessible. T Rex was kind of terrifying but definitely interesting.

      Currently, I’m trying out Hiram Green and am very impressed. The fragrances are not out-of-left-field like some of the Zoologists but this is the best all-naturals house I’ve ever tried. The scents have good longevity. May 28, 2019 at 6:18pm Reply

  • Anne: Hello, I am looking for a soft floral woody scent to wear all year round.
    I love Chloe, but sometimes the rose note gets quite sweet and strong and it can give me a head Ache, guess it s a little too flowery.
    I also love rose 31 from Le Labo, but sometimes the cumin makes me feel Like I ve just eaten a curry.
    I used to love violent Blonde from Tom Ford, but then again… cumin… and it s discontinued.
    I also love Idylle from Guerlain, but it vanishes real fast on me.
    I am happy to move towards soft wood too. I have used Bois Blond from Atelier Cologne. This would be perfect if it was a little more feminine and if the longevity wasn’t so poor.

    Thank you!
    Anne May 20, 2019 at 9:45am Reply

    • Chin C.: Do you like Iris? Hiris is a beautiful iris soliflore which also smells of greens, roots and the damp earth. No.19 EDP also has much iris but is more floral comparatively with ylang and roses added.

      If you want roses, I think declaration d’un soir has a less prominent cumin compared to Rose 31. Or Un Jardin sur le Toit which has roses but the base is more green vegetal rather than woody. May 20, 2019 at 10:41am Reply

      • Anne: Thank you! I have not tried Hiris and will definitely do.
        I have tried Jardin sur les toits. It is lovely but slightly too pretty for me. Don’t know if that makes any sense.
        Thank you! May 22, 2019 at 4:26pm Reply

    • rosarita: You might like Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, it’s a soft sheer jasmine and woods combination that has a little powder and isn’t too sweet. Estee Lauder Sensuous is another possibility. May 20, 2019 at 6:48pm Reply

      • Anne: Thank you! Adding cashmere mist to my list. Have a lovely day. May 22, 2019 at 4:27pm Reply

    • Aurora: About Idylle, have you tried both the EDT and EDP. While the EDT is evanescent the EDP lasts quite well on my skin or another Guerlain white floral Jardins de Bagatelle is long-lasting. May 20, 2019 at 11:43pm Reply

      • Anne: I haven’t tried the eau de parfum. So I will definitely have a go. And jardin de bagatelle sounds worth a try too. Thank you for your suggestions! May 22, 2019 at 4:29pm Reply

    • Jennifer: To Anne, who is searching for a soft floral woody scent: Have you tried NARCISO Eau de Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez–the one in the white cube bottle? It has gardenia and rose (however the rose isn’t cloying or overly present on me), some musk, along with vetiver and cedarwood. It is slightly powdery, which in other perfumes I don’t always enjoy, yet it is radiant, creamy, and comforting all at once. And yes, I can wear it year-round, even in a steamy southern summer. Plus it’s readily available I believe. Elisa on this blog put it in her list of Top 10 Perfumes for Reading by Candlelight. May 22, 2019 at 4:19pm Reply

      • Anne: Waooo sounds lovely! I used to enjoy Narcisso (the pink bottle), but something was going funny on me sometimes, and on my skin, it either smelled divine and soft or loud and bitter or sickly musky. So I have stayed clear of narcisso. But I will definitely have a try at this. I will let you know. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me on my perfume quest. May 22, 2019 at 4:32pm Reply

        • Jennifer: You are most welcome–hope you like it! May 22, 2019 at 4:43pm Reply

  • John Biebel: I just tried something at the Esxence conference that really blew me away. It’s from the perfume house called Chabaud, it’s a fairly new release called Ile Mythique. If you could imagine a syrupy, sweet fougere with the addition of anise, this would be it. It shares some DNA with the now discontinued Eau Noire from Christian Dior. There is something magical that happens when you combine lavender, tonka bean, basil, and anise together. It’s really quite astounding. May 20, 2019 at 10:09am Reply

  • Chin C.: I’m finishing my No.19 EDT soon and is looking for a similar fragrance which is green and floral. I’ve tried Hiris and while it is beautiful I would like to have something with a little more complexity. I like florals but prefer something not so sweet. Thanks! May 20, 2019 at 10:51am Reply

    • Hayley: Maybe Aedes Signature? It’s green, woodsy and tart with a touch of florals. I think of Ineke Idyllwild and Papillon Dryad to be roughly in the same category as well. May 20, 2019 at 11:05am Reply

    • Heidi Czerwiec: As Hayley said, Dryad is lovely. Jacomo’s Silences is fantastic, and has that same austerity as No 19, but is getting harder to find. Chanel’s Cristalle Vert, Dusita’s Le Sillage Blanc, and Sisley’s Eau de Soir are some other green floral chypres (though the Dusita has a leathery note, kind of like Balmain’s Jolie Madame). May 20, 2019 at 11:21am Reply

      • Hayley: Now I am going to try Jacomo’s Silences and Ducita’s Le Sillage Blanc 🙂 May 20, 2019 at 11:28am Reply

    • Hamamelis: Annick Goutal’s Heure Exquise, or if you can find it, Vero Profumo’s Mito. You could also try the No 19 EdP which is quite a different scent than the EdT, or find a vintage one in any version which is a different ball game alltogether. Maybe you would like Cristalle (not Vert) or one of the new Chanel Exclusives Paris – Deauville. May 20, 2019 at 11:50am Reply

  • Sharon: Hello, I had previously made my comment in the April thread of Recommend Me A Perfume, so here goes: I really love perfumes with a prominent Galbanum note, such as Clinique Wrappings, or Ralph Lauren Safari (which I actually do not wear). I was hoping to sample Chanel No. 19, but I cannot find a place that has it to sample! Any suggestions for Galbanum perfumes that you love and that I might love as well ?? Thanks so much : ) May 20, 2019 at 3:10pm Reply

    • rosarita: Hi Sharon – I’m a big fan of galbanum too, here’s a few of my favorites, along with Chanel 19: Guerlain Vol de Nuit, Guerlain Chamade, and Jacomo Silences, which can be had for a song at online discounters. A couple niche choices are Zoologist perfumes Macque and En Voyage perfumes Zelda; both companies have samples available. Hope you find some new greens to enjoy. May 20, 2019 at 6:42pm Reply

      • Sharon: Thank you so much! I will see if I can ferret out a few of these, in addition to No. 19, which I found is available to test at Saks or Bloomingdales about 15 miles from me. May 20, 2019 at 9:33pm Reply

      • Klaas: I second Chamade, Scherrer and Vol de Nuit, though Vol de Nuit is about a lot more then galbanum…..if you have the occasion to sample the extrait you’re in for something special 😉

        On completely different galbanum-notes, you could try and sample Corsica Furiosa (resinous green, big galbanum) or my latest discovery: Eau de Campagne by Sisley, where galbanum sparkles along some citrus and basil. Very, very nice and great in hot weather! May 21, 2019 at 4:58pm Reply

        • Sebastian: short note on Corsica furiosa: currently out-of-stock at all sites I’ve tried, but according to Finest in Fragrance, Parfum d’Empire will be (or already is) producing a new batch. Availability specified in “summer”. May 24, 2019 at 3:59pm Reply

          • Klaas: They are out of stock as well at my local store; 4 more of their scents are sold out as well. They are maked ‘available again soon’…..I just hope you’ll like it, especially after such a long wait! May 25, 2019 at 7:18am Reply

    • Caroline: Not sure where you may sample, but Scherrer is reasonably priced and galbanum heaven~
      https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/03/jean-louis-scherrer-original-perfume-review.html May 20, 2019 at 7:46pm Reply

      • Sharon: Thanks for the link and suggestion! I will have to see if I can find this one to sample. ; ) May 20, 2019 at 9:35pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Sharon: Also Annick Goutal Grand Amour (galbanum, resembles Chamade) and Must de Cartier which combines galbanum with oriental notes. May 21, 2019 at 12:00am Reply

    • Aurora: Also, the classic Balmain Vent Vert. May 21, 2019 at 12:09am Reply

      • Sharon: Aurora, thanks for these helpful suggestions! It’s always a treat to have so many perfume fans at our fingertips : ) May 21, 2019 at 12:19pm Reply

  • Catarina: Hello, this may be a tough question, perhaps the cat lovers may have an idea. I would really like to find a perfume that conjures the image of a cat. I like Panthere of Cartier, but somehow that is not very “feline” to me, it has a heaviness that is not cat-like. Ilike Goutal Chat Perche, but that is a kitten perfume. What I am looking for is a perfume that is sensuous, but natural, intense, but not “in your face”, calm with a hint of danger. Cat-like, so to speak.
    Thank you!
    Catarina May 20, 2019 at 4:05pm Reply

    • Mel: Camille Paglia said the cat is the only animal aware of its own glamour. Although, I’m too scent illiterate to advise, I love your quest!!! May 20, 2019 at 9:46pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Have you tried Salvador Dali’s La Belle et l’Ocelot? May 20, 2019 at 11:56pm Reply

      • Catarina: I haven’t tried it yet, but sounds like a good idea considering the description.I love the bottle, too! Thanks! May 21, 2019 at 3:59am Reply

    • Merylam: There is an etsy shop forstrangewomen who have a natural perfume called winter Kitty. The idea is a cat that has just come in from a day in the cold outdoors. May 21, 2019 at 7:11am Reply

      • Catarina: Sounds worth checking out, I love the idea of the cat coming from the cold. Thanks! May 21, 2019 at 3:33pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hello Catarina, I see that Papillon has just released Bengale Rouge which was inspired by cat fur and is described as being a softie. June 4, 2019 at 7:40pm Reply

  • Daisy: Looking for a new summer fragrance for my 20something sons — they love Clinque Happy and Dior Homme — Hoping for a fun duty free fragrance when I come and go from Montreal this summer to add to their collection. Around the $100-150 bottle price. Mostly want to add to their collection – they are both tall, 6’4 and 6’8 — love contemporary fashion – british and scandi style — they like being unique. May 20, 2019 at 8:54pm Reply

    • Klaas: If they can pull off Gaultier Le Male…..not very unique, but such a fun scent. It was created by Francis Kurkdjian…..it doesn’t get much better then that!

      Egoiste from Chanel? M7 is very original and beautifully woody. Or Terre d’Hermes for a more minimal Scandinavian vibe? May 21, 2019 at 5:07pm Reply

      • Daisy: Thanks! Love the new ideas Terre d’Hermes is my husbands fav. xxx May 21, 2019 at 9:09pm Reply

    • Domestic Goblin: Hello Daisy,

      Have your sons tried Sartorial by Penhaligons or Au The Vert by Bvlgari? May 27, 2019 at 2:21pm Reply

  • Hạnh-Trang: Cuối xuân,  
    Tiễn đưa diên vĩ,  
    Hương lài trầm ngâm,  
    Mẫu đơn dần nở,
    Từng bầu ánh sáng thế trăng trong.

    roughly translated:
    Late spring,
    Last irises leaving,
    Under jasmine stars, peonies bloom
    Globes of light for moon.

    There must a fragrance with a heart of peony, floating jasmine, and a nostalgia of iris for a late spring time. Thank you. May 20, 2019 at 10:18pm Reply

    • Daisy: If you find it…..please oh please let me know. May 21, 2019 at 9:10pm Reply

    • Aurora: Fragonard Pivoine is a lovely peony, it has jasmine and iris too, plus it’s very affordable. There is also their Frivole, might be worth sampling (but I haven’t tried it).
      What a lovely poem. May 21, 2019 at 11:36pm Reply

      • Hạnh-Trang: Thank you, Aurora. I will try and let you know. May 22, 2019 at 4:55pm Reply

    • Charlotte Barrow: Beautiful poem! I’ve actually just recommended Dzonghka (L’Artisan Parfumeur) for the iris thread above, but since you mentioned peony, it seems like it could also fit the bill for you 🙂 No jasmine but it does strike me as slightly melancholy. May 25, 2019 at 3:30am Reply

  • Aurora: Hello Sharon: Also Annick Goutal Grand Amour has quite a lot of galbanum and Must de Cartier which combines galbanum and oriental notes. May 20, 2019 at 11:56pm Reply

    • Aurora: Wrong place, sorry. May 21, 2019 at 12:01am Reply

  • Catarina: Oh, yes they are aware of their glamour and flaunt it like it’s the most natural thing! That’s why I can’t really associate a perfume like Coco of Chanel (which I love!) with a cat. I can think of siamese cats as Art Deco, while an Angora cat is Art Nouveau 🙂 May 21, 2019 at 4:07am Reply

  • Jackson Chen: Hi! Im a 19 year old guy looking for a leathery, smokey, incense, confidence booster scent. But haven’t been able to find any that is appropriate for my age and surroundings. i’ve worn tom ford noir and tom ford ombre leather in the past, but felt like i was wearing someone else’s fragrance. Please help Victoria! May 21, 2019 at 7:41am Reply

    • Klaas: Now I’m not sure if this will be your cup off tea, but Bulgari Black or Comme des Garcons Black are leathery, smokey, incensy and all that. Confidence boosting I don’t know, I think it takes confidence to wear them, which might be something different. They both have loads of personality though!

      For me, Tom Ford Grey Vetiver is a real confidence booster, but it is miles away from your leather and incense…..but I thought I’d mention it anyway. Good luck with your search! May 21, 2019 at 5:16pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Hello Jackson,
      good for you to go searching for a leathery, smokey, incense, confidence booster scent!
      1) I’m not sure where you live but there is a Berlin perfume-maker called: Schwarzlose. Their perfume N° 6 featurs leather, incense and “jungle essence”—so much for a confidence booster! Have a look: https://www.schwarzlose.berlin/en/shop/eau-de-parfum-en/leder-6/
      2) Second recommendation: Serge Lutens “L’eau froide”. Look up Victoria’s review on this blog. I find it really modern, and confident, plus it has incense and citrus. Now citrus is always a plus!
      3) I completely agree with Klaas’ choices, yet would like to add another Comme des Garçons line: The incense series. There are five incense scents, and perhaps one may fit the bill? Perhaps Zagorsk with incense and hinoki and birch woods.
      4) You might want to check ot the L’Etat Libre d’Orange perfume collection: https://www.etatlibredorange.com/en/shop/
      And finally, as far as a confidence boost is concerned: be yourself. Leather. Smoke. Incense. It’s quite a programme. Make sure you feel really comfortable wearing it, and not the perfume wearing you.
      Good luck! May 24, 2019 at 1:26pm Reply

    • Pocketvenus: Hi Jackson,

      Wearable smoky leathers that come to mind are Tauer’s Lonestar Memories and Kerosene’s Broken Theories. As others have suggested, the CdGs are both fantastic and affordable. Good luck! May 28, 2019 at 6:20pm Reply

  • Chin C.: How about Bottega Veneta Pour Homme and its flankers? Leathery and woody… And less sweet than Noir. May 21, 2019 at 10:33am Reply

  • Klaas: Hello lovely people, I just thought I’d give you an update on my search for a summer scent featuring basil. Well, I found one, and it’s good old Eau de Campagne bu Sisley! Perfect summer scent, sparkly, green, with lots of citrus, galbanum and a distinct basil touch. I’m loving it, it’s so refreshing and has that vintage touch that I like. Though I’d love to smell an older version to see what it has been…..probably more oakmoss and more heft, but I’m very happy with the current version anyway.

    And I only found out it was made by Ellena after I bought it, I swear! May 21, 2019 at 5:24pm Reply

    • katherine x: So happy to hear. I love that scent as well but it was too fleeting on my skin (most perfumes are). May 24, 2019 at 8:05pm Reply

      • Klaas: Longevity and sillage are poor indeed, but it is so invigorating and uplifting that I don’t mind re-applying! I use it as a summer cologne. May 25, 2019 at 7:23am Reply

  • Jicky: A scent for a lover. Lebanese, loves good chocolate, amazing food, contemporary circus…and tall blondes. Want him to remember me in his dreams. May 21, 2019 at 9:15pm Reply

    • eudora: Atelier Cologne Cafe Tuberosa, because chocolate + food + contemporary + memorable = cafe tuberosa! it is a very lovable AND very unique fragance. Being blonde is an option.
      Victoria wrote a review and she included it in her 2017 best perfumes. May 22, 2019 at 10:02am Reply

      • Jicky: Thanks! May 22, 2019 at 5:19pm Reply

        • Klaas: Hey Jicky, just in case you’re thinking about purchasing Café Tuberosa, my local perfumery is putting all Atelier Colognes on sale. They are going for half price! You can buy online and they ship worldwide I should think……so…..you can enter their discounter via skins.nl. Just create an account and then navigate to the ‘archives’ section in the menu. You have to register before you can enter the archives-menu, but registration is free. Good luck! May 31, 2019 at 3:47pm Reply

  • Aurora: Fragonard Pivoine is a lovely peony, and it has iris and jasmine too, plus it’s really affordable. Also, Fragonard Frivole (I don’t know that one).
    What a lovely poem. May 21, 2019 at 11:31pm Reply

  • Rachel: Hi, can anyone recommend a replacement scent to the discontinued Tocca Margaux? I bought two bottles after I realized it wouldn’t be produced anymore, but I’m coming up to the end of my supply and would like to try something similar. May 22, 2019 at 12:01am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Rachel: So sorry your favorite is discontinued, I am not familiar with Margaux but based on the note you might try Guerlain l’Heure Bleue or even Apres l’Ondee May 24, 2019 at 3:50am Reply

    • DaveStPaul: Hi Rachel,
      If you don’t know about Fragrantica, their page on Margaux is filled with people saying the same as you (“I loved this and wish I could still get it” =:0)
      and then there are lots of suggestions on scents that are at least close to it. (Sarah Jessica Parker LOVELY, Bulgari JASMIN NOIR, and more.)
      If you already tried there, sorry for being redundant!
      Good luck. May 24, 2019 at 11:16am Reply

  • Aurora: Congratulations on finding a basil perfume you love, Klaas. May 22, 2019 at 1:10am Reply

    • Klaas: Thank you Aurora, I just stumbled onto it in my local department store and gave it a try. It’s a golden oldie, I just never bothered to give it a sniff…. May 23, 2019 at 4:05pm Reply

  • eudora: hello all and Old Herbaceous! You recommended me to try Muguet Porcelaine and I did. I know you love it but I only get melon! I cannot find any tiny muguet smell… May 22, 2019 at 9:08am Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Oh how I had to laugh reading this: yes, indeed: spot on! All I get is canteloube melon, from the very beginning to the very end. And there’s nothing dainty or fragile (porcelain) about it either. I never got all the praise of Muguet Porcelaine being a worthy successor of Diorissimo? May 23, 2019 at 1:00pm Reply

  • Cathy: Hello, At this time of year, my mind always turns to Lily of the Valley…any suggestions, thoughts on scents that truly capture this flower and make it the focus???? Diorissimo of course comes to mind, as does Guerlain Muguet…..feel free to give your thoughts on them too…are they “the classics”? Thank You! May 23, 2019 at 10:30am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Cathy: Caron has Muguet du Bonheur, it’s a real classic too and you might want to sample.

      Yes, Diorissimo is my gold standard too, vintage preferably. May 23, 2019 at 3:03pm Reply

      • Cathy: Thank You! I am not familiar with Caron, so I will look into it. May 23, 2019 at 3:59pm Reply

    • Klaas: Ok, so Eudora and OnWings seem to disagree, but Muguet Porcelaine, to me, smells like the daintiest, spring-kissed lily of the valley ever! No canteloubes growing on my wrist 😉 I would very much recommend it for a lily of the valley scent, but be warned….. May 23, 2019 at 4:19pm Reply

      • Cathy: I’ve been wondering about this one, so THANKS for writing in about it! I don’t do well with melon or cucumber, but if you don’t smell that, just lily of the valley…..hmmmmm May 23, 2019 at 7:31pm Reply

      • Cathy: I ordered a sample of MP today from Hermes….can’t wait to try it! May 24, 2019 at 5:44pm Reply

        • Klaas: Ok, and please let us know if you smell ‘muguet pocelaine’ or ‘canteloube abominable’ ! May 25, 2019 at 7:20am Reply

          • Cathy: hello Klaas (and hopefully anyone else who still might be interested!!) I received my sample of Muguet Porcelaine in the mail this morning!!!! Couldn’t wait to try it!! NO Canteloube Abominable for me! 🙂 My first sniff I had something that made me think of cucumber, but not actual cucumber (if that makes ANY sense)…like green, light, fresh, succulent…very pleasant to me; then light dainty Lily of the Valley. I do have Diorissimo (new formulation) but I think the MP is what I’ve been searching for. THANK YOU!! (and I do feel sympathy for everyone who smells the melons…thanks for your input though!) June 11, 2019 at 12:43pm Reply

            • Klaas: You know what, I was just thinking about you this morning. And what you would have made of Muguet Porcelaine! So thank you so much for following up, it is interesting to read whether suggestions worked or not.

              I’m so glad you liked it! Isn’t it a precious, happy scent? It is true that it is green, light and yes, succulent…so funny it makes you think of cucumber! I’ll keep that in mind when I try it next time…for now, enjoy that sample and see you soon somewhere on this fa-bu-lous blog. Where else can one have a descent discussion about the pros and cons of a Hermessence fragrance? June 11, 2019 at 6:31pm Reply

              • Cathy: Thank You Klass! 🙂 June 11, 2019 at 9:53pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I think it’s worthwhile trying Debut by Parfums Delrae. It was created by the son of the perfumer who created Diorissimo and is very well done, in my opinion. It was intended to be a “sophisticated lily of the valley perfume.”

      Top Notes: Bergamot, Lime, Ylang-ylang, Green leaves
      Heart Notes: Lily of the Valley, Linden blossom, Cyclamen
      Base Notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Musk May 24, 2019 at 2:01pm Reply

      • Cathy: Thanks Nina! I’m not familiar with it and went immediately to their website. The samples are sold out (I’m assuming temporarily) but I’ll keep watching for it. It sounds beautiful and am loving the connection with Diorissimo! (am so tempted to buy it “blind”, but will wait, keeping it on the “short” list. May 24, 2019 at 5:49pm Reply

    • Cathy: as an update:
      ~had the opportunity to try a decant of Muguet de Rosine-the limited addition…..it’s very nice, but seemed to me more garden like, than lily of the valley.
      ~also have been enjoying searching out and reading posts from years back that are on this site about lily of the valley (considering ordering a bottle from Yves Rocher online) May 24, 2019 at 5:56pm Reply

  • Lilian: Hi! I´m looking for a green fragrance, I hope you could help me! I´m now forty years old, love my work (physician), my family and exercise myself. I wish it could remind me the ocean and a bit floral. I don´t like heavy incenses, powdery, sugary perfums. I like salty and aquatic notes, lavander, iris, lily, ginger, fig, verbena, amber, peppery notes. I like Ormonde Jayne Woman, Envy (Gucci), Papyrus de Ciane (PG), Gardenia Grand Soir (PG), Philosykos(Diptyque), Reverie au Jardin (Tauer), Zeta (Tauer), Le Perfum de Therese. I have:. Amaranthine, Bottega Venetta eau legere, Lys Mediterranee, Mamoumalia. I don´t like: Donna Karan Black Cashmere, Chanel 5 and 19. I like but they don´t last on me: Issey Miyake lines, Guerlain Aqua Allegoria series and Hermès Jardins series. I´m going to Milano, if someone could give me some advices, I would be very grateful. Thank you! May 23, 2019 at 2:16pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Lilian: Do your know Jacomo Silences? It is very green and is often recommended here. Other options, three classic green perfumes: Jean-Louis Scherrer by Jean-Louis Scherrer (not number 2), Chanel les exclusifs Bel Respiro and Estee Lauder Private Collection (ask at the counter if you don’t see it on display).
      For a marine herbal fragrance there is Miller Harris Fleurs de sel (discontinued but your can probably get a sample) and for a marine green maybe James Heeley Sel Marin.

      In Milan: Check out Santa Maria Novella perfumes, I Profumi di Firenze, Carthusia and the budget line l’Erbolario, also of course Acqua di Parma.

      Enjoy your trip. May 24, 2019 at 4:58am Reply

      • Lilian: Thank you!! I apreciated your advices! May 24, 2019 at 6:58am Reply

    • katherine x: Hi Lilian,
      I was going to recommend Lys Mediterranee. It isn’t salty but has a transparent beautiful vibe: L’heure Promise by Cartier. A transparent floral – sweeter than Lys – is Baiser Vole (sp?) – the original. May 24, 2019 at 8:13pm Reply

      • Lilian: Thank you! I will look for them! May 24, 2019 at 9:36pm Reply

      • la_ninon: 2nd Lys Mediterranee. May 31, 2019 at 5:34pm Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hello Lilian,

      If you are going to Milan, I would suggest heading to Corso Como. There are two excellent places for perfume shopping here. One is Avery, and the other is the quirky and quite marvellous shop 10 Corso Como. The latter has its own perfume (called 10 Corso Como) among many others. I think you might like it, given your other likes.

      I would also second Carthusia perfumes. Maybe try Aria di Capri (my favourite from this house) or Fiori de Capri. May 27, 2019 at 8:18am Reply

      • Lilian: Thank you so much, Silvermoon! May 27, 2019 at 8:57pm Reply

    • la_ninon: My favorite green fragrances (green floral chypres) are Puredistance Antonia and Nikki de Saint Phalle. May 31, 2019 at 5:44pm Reply

  • OnWingsofSaffron: @Klaas: that really made me laugh!
    Just goes to show: MP reminds me of one of those 1982 starters: melon with prosciutto. OK, no lilies (Liliaceae) aka the ham, just plain melons: round, juicy, yellow; the flies are waiting to join the feast. But dainty Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis): nope! May 23, 2019 at 4:36pm Reply

    • Cathy: I’m LOVING how well you’ve described this!! 🙂
      (most often, if I can smell melon, that’s it, have to wash it off) May 23, 2019 at 7:35pm Reply

    • Klaas: Hahaha, and worst of all, an unripe 1982 starter. Chuck the undercooled melon and dig in the proscuitto! May 24, 2019 at 7:18am Reply

  • Tamsin: I also love and worship wisteria… sometimes stop the car to smell a particularly enormous wisteria tree, and this year have been wondering why there is no perfume dedicated to it! The nearest I have found is Privé by Ormonde Jayne. Certainly the Casablanca Lily Reed Diffuser that Ormonde Jayne launched last year is proper English country garden! May 25, 2019 at 5:15am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Tamsin: You might try Lanvin Eclat d’Arpege and tea and wisteria scent, I like it very much in summer, and Victoria mentioned that it is very popular in Japan.

      Also – but I should say I haven’t smelled it – is Dame Perfumery Soliflore Wisteria, I read that series of soliflores is good and perhaps you’ll like it, but of course the natural smell of wisteria in bloom can’t be beaten probably. May 25, 2019 at 1:11pm Reply

  • Eudora: Dear Klaas: I am sure you know “The Emperor’s New Clothes“ tale… I just asked my daugther about Muguet Porcelaine. She said: “Melon…Watermelon bubble gum!”.
    I got a good sample and I am smelling it day, night, in my husband, in my pillow… I cannot smell muguet AT ALL. But I am sure you can. And Victoria! And Ellena!
    We’ll see what happens when I try your new basil fragance…😅
    Have a great one! May 26, 2019 at 12:13pm Reply

    • Klaas: Oh God, now I’m scared! I’ll be looking out for your comments 😉 May 26, 2019 at 2:39pm Reply

  • Laila: Hi everyone, thanks for all the wisdom as thanks to this blog I have found my perfect perfume: Annick Goutal’s Ambre Fetiche. I had no idea I could fall in love with a fragance.

    But, I was wondering if any of you would have suggestions on something more suitable for summer? Also, maybe a cheaper alternative that is very close for running errands etc.? Thank you!! Once again, thanks for all the insights, you have a wonderful blog Victoria!!! May 27, 2019 at 2:33pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Laila: my answer ended up in the wrong place, oops see below for 2 amber recommendations. Thanks. May 30, 2019 at 8:50am Reply

  • Muriel: Hello everyone,
    I’m looking for a perfume for my 17-year-old son who is finishing high school in a month and very much looking forward to the prom! He is a discreet young man (first child followed by 3 sisters) athletic, not very concernef by his looks, except for this prom 😀. The only masculine perfume I know is Terre d’Hermes and I read Klaas’s recommendation for Grey Vetiver on this thread. Any other suggestion? I would like it to be discreet and away from the “blue”, marine, aftershave scrents. A bit earthy, delicate… I’m all ears !
    Thanks a lot !! May 30, 2019 at 3:03am Reply

    • Klaas: Congratulations on your son’s graduation! You must be a very proud mum!

      So, the first perfume I ever bought was Chanel pour Monsieur. It is very, very nice, citrussy, classy and discreet. Which might be good for a young man who is unconcerned about his looks. He’ll enjoy wearing it after the prom as well.

      Another classic sportive scent would be Eau Sauvage (not to be confused with the Dior’s recent launch Sauvage, the one with Jonny Depp).

      In case he wants to try something less understated, or a bit more festive for his prom, Dior Homme (chocolate gourmand), Chanel Egoiste (happy cinnamon sprinkeled roses) or Guerlain Homme Eau Boisé (green Guerlain yummieness) could be nice ones to try. They are all popular with younger guys, at least in Holland 😉

      But none of those would be earthy and delicate I’m affraid. Terre d’Hermes would be that, but it is a bit of an acquired taste maybe for a 17 year old? May 30, 2019 at 8:03am Reply

      • Muriel: Thanks a lot Klaas!!
        I will research you recommendations! I also think Terre d’Hermes would be too much for him… (maybe one day, who knows) so I will check the ones you mention!!
        Thanks a lot!! May 31, 2019 at 7:07am Reply

        • Klaas: Earlier in this thread Daisy mentions that her sons enjoy wearing Clinique Happy for Men. I don’t know it, but going by the notes it should be a uncomlicated, up-beat, fresh summer scent……could be nice as well? May 31, 2019 at 4:02pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Muriel: Klaas’s recommendations seem excellent to me, I will add Guerlain Vetiver, a great classic and discreet and a little bit earthy.
      How kind of you to treat your son for the coming prom. I hope he will have a great time and smell great. May 30, 2019 at 8:55am Reply

      • Muriel: Thanks Aurora, I’ll add that one to my list! I’m sure he’ll have a great time… and I might be the only one who’ll notice he’ll smell great, but that will then be my treat on that day 😀 May 31, 2019 at 7:09am Reply

    • AnnieA: @Muriel, Etat Libre d’Orange has a delicately earthy patchouli perfume called Nombril Immense. June 1, 2019 at 1:14pm Reply

  • Aurora: Hi Laila: I’m thinking about Laura Mercier Lumiere d’Ambre for you. It’s a lovely one , and it’s on the light side for an amber, much less of a commitment and more transparent than the Annick Goutal (although rich and beautiful).

    Another one you might like is Prada l’Eau Ambree – but I hesitated to recommend it because it’s been discontinued, but you might get a sample and if you like it check the discounters and eBay. It has a delicious citrus on top and then flowers (rose and gardenia) and it’s ambery in the drydown with opoponax and patchouli, suitable for spring and summer. May 30, 2019 at 8:49am Reply

    • Laila: Thank you so much Aurora, I will have a look at LM first! Fan of the make-up, but never sampled the perfumes. May 30, 2019 at 10:28am Reply

    • Laila: Hi Aurora,

      Thank you once again for the suggestion. I thought I’d report back, I sampled LM today but it smelled kind of soapy to me, strange I guess.

      I will continue my search, see if I can track down the Prada you suggested and otherwise keep enjoying ambre fetiche for now. June 9, 2019 at 1:24pm Reply

      • Aurora: Hello Laila: Thank you for reporting back, I think you might like your amber definitely richer, more assertive, I see what you mean LM Ambre is on the transparent side of amber
        To be more descriptive, l’Eau Ambree too is more transparent than Ambre Fetiche and as mentioned it has a citrussy side and is less rich than AF.

        I will list two richer ambers for you to have more options: Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Ambre Precieux, which is often quoted as one of the best rich ambers and my favorite amber: Stendhal Ambre Sublime, that one falls nicely in the middle for richness but definitely more than Ambre Lumiere.

        This is just to give you more options but maybe Ambre Fetiche is your perfect amber and you will never find one to satisfy you more 🙂 June 9, 2019 at 3:12pm Reply

        • Laila: Thanks again Aurora, I will have to see where I can find those.. love to try those out. The only perfume I have found so far that I also like is Parfums de Nicolai’s Incense Oud. But it is also strong, especially for hot summers. And still not affordable for simpel errands etc. Oh well, its all a lovley luxury right.. July 10, 2019 at 1:54pm Reply

          • Aurora: Hello Laila: How nice of you to pick up the thread. Oh, I love Parfums de Nicolai but am not familiar with Incense Oud.

            Now I wonder all of a sudden, have you tried Hermes Eau des Merveilles (salty orange and woods and ambregris, Elixir des Merveilles (similar but richer, somewhat sweet) and Ambre des Merveilles (not salty, very sweet, a fall/winter scent I think)? July 11, 2019 at 12:10pm Reply

            • Laila: I need to revisit the Hermes one, was a while back. Will look into your other suggestion as well.

              Thanks again, much appreciated. What a lovely community on a beautiful blog! July 11, 2019 at 2:58pm Reply

  • la_ninon: I may be too late, so forgive me if I repost next month. I’m looking for suggestions of “glam” fragrances, i.e., scents that are decadent, androgynous, seamy (not glam as in simply glamorous or blingy). Thanks so much! May 31, 2019 at 5:08pm Reply

    • AnnieA: @la_ninon, Smell Bent has some glamourously named scents like Disco Nap and Tipsy Social Blah Blah, the latter being possibly my favourite perfume name ever. Sadly for you I don’t remember their being very decandent… June 1, 2019 at 1:11pm Reply

      • la_ninon: Lovely names! Too bad they don’t have juice to match. June 1, 2019 at 5:17pm Reply

    • Klaas: Hmmm, I like your quest! I’m thinking a dark leather or a metalic iris……Chanel Cuir de Russie? Parfums d’Empire Cuir Ottoman? Robert Piguet Bandit?

      I’m not much of an iris-man myself, but Hermes Iris Ukiyoe (watery) and Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Iris Blue Gris (polished and austere) might fot the bill…..

      Or what about something with Oud? Very unisex and very glam! Dior Leater Oud brings together….well……leather and oud 🙂 and Francis Kurkdjian has a few very nice ones in his collection (the regular Oud being my personal favorite). De Nicolai’s Oud’s are also very good, Incense Oud being quite dark, animalic and with that distinctly fecal, oudy ‘thing’ going on….. June 1, 2019 at 4:59pm Reply

      • la_ninon: I was thinking iris and leather…possibly together! I loved the CdR edt but found the edp unrecognizable. Maybe it would be worth shelling out for the parfum. I don’t know Iris Blue Gris–I will have to seek that out. I went through an oud phase at the very beginning of my perfume journey, but have avoided it for years now. Maybe it’s time to try again. Is there a softer oud you would recommend? June 1, 2019 at 5:16pm Reply

        • Klaas: The Kurkdjian Ouds are all quite soft, except for the Oud Extrait. That’s quite a hefty one 😉

          I passed a lady on the street today, and she wore the most glorious incense perfume. Something like Comme des Garcons Avignon, but with more heft…..I should have asked what it was, but she turned the corner. Incense also has this androginous, chic and dark quality to it, so maybe worth a little investigation as well? June 2, 2019 at 2:55pm Reply

    • Aurora: Amouage Gold seems very glam to me, but I don’t think it’s androgynous rather classical glam. Maybe Robert Piguet Bandit would match your description better. June 2, 2019 at 4:08am Reply

      • la_ninon: Yeah, I mean glam in the musical sense. June 2, 2019 at 11:07am Reply

  • Sarah: Hi! I am looking for an inoffensive/ non-offensive fragrance. I’m not too picky with the scent, as long as it’s not too strong, and i’m also not the biggest fan of vanilla/ sugary perfumes- as they tend to be overpowering and give me migraines. I am a college student looking for a youthful and elegant perfume (but not overpowering!!!) Every time I try to look for a new perfume they all end up seeming too strong for my liking. (For reference)- I like the Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume, but I was hoping to find something unique that not a lot of other people have- since the Marc Jacobs perfumes are extremely common and popular. June 5, 2019 at 11:39pm Reply

    • Aurora: I’m thinking of 3 perfumes for you: Jour d’Hermes which is a lovely floral with bright citrus, mostly grapefruit like in Daisy (but not the Absolu which would be too strong) do you know it? Chanel No 5 L’Eau, musky lemon which strikes me as very well balanced, and is light but lasts very well on my skin (Chanel Eau Premiere is lovely too but it has quite a lot vanilla, so a little sweet) and my cleanest non-obstrusive perfume Philosophy Pure Grace, a lovely floral, mostly lavender just out of the shower perfume.

      Others which might appeal to you as well: Hermes Jardins series, my favorite is sur le Nil (woody green mango)Eau des Merveilles (salty orange) Hermes Eaux de Cologne, especially Pamplemousse Rose, Eau de Narcisse Bleu and Eau de Neroli Dore
      The Atelier Cologne Line: Orange Sanguine, Trefle Pur (green fragrance), Bois Blonds (woody fragrance).

      Are you familiar with Chanel No 19? It’s very elegant and not sweet at all, the EDT is greener and the EDP more floral.

      I wasn’t sure of your budget or I might have included some Chanel Exclusifs and Frederic Malle both on the expensive side. June 7, 2019 at 12:29pm Reply

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  • Hilde in Recommend Me a Perfume March 2024: Hi Aurora. Also many thanks for Your suggestions. The only one I have tried was Donna Karan Gold, but I wasn’t fond of it. But I must definitely try the… March 28, 2024 at 4:37am

  • Hilde in Recommend Me a Perfume March 2024: Thank You Sebastian for your suggestions. I own Lily Ambre myself (I like it), but I don’t know the other ones. I am very curious to try Rinascimento. March 28, 2024 at 4:26am

  • Aire in Recommend Me a Perfume March 2024: Aria is a mature, nice fruity chypre. Fiori is a gentle, soapy tuberose – old fashioned. I have it in parfum, edt, and edp. March 27, 2024 at 3:34pm

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