Recommend Me a Perfume : June 2019

Are you looking for a new fragrance? Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. You can 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 uner their comment.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

Subscribe

174 Comments

  • Lily: I am not after a perfume but rather a scented shampoo.

    My little boy (5) fell hard in love with a hotel shampoo my dad had brought back from Africa. It was some sort of wood and spice based scent, mostly wood. More sweet than dry – definitely not sharp. Just nice and “exotic” and manly. Maybe sandalwood but maybe not. It was very unique in my experience.

    And…I can’t find anything even remotely like it! I thought it would be a fairly common “guy scent” style, but no!! I have basically only been able to check drugstore brands. I intend to look at the health food store here, they carry some hair care as well. The closest Whole Foods to me is an hour and a half so I feel pretty limited to buying online if the hippie store doesn’t work out.

    Any suggestions for brands available online that might suit? I thought maybe l’occitane but none of the scents they have in matching shampoo sounded right.

    Budget wise I would go up to $30 a bottle (though less would be great) Bc we shampoo his hair maybe 2x per week and it’s short…a full bottle dedicated to him will last 1-2years probably.

    And I do let him wear a bit of perfume every now and then (such as when we went to the local ballet studio recital) but he’s not quite old enough IMO to wear scent daily. But he likes good-smelling shampoo and I want to encourage the passion as much as possible.

    Thanks! June 24, 2019 at 8:45am Reply

    • Anne: Hello! What a quest! Any chance you could ask your dad which hotel he stayed at, and then email them asking what toiletry brand they carry?
      I have a shampoo from Rahua ( classic shampoo). It has a weird scent. It is not sandalwood, but kind of Woody and fresh -I personally love it. The shampoo is quite expensive, but it last a super long time and no nasties in it!
      Hope this helps.
      Good luck! June 24, 2019 at 9:15am Reply

    • Amalia: Do you have the bottle, the name of it? June 24, 2019 at 9:20am Reply

    • Michele: Is it oud that you were smelling? Maybe try the Tom Ford counter and see if any of the ouds are familiar. You can find oud at Arabic stores. June 24, 2019 at 12:22pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: A brand I like very much, Jurlique has a sandalwood shampoo, within your budget I think.

      Like previous commenters I wonder if you might track back the shampoo to the hotel. June 24, 2019 at 12:39pm Reply

    • Lily: Thanks for all the replies!

      Alas, it is unlikely I could trace the bottle back to the hotel – I didn’t think to keep it Bc I naively assumed it would be an easy thing to find a replacement! And my father has been to Africa 3 dozen times for his work, no telling which trip he picked it up on.

      Regarding oud – definitely possible that was involved as I don’t know it’s scent June 25, 2019 at 7:26am Reply

      • Copperbeech: Hi Lily, I know I’m late to the party with my suggestion, but the shampoo sounds like it could be an Aesop product. This is an Aussie brand that is sometimes used in hotels around the world. They use a lot of naturals to fragrance their products, use rose a lot in their hair products, and have several shampoos that smell addictively woody-peppery. May be worth a shot — they do sample/travel sizes too. Hope this helps! June 30, 2019 at 2:28pm Reply

        • Lily: Oh, cool, another brand to look at! Sounds promising even if it’s just a comparable style of product. I haven’t gotten any further than compiling a list so you’re right on time! 😆 July 4, 2019 at 12:05am Reply

  • Lorri: I am looking for the perfect rose scent. I recently tried La Fille de Berlin by Serge Lutens and really fell in love, but I’m wondering what else is out there. I’d love a budget rose that has some depth and wouldn’t be averse to gourmand notes. What’s your favorite rose? June 24, 2019 at 9:15am Reply

    • AndreaR: My favorite rose scents:
      Lipstick Rose by Frederic Malle
      Beyond Rose by Clinique
      Rossy de Palma by Etat Libre de Orange
      Eau Rose by Diptyque June 24, 2019 at 10:11am Reply

    • Julie Demelo: Hi!
      I think Andy Tauer has outdone himself with Tauerville. So much rose in this small bottle!
      Rose Flash is a 30 ml bargain…sillage is wonderful.
      Three sprays will last for hours.😉
      It is warm, spicy and sweet.
      It’s been around at least 5 yrs. and I adore his fragrances. Another favorite of mine is Incense Rose. A higher price, but a bottle will last a lifetime! June 24, 2019 at 11:02am Reply

      • Mel: I couldn’t agree more about Incense Rose. It’s one of my favorites. I’m an Andy Tauer addict. btw, when you order directly from Andy Tauer in Switzerland, he sends a handwritten note in the box along w/ the scent. I will have to try Rose Flash. Thx for the question Lorri, and for your response, Julie! June 24, 2019 at 4:06pm Reply

    • Tami: The first perfume I ever fell in love with as a teen was Tea Rose by Perfumers Workshop. It’s definitely rose with a little green, and I detected a little tea and honey. It’s not the most sophisticated scent, but it is what it says it is!

      Agreed on Diptyque’s Eau Rose. It’s Tea Rose grown up, gone to college, and studied as an English Lit major. June 24, 2019 at 11:25am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Lorri: Les Parfums de Rosine is all about roses, you can order a generous sampler directly from their website: it’s not expensive.
      I especially love their gourmand rose Rose Praline and their cinnamon rose Majalis (this one might be a store exclusive).

      Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady is a rich dark rose, incensy, spicy, patchouli, Tom Ford Cafe Rose has a very true rose note and I find it delicious, Terry de Gunzburg Rouge Nocturne (rose and patchouli) might be an option if you like patchouli and Chanel Misia for a cosmetic rose.
      My favorite budget rose is Molton Brown Rosa Absolute which I call the poor man’s Portrait of a Lady. June 24, 2019 at 12:53pm Reply

    • Catarina: Could try Eau de protection Rossy de Palma of Etat Libre d’Orange for a modern interpretation. In my oppinion Pacifica Persian Rose is a very realistic rose, and is quite affordable, too June 24, 2019 at 12:54pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: I rather like Annick Goutal’s “Rose Absolue”” (eau de perfum). No gimmicks, just a wonderful rose. It isn’t sweet and it doesn’t turn so either.
      If you want more rose, layer it with Bronnley’s talcum dusting powder—Bronnley and the Royal Horticultural Society apparently work together. The powder is rather lovely though getting it out of its plastic thingy onto your body is rather fiddly and off putting. June 24, 2019 at 1:09pm Reply

    • Marie: Coudn’t agree more with the recommendations above , esp.
      – Rossy de Palma by ELdO
      – the Parfums de Rosine scents (my favourite is Un Zest de Rose)
      – Lipstick Rose by Malle

      Alsp, I think you should try L’Ombre dans l’Eau by Diptyque! June 24, 2019 at 1:12pm Reply

    • Joy Erickson: A stunning rose with unbelievable transitions and longevity is Guerlain’s Rose Nacrae du Desert. I have only been able to afford sample sizes. It unfolds and transitions as one goes through the day, but maintains a heart of deep rose. I can dab a tiny bit on in the am and it is still releasing fragrance late in the day. June 24, 2019 at 6:11pm Reply

  • Matty Maccaro: Having taken myself to Paris for the 1st time for my 70th birthday, I fell in love with perfume. I never wore it before and am on a small retired budget. What I like, are chypre, woodsy, oud, some gourmand, bergamot, citrus, floral in that order. What wd. you suggest for someone just learning, I’m fair skinned and find longevity a problem. I love your blog and am learning much from you, so sincere thanks. June 24, 2019 at 9:26am Reply

    • Anne: Hello,
      I am interested in the suggestion you re going to get here.
      My favourite rose perfumes are rose 31 by Le Labo, and Rose Anonyme by Atelier Cologne.
      Hope you get to sample them ( although none are a budget perfume).
      Anne June 24, 2019 at 9:45am Reply

      • Matty Maccaro: Anne thanks for your suggestion.
        Matty June 26, 2019 at 5:27pm Reply

    • Carla: You must be a young 70, trying new things and adventuring to Paris! I hope I’m like that one day. On a budget, the Estée Lauder line has good variety. Ask if there are any bottles hidden behind the counter, those older ones are very good. Pleasures, Knowing, Sensuous, White Linen, Azurée, all very good and quite the variety. June 24, 2019 at 11:53am Reply

      • Matty: Carla, such wonderful suggestions, thank you. June 26, 2019 at 5:28pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Matty: How wonderful to have recently discovered Paris.
      Have you tried any Guerlain perfumes?
      Mitsouko is a legendary chypre and Shalimar is an oriental with a lot of the bergamote you like in the opening. They are mid-range for prices, Shalimar is available as an eau de cologne, too, perfect for summer, quite affordable if you use a discounter site. June 24, 2019 at 1:07pm Reply

      • Matty: Aurora,
        I adore Paris but haven’t tried Guerlain, now I surely will and I’ve always heard of Shalimar, now another one to put on my list, thanks so much! I’ve found splurging a little makes one feel so good, it’s actually worth the money & I’m trying to do it more often. thanks so much. June 26, 2019 at 5:30pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: My reply for Matty ended up at a bit further down! June 24, 2019 at 2:27pm Reply

    • Klaas: Hey Matty, congratulations for your 70th birthday! And what a great idea to celebrate in
      Paris! You might want to check out Patricia de Nicolai’s website. Her perfumes are all excellent, and most come in small – affordable – sizes. A great way to get to know some of them! Her ouds, chypre and citrussy scents are marvelous.

      Have you tried Angel bij Thierry Mugler? It is the gourmand that started all gourmands, and it is not too expensive either.

      I agree with Aurora that you should try some of the wonderful Guerlains. Shalimar (indeed, a oriental with bergamote), Mitsouko, but also Chamade and l’Heure Bleue. They are pricey, buy visiting their counter and smelling away is a treat for free! Guerlains beautiful Eau de Guerlain is less of an investment and would be a lovely summer scent (it does have that chypre vibe).

      A last tip: order samples! Some houses offer good sample deals, I can recommend Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier (another great Parisian based company), Etat Libre d’Orange and Andy Tauer’s website for good sample sets. Even if you don’t like all of the samples you ordered, smelling the different perfumes will make you discover what your tastes are, and will turn you into a fragrance buff in no time!

      Enjoy… June 24, 2019 at 6:04pm Reply

      • Matty: Klaas, how kind of you to spend the time making such wonderful suggestions, as a perfume novis, I truly appreciate your suggestions, thanks so much. June 26, 2019 at 5:31pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Hi! So glad you enjoyed Paris and perfume! You might like Estee Lauder’s Azuree, which is very affordable. Not strictly a chypre, but Clinique’s Aromatics Elixir is also great, and you can get it in body lotion and body wash too, which might help with longevity if you layer them with the fragrance. Adam Levine for Her is a real bargain, you can usually find it on Amazon, and it’s a nice woody scent. I also like Aramis’ Calligraphy Rose. If you’re on a budget, I suggest looking at FragranceNet’s website; they sell authentic fragrances at great prices, though sometimes shipping is a little pokey. Wait for the coupons that are 35% or 37% off their “list” price. Sometimes if you Google the fragrance you want, plus “fragrancenet”, your browser will show you a link and when you click that, you’ll get a 37% off coupon. Have fun! June 24, 2019 at 8:25pm Reply

      • irem: I strongly second Aromatics Elixir. Widely available and well priced in the US. Spray it on a paper strip but don’t smell it right away, just put it in your pocket or bag. AE is a classical fragrance and needs time. Then, half an hour later, or so take it out and give it a try. I have never worn it myself, but it is good. I was visiting Paris in May, and I have smelled it on many many women on the streets, in the stores, in the cafés etc. It smells good. July 5, 2019 at 12:01am Reply

    • spe: O de Lancome perhaps? A beautiful chypre available easily and not too expensive. Not sweet. More refreshing. June 25, 2019 at 9:20am Reply

      • Matty: spe,
        thanks for your suggestion. June 26, 2019 at 6:33pm Reply

  • Laura: Hi,
    I’ve always got great recommendations here. Now I am looking for a great summer scent for the hot days. I want it to be sparkling and long lasting. I usually rely on La Prairie Energizing Fragrance which is a body mist, so even if it uplifts me, I find it too much a skin scent. Sometimes I use Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche or MFK Lumiere Noir as day scents for summer, but both lack the silage and sparkling factors. Cristalle disapears rapidly from my skin. Summer always complicates fragrance choices for me…
    Thank you June 24, 2019 at 9:40am Reply

    • Anne: Hello!
      I love Tom Ford Neroli Portofino for summer. It doesn’t last long at all on some people, but I am one of the lucky one who can enjoy it a long time.
      On a different register, although it is still a ton Ford, I like soleil Blanc. It s a beach type scent, and difinitely last.
      Enjoy.
      Anne June 24, 2019 at 9:49am Reply

      • Laura: Thanks, I’ll try Neroli Portofino. Soleil Blanc is Way too coconut fit me. June 24, 2019 at 12:32pm Reply

    • AndreaR: Jean Nate was what everyone wore many years ago on hot, hot summer days in Los Angeles. I have no idea if it’s been reformulated.

      Osmanthe Yunan by Hermessence
      Eau d’Eté by Nicolai Parfumeur Créateur
      Eau du Sud by Annick Goutal instantly takes me back to a hot summer in Provence. June 24, 2019 at 10:51am Reply

      • Trudy: Oh my…Jean Nate. I haven’t heard that name in years. I grew up in Los Angeles and my mom wore it back in the 70’s. Thanks for the memory!

        Other suggestions: Chanel Paris-Deauville is a very beautiful summer fragrance. I also like TF Fleur de Portifino Eau de Parfum (not the body spray…not the same IMO) though it’s difficult for me to justify the price for that one. June 24, 2019 at 11:35am Reply

      • Laura: You made me curious about Jean Nate. Eau du Sud sounds good based on the notes. I’ll sample it. Thank you! June 24, 2019 at 12:35pm Reply

        • AndreaR: It’s worth a sniff, but I’m thinking it belongs poolside in the 70’s. June 24, 2019 at 12:54pm Reply

    • Kim Cravatta: Hi,

      I live in the hot and humid southeast. Summer is always a challenge for fragrance. I love Clarins ‘Eau Des Jardins’; it is a nice, light floral fragrance and very refreshing.

      For something more citrusy, try Chanel’s ‘Cristalle Eau Verte’. June 24, 2019 at 11:01am Reply

      • Laura: I have used Clarins Eau Resourcante during my students years. It was so classy, stood out in a way. Maybe I should return to Clarins brand and to my memories. June 24, 2019 at 12:37pm Reply

    • GinaP: In summer I love Un Jardin en Mediterranee by Jean-Claude Ellena (Hermès). Also Dyptique’s Ombre dans l’Eau, which is a very green rose (think the green of tomatoes!). Then for a gorgeous but ironic summer scent, Bobbi Brown Beach! All three have great sillage; I think the Un Jardin sparkles the most. June 24, 2019 at 11:42am Reply

    • RobinW: I love Chanel 22 for the warm summer months, it’s one of my all-time favorites. White florals with sparkling aldehydes. It’s not big, overwhelming white flowers, though. It’s beautifully balanced and uplifting. June 24, 2019 at 1:14pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Laura: Liz Earle No 1 is a v. good citrus aromatic perfume as is Eau de Rochas and Eau de Guerlain,they last well on my skin but we are all different when it comes to longevity.
      I second Andrea’s recommendation for Goutal Eau du Sud too.
      Also try the Hermes Jardins series (my favorite is sur le Nil green mango and woods) and maybe sample Christian Dior Escale series. June 24, 2019 at 1:19pm Reply

    • Neva: Maybe something from Patricia de Nicolai? Her perfumes are classy and have a decent longevity. Try Neroli Intense or Patchouli Intense, or the fresh Eau Mixte… June 24, 2019 at 2:08pm Reply

    • Cassieflower: Lancôme O d’zur has a nice sparkling citrus opening with bergamot and a gently floral heart. Medium sillage and longevity.
      Lalique Encre Noire is a refreshing vetiver which gives the impression of citrus. Great longevity on this one.
      Elie Saab Le Parfum in White refreshing citrus and orange blossom, similar to Guerlain Terracotta but with better longevity. June 24, 2019 at 2:21pm Reply

      • Matty: These all sound so lovely. June 26, 2019 at 6:35pm Reply

    • Mel: I don’t know if my suggestion is sparkling but it is invigorating – Herba Fresca – of Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria line is my choice for days in L.A. when it is absolutely BAKING. June 24, 2019 at 4:15pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I enjoy Un Jardin Sur le Nil when it’s really hot, and you can get lotion too, which might help it last longer; also Un Jardin Apres la Mousson. Twilly would be nice, too! The new Chanel “Eaux” line are beautiful and summery but they’re very light. June 24, 2019 at 8:31pm Reply

    • limegreen: Depends on how you feel about citrus but Le Labo Bergamote 22 is bracing, sparkling and lasting for me. The B22 lotion is very fragrant and lasting, and sometimes I just wear the lotion.
      I also love Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi, a lovely sparkling citrus fig, not the ripe kind of sweet fig so it’s refreshing. It must have sillage on me because I get asked what I’m wearing by random people (standing in line at the grocery, etc.)
      I second the Chanel L’eau Deauville but only if you like citrus and basil. June 24, 2019 at 9:31pm Reply

    • Klaas: Hey Laura, why don’t you scoot over to the mens’ section? There are some great options there for hot weather, with lots of sparkle and good sillage…..why don’t you give Eau Sauvage a shot, or Chanel Pour Monsieur? Tom Ford’s Grey Vetiver is a lovely blend of grapefruit and vetiver (and incredible value for money!), and for a bit more oumph you could try Guerlains Vetiver. It is delicious!

      And what about Cristalle in the Eau de Parfum version? It might last a bit longer than the Eau de Toilette…t is such a beautiful fragrance… June 25, 2019 at 9:08am Reply

    • kpaint: No 5 L’eau has sparkle and longevity. I wore it a ton when the weather turned warm this spring. While not personal faves of mine, Atelier Orange Sanguine and Bergamot Soleil both have massive projection and last forever on my skin. I recently wore Cristalle eau Verte (which is a favorite) on a hot day and made sure to spray lots on my clothing – it stayed all day. June 26, 2019 at 10:06am Reply

      • Laura: Thank you all for these wonderful recommendations, vintage and new, niche and mainstream. I’ve made a list and will pick something asap. June 26, 2019 at 11:49am Reply

        • Sebastian: I’m a bit late to the party, but here’s my current favorite hot weather scent: Chevalier Vert from Orchid Scents (Ellen Covey). It’s really green, sour, and bitter – a rhubarb/tomato-leaf combination that lasts several hours even in hot weather (above 30 degrees Celsius), in contrast to basically all citrussy scents, which lose their freshness on me rather sooner. I find it energizing and spiky, but then I like that “overdone” style: This stuff is definitely and intentionally not well-blended or toned-down. Although the note list contains some softer colors, don’t count on that. On me there is only a little bit of milkiness enveloping the rhubarb after maybe 4 hours or so. June 27, 2019 at 2:04pm Reply

    • Kayliz: Cedro di Diamante by Perris is remarkably longlasting, I find, for a citrus-based scent. June 26, 2019 at 12:54pm Reply

  • Matty: Can anyone reccomend a nice Iris perfume. I’ve got Prada Infusions Iris,which I really like. June 24, 2019 at 10:11am Reply

    • Tara C: Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d’Iris is nice. Fragrancenet.com or one of the other discounters may have it for a good price. June 24, 2019 at 11:28am Reply

      • Matty: Thank you tara C X June 24, 2019 at 11:51am Reply

    • Gina P: Goutal’s Heure Exquise and Chanel No 19. You won’t need anything else!! June 24, 2019 at 11:44am Reply

      • Matty: Thank You Gina P X June 24, 2019 at 11:52am Reply

    • Carla: Iris Silver Mist is very special June 24, 2019 at 11:54am Reply

    • Deanna: I love the Prada Infusion d’Iris, and like you wanted to try other Iris based perfumes.
      Spent quite a bit on samples, but was disappointed as I never found anything as original as the Prada. They all were on the sweet side.
      The only other Iris I would recommend would be No 19 Poudre June 24, 2019 at 12:31pm Reply

      • Matty: Thank you Deanna June 24, 2019 at 1:16pm Reply

    • Robin Wright: Tara C’s recommendation is excellent. I wear this beautiful perfume and I find it to be elegant, well-structured and it lasts on me. And I got it at Fragrance.net for under $80.00! June 24, 2019 at 1:08pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Hermès’s “Hiris” or Chanel’s “La Pausa”.
      Both are great! June 24, 2019 at 1:11pm Reply

      • Matty: Thank You OnwingsofSaffron June 24, 2019 at 1:17pm Reply

    • Aurora: Also, Hermes Hiris and Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile. June 24, 2019 at 1:21pm Reply

    • Neva: Parle Moi de Parfum has a nice iris scent: Orris Tattoo. It’s creamy and not too earthy. June 24, 2019 at 2:04pm Reply

    • Joy Erickson: I love Chanel no 19 Poudre, such a blend of iris and floral. I even find it restful at night with just a tiny spritz. June 24, 2019 at 5:52pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I like Miller Harris’ Terre d’Iris, and Laboratorio Olfattivo’s Nirmal. June 24, 2019 at 8:43pm Reply

    • kpaint: The Prada iris (Absolue) is one of my faves, along with YSL Trench, which is straightforward and charming with a similar iris as the Prada. I also love iris laced with fluff in Lolita Lempicka L’eau en Blanc. For a warm iris that works in cooler months, I’m a fan of The Different Company Bois d’Iris. June 25, 2019 at 4:29pm Reply

  • Marie hobbins: I am always looking for a new perfume. Right now I am wearing Le Labo Bergamot 22 and Aqua del Elba Both are softly floral. Do you be any other suggestions. Thank you Marie June 24, 2019 at 10:45am Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Bergamot; Elba: Italy is beckoning!
      Perhaps “Eau de Néroli doré” by Hermès? I find it irresistably Italian, summery, golden: bitter orange, neroli and saffron. Fantastic!
      (And, by the by, a cheap find on ebay.) June 24, 2019 at 3:44pm Reply

      • Matty: loving your suggestions, thanks so much! June 26, 2019 at 6:38pm Reply

  • Jane: I think anything from Rosine is pretty. June 24, 2019 at 11:07am Reply

  • Domestic Goblin: I am looking for a rose fragrance but it needs to be very long lasting. I really like the glorious scent of the Yardley rose but it only lasts 30 minutes on my skin before the smell disappears. Budget: £30 for 30ml. Many thanks. June 24, 2019 at 11:42am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: I recommended it above and it is long lasting on my skin: Molton Brown Rosa Absolute, it’s very affordable. June 24, 2019 at 1:29pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: It’s a bit more than your budget, but Rose Flash from Tauerville is beautiful and it comes in extrait de parfum strength, so it is a great value. I’m also a fan of Aramis’ Calligraphy Rose, which is a floriental, and Gres’ Cabaret. Have you tried Perfumer’s Workshop’s Tea Rose? June 24, 2019 at 8:58pm Reply

      • Domestic Goblin: Thank you for the recommendations. I’ve ordered the Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose and will let you know what I think. Am also tempted by Tauerville Rose Flash that you mentioned, but will see what I think of Tea Rose first. June 25, 2019 at 2:16am Reply

    • limegreen: Paul Smith Rose, saw it for under £30 at Boots! June 24, 2019 at 9:21pm Reply

    • kpaint: Try layering the Yardley with some of their body products (soap, lotion, etc)? June 26, 2019 at 10:08am Reply

  • Zuzanna: Fracas is a zombie now (this is so depressing…), so I am looking for a lush tuberose, a diva/slut kind of tube. Anyone? I’ve had Beyond Love (discontinued), Moon Bloom (i adore it, but it’s rather icy and elegant). I have tried among others Lutens, Carnal Flower (too green), Pro Fvumvm (too sweet), and Sabbia Blanca (I like it very much, but the price is quite scary). June 24, 2019 at 11:54am Reply

    • Domestic Goblin: Zuzanna, have you tried Amarige by Givenchy? June 24, 2019 at 12:02pm Reply

    • Aurora: Do you know Diptyque Do Son? Maybe too clean for your taste though, also the fragrances which mix tuberose and gardenia like Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. June 24, 2019 at 1:35pm Reply

      • Zuzanna: Yes, I know both. Do Son is too clean indeed (but I haven’t tried it in EDP yet, so thanks for reminding me anyway), TG a little bit too simple. June 24, 2019 at 2:02pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Maybe TNT, from PK Perfumes (Paul Kiler)? It comes in parfum strength and it’s pretty va-va-voom! June 24, 2019 at 8:52pm Reply

      • Zuzanna Byczek: Thanks, but I live in Europe, I think it may be quite difficult to get/ sample. June 25, 2019 at 12:31pm Reply

      • Zuzanna: Thanks, but I live in Europe, I think it may be difficult to get/ sample it. June 25, 2019 at 12:37pm Reply

    • limegreen: Have you tested the Andy Tauer tuberoses?
      Sotto La Luna Tuberose edp
      Tuberose Flash (more linear)

      And in case you haven’t:
      Tom Ford Orchid Soleil (in the beautiful rose gold bottle)

      And one more lush one:
      DSH Tubereuse June 24, 2019 at 9:17pm Reply

      • Zuzanna: Thank you! I have tested Tauer, but I didn’t like it (I appreciate his work, but the famous Tauerade is just not for me).
        I will definitely try Tom Ford. June 25, 2019 at 12:34pm Reply

        • limegreen: Oh, if you are in Europe, you might have better access to this big tuberose with narcissus:
          McQueen Parfum (Alexander McQueen), in the black bottle

          Even the pink bottle McQueen EdP was a very nice tuberose. June 25, 2019 at 6:40pm Reply

          • Zuzanna: I have tried it, but I didn’t like the synthetic base. Well, I am obviously very hard to please when it comes to perfumes 🙂 June 26, 2019 at 4:44am Reply

            • limegreen: Haha! Aren’t we all hard to please on these quests?
              Too bad you are not enamored with Carnal Flower. That’s my favorite tuberose centric. June 26, 2019 at 9:28am Reply

              • Zuzanna: Well, CF is a masterpiece, but the green note seemed to me, hm, a little bit too green. But maybe I’ll give it a chance again. The trouble is: Fracas WAS perfect. June 26, 2019 at 9:56am Reply

                • kpaint: Similar to CF but not as green: Gucci Bloom. It’s surprisingly good stuff, if not a bit nuclear. June 26, 2019 at 10:11am Reply

                  • Kayliz: I was surprised too when I tried Gucci Bloom: worth testing.
                    Otherwise… maybe Elie Saab Essence No.9, or the Profumum Roma Tuberosa. June 26, 2019 at 1:03pm Reply

                    • Zuzanna: I have tried Gucci. No, no, no. O no! It’s not nuclear… unfortunately. I like nuclear:D
                      Profvmvm smell like buble gum on me.
                      I’ll try Elie Saab, thanks. June 30, 2019 at 4:59pm

                • limegreen: It’s the green bit that I love most about CF, just as I love the menthol part of the Lutens tuberose. 🙂 I cannot wear Fracas, but I have only smelled the current formula.

                  This is probably not what you are going for, but as it’s more accessible in Europe, the Le Galion Tubereuse is just lovely, worth a sniff.

                  Good luck! June 26, 2019 at 10:37am Reply

    • kpaint: Vintage Poison. June 26, 2019 at 10:09am Reply

      • Zuzanna: yes, but no 😀 June 26, 2019 at 10:16am Reply

    • Carolina: Carolina Herrera, the one on the white box with polka dots (used to be black, now they are golden). Stunning tuberose in 90s style. June 28, 2019 at 10:36am Reply

      • Zuzanna: thanks! June 28, 2019 at 12:20pm Reply

      • Anna Egeria: Zuzanna, Carolina Herrera was my signature scent but it’s been reformulated and lacks the bang and the magic of the original. I’m always searching for a fragrance that comes close and I think that it’s Michael Kors’ first fragrance which I’m trying now. June 29, 2019 at 7:46pm Reply

        • Lari: I am really late to this party. For those of you who have been saddened by Perfumer Laurie Ericson having closed her own Sonoma Scent Studio, it’s coming back on the horizon. I love love her work-smells like nothing else and affordable. Laurie has been looking for someone to take over (her formulae) and I’m guessing new one ones and she has found her someone. The shopping cart is not up yet but it looks like it’s relatively soon. Hooray. I really miss her stuff July 1, 2019 at 6:54pm Reply

    • spe: Have you tried the Caron Tuberose? June 30, 2019 at 4:37pm Reply

      • Zuzanna: Yes, but I didn’t like it. June 30, 2019 at 4:50pm Reply

    • Irina: I am a bit late to this… but…try Mona Di Orio Tubereuse. I LOVE Fracas and there is nothing like it. But this one is very nice. July 11, 2019 at 3:27pm Reply

      • Zuzanna: Thnaks, I know this one, but it’s quite delicate, as long as I remember, and I need a monster 😀 an elegant monster, though. July 12, 2019 at 3:23am Reply

  • Domestic Goblin: Zuzanna, have you tried Amarige by Givenchy? June 24, 2019 at 12:01pm Reply

    • Zuzanna: Yes, sure, but I don’t like it. It smells very artificial to me, like plastic or sth? June 24, 2019 at 12:26pm Reply

  • Michele: I like vintage orientals and am excited if I can find small samples of the classics on Surrender to chance. I think my favorite right now is Toujours Moi and I have a modern version by Dana via Amazon.
    I like florals, but not too much soapy rose. I like a smouldering sexy base like musk, patchouli, sandalwood but not to keen on cumin. I dont care for aldehydes anymore.
    I like Guerlain and someone pointed me to Samsara but somehow it doesnt work for me. June 24, 2019 at 12:15pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Vintage oriental: what about Scherrer’s “Nuit indienne”? Sort of a Shalimar thing but different.
      I just re-discovered Scherrer’s N° 1: a great green perfume! Wonderful! June 24, 2019 at 1:14pm Reply

    • Aurora: Michele: Also, you mention Dana, have you tried vintage Tabu? You could have a look on eBay where I am in the UK it’s so very affordable, it definitely is a great oriental that packs a punch. June 25, 2019 at 1:31pm Reply

  • Zuzanna: Has anyone tried the new Carthusia or Laborattorio Olfattivo? June 24, 2019 at 12:36pm Reply

  • Tami: I’ve probably recommended Diptyque’s Oyedo on here a million times, but I’ll suggest it again anyway 😉 It’s citrusy with the slightest hint of cedar. Some say it disappears quickly, but it lasts forever on me, so who knows. The Hermès Un Jardin line is also summery to me (sur la nil is my favorite, and I just learned it’s designed to withstand sweat!). June 24, 2019 at 12:44pm Reply

    • Tami: Oops, this is in response to the question about a long-lasting summer scent… June 24, 2019 at 12:45pm Reply

      • kpaint: It’s a great suggestion, though! I ran out a couple of summers ago and have been meaning to replace it. Just picked some up on ebay. Thanks! (On me, it smelled like oranges and thyme.) June 25, 2019 at 4:37pm Reply

        • Tami: I wrote elsewhere on this blog that it sparkles on me! It reminds me of fizzy lemon candies. June 25, 2019 at 5:05pm Reply

  • Hamamelis: I suggest various Chanels: no 19 and Cristalle for chypres, all versions are good. Or Mitsouko, same. Or Annick Goutal Heure Exquise. These classics are the backbone of any collection! June 24, 2019 at 2:25pm Reply

    • Matty: What wonderful advice, thank you, Hamamelis.
      Classics indeed! Matty June 26, 2019 at 6:45pm Reply

  • Kim Cravatta: Has anyone tried Shalimar EDT for the summer months? I love Shalimar and use it full strength, but it’s too much during the summer, not sure if EDT would be toned down enough, yet still capture the essence of the fragrance. June 24, 2019 at 3:39pm Reply

    • Cyndi: I also love Shalimar, particularly the edp. But, IMO, Shalimar edt is great for summer. That’s what I wear, and I don’t think it’s too overpowering. It’s actually quite lovely. June 24, 2019 at 4:16pm Reply

    • kpaint: I love just about every version of Shalimar. My faves for summer are the Souffle, Eau de Shalimar, and the EDT. June 25, 2019 at 4:38pm Reply

  • carole macleod: Hi, Anne,
    I have that body wash and shampoo, too. I think what you’re smelling is Palo Santal. It’s a wood that can be burned the same way you’d burn incense. I like it too and have trouble describing it. June 24, 2019 at 5:41pm Reply

    • Domestic Goblin: Thank you for the recommendations. I’ve ordered the Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose and will let you know what I think. Am also tempted by Tauerville Rose Flash that you mentioned, but will see what I think of Tea Rose first. June 25, 2019 at 2:13am Reply

    • Anne: Exactly!!!! Yes!!! It is this. It’s woody and lovely. And a great shampoo too. Bring on the shine.
      Xx June 25, 2019 at 2:25am Reply

  • Matty: I’d just like to thank all the lovely posters who have suggested Iris perfume for me to consider. I have made note of them all. June 24, 2019 at 6:49pm Reply

    • Aurora: And not only the eau de toilette but also the Eau de Cologne of Shalimar. I think there is also something called Shalimar Cologne but I believe it’s different from the Eau de Cologne and I haven’t tried it so can’t recommend it. June 25, 2019 at 1:35pm Reply

    • Matty Maccaro: I’m also named Matty, I was wondering at first as not too many spell it Matty.

      A special thanks to everyone who responded to the 70 something Matty who went to Paris and fell in love with perfume, the suggestions are all lovely & everyone took such time to help me, I’m so appreciative June 26, 2019 at 6:48pm Reply

  • Muriel: Hello everyone, last month I asked for your recommendations for a perfume for my 17-year-old who’s finishing high school. Prom is tomorrow and next to his first suit, he’ll wear Dior Eau Sauvage 😊. I hesitated quite a bit with Guerlain Eau Boisée, but he felt more confortable with Eau Sauvage and with the heat wave striking Europe right now, it will be perfect! ( I already “stole” some for me today 😁) Thanks a lot for you precious help on this quest !! June 25, 2019 at 2:42am Reply

    • Klaas: Hey Muriel, thank you so much for sharing. Your son is going to be very nice smelling indeed, good choice!! And funny you say you stole some of his, I just recommended Eau Sauvage here, to a lady who’s looking for a sparkling summer scent. It is such a great one.

      You must be so proud, enjoy the occasion tomorrow! June 25, 2019 at 9:15am Reply

      • Muriel: Thank you Klaas ! For the recommendation and the nice words. It is indeed a great fragrance! I was a bit puzzled by the first “mushroomy” scent I smelled (especially on paper), but on the skin the mix is really nice and the freshness stays the whole way through, hmmmm. My son really likes it and he loves the magnetic cap 🙂 June 25, 2019 at 11:49am Reply

    • John Luna: Well done! It is a wonderful summer scent and such a great one for capturing memories. Hopefully it will be his companion for a long time to come. June 26, 2019 at 3:34am Reply

  • Mara: Hello everyone!
    I would definitely recommend my recent crush from État Libre D’ Orange, “Hermann A Mes Côtes Me Paraissait One Ombre”.

    Blackcurrant buds, black pepper, galbanum, calypsone, geosmin, frankincense, pepperwood, petalia, rose absolute, patchouli, ambroxan give an original strong scent, initially reminding the dense ferns and bushes in a dark forest after a summery rain, with hints of roses. What remains though is the signature of the spices and an aquatic shade. Stylish, fresh and deep, it is a sharp perfume, elegant and elusive. Check out the firm’s presentation, the reference to the inspiration for this creation and the emphasis given to the concept of an alternat(iv)e Self, befriending us always.
    Could this Self, our constant Shade, be our perfume? June 26, 2019 at 9:06am Reply

  • Gisele: Please would like boby body indication, talc or perfumes, smells like dust, clean, very seductive, bourdoir. I do not want dark dust, dirty, anything from Guerlain or Frederick Malle. Thank you! June 26, 2019 at 8:30pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Gisele: I will list some soft powdery perfumes for you: Prada Infusion d’Iris and PId’I absolue (the Absolue version is discontinued but still, you might come across it online), Kenzo Flower (I know the body lotion of this one, it’s pretty good), Terry de Gunzburg Ombre Mercure, Jean Charles Brosseau Ombre Rose l’Original, Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige, Chanel Les Exclusifs Misia. June 28, 2019 at 2:40pm Reply

    • Zuzanna: Blanc Poudre Heeley June 28, 2019 at 4:07pm Reply

    • Lydia: Hi Gisele,
      I was just wondering if you were still looking for powdery perfumes, and if you’d ever found that special perfume oil your friend refused to reveal. A quick search of the recommend me posts showed me that you are still looking. I hope you have at least found some new favorites while searching for that special perfume.

      Although I never did come across a perfume oil that matched your description, I do have some other recommendations for powdery scents. Oscar de la Renta’s Esprit d’Oscar is a very intense, sweet powder bomb of a perfume, and I see that there’s a solid perfume version of it as well as the edt and edp.

      I love Sylvaine Delacourte’s vanilla and musk perfume lines, both if which use a lot of powdery notes. Lilylang, Florentina, Dovana, and Smeraldo all have a lovely, feminine, powdery quality, but really any fragrance of the 10 (except maybe Helicriss) has a powdery aspect. It’s a French company, but I think they send samples all over the world.

      I have to say that I have found your long search for the perfect sensual powder perfume inspiring. I tracked down a bottle of Teint de Neige (quite rare in the US these days) because of your original post, and I have embraced my own love of powdery, feminine scents since then. I hope you have continued your quest and will let us all know if you come across any other beautiful fragrances. October 23, 2019 at 11:40pm Reply

  • Charlotte Barrow: Hi Kim, I like to lighten Shalimar EDP in summer by layering with Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche skinscent; the latter adds a lovely sheer freshness! June 27, 2019 at 2:03pm Reply

    • Charlotte Barrow: Oops, that was in response to earlier thread! June 27, 2019 at 2:04pm Reply

  • Magdalena: Hi everyone!

    Victoria, I came across your blog by accident and fell in love with your writing, especially about scents! I view perfume as a way to express myself and always wanted to find a signature fragrance but then discovered that I’d get bored with just one, and they’re so amazing. Build a “perfume wardrobe” seemed like a natural choice but I had no idea where to start… I’d like my scents to express my personality, my mood, play with my fondness of jasmine (absolutely adore it)… Perhaps you, or anyone else here can share any ideas ?

    When I think about a fragrance(s) that I’d like to wear, I see: complex but simple and honest in nature, curious and multi-layered, assertive and strong but delicate and sensitive at the same time, charming in a witty way, mysterious at first but warms up as develops, feminine, rich in flavor.
    I’m curious 🙂 to see if anyone has any ideas.

    So far I wore and loved Amor Amor (my first one many years ago), SL La fille de Berlin, Aqua di Parma Iris Nobile, Roberto Cavalli, The Merchant of Venice Essenza Venezia. I enjoy woody, oriental, floral, some gourmand. Not a huge fan of citrus, unless it’s combined with slightly sweet/fruity, soft scent.

    Thank you! June 27, 2019 at 6:34pm Reply

    • Sebastian: A new complex but accessible woody floriental with sweetness (the unavoidable vanilla note) that I have recently tried is Chameleon of the Zoologist line.

      Zoologist has a broad range of very interestingly themed and well-done fragrances, they sell sample sets, individual samples and have travel size bottles. If you’re going to start exploring contemporary (niche) perfumery with a view to collecting a wardrobe, this is a great place to start. (Klaas has recommended other starting points for exploration in another comment above.)

      A fun thing to play with is the fragrance wheel at https://fragrancesoftheworld.com/FragranceWheel. There is also a similarity search, which is a nice gimmick. June 28, 2019 at 10:29am Reply

    • Aurora: Also to build on your love for jasmine I recommend trying two classics Guerlain Samsara and perhaps Van Cleef & Arpels First and even Alien (that one scares me a little). Another jasmine very often recommended here is Serge Lutens A la Nuit and there is also Sarrasins.
      My favorite jasmine is Santa Maria Novella Gelsomino and have you smelled Acqua di Parma Gelsomino Nobile? Do you like gardenia? For summer I find Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage EDT (the EDP is different with a lot of tubereuse) with jasmine and gardenia is something I turn too often. June 28, 2019 at 3:15pm Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hello Magdalena!

      I second Sebastian’s suggestion on Zoologist perfumes. My favourites are Nightingale and Moth. Also, good are Bat and Civet (but these don’t really match your preferences).

      Songes (Goutal) is one of the loveliest jasmines (different effects depending on the weather/season). Another suggestion is Lalibela (Memo). Memo perfumes are hard to find, but it depends where you live. June 28, 2019 at 4:12pm Reply

  • Eileen: Hello everyone!

    This is my first ask so if I’m phrasing things strangely, I’m so sorry!

    I’m looking for a forest-y perfume? Like ancient forest, mossy trees, old magic, pagan ritual, Scottish highland kind of vibe. Some sort of dark fantasy forest if you will!

    I’d prefer it if the perfume stay pretty close to the skin and last all day if possible.

    Thank you for all your suggestions! June 28, 2019 at 12:06pm Reply

    • Zuzanna: Chypre Mousse Oriza le Grand. A green fairy tale, but it has a huge porjection. Very long lasting too. June 28, 2019 at 2:44pm Reply

      • Zuzanna: projection, sorry June 28, 2019 at 2:44pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Eileen: For pine forests, Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilee and Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles. Also Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Cipresso di Toscana for the smell of an Italian forest by the sea.
      I also second Zuzanna, Chypre Mousse is very original and interesting (although it’s polarizing). June 28, 2019 at 3:26pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: By what I’ve read, and I stress I do not know them as I live in Europe and don’t encounter many of these US perfumes:
      “Norne” by Slumberhouse;
      “Dryad” by Papillon Perfumery;
      “Fir” by Aftelier. June 29, 2019 at 6:45am Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: Oh, and one I do know and like very much—how could I have forgotten it?
        “Encens Flamboyant” by Annick Goutal. Incense for the dark fantasy, and pine for the forest. June 29, 2019 at 6:53am Reply

    • Klaas Backx: Hello Eileen, may I chip in?

      Pine forest+old magic+pagan ritual+close to skin+long lasting=ORM by Swedish indie house NOT perfumes. I’ve recommended their fragrances here before, they are very interesting. She tries to dodge IFRA regulations by stating that her scents should not be worn on skin. I do, and they are very nice.

      ORM starts out quite cool, piney, minty, with a touch of spiced honey in its shadow, and then dries down into something I would describe as a Scandinavian oriental. Warm woods, amber, and some leather. A few drops will do the trick…They have a sample set for purchase on their website. June 29, 2019 at 7:24am Reply

    • Aurora: Also, only if you don’t mind fig in perfume, l’Artisan Parfumeur Caligna is fig and pine needles and jasmine, I enjoy it in summer, it’s very unique. June 30, 2019 at 6:39am Reply

    • spe: Ormonde Jayne Woman comes to mind. June 30, 2019 at 4:48pm Reply

  • Gisele: Thank you Aurora! I already have these, I love the smell of dust, clean. I’m looking for one that is more boudoir. I like to teint, but it may be the kid version of what I’m looking for. Hugs my dear June 28, 2019 at 4:26pm Reply

    • Aurora: Dear Gisele, you’re very welcome and I’m sorry I couldn’t come up with something you don’t have already. Well, there is a perfume called Boudoir by Vivienne Westwood which is powdery with carnation, so you might want to try it maybe. I also read that the l’Erbolario line of soaps (the soap is supposed to be very good), lotion and perfume called Iris is like Teint de Neige, it’s a very affordable line. June 30, 2019 at 6:44am Reply

      • Gisele: Hi Aurora, thank you! I really like scents, especially sexy powder. I have many things. Boudoir by Vivienne Westwood I used it when I was 16, 18 years old. Today no more. L’Erbolario, I bought in NY, it seems the teint, to go to the gym workout is cool. I realize that many blogs do not recommend incredible perfumes. Just the ordinary. I’m lazy with the ordinary, I want to talk to amazing people about amazing things.
        Hugs
        bye Bye June 30, 2019 at 12:25pm Reply

  • OnWingsofSaffron: Hi, I wanted to ask: is there a new trend out there? Fruit perfumes? Victoria wrote an interesting post on cherry flavours, mentioning Tom Ford‘s cherry-tobacco perfume. Now I see there is a pineapple-lavender scent from Frédéric Malle, and a banana-jasmine scent from L‘Artisan Parfumeur. I must confess I am intrigued by these tuttifrutti. Would you consider wesring them? June 30, 2019 at 2:46pm Reply

    • Klaas: Hello OnWings, hmmmm, interesting question, and you might be right about your fruit trend…I must admit I didn’t smell Music for a While or Bana Banana, though they do not sound that appealing to me, as I am not a fan of fruity perfumes in general. Creed Aventus, on me, smells like artificial flavouring, which is the case in many fruity smells I’ve encoutered. Remember all the melon that was all the rage in the 90’s? Or the fruity shower gels and body butters from the Body Shop?

      Though sometimes a touch of fruit can be used to great effect, like the raspberry in Rose Ikebana, the peach in Mitsouko, the salty mango in Un Jardin sur le Nil, or the rich plum accord in Guerlain Parure….or even be the star of the show, like in Azemour les Oranges. Fig scents have also been popular for a while. In the end I guess it’s all in the blending….there will always be good and bad fruit 😋 June 30, 2019 at 4:51pm Reply

      • OnWingsofSaffron: Hello Klass, you made me smile: good and bad fruit. In German fruit is „Frucht“ and the diminuitive is „Früchtchen“, meaning a naughty person 😃
        I was once very lucky on ebay and bought an enormous Parure extrait in that over-the-top flacon. The top notes may be a little diminished but after a few minutes this is French haute bourgeoisie grande opéra gala. I can only wear it if I go to the gym or in some way camp or self-deprecating manner! July 1, 2019 at 2:13am Reply

        • Klaas: Hahaha, the cap on that bottle is over the top indeed! And so is the juice 😉
          I am debating a purchase of a vintage Vol-de-Nuit myself. It is from a Russian seller, so I am a bit hesitant….they seem to have a lot of great stuff (vintage Guerlains, Chanels and Diors, some Lancome as well), so I just migth take the plunge. What are your experiences whith buying vintage? July 1, 2019 at 11:42am Reply

          • OnWingsofSaffron: Truth be told: my experience with vintages are overall excellent. Once only a Chanel which had a very pronounced mildew smell, like an old cellar in a bad way, and a Mitsouko which was just complete vinegar. Otherwise more or less fine. The Carons seem to keep forever, and the Guerlains too. I have no scruple with vintages: in my opinion, the different postal systems in the EU are less reliable than any vintage scent. July 1, 2019 at 1:04pm Reply

            • Klaas: Hahahaha, yes, the post! Thank you for your feedback, I’ve never bought any vintage scent, but now I’m really tempted. And I’ve got a birthday coming up….. July 2, 2019 at 2:57am Reply

  • Jo: Has anyone tried Carat by Cartier? Is it any good? June 30, 2019 at 3:04pm Reply

    • AnnieA: I sniffed it and…it was okay. Nice enough compared to a lot of department store items, but it didn’t seem terribly original. July 9, 2019 at 6:09pm Reply

  • Joanna Scott: Hello all,

    I happened upon this website yesterday & have since been compelled to read the perfume reviews. (So beautifully evocative, thank you.) I ran out this morning and purchased some more of a favorite, Lancome’s La Vie est Belle, that I wear so much, I almost no longer smell it on me and took a chance on Hermes Jour d’Hermes.

    What I’m really looking for is a scent that is elegant & refined, that smells subtly spicy, slightly masculine and mellows over time. I keep thinking of one of my friend’s mothers from the 80’s who was confident, beautifully dressed all the time and somehow smelt internationally charming. Sadly she is long gone and my friend cannot remember what she wore. I would be so grateful for recommendations or suggestions.

    Thank you. June 30, 2019 at 3:54pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Hello Joanna, a subtely spicy, slightly masculine perfume from the 80‘s: chances are that the perfume you‘re looking for may still be in production but will probably smell nothing like it used to. That‘s due to ghastly EU regulations which defang all of the old classics; due to the thinning and cheapening of the scents by the producers; due to the fact that perfumes are getting ever sweeter etc.
      I‘d go to a perfume shop specializing in a wide range of non- mass market scents (i.e. a place that doesn‘t sell the Lancôme you mentioned) 😉 and sniff yourself through some wonderful niche perfumes. Subtle & spicey may be the Hermès scents like Poivre Samarcand or others, perhaps the L‘Artisan Parfumeur range, or many others.
      Good luck!
      BTW, I knew a wonderful person called Joanna Scott in upstate Rochester at the end of the 80‘s 😃 July 1, 2019 at 1:49am Reply

      • Joanna Scott: Thank you OWOS.
        I shall go to an Hermes and start smelling. Your recommendation of finding a perfume shop has scent (Ha!) me down a rabbit hole. I didn’t realize such things existed. I’ve only every purchased from duty free or department stores. What a lovely world is opening up.
        I am glad you knew a wonderful J. Scott, but it wasn’t me. I was in England or Europe at that time, but how interesting. I also Knew a Joanna Scott when we both lived in Taipei! There must be masses of us. July 1, 2019 at 10:04am Reply

        • OnWingsofSaffron: 😆 splendid & best luck! Remember it‘s a pricey rabbit hole, so do think in terms of used bottles ebay! 5 years from here you‘ll be wandering what to do with all those full bottles wich will serve you till the sun explodes… July 1, 2019 at 11:12am Reply

          • Joanna Scott: Does perfume ever expire OWOS? I noticed people talking about Christian Dior’s poison, original version being sold on ebay and wondered what it would smell like 25ish years old.

            Thank you very much for the ebay tip. July 1, 2019 at 1:33pm Reply

            • OnWingsofSaffron: Probably beyond delicious compared with today’s version. To make a VERY long story short: yes, if not handled carefully (too much light and heat exposure) perfumes can and do go “off”. If they are kept dark and cool, they can go and do go on for ever, especially old French perfumes. But—big but!—it can be a hit and miss situation, so do not invest too much. July 1, 2019 at 3:19pm Reply

            • kpaint: As the owner of many vintage bottles – all purchased on ebay (including the original version of Poison, which is well over 30 years old and smells divine) I’ll 2nd everything OWOS said.

              You may also find that the top notes have degraded so sometimes the opening won’t smell the same, but the body will be intact.

              Used vintage perfume struck me as the oddest idea when I first read about it. But I also love having bottles that other women have worn and think about the backstory and history of previous owners. July 1, 2019 at 3:49pm Reply

              • Joanna Scott: Thank you for the all the advice. Yes, perfume is very magical, isn’t it? I often find myself transported right back to childhood when I come across a familiar scent, and now I shall think of the other wearers of a vintage bottle. Thank you Kpaint. July 3, 2019 at 10:53am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Joanna: I second on Wings’s recommendation of Hermes, specifically I draw your attention to Voyage which is subtly spicy (cardamom in particular) and wears so well in the heat and also heat/humidity; it is unisex, there is the EDT and the parfum version which lasts very well, try both (I own both) and the bottles are great to look at and use. Another idea is to check out Kenzo l’Eau, the original, it is peppery/minty (2 sorts of pepper in it) subtle but lasts well. I remain very fond of it.
      Also the quite strange but interestin Hermes Un Jardin apres la Mousson, spicy, wears so well in dry heat but not humid heat I found. It is aquatic with a melon note, so only if you don’t mind it. July 2, 2019 at 4:36am Reply

      • Joanna: Thank you Aurora, I’ll definitely explore the Hermes & Kenzo suggestions. And it’s interesting that you mentioned how dry heat/humidity can change the scent. I experienced that for the first time yesterday; I was wearing my Jour d’Hermes in the depths of the hot & humid subway station, wondering if I really liked how it smelt on me when along came an air conditioned train. As I got on I was curious as to who was smelling so good. (It was me!) The cold air completely changed my perfume.
        Thank you again for taking the time to offer some suggestions. July 3, 2019 at 11:17am Reply

What do you think?

Latest Comments

Latest Tweets

Design by cre8d
© Copyright 2005-2024 Bois de Jasmin. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy