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
238 Comments
Francesca: Hello,
First, thank you so much to anyone who reads and answers this. I massively appreciate the time and thought.
Second, I apologise because this has accidentally turned into War and Peace. This is probably far too much information. I am really sorry.
I am looking for a signature scent. My history is with classic chypres but they are mostly discontinued or reformulated beyond recognition. Over the years, my most-loved scents have been Miss Dior (some versions), Matchabelli’s Cachet and Fendi, which was my signature scent for a decade.
I’ve tried lots of modern versions, but never really settled – either they don’t love me and rapidly disappear, or they just don’t land and are a pale copy or wrong. Miss Dior Originale is the nearest I’ve come, but I don’t love the top notes (though I can wait these out) and although I like the drydown, it’s faint. Nearly every time I find a description of a scent and think “I’ll love this”, it turns out to be discontinued. I do want something that is not going to be discontinued or about to be.
I would still most of all love something that truly evokes this ethos, and am absolutely not closed to the possibility. I feel like I’ve looked to the ends of the earth for a vintage style chypre that is the right fit and not discontinued, but I might have missed important stuff.
There are lots of scents that are “not quite right”. Guerlain scents never quite work for me, although they can come close. I like powdery scents, but these tend to be too much so on me. The really sultry ones – Tabac Blonde, Knize Ten – are too one-note for me. I often love them but I need something a bit more flexible. And I don’t find them beautiful; the person I’m wearing this for is me, and I want to gasp with pleasure when I smell it. At the other end of the spectrum, there are some that are too green. Calandre and Chanel no. 19 are too sharp – I want something more sultry and sexy than that. Similarly I do like Cristalle a lot, but it’s a bit too narrow and fresh to be a signature scent. Sortilege is beautiful but disappears on me and, again, it’s a little too high and crisp.
All that said, after several years of failure, I am wondering whether I’m wrong to be trying to recapture something that does not exist, and whether I’d be better to look for a complex floral. I do often love the scent of florals, but they often don’t stay on me. I do find great beauty in them, though.
Florals I have loved, in my time: Floris Florissa, the first scent I ever owned. I still have some of the bath essence and it truly does nearly make me cry to inhale it, because it is so beautiful. The remade Florissa Encore is nothing like it. Elizabeth Arden Eau Fraiche, which is discontinued and doesn’t stay on me long, but passes the beauty test with flying colours. Floris Stephanotis – again it’s slightly too one-note to be the forever choice but it is beautiful and sophisticated for a one-note floral and I love it to pieces. I do have the EDP (reissued in the back room, like Florissa Encore) but I sometimes use the bath essence as a scent instead of the scent, because it’s somehow more complex.
Ingredients I love and can be drawn to (probably not a complete list): Lily of the valley. (I love Diorissimo but it smells like tyre rubber on me, and then disappears really quickly). Violets but they all disappear instantly on me. Jasmine. Hyacinth. Lilac. Magnolia
What I absolutely can’t get on with: Tuberose in any form. Fig. Oud. Amber. Anything with cumin. Anything fruity. Almost anything that feels modern. I’m sorry, that makes me sound a snob and also about 158 years old, but the ethos of almost everything now produced is just not me. I can’t think of any exceptions. Anything called “modern chypre” is not a chypre and it’s universally been horrid for me.
One final thing is that I need to be able to get it in the UK.
I am truly grateful for any thoughts and responses. I will report back. Thank you very much indeed and sending all best. February 24, 2020 at 10:07am
Karen A: I’ve mentioned it several times recently, but Zoologist Civet is worth checking out. It is potent, so a little dab will suffice when trying it. I know you wrote that Guerlains don’t work for you, but have you tried Chamade in extrait form? February 24, 2020 at 5:01pm
Francesca: Thank you so much Karen. I think I can get Zoologist in the UK and will take a look, and also will investigate the Chamade. Really appreciate your taking the time and thought to answer. February 25, 2020 at 2:17am
Karen A: You are so welcome! It’s challenging when you know the feel of what you’re looking for. Sometimes it’s like that intangible element that evokes a sensation you want to capture – a picture in your mind or a time. Have fun trying out goodies and keep us posted! February 25, 2020 at 9:43am
Heidi C: Bogue’s MAAI and Papillon’s Salomé are contemporary, but smell like old-school dirty chypres, comparable to my 1960s vintage Miss Dior. Deliciously filthy. February 24, 2020 at 5:41pm
Francesca: Thank you. Very grateful indeed. Salome in particular sounds wonderful. February 25, 2020 at 1:40pm
Danica: I agree with Bogue’s MAAI. Also the Anatole LeBreton fragrances (which you can buy in a sample pack) have some modern versions of the dirty chypres. I think you are looking for an aldehydic chypre. You may want to get a sample pack of Manuel Cross’ work his Chypre Siam is excellent but he has a lot of great perfumes. February 25, 2020 at 7:38pm
Figuier: Seconding the Anatole Lebretons. Of those, my favourite is Eau Scandaleuse, which is like Bandit shifted further into floral territory; but since it has tuberose it’s probably not the one you should start with. February 26, 2020 at 7:00am
Figuier: Also, from Papillon, Dryad is a very classical (green) chypre to my nose, with plenty of depth. February 26, 2020 at 7:58am
Figuier: And I too *loved* the old Miss Dior February 26, 2020 at 7:59am
Francesca: Thank you – this sounds really attractive and I am visiting Papillon anyway for Salome. February 27, 2020 at 10:04am
Aurora: Hello Francesca: I am in the UK too, waving.
Houbigant Essence Rare might be worth sampling. It came out at the end of 2018, so not likely to be discontinued soon, to my nose it is a timeless floral (lily of the valley).
I too wanted Florissa, I would recommend you checked eBay for your favorite discontinued perfumes. I acquired two you list, Florissa and Stephanotis (I agree that one is amazing), they smell great and weren’t expensive when I got them three or four years ago. Save searches in eBay for them and you’ll be notified when they get listed. Go for a bottle in its box and a 100% rated seller. Good luck! February 24, 2020 at 6:35pm
Francesca: Thank you so much Aurora. I do have some of both Florissa and Stephanotis, though I hoard them a bit. I think there’s something psychological about thinking that your source will eventually come to an end.
Stephanotis is still available if you go into the back room in the Floris store and ask nicely – and in the EDP rather than EDT, which is longer lasting. I do have a bottle and it is wonderful, albeit really not cheap.
I will look for Essence Rare – it sounds lovely and can be bought at Liberty. Thank you. February 25, 2020 at 2:18am
Aurora: You’re welcome Francesca and thank you very much for the info about Stephanotis being available in the back room of Floris 🙂
You received lots of good replies, Amouage is definitely worth exploring but the Jubilation 25 loved by many has cumin, I have problems with cumin too and Papillon Salome I think, but maybe you will like them in spite of the cumin and both houses have other scents you might like. Miller Harris has some scents I love too: the musky, interesting l’Air de Rien, perhaps a bit challenging but also Fleur Oriental which has an old school vibe with its carnation and Tea Tonique for summer. I could send you samples if you’re interested, let me know here and Victoria will help us get each other’s email addresses. February 26, 2020 at 12:58pm
Francesca: Amazingly, I got the notification for this as I was looking on the Miller Harris website, which made me smile! Fleur Oriental doesn’t seem to be made any more, but the ones that grabbed my attention were l’Air de Rien as you say, plus Peau Santal, Leather Rouge, Etui Noir. There’s actually a shop very near where I live and I’m going to try and go tomorrow. Will report back. Thank you so much – this is wonderful. February 27, 2020 at 3:00am
Francesca: Hello Aurora, really hope you are doing well. I am wondering if there’s any chance that you know where I might be able to find Essence Rare in London? I haven’t so far been able to find a source and am very interested indeed in trying this one if I can. Please don’t go to any trouble. Thanks so much, Francesca March 1, 2020 at 3:12pm
Aurora: Hello Francesca: Thank you I’m well, the sun is shining today and spring seems near, hope you’re very well and not too daunted by the search for your perfect scent.
I have googled Essence Rare and read it was an exclusive to Fortnum & Mason. But I don’t see it listed on their website, under Houbigant there are only Quelques Fleurs l’Original and Jardin Anglais… perhaps phoning them would provide the answer. I didn’t know it would turn out to be such a unicorn of a perfume 🙂 March 2, 2020 at 11:15am
Aurora: Hello Francesca: my answer seems to have disappeared at the moment, probably a glitch. I hope you’re very well, I felt so happy with the lovely, sunny day, spring seems very near.
I googled Essence Rare and read that it is a Fortnum & Mason exclusive in London but on their website Only Quelques Fleurs l’Original and Jardin Anglais are listed, still maybe worth a phone call or email to find out.
I didn’t expect ER to be such a unicorn 🙂 March 2, 2020 at 12:28pm
Francesca: Oh well, I am very happy to go to Fortnum & Mason’s second floor even if they turn out not to have it! Thank you. March 2, 2020 at 4:14pm
Aurora: I’ve never visited although I’ve passed it many times. Fingers crossed for you you can try Essence Rare there. March 2, 2020 at 5:56pm
Francesca: Oh you must go! It is a perfume lover’s dream. March 3, 2020 at 1:48am
Aurora: Thank you Francesca, I will.
Let me know here if you were able to try ER and your thoughts. If F&M doesn’t have it I’ll be happy to make and send you a sample from my bottle (it’s a huge 100ml). March 3, 2020 at 4:40pm
Nina Zolotow: I’m going to think more about this, but I wonder if you have ever tried Chanel 31 Rue Cambon? It is a modern chypre, but it is so elegant and well done. February 24, 2020 at 7:21pm
Francesca: Hello Nina, hope you are doing well and thanks so much for replying. I have tried this in the past and seem to remember it did not love me, but I will try again. It is a great thought as it gets lots of positive namechecks here. February 25, 2020 at 2:19am
Aurora: I meant to add that my Florissa and Stephanotis are vintage originals not reissues, and they have kept very well. February 24, 2020 at 7:42pm
spe: Well, this is difficult. Perhaps you’re missing the plushness and subtlety of older formulations. I definitely do. Here are a couple of ideas: Odalisque by Parfums Nicolai. Amouage Gold- you might really like this. Most perfumes smell thin and synthetic these days. Also sweet or fruity. Very frustrating. Also give La Panthere (Cartier) a try, if you haven’t already. February 24, 2020 at 10:00pm
spe: Forgot Tiare by Ormonde Jayne and Divine by Divine. February 25, 2020 at 1:15am
Zuzanna: Alert! Divine was reformulated. It’s my personal tragedy. February 25, 2020 at 7:05am
spe: Oh, no! I’m so sorry about that. I’m pouting about Amouage Dia – it’s been gutted. Here I was smugly thinking Amouage wouldn’t buckle to reformulation. February 26, 2020 at 5:29pm
Francesca: Hello spe, thank you so much for replying. I will check out both the first two, which are both available here, and really appreciate the recommendation. Sadly LP did not love me, which is a great shame because I love it for the name alone! I will also look at Tiare and Divine. Thank you so much. February 25, 2020 at 2:20am
Nina: I second trying Amouage. Their fragrances are rich and complex, more like vintage. I thought you might like Ubar, which is a lily of the valley scent with sandalwood, so it is softer and richer than other lily of the valley scents. But Amouage has a lot of different perfumes so you might want to explore this line. I love Fate Woman these days. These are grand scents and seem signature scent worthy. February 24, 2020 at 10:23pm
Francesca: Thanks so much Nina. This is a great recommendation and I will look at the line. February 25, 2020 at 2:21am
Ninon: FWIW, Jubilation XXV is beloved by many February 25, 2020 at 8:53pm
Francesca: Thank you! February 26, 2020 at 1:18am
Lydia: Francesca,
I sympathize so much with your frustration. Too many modern perfumes smell thinner and cheaper to me than cheap drugstore and designer-dupe perfumes used to smell pre-21st century. Whenever I come across a well-preserved vintage sample, I am amazed to realize again what beautiful complexity used to be easily (and often affordably) available.
That depressing thought aside, I have found a few beautiful vintage-character new perfumes in the last few years. I don’t think they’re especially fruity, and I don’t see tuberose listed in the notes. Both perfumers offer samples (which I definitely recommend trying). As far as I can tell they do ship to the UK, although the shipping costs aren’t cheap.
– Une Robe de Zibeline by DSH Perfumes (a spicy animalic floriental)
– Verte Pour Madame by DSH Perfumes (a green floral chypre)
– Chypre-Siam by Rogue Perfumery (a vintage-style chypre)
All three smell unapologetically vintage in a grandmother’s dressing table way, which is what I love about them. (My grandmothers both had great taste in perfume.)
I hope you find something beautiful that you love. February 24, 2020 at 11:44pm
Lydia: PS Apologies – I just compared them again to our preferences and Robe de Zibeline does have amber.
Verte Pour Madame has benzoin, but no vanilla, so hopefully it wouldn’t trigger your amber aversion. February 25, 2020 at 12:11am
Lydia: “Your”, not “our.” February 25, 2020 at 12:12am
Lydia: OK, 3 corrections in a row is a record for me.
I meant that Chypre-Siam has benzoin. February 25, 2020 at 12:16am
Francesca: Hah! Thanks so much. I think a little amber as part of a more complex blend is fine. It’s just when it dominates. Really appreciate all this thought and the comments – will investigate. February 25, 2020 at 2:22am
Danaki: Hello there,
For old-school chypres, I would recommend you try Bogue Maai and Papillon perfumery Salome. Are you familiar with the perfumes of Vero Kern. She passed away sadly and I’m not sure her perfumes are still in production but you should try Naja if you can. Good luck! February 25, 2020 at 5:18am
Francesca: Thank you! Will investigate both. Salome sounds particularly lovely. Really appreciate your taking the time to comment. February 25, 2020 at 1:37pm
Jodee: I second these recommendations! Love, love, love Vero Kern’s perfumes. I just checked and they are no longer at Luckyscent. February 25, 2020 at 1:39pm
Francesca: Thank you so much. February 27, 2020 at 10:03am
JillS: Francesca, I wear Boucheron.
“Created in 1988 by perfumers francis deleamont and jean-pierre bethouart, boucheron commemorates the luxury jewelry emporium in paris’ place vendome. For the woman who wants to make a statement, boucheron is an opulent spicy floral perfume. Notes include pelargonium, ylang-ylang, tuberose, daffodil, orange blossom from morocco and jasmin, civet, benzoin, woody notes, tonka bean, indian vanilla, oakmoss, ambergris and musk. The flacon was designed to recreate the house of boucheron’s signature jeweled ring.“ February 25, 2020 at 9:52am
Francesca: This sounds wonderful (including the bottle). I will definitely take a look. Thanks so much. February 25, 2020 at 1:38pm
Nina Zolotow: Another idea is to start collecting vintage perfumes. This is not as hard as some people make it sound. I have many myself and I live out in California. I’m sure there is a ton in England languishing about unloved. Tell your friends what you’re looking for in case they have some or their relatives do. Go into non-chain perfume shops and see if they have any old stock or testers they don’t want. Swap with other perfume lovers in your area. Just have fun with it and you may end up with some treasures. February 25, 2020 at 1:19pm
Francesca: Thank you! This is a fascinating idea. February 25, 2020 at 1:38pm
Nina Zolotow: Since you’re interested, a few more hints:
1. I literally emailed various old friends and told them I was looking for “old lady” perfume. People often don’t realize that one person’s old bottles of perfume is another person’s treasure.
2. Accept any vintage perfume you are offered because even if you don’t love that particular one you can use it for swapping.
3. There are many perfume groups on Facebook where people sell, split, and swap perfumes.
4. Check out “jumble sales” in your area.
Happy hunting! February 25, 2020 at 7:56pm
Francesca: Accidentally posted email address instead of thanking you, which was actually what I intended, sorry.
Victoria – if there is any possibility that my email address could be deleted then I’d be very grateful indeed. I myself don’t seem to be able to do so. February 27, 2020 at 2:57am
Victoria: No worries! Done! February 27, 2020 at 8:10am
Francesca: Thanks so much. February 27, 2020 at 10:02am
OnWingsofSaffron: Absolutely! Go on ebay. There are tons of vintage perfumes there. But beware: it is addictive! February 27, 2020 at 12:09pm
Francesca: Thank you! February 27, 2020 at 5:54pm
Joy Erickson: I agree with Nina, below, Chanel 31 Rue Cambon is truly reminiscent of older Chypres. In fact I find that several of the Chanel Exclusifs remind me of the Chypres of the past. However, they are quite expensive. They do sell two sizes of the bottles from their website. The smaller bottle is enough to last quite a while as they are powerful with a lot of sillage. I lament the loss of those stunning perfumes, but know it was for good reason. Some of the ingredients were from endangered species. I believe you can buy generous samples from Chanel online also. February 25, 2020 at 6:01pm
Francesca: Thank you! February 26, 2020 at 1:19am
Neva: Hello Francesca, I can totally feel your pain. I love the Chypre genre but there are very few perfumes nowadays that come even close. I mostly miss the depth, like a third dimension that’s gone…
You can go on a hunt for vintage perfumes on ebay but keep in mind that some of the perfumes have changed a lot in the meantime. I sometimes ended up really disappointed and mad because the cost is always high.
Modern perfumers that use natural ingredients and don’t care for IFRA rules are becoming rare and their perfumes are also rather expensive.
I’ll name just a few perfumes that IMO come close to that vintage feeling of perfume: Puredistance Warszawa, The Different Company Sublime Balkiss, Bottega Veneta, Parfums de Nicolai Weekend. You can also check out two US indie houses that have amazing perfumes: Charenton Macerations (especially their Christopher Street) and Bruno Fazzolari (especially Au Dela Narcisse). I am also a huge fan of eighties chypres and I own all of the above mentioned perfumes. I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for and please report back. Good luck! February 26, 2020 at 5:53am
Francesca: Thanks so much Neva. I will definitely report back and massively appreciate the time and trouble that people are taking. Some wonderful suggestions. February 26, 2020 at 6:58am
Monika: Hi Francesca, I love it that you wrote your War and Peace of perfume! Your passion and discernment are obvious 🙂 I don’t think I can recommend a suitable chypre (although I love Cristalle, it’s my scent every day at the moment); but you mentioned violets…so for violets, and green, rich but not at all sharp, you might try Eat More Flowers by 4160 Tuesdays. Entrancing, and not sweet. 4160 is a brilliant indie house based here in London, so you can definitely get it in the UK (and, psst, they are having a sale at the moment, you can get selected scents in dinky little 15ml bottles for £20; I love them!). Good luck x February 26, 2020 at 7:15am
Francesca: What a wonderful comment. Thanks so much. I will really try to see if I can track this down. Thank you thank you. February 26, 2020 at 7:16am
AnnieA: Time to look for retro-style perfume houses, such as Dusita. You could also try something like ELO’s Rien. February 26, 2020 at 8:57pm
Francesca: Thank you Annie. February 27, 2020 at 2:55am
OnWingsofSaffron: You miggt want to reference this book: „Perfume: In Search of Your Signature Scent“ by Neil Chapman (Hardie Grant: 2019). Excellent reading indeed! February 27, 2020 at 12:03pm
Francesca: Thank you! February 27, 2020 at 12:05pm
Silvermoon: Hi Francesca,
Yes the Zoologist perfumes are available in the UK from Bloom perfumery in London (they also sell/send small samples). So, you can try Civet. If you like violets, it is worth trying another one from the house called Nightingale (I have it and enjoy wearing it).
For Lilac, I would suggest En Passant (Fredric Malle), and FM also has a magnolia (I don’t like it much, but many do). Miller Harris, another excellent British house, is also worth checking out. Grand Amour, another floral, from Annick Goutal is also very beautiful. I would second Maai- I loved it first time I smelled it. It is a rather old fashioned (in a good way) perfume, and from your comments might be worth trying. February 27, 2020 at 2:01pm
Francesca: I work literally round the corner from Bloom! They have Maai as well.
I rather like the FM Magnolia but it dies on me really quickly – will look at En Passant, thank you. Grand Amour is also on my list as is L’Heure Exquise.
Do you have a view on which Miller Harris to look at?
And thanks so much for taking the time to write this! It is a great comment and much appreciated. February 27, 2020 at 5:34pm
Silvermoon: You probably know that there is a Miller Harris in Covent Garden. I love two of them (Fleurs de Sel and Bois d’Iris, but they are discontinued). I would suggest (also really like them): Rose Silence, Violet Ida (iris and violet; tested this a few times and am considering getting it), Lumiere Dorée, Le Jasmine, and Sublime Blossom (Victoria highly recommended it).
Hope you enjoy trying these and all the other suggestions. Do let us know once you decide (although it will probably take some time). February 27, 2020 at 5:52pm
Francesca: Thank you! Yes I shall report back of course. Am compiling a list and making plans for when I can try them.
I have tried a couple of these and they didn’t work on me sadly: Violet Ida and Sublime Blossom. The other three are all on my list to try tomorrow. (I actually did not know there was one in Covent Garden, but there is also one in Coal Drops Yard where I’ll be tomorrow.) February 27, 2020 at 5:56pm
Silvermoon: If you visit the CG one, there is also the Atelier Cologne shop in the old market building. Might be worth looking in, but not sure whether you will like their style. February 27, 2020 at 6:07pm
Francesca: Thank you! Will take a look. (You’ve made me realise that I do know where the MH store is after all.) February 27, 2020 at 6:09pm
Rakasa: Given your soft floral faves, you may well enjoy The Musc by Calice Becker 2019 for Essential Parfums. It’s a truly modern, ethereal, soft floral of surprising structure and longevity. Never linear, its abstract lyrical floral heart follows an unusually captivating airy opening of Red Ginger entwined with a herbal fraction of Spike Lavender. Throughout, the interwoven facets are wreathed in the most uplifting set of latticed musks I’ve ever encountered. Fine Australian santalum album anchors all the chords. This soft floral is an extraordinarily well-crafted triumph for Becker, one truly likely to stand the test of time. For me, The Musc reads as the perfect marriage of Jean Claude Ellena’s etheral impressionistic style and Becker’s expressionistic approach to radiant complexity. Projection is also surprising. The Misc keeps me wanting to bury my nose in my wrists throughout the entire 8-10 hours that The Musc’s pavane lasts. Best of all, it keeps me smiling all day long. February 28, 2020 at 10:10pm
Francesca: That is a considerable reference! Thanks so much Rakasa. February 29, 2020 at 4:44pm
Cherrygookla: Have you tried soir de lune by Sisley? It’s a beautiful chepre…N March 2, 2020 at 2:35am
Francesca: I have and sadly it didn’t work, but thanks so much for the thought and for taking the time to post. March 2, 2020 at 5:00am
Celie: Hello! I asked for a green or powdery iris that might have some of the features of the (for me) too violently white-musky and chemical no 19 poudre. I have now found my perfect iris and wanted to report back. It was Iris Silver Mist! I feel like an idiot now, it should have been so obvious. It’s so rooty and lovely and cool (in all senses of the word), and just a little spicy. Like a beautiful goth lady eating vegan carrot cake. I’ve been wearing it a lot in January and February.
In case anyone is looking for a sinister, churchy myrrh, now that Messe de Minuit isn’t what it used to be, I recommend Gorilla Perfumes Icon. I left a cotton pad sprayed with this around, and when I came back a few hours later I wondered if there was mould in the house. It’s just that earthy and dark. Fabulous! February 24, 2020 at 10:19am
Aurora: Hello Celie: you make Icon very appealing 🙂 I will sample it. February 24, 2020 at 6:24pm
Lydia: “Like a beautiful goth lady eating vegan carrot cake.”
That’s marvelous! You have revealed a new facet of Silver Iris Mist’s character. February 24, 2020 at 11:50pm
Armando: Hi,
Can you recommend me a perfume similar to Serge Noir?
My mother bought it and it proved to be a traumatic experience for her (blind buy). She was so terrified and depressed after trying it that I bought it from her just so she didn’t feel as bad as she did for spending money on it. Truth is, it was vile on her.
When I tried it on myself, it was fantastic. On me it smells like a very spiced tea and cardamom cookies. Now, I want to try similar compositions, or maybe perfumes that are usually described as difficult to wear. That also sparks my curiosity. February 24, 2020 at 11:25am
Patricia Devine: Sorry to hear your mother disliked it – I love this fragrance. You should consider trying the Lutens brand in general but perhaps most especially Borneo 1834 (patchouli and chocolate); Arabie (lots of cumin); Douce Amer (aniseed); Fumerie Turque and Chêne. February 24, 2020 at 12:28pm
Danaki: I think you might also like Babteme de Feu by Serge Lutens too. It’s a spicy ginger fragrance. However on some wears, I feel an unsettling freshness so I would recommend you try a sample first. February 24, 2020 at 5:07pm
Heidi C: Maybe Frederic Malle’s Noir Epices? February 24, 2020 at 5:44pm
Nina Zolotow: I would just like to comment on why–maybe–this perfume smelled bad on her and wonderful on you. From my personal experience, what makes certain modern perfumes “difficult to wear” is just that they contain certain synthetic ingredients (which were not used in vintage perfumes) that go really bad on my skin. They just take over the rest of the fragrance! Friends who have tested perfumes with me have witnessed this and agreed with me. I’ve found that some lines, even quality ones, tend to do this on me while others do not. Serge Lutens is one I have trouble with, though there a few that smell really good on me, especially La Myrrhe, which i love. February 24, 2020 at 11:37am
Natalya Baranova: I am sampling Lignum Vitae by Beaufort, and again I am reminded how strikingly varied our sense of smell is. Luca Turin gives it 4 stars, but says it smells like a fruit crumble! Somebody on basenotes says it smells exactly like a cookie! To me, it smells like wood and ginger. No pies or cookies here, although does smell sweet. This brings me to my question. I like wood (not conifers) and ginger combination quite irresistible, however, it is too sweet for me. Is there anything resembling wood and ginger, with less sweetness? February 24, 2020 at 10:13pm
Trudy: I’m looking for a fantasy fragrance. I’d love something that is sparkly and uplifting. For some reason I am craving extravagance. I’m thinking…”lounging on a yacht or attending a gala in a villa along the French Riviera”! Haha! I’m looking for fresh, beautiful and luxurious….something that even smells expensive! Any suggestions? February 24, 2020 at 11:42am
KatieAnn: This all sounds delightful! Chanel immediately comes to mind. I am particularly fond of No. 22. It nicely fits your description. Acqua di Parma Magnolia Nobile is another good one. It’s fresh, radiant, and sunny. Good luck and enjoy your hunt! February 24, 2020 at 1:42pm
Trudy: thank you Ive ordered samples of both:) cant wait to try! February 25, 2020 at 7:24pm
Eudore: Chanel Cristalle! February 24, 2020 at 4:31pm
Trudy: Thank you for your suggestion. I love Chanel and will try a sample:) February 25, 2020 at 7:25pm
Trudy: Thank you I love Chanel and will try a sample of Cristalle February 25, 2020 at 8:23pm
Ninon: The MDCI line is worth checking out February 25, 2020 at 7:47pm
Trudy: Thank you for your suggestion. I was able to order a sample of MDCI Un Coeur en Mai from Lucky Scent. Cant wait to try. March 1, 2020 at 5:32pm
Klaas: When you hit the Chanel boutique, also try some Bel Respiro if you have a piece of skin left on your arm. It is Chanel at its best…..so polished, so chic, so perfect. It sparkles like a dew dropped summer morning!
It is also a bit thin for a eau de parfum, but a nice one to try if you look for sparkly and uplifing. February 29, 2020 at 4:09pm
Trudy: Thank you…I will absolutely give this a try. Sounds beautiful. Love the summer morning reference! March 1, 2020 at 5:34pm
Lydia: Hi Trudy,
Have you ever tried Berber Blond by Sana Jardin? It’s orange blossom, neroli, and musk and smells both lush and sparkling. March 1, 2020 at 4:20pm
Trudy: This sounds enchanting. I am going to track this one down! Thank you. March 1, 2020 at 5:39pm
Abigail Hortencia: I love jasmin roses combine wood recommend me two perfume price range not above $500,- now I have edp chanel no5,virgin island water from creed white love creed February 24, 2020 at 12:11pm
Shirley Picardi: What perfume is a lot like my favorite, now discontinued? Lancome Mille et une Roses. February 24, 2020 at 1:31pm
DaveStPaul: Hi Shirley.
One possibility is Stella McCartney.
Another is Estee Lauder Aerin Garden Rose.
A third possibility — since sometimes it’s impossible to match what your memory remembers — is Narciso Rodriguez EDP (the pink bottle). It has more to it than rose, but it was created by Christine Nagel, the same person who did Mille et une Roses, so it might have a similar “effect” on you.
Good luck. February 29, 2020 at 3:41pm
Shirley Picardi: Dave, Thank you so much! I will investigate your suggestions. This is the very first time I have ever posted a question on a blog, and I was thrilled to wake up this morning to your reply. Shirley March 1, 2020 at 8:46am
Anu: Thank you Victoria for providing this opportunity! I am back again with a request. You all have been so wonderful in the past about recommendations so here goes… Please suggest perfumes that are similar to now sadly discontinued Parfums Delrae Bois de Paradis. I am hoarding the last few drops in my decant and cannot bear that soon I will not be able to enjoy this beauty. February 24, 2020 at 1:42pm
Aurora: Hi Anu: On Fragrantica Sebastiane Black Magic is listed as similar to Bois de Paradis maybe you could sample it. February 24, 2020 at 6:21pm
Anu: Thank you! I will look it up. February 24, 2020 at 7:43pm
Roger: I would love to find a perfume based on cyclamen, but looking online it seems that not many people are familiar with the delicate-yet-potent smell of these little beauties, especially the woodland varieties like the ones growing in the Northern Italian hills where I’m from. Any ideas? February 24, 2020 at 3:08pm
Aurora: Hello Roger: I’m not familiar with the scent of cyclamen but the one perfume I have with this note is Clinique Wrappings. Also, since you are in Italy you might try I Profumi de Firenze I Fiori del Cielo which has cyclamen as a main note. February 24, 2020 at 6:15pm
Roger: Thanks Aurora. Fiori del Cielo has been on my radar but I live in London and they don’t offer samples without purchases so I’ll have to try and get my nose on it somehow. I will check the Clinique out. It’s a very specific scent, like lily of the valley but less green, sweeter and dewy. Heavenly 🙂 February 25, 2020 at 2:21am
limegreen: I love Diptyque Eau Lierre which has cyclamen but it’s complemented with ivy. Worth a test! February 24, 2020 at 11:01pm
Roger: Thanks, will have a sniff next time I’m at a Diptyque counter 🙂 February 25, 2020 at 2:22am
limegreen: You have also the Diptyque boutiques in London, one in Covent Garden I think.
Eau de Lierre may be one of those are only in the boutiques. February 25, 2020 at 11:10am
wendy: Hello, I love ethereal smells, summer sun, skin scents with minimal silage. Linden, jasmine, neroli, tuberose, gardenia, mimosa are all smells that I adore. No powder or too sweet (ie no gourmand). I’m a casual person, jeans and sundresses. I’m more into skin care than makeup. My current loves are Stella by Tocca, Fleur de Portofino by Tom Ford and Jasmin du Pays by Perris Monte Carlo. I used to LOVE Eau du Ciel by Goutal when I was 20 and I haven’t smelled it in years as it was discontinued so I’m not sure if I would still like it. As a child I loved Tatiana. Thank you for reading and your comments. I love this blog so much. February 24, 2020 at 4:13pm
Aurora: Hello Wendy: Also perhaps you might like l’Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse aux Papillons, it’s a light linden (lime blossom) tuberose and orange blossom scent or Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Gardenia Petale (jasmine and gardenia) or even as you are already familiar with Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage, do try the EDT (jasmine and gardenia) and the EDP which has added tuberose and is headier, they are quite different, February 24, 2020 at 6:07pm
Aurora: I meant to add I like the EDT better because it’s more delicate. February 24, 2020 at 6:17pm
WENDY: Thanks so much, I will take a sniff! February 24, 2020 at 6:20pm
Lydia: Wendy, Have you tried L’Artisan’s Mimosa Pour Moi yet?
I found it to be a very sunny, happy take on mimosa, and not too heavy. February 24, 2020 at 11:57pm
Wendy: Thank you! I will sample it. ❤️ February 25, 2020 at 12:05am
Ninon: Try California Reverie February 25, 2020 at 7:44pm
Wendy: I smelled that once and seemed to prefer the top notes to the dry down. Will have to try again. TY. February 25, 2020 at 11:18pm
KatieAnn: Hi Wendy, have you tried L’Occitane’s fragrances? I love their Citrus Verbena and their class lemon verbena scent. They are not over-powering, and are bright and uplifting. Their Neroli Orchidee is also nice. Plus, they aren’t too pricey. February 25, 2020 at 10:56pm
Wendy: Thank you, I will take a sniff. ❤️ February 25, 2020 at 11:19pm
Hamamelis: I wholeheartedly recommend April Aromatics Unter den Linden or Liquid Dreams for Linden. There aren’t any better Lindens imho! Samples available as well as travel size. February 26, 2020 at 3:10pm
wendy: Thank you, that has been on my sample wish list for a long time! February 26, 2020 at 3:20pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Perhaps Gucci Mémoire d‘une odeur? Light and summery, low sillage yet distinctive scent due to the Roman chamomile. February 27, 2020 at 11:53am
Wendy: Sounds lovely!! February 27, 2020 at 12:47pm
Cybele: I think you would like Solo Loewe Ella February 27, 2020 at 8:39pm
catherine: I would recommend to try Lilac path by Aerin (Estee Lauder) – very subtle, wonderfully floral lilac skin scent. On me, who also loves Jasmine de Pays, it sits perfectly and I was mesmerised by it even as a scent for a bedtime. March 3, 2020 at 11:52am
wendy: Ohhh, thank you! I will sample this for certain. I love lilac. March 3, 2020 at 12:14pm
Eudore: Chanel Cristalle! February 24, 2020 at 4:28pm
Quinn: Rose 31 is absolutely beautiful and I’ll always have it. Is there anything else I should try? February 24, 2020 at 6:23pm
Aurora: Other rose and cumin perfumes I know of (I can’t wear cumin) that are good and you might like: Miller Harris Rose en Noir (this is a good line in general) and the budget friendly Yves Rocher Secrets d’Essences Rose Oud, it may have been recently discontinued but is still available at some discounters and on eBay. February 26, 2020 at 12:21pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Hiram Green‘s Lustre perhaps? February 27, 2020 at 11:47am
Anne: I love it too! Also somehow, sometimes, depending on my chemistry, it smells too much like a “curry house” on me. Still it is one of my favourite.
I used to really really enjoy Violet Blonde, by Tom Ford. I think it is discontinued but it also had that cumin note and I used to love it. Some people have access to some, so try it out if you can find it. February 29, 2020 at 10:43am
EB: Hi all. I’m looking for some help finding an elegant perfume with a sandalwood base. I don’t love vanilla, don’t mind light musk, love roses, jasmine, hyacinth. I usually tend toward florientals. Don’t want something overly sweet and powdery. I want something that has staying power. I have purchased many fragrances over the last 12 months but still have not found ‘the one’. Maybe I’m after something that doesn’t exist! February 24, 2020 at 6:54pm
Karen A: Gardens of India by Parle Moi de Parfum might work for you. It’s sandalwood, tuberose and Jasmine. It’s very elegant. I lived in it last spring and summer. February 25, 2020 at 4:40pm
EB: Thank you Karen very much. I will try to source this in Australia if I can. It sounds truly wonderful. If not – I am visiting France mid year so will try and find it then. Thanks again. February 25, 2020 at 5:15pm
Karen A: I absolutely loved it last summer – hopefully you can track it down! February 25, 2020 at 5:54pm
Morelle: Have you tried Santal Blanc by Lutens? Sandalwood , jasmine, rose, plus some iris, musk and cedar. For the first few years I had it I almost regretted buying a full bottle (hardly ever wore it), but now I am very glad I have that FB. Tastes change… March 1, 2020 at 4:24pm
EB: Thank you Morelle – another I will look into. Yes, funny how our tastes change over the years. I can use a fragrance for quite a while then not look at it for years, then pick it up again and wear it and enjoy once again. March 2, 2020 at 5:49pm
Natalya Baranova: I am sampling Lignum Vitae by Beaufort, and again I am reminded how strikingly varied our sense of smell is. Luca Turin gives it 4 stars, but says it smells like a fruit crumble! Somebody on basenotes says it smells exactly like a cookie! To me, it smells like wood and ginger. No pies or cookies here, although does smell sweet. This brings me to my question. I like wood (not conifers) and ginger combination quite irresistible, however, it is too sweet for me. Is there anything resembling wood and ginger, with less sweetness? February 24, 2020 at 10:16pm
Nina Zolotow: Maybe Five O’Clock Au Gingembre by Serge Lutens? It’s not sweet and has “woodsy” notes as well as ginger, but it has a lot of other things going on in it as well. February 25, 2020 at 1:27pm
Vio: Thanks! How is the performance? Because i know that oj hasn’t good longevity and sillage ! February 25, 2020 at 6:07pm
Vio: Sorry! I make a mistake! February 25, 2020 at 6:08pm
Sam: Hello all, I actually have a question about storing samples/perfumes.
I have some decants that I have kept for a while now and when I was reorganizing them I noticed some have evaporated. I know decants weren’t supposed to be kept for too long but there are some discontinued items that I am absolutely not ready to use up yet. So how should I safeguard decants/perfume bottles in order to maximize their lives, both in terms of quantity and quality? If they have already been discussed before elsewhere please direct me to them! Thanks! February 25, 2020 at 12:51am
Lydia: Hi Sam,
I realized the same thing a few months ago. It’s awful when you save up precious things and they disappear!
My current one is inconvenient and inelegant, but so far seems (crossed fingers) to be working. I put my samples in multiple ziplock plastic bags, two or three to each bunch.
I’m looking forward to hearing other people’s solutions to this problem. February 25, 2020 at 12:48pm
Sam: Thanks! That’s easy enough, am going to triple bag them from now on February 27, 2020 at 9:46am
Nina Zolotow: Yes, sadly decants then to evaporate. Plastic vials and bottles are the worst, but there are also problems with certain sprayer tops on glass bottles that vary from bottle maker to bottle maker. If you really want to safeguard something transfer it into in a glass vial that has a screw-on top, not a sprayer. February 25, 2020 at 1:30pm
Sam: Thanks! That’s very good advice. I will try to find some screw caps to replace the sprayer then. February 27, 2020 at 9:52am
Vio: I’m looking for a Scent similar to Arabie by lutens, with dates and spices. Thanks ! February 25, 2020 at 12:55am
OnWingsofSaffron: Perhaps Slowdive from Hiram Green (neroli, orange flower, tobacco blossom, tuberose, honey, dried fruit, resin)? February 25, 2020 at 1:48am
Vio: Thanks a lot! I have a sample! February 25, 2020 at 12:46pm
Nina Zolotow: I love Slowdive! Great suggestion. Another idea is Ormonde Jayne Taif, which is a rose scent that has dates and spices. February 25, 2020 at 1:31pm
Vio: Thanks! How is the performance? Because i know that oj hasn’t good longevity and sillage ! February 25, 2020 at 6:08pm
Nina Zolotow: I don’t have that problem with OJ, do you? Or did you just hear that? They actually tend to have a lot of sillage because of all that ambroxan that contain. Or at least that’s what I think it is. And my experience with wearing them is they tend to attract the most You Smell So Good comments. But we’re all different so I don’t know how you’ll experience this perfume. February 25, 2020 at 8:00pm
Neva: Hi Vio, have you tried Zoologist’s Camel? It’s all dates and spices. February 26, 2020 at 6:00am
Vio: Yes! I have Tried but Has not so much spices like arabie! February 26, 2020 at 4:52pm
Joy Erickson: I have fallen back upon on some of my old favorites due to a bit of burn-out from so many choices. I so enjoyed reading today’s questions and suggestions especially on the replacement for Chyres. I also enjoyed a recent discussion on green inspired scents, my favorite category.
Thank you for all of the suggestions today. February 25, 2020 at 6:11pm
Ninon: This is an odd request, but I’m seeking radiant perfumes for support, protection, and hope.
The last couple of years have required strength and courage. Along the way, I have depended on complex, shimmering scents like Givenchy III, Antonia, Opardu, Coromandel, Mohur, and Shangri-La to steady me and help create a sense of ‘sacred space’ amidst difficulty. I am not out of the woods yet and need to stay rooted while also being awake to possibility. Any suggestions for other scents to try? I prefer niche and vintage, and have not had much luck with super indie lines. I like soft, dark, round floral/wood/green chypres, but can also enjoy spare, poetic formulas like Sambac Cedre. I struggle with most fruit and culinary notes. Thank you in advance! February 25, 2020 at 7:43pm
Christine Kalleeny: I can relate to what you are saying and I happen to love love Mohur.
I highly recommend Nahema edt, vintage. It is radiant, soft, warm, sensual and makes me feel like I’m bathing a honeyed cascade of crimson rose petals in a secret garden.
I also recommend Jo Malone’s Sambac & Marigold, which is at once decadent and shimmering. It is quite beautiful. February 25, 2020 at 8:00pm
Ninon: Oops I replied in the wrong place. Thank you!! February 25, 2020 at 10:20pm
Silvermoon: Hello Christine K, very much agree that Jo Malone Jasmine Sambac and Marigold is beautiful and has a shimmering quality. It also lasts remarkably long. It reminds me of Byredo Flowerhead. Both these perfumes immediately take me back to the gorgeous smell of bridal garlands for the hair in India.
You mention one of my top favourite perfumes – Nahema. We clearly have similar tastes in perfumes! February 29, 2020 at 4:17pm
Christine Kalleeny: Hi Silvermoon!
We indeed seem to be kindred spirits in the olfactory dimension! I just recently discovered Niral by Neela Vermiere, the creator of my other favorite, Mohur. I had bought a sample of Niral a long time ago but had dismissed it all too quickly. Upon trying it again, I was completely smitten by a deliciously addictive aura of Turkish Delights and powdered leather and discovered that Niral is the apotheosis of Traversee du Bosphore, which I’d wanted to own for a long time (Same perfumer too). Only the former is far more expensive than the latter!! I’ll just have to dream…What are your other favorites? February 29, 2020 at 5:54pm
Christina: Belated thanks for the post about this Jo Malone perfume! I finally got a sample and love it. May 30, 2020 at 11:27am
Christine k.: You’re welcome! Enjoy it! I know I am! 🙂 May 30, 2020 at 1:18pm
KatieAnn: Hello Ninon, have you tried Hermes 24, Faubourg? It’s a radiant, but rich orange blossom perfume. Really quite rich to be honest. Another one that came to mind is Safari by Ralph Lauren. That bottle! Best wishes to you. February 25, 2020 at 11:04pm
Ninon: Thank you so much. I have not tried the Hermes. In general, I stay away from orange blossom, though I do like Dilettante by Hiram Green. I will check it out. And I still need to try Safari. Again, thank you! February 25, 2020 at 11:39pm
Muriel: Hello Ninon,
I started to study aromatherapy recently and Vetiver and Angelica, both essential oils are coming from the roots of the plant, are said to be great for “anchorage”. There are certainly others, but those 2 are present in perfumes I love. Angéliques sous la Pluie is the perfume I turn to when I want to be confident and solid.
I don’t have a vetiver favourite yet, but I’m sure others on Bois de Jasmin can certainly give recommendations on this 😉 February 28, 2020 at 9:02am
Ninon: Hi Muriel,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply– how wonderful to receive recommendations from an aromatherapy perspective! I also love angelica and, at least, the first formulation of Angeliques Sous La Pluie. I haven’t smelled it lately, but I will retest. I don’t have a favorite vetiver either; it’s in the very beautiful Nasomatto Absinth, but that has always made me melancholy. Thanks again. February 28, 2020 at 1:24pm
Lily: Hi Ninon! I am not sure whether I have perfumes to recommend, but your request is not odd to me at all and I wanted to say that! I fell in love with perfume during a difficult time in my life, probably the bleakest year I’ve ever had, and definitely used scent as an anchor. It helped me stay focused in the present and stay with my self/body…it made me feel hope, or courage, or comfort, whatever I was needed each day or even moment… I still look at scent some days as a magic amulet or charm. So your comment resonated a lot for me!
Have you tried Balenciaga Paris? I know it is neither vintage nor niche but it is a soft green-violet fragrance that has a bit of shadow to it, a reminder that violets thrive in the shade not the sun. I call it my introvert scent bc to me it feels so peaceful and quiet (contemplative), but several of my friends have noticed it and complimented it. February 29, 2020 at 9:32am
Ninon: Hi Lily,
Thanks so much for your kind reply–I’m glad fragrances supported you through a difficult time…the notion of ‘amulet’ or ‘charm’ is just right. I have not tried Balenciaga Paris, but I will seek it out. Thanks again. March 1, 2020 at 2:21pm
Ninon: Thank you so much, Christine–I really appreciate your reply. I have never sniffed Nahema–thank you for the suggestion! I also love marigold, so the JM sounds quite fetching.
Best wishes to you <3 February 25, 2020 at 8:33pm
TJ: Hello!
Any recommendations for a perfume that is similar to Shaal Nur? Or perhaps a lighter version of Black Cashmere? I’m searching for a light, somewhat incensey scent with a touch of florals.
I’m still annoyed that L’artisan Parfumers discontinued Vanilia. February 26, 2020 at 12:42am
Nina Zolotow: A light incense that I love is Sideris by Maria Candida Gentile. February 26, 2020 at 1:38pm
Eudore: Hello TJ, I connected two dots here, incensey and vanila. I have a sample of Diptyque Eau Duelle, do you know it? It is light but conforting. February 27, 2020 at 3:07pm
TJ: I haven’t tried that, but it sounds like what I’m searching for… February 27, 2020 at 5:13pm
TJ: ..and thank you. February 27, 2020 at 10:19pm
Sherry: I have OJ Ta’if and Othmanthus, Ta’if has great projection and longevity, full day +, Othmathus about 4-5 hours. I can smell both second day on clothes. February 27, 2020 at 7:31pm
TJ: How strong is the rose in Ta’if? February 27, 2020 at 10:13pm
Sherry: LOL I replied to the wrong post. nonetheless OJ Ta’if is a beautiful spicy saffron rose, elegant, grand but wearable rose. it will announce your entrance without threatening anyone. If rose is not your thing, do sample before buying. February 28, 2020 at 1:51am
Stephanie: I’ve also been searching for something similar to Shaal Nur! I’m currently loving L’Artisan Parfumer’s Passage d’Enfer. It’s soft incense and lily — serene and comforting. March 1, 2020 at 11:07am
Emma: Hello!
I’m looking for a nice perfume for everyday use, that lasts well but isn’t too overpowering.
I’m really loving tuberose at the moment, but don’t want anything too soapy.
At the moment I have Mon Parfum Cristal by Micallef and Gris Dior by Dior, if that helps with regards to my taste. I’ve also worn Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle, Mon Guerlain, Tihota by Indult and Musc Ravageur. A bit eclectic but I have a bit of a thing for floral vanillas!
Many thanks!
Emma February 26, 2020 at 6:12am
Anu: Hello Emma: A floral vanilla that I can highly recommend is Lys 41 by Le labo. It has tuberose in it too, besides obvious notes of lily. February 26, 2020 at 10:39am
Emma: Thanks, I must try this again. I got a bit bored of it before as it seemed quite polite – but my taste had changed a lot since then (I was firmly a Santal 33 lover, which I now can’t stand!) February 27, 2020 at 11:02am
AnnieA: VCA Collection Extraordinaire’s Orchidee Vanille is pretty but discreet. February 27, 2020 at 1:11pm
Emma: Oh thank you! Oh I tried this out. Was so lovely on the blotter but on me went SO sweet. I make everything so sweet! February 27, 2020 at 1:42pm
AnnieA: Round 2! I remember that Vanille Insensee by Atelier Cologne was less sweet than the VCA, but it sounds like to need to test vanilla with caution. February 28, 2020 at 12:05pm
Emma: Thank you! I tried this and don’t like it as much as Diptyque’s Eau Duelle, which to me is quite similar. Unfortunately both fade on me within an hour.
I’m a huge vanilla fan though, and am always on the hunt for the right one that doesn’t smell too much like cake! The Architects Club by Arquiste was initially promising, but went too woody. I’m desperate to try Indult’s Tihota too. On the blotter that seemed like one of the best vanillas I’d ever smelt. February 28, 2020 at 12:59pm
Emma: Hello! Any ideas for a good, everyday tuberose? I am having a bit of a love affair with Carnal Flower bit need something to rotate it with. I also love vanilla.
Thank you!
Emma February 26, 2020 at 7:38am
Aurora: Hello Emma: Perhaps you might try Hermes Twilly, but as well as tuberose and vanilla you also have to like ginger for that one.
One light tuberose which might suit also is Diptyque Do Son, try the EDT and the EDP. February 26, 2020 at 12:30pm
Emma: There’s something about the ginger opening in Twilly that I am not sure about – sometimes I love it, sometimes I REALLY don’t. I think I’ve given up on it.
Curiously enough I’ve never tried Do Son but you’ve reminded me I should try it out. It always seemed quite harsh to me before, but that was before I really started liking tuberose as a note. February 26, 2020 at 4:55pm
DaveStPaul: Hi Emma. Have you tried Tubereuse Couture, by Parfumerie Generale? I think it’s really interesting, and unique: Tuberose, yes; but also somehow dry and green, and a little sweet but really not too much. It ends up being lighter, and easier to wear, than Big Hankin’ Tropical Tuberose (though obviously it’s got plenty of that too) and so I think it works for everyday. Good luck. February 26, 2020 at 1:13pm
Emma: Oh I haven’t but it sounds like a nice blend!
I’m trying to stay away from anything too tropical (hard with tuberose) as I have to be in the right mood to wear it. This sounds promising! February 26, 2020 at 4:56pm
Nina Zolotow: What about Moon Bloom by Hiram Green? It’s a natural tuberose fragrance–very well done–that is not as over the top as Carnal Flower. February 26, 2020 at 1:39pm
Emma: Oh I’ve never heard of that one – thank you!
I found Caron’s Tubéreuse today as well and it’s beautiful. I love the jasmine note and it wears like silk – I’m finding it easier to wear than Carnal Flower. February 26, 2020 at 1:41pm
Silvermoon: I really enjoy tuberose in perfumes. I love Carnal Flower, and here are some others you might like: Tubereuse Interdite (they stock it at Les Senteurs in London), Atelier Cologne’s Cafe Tuberosa (Victoria has a lovely review of it) and the classic tuberose, Fracas (surprisingly nobody has mentioned it, I think). February 29, 2020 at 4:28pm
Silvermoon: BTW Tubereuse Interdite is by Andree Putnam. And I thought Les Senteurs sold it, but I was mistaken. And just thought of a really wild tuberose: Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle (I have a FB, but need to be in the mood to wear it – it’s certainly not for everyday wear). February 29, 2020 at 4:36pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Moon Bloom is a splendid recommendation! With the exception of perhaps Hyde I think it safe to recommend all of his perfumes. February 26, 2020 at 4:15pm
Emma: A sample is in the post! I’m so excited! Can’t believe I’ve never seen this line before. I don’t think it’s widely stocked in London though. February 27, 2020 at 11:03am
ninon: Yes, it’s gorgeous February 28, 2020 at 2:29am
Emma: Goodness me. This totally blew all the others out the water. What a wonderful recommendation, thank you all so much! Even more splendid than Carnal Flower, and sufficiently different from Caron’s Tubereuse to merit owning both. A full bottle is on the way! Thank you so much! February 29, 2020 at 12:16pm
Ninon: I love his perfumes! Enjoy! March 1, 2020 at 2:22pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Strangely, next to Hiram Green‘s Moon Bloom there is another tuberose perfume with a lunar theme: Moon Carnival by Vilhelm Parfumerie. I was given a tester, and though I was first sceptical I must say I find it rather a happy scent: tuberose, freesia and passion fruit. February 26, 2020 at 4:22pm
Emma: I’ve never tried any of Vilheim Parfumerie but it is easy to find here in London, so will check that out. Thank you! Sounds interesting with passion fruit as a note. February 26, 2020 at 4:53pm
OnWingsofSaffron: A bit pricey though! I don‘t think I‘d buy a bottle. February 27, 2020 at 11:42am
Tami: I have a feeling this may be a little too commercial 🙂 but I absolutely love Michael Kors (now called Michael). My bottle is “vintage” at this point, but it’s all white flowers and beautiful. The tuberose notes really blossom (so to speak) on me. I never fail to receive compliments when I wear it. February 27, 2020 at 10:53am
Emma: Hi! It’s funny- this keeps coming up as a recommendation. I’ve been a bit snobby and overlooked it which is silly, as I have a few commercial fragrances that I love. I’m off to try it today. Thank you! February 27, 2020 at 11:00am
Danica: Tuberoza by Nishane is same kind of tuberose as Michael Kors but with more depth and added flourishes. March 2, 2020 at 1:26am
Anna Egeria: I have discovered Michael too and really love it. I’ve been searching for a fragrance that is close to the original Carolina Herrera, which was to be my signature scent until it was reformulated. February 27, 2020 at 4:33pm
Emma: Wow, what a surprise. This is good…. February 29, 2020 at 11:35am
ninon: Eris Night Flower isn’t exactly everyday or tuberose, but it’s a very interesting, non-heady take. February 28, 2020 at 2:31am
Emma: Oh wow this looks weird – it sounds like a Shalimar style take on tuberose! Probably a bit heavy / spicy for what I am looking for, but I’ll keep an eye out and try it if I ever see it. Definitely curious. Thank you! February 28, 2020 at 8:34am
Ninon: It is weird–and Shalimar inspired–but I don’t find it heavy or conventionally spicy in the least. If anything, for me, it is spare, aldehydic, and resinous, with almost a ‘concrete’ quality. Definitely worth trying. February 28, 2020 at 1:33pm
Emma: You’ve definitely got me curious with that description! I have a weakness for Shalimar and will definitely hunt this out to try. February 29, 2020 at 1:13pm
Jovana: Diptyque’s Do Son is a wearable, polite tuberose. Good luck! February 28, 2020 at 7:14am
Emma: Thanks Jovana. I must give this a go again. I’m hoping it’s creamier than it smells out the bottle! February 28, 2020 at 8:33am
Emma: Thanks for all the suggestions. I’ve also found BDK Parfums do one called Tubéreuse Imperiale. I’ve been quite impressed by the line so far – I tried Rouge Smoking and found it really quite interesting – great longevity but ultimately a bit sweet and cloying. Has anyone tried the Tubéreuse? I’d love to know your thoughts. February 28, 2020 at 9:04am
EB: May I just say, for anyone with NO budget Roja Dove’s Scandal is one of the most beautiful floral scents featuring tuberose that I’ve smelt. It spoiled me rotten and there’s no way I can afford a bottle! February 28, 2020 at 11:03am
Laura: Hello!
I am looking for a perfume for summer evenings.
I do not exactly know how it should be: I don’t like sweet scents for summer. My signature is Chanel Coco, except for summer when it is too much.
I am looking towards something sultry… I have tried Dune, but it is not working, it has no staying power… The citruses are too much a cliche…
Thank you! February 26, 2020 at 1:58pm
Karen A: Have you tried Chanel No.18? It is very stunning – ambrette seed, Rose and Iris. Not sweet, very different. One of those that either works or doesn’t, no middle ground. You will have to find a store that sells the Exclusif line unless you can get a sample online. February 26, 2020 at 11:45pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Sultry summer evenings. Perhaps Songes by Goutal? February 27, 2020 at 1:39am
Laura: Thank you, I have read the notes and they sound good. February 28, 2020 at 1:09am
Eudore: Hello Laura, I also love Coco with passion. Karen recommended Chanel 18. It is very very beautiful but I can see it as very polarizing. Very unique. And in the same vein I remember Guerlain Aqua Pamplelune. It shocked me a lot, it was love at first sniff. I don’t own it yet, but it is always on my mind. Do you know it?
Chanel-Biarritz is also a cologne that I liked A LOT. Perfect summer, light fit for a Coco lover…it that makes sense. February 27, 2020 at 3:22pm
Laura: Thank you. Yes, Chanel Biarritz could be a choice. I should check it. February 28, 2020 at 1:10am
AnnieA: How about a gauzy oriental? Different Company Oriental Lounge and Kenzo Flower Oriental (discontinued I think) are light but still in the genre. February 28, 2020 at 11:41am
Neva: Hello Laura, how about You or Someone Like You from ELDO? To me it’s a mint rose perfume, fresh and slightly green. I was wearing it during summertime when it came out and it felt wonderful. March 2, 2020 at 7:25am
Muriel: Hello,
I come with a rather strange request: what would you recommend to combat unpleasant smells? My family and I recently moved to an apartment because we are doing important works in our home. My problem is that the entrance hall of the apartment has a horrible smell. I suppose it is coming from the neighbors and is a mix between indian curry (which I love to eat, but the spices tend to be very strong) and tobacco… I have tried to diffuse nice smells, but it’s not helping. I also tried to “insulate” the door, as I think that’s how the smells come in (fortunately the living spaces are OK!), used some vinegar, but still, whenever I come in the apartment, I’m still smelling this unpleasant smell and it kind of sticks to my favourite scarf and all furry garments… So, if any of you knows a miracle recipe, I’m ready to give it a try!! Thanks a lot! February 28, 2020 at 9:33am
AnnieA: You might want to try a Lampe Berger. I use one after a big cooking session and it does seem to clear the air. February 28, 2020 at 11:26am
Nina Z: Traditional burning papers Papier d’Armenie (Paper of Armenia) are used for this purpose and they smell wonderful. February 28, 2020 at 6:39pm
Lydia: Hi Muriel,
I have been using two Aura Cacia aromatherapy room and body mist sprays to deal with a stinky carpet I can’t get rid of at the moment – Relaxing Lavender and Peaceful Patchouli and Sweet Orange. I use the lavender for mild smells and the patchouli for strong ones. I’d bet a natural vetiver spray would work well too. February 29, 2020 at 10:48am
N: I find citrus scents help cut through cooking smells and add freshness. I love Nest’s grapefruit candle. Maybe a plug in fragrance diffuser in the entrance hall. Nest has a more upscale one called Pura. If you want all natural there are essential oil cool mist diffusers like Serene House and Vitruvi. More budget friendly is Yankee Candle Scenterpiece wax warmers which some have timers which you can set for 3, 6, or 9 hours and it is pretty strong to eliminate odors. They also have gel tin warmers which I heard are very strong and it is small and more discrete looking. March 1, 2020 at 11:06am
Figuier: Not a scent recommendation as such, but: would it be worth getting an air filter/purifying unit? We have one due to worries about damp spores in our childrens’ rooms, but find it also clears up cooking smells etc. very quickly. They come in at different price brackets & with different capacities, but apparently the smaller ones are not that great so it would be worth going for the larger sizes. March 2, 2020 at 7:52am
suzanne thomas: Could some kind person please recommend a perfume similar to ysl caftan which I adore but is now discontinued? Thanks so much. March 2, 2020 at 6:10am
AnnieA: Maybe Hermes Ambre Narguile has something of the same vibe? Someone mentioned Dior Ambre Nuit as being similar… March 2, 2020 at 10:48am
Victoria: Can you please describe it or tell us more about the notes you like, because I personally don’t know what Caftan smells like? March 3, 2020 at 5:35am
suzanne thomas: Details re Caftan perfume.
Caftan Yves Saint Laurent for women and men Caftan is an oriental fragrance of incense, benzoin, galbanum and musk. It was created by perfumer Calice Becker . It is very long lasting. March 3, 2020 at 9:20am
Isabella: Hi!
I am looking for a new perfume. I used to wear vero profumo rozy and kiki voile d’extrait, but they are no longer in production and so I’m being forced to ration. Both smell lush and extremely feminine, but not girly. They are also not clean perfumes-I hate that laundry musk, pencil shavings scent that is so stylish right now.
To fill the hole in my heart, I’ve tried Carnal Flower, which I like for everyday when I need to smell more respectable. I think it lacks the drama of the vero perfumes though. I’ve also tried Lubin Upper Ten for Her, which I almost love but is just a little too sweet. I like floral or oriental perfumes generally, rose, tuberose, spices, jasmine, but I hate for anything to go too sweet. The vero perfumes had a bite to them that I have been unable to find in anything else.
Please Help! March 10, 2020 at 4:48pm
Aurora: Hi Isabella: my answer ended up in the wrong place, you can read it below. Thanks. March 14, 2020 at 7:07am
Jana: Hi,
Being a white flowers girl in the past (Do Son, Carnal Flower, Beyond Love), this winter, I fell in love with Portrait of a lady from FM. However, it seems very winter appropriated. Would there be some lighter version – a perfume in similar vein- for the summer? I would like to mention also that Portrait does not smell like roses on me at all and I usually tend to avoid rose fragrances (complicated – I know). Many thanks! March 12, 2020 at 6:39am
Aurora: Hi Jana: There is Molton Brown Rosa Absolute for a fresher take on PoaL, I do smell rose when first applied though, may also Etat Libre d’Orange Eau de Protection. Another idea, I think F Malle makes body lotions and hair mists. It might be a lighter way to wear PoaL. March 14, 2020 at 6:43am
Aurora: Hello Isabella: I’ll list a few good perfumes: Caron Pour un Homme Parfum for the lavender of Kiki, Terry de Gunzburg Rouge Nocturne for a very good rose patchouli, Caron Parfum Sacre (dark, spicy rose, not sweet) Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier (light tuberose and citrus), Diptyque Do Son and Amouage Honour (good, every day tubereuses). Neela Vermeire Trayee (for spices) and Mohur (beautiful dark rose), Serge Lutens Arabie and Five O’Clock au Gingembre (more spices but in Arabie you do have to like cumin), if you care for incense, Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant smells churchy with incense and herbs or Comme des Garcons Avignon (catholic church). March 14, 2020 at 7:05am
Vita: Hello 🙂 I really love these perfumes:
Trussardi Donna EDP
Tea Tonique Miller Harris
Green Tea Elizabeth Arden
Could you please recommend a perfume which smells like a lush rainforest? Tea perfumes sometimes give me this effect alas Green Tea is too weak, Donna is too floral and Tea Tonique is just too linear.
Many thanks! xx March 15, 2020 at 6:25pm
Rachel: Hello and thank you for your thoughts! I am looking for a replacement for L’EAU D’HIVER. I used to like it but whatever has happened to it over the years doesn’t agree with me. Any ideas? Thank you again! March 20, 2020 at 2:44pm