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
215 Comments
Tourmaline: Hi All,
Recently, I received a gift-with-purchase of a tube of hand lotion, rather oddly named “Moo Goo Natural Skin Milk Udder Cream”, which has a picture of a cow on the front. It is very rich and it smells to me like Play-doh! The second two listed ingredients, after water, are sweet almond oil and olive oil. Much further down the list is oatmeal. I’ve never before encountered a body lotion that smells of Play-doh!
Another fragrance from my youth also came to mind recently. I had put on “Rive Gauche” that day, including on my wrists, and during the day I applied a vanilla-scented hand lotion. When I smelled my left wrist, the scent combination of lotion and perfume reminded me of Max Factor’s “Erace”, the well-known cover-stick that my mother had used and that I had later used myself. I had always loved the scent of “Erace”, and would have bought a bottle of perfume with that fragrance in a heartbeat. What a serendipitous combination. I kept sniffing my wrist all evening!
With kind regards,
Tourmaline July 20, 2020 at 7:54am
Anne: Memories made out of smells are just lovely. What a lovely tale!
If you re looking for a fragrance that smells like play Doh, try Roger et Gallet AMANDE PERSANE- It is an almond scent but to me it smells just like Play Doh and i love it. July 20, 2020 at 10:51am
Tourmaline: Hi Anne,
Many thanks for that suggestion. I must sample Amande Persane for nostalgic reasons! July 20, 2020 at 9:39pm
Alessandra: Oh my, Amande Persane is heaven sent. Too bad it is not available in all countries but if you can find it, get it. July 23, 2020 at 7:46am
Tourmaline: Hi Alessandra,
I can see that I shall really have to make an effort to find this fragrance! July 23, 2020 at 7:54am
Alessandra: Absolutely! Affordable and amazing. July 23, 2020 at 11:24am
Tourmaline: 😊 July 24, 2020 at 12:07am
Tami: Ah! Some makeup lines have lovely scents. I would love a perfume that smells like the L’Oreal lipstick I used as a teen. It made it feel more luxurious to me (and it certainly was more expensive than my standard $1 tube of Wet n Wild!). By contrast, Dior Addict lipstick is now scented with something like vanilla—it’s nice but doesn’t seem a scent up to par with either the price tag or Dior’s perfume legacy. July 20, 2020 at 11:46am
Tourmaline: Hi Tami,
What a shame about the Dior lipstick fragrance. I’ve always enjoyed the violet scent of products in the Guerlain line. Many years ago I bought a lipstick that had that scent.
I like the scent of the Nivea creams, as well. July 20, 2020 at 9:43pm
Deborah: Sometimes I put Ponds face creme on my hands at night. It’s so familiar and comforting to go back to my childhood fragrance, mum’s face creme. July 20, 2020 at 11:03pm
Tourmaline: Hi Deborah,
Ah, I fondly recall the Ponds face creme, and the iconic Cold Cream, which had a distinctive fragrance that I still remember. Mum bought me a jar of the moisturizer with the blue lid for my 15th birthday. That was the first time she allowed me to use a facial skin care product, apart from sunscreen! July 20, 2020 at 11:12pm
Tami: Guerlain is a favorite for me all around 🙂 July 22, 2020 at 1:36am
Tourmaline: It is certainly a wonderful brand! July 22, 2020 at 2:28am
Nina Z: What about Lipstick Rose from Frederic Malle? Also Guerlain has a Meteorites perfume that smells like their makeup. July 21, 2020 at 4:16pm
Tami: I have not smelled Lipstick Rose, but I do love the scent of Guerlain makeup! I do like the scent of violet as they interpret it. Would enjoy owning Meteorites (the perfume)—it’s been hard to find (though I know it can be tracked down online, I like the experience of purchasing perfume in person). July 22, 2020 at 1:34am
Aurora: Oh, what a lucky event that you got the scent of Erace back. The lotion sounds as if it is very good quality too. July 20, 2020 at 4:09pm
Tourmaline: Hi Aurora,
Yes, it was such a lovely surprise. The lotion is indeed very rich and effective. July 20, 2020 at 9:44pm
Patricia Devine: My husband bought me a bunch of Diptyque toiletries a couple of years ago. They had really beautiful textures and amazing smells – one was like the most lovely tobacco. That and Decléor definitely the nicest products I’ve tried. July 21, 2020 at 4:18am
Tourmaline: Hi Patricia,
They sound like lovely products. It makes me think that some companies might sometimes be using gifted perfumers in the production of their ranges.
Maybe Victoria has even been involved with some of them! July 21, 2020 at 4:33am
Peter: Aloha Tourmaline,
Your accidental experiment brought up a cherished memory from your semi-conscious mind. The Universe gave you a wonderful “nudge”! July 21, 2020 at 4:44pm
Tourmaline: G’day, Pierre,
Yes, and now I can recreate that wonderful scent whenever I want, with Rive Gauche and vanilla-scented lotion! July 21, 2020 at 6:19pm
Nina Z: Luctor et Emergo by People of the Labyrinths smells like Play-Doh to me. July 22, 2020 at 1:43pm
Tourmaline: Hi Nina,
Thank you; I’ll have to sample that one, as well. July 22, 2020 at 11:08pm
Wendyr: FM Carnal Flower and En Passant are my all time favorites in summer. Would love to add another to the rotation. Ideas welcome! July 20, 2020 at 10:22am
Anne: Hello
I love Carnal Flower also, i think its because it has a coconut note in it??? And for that same reason I love Premier Figuier from L Artisan Parfumer. Especially in Summer. I find the milkiness similar… if that makes any sense at all ( probably just to me and my nose). But of course you have to like Figue scents. July 20, 2020 at 10:56am
Wendyr: I do like those scents! I will try – thank you 🙂 July 20, 2020 at 11:26am
AndreaR: Carnal Flower and Premier Figuier are favorites of mine too. I would like to add L’Artisan’s La Chasse aux Papillons. July 20, 2020 at 12:25pm
Patricia Devine: A second for La Chasse aux Papillons here. And interestingly, Premier Figuier is Giacobetti again. I didn’t realise I was collecting her fragrances until I’d bought about five of them…. July 21, 2020 at 4:33am
Aurora: Hello: Perhaps you might like a citrus classic too, I use Eau de Rochas often in summer, I consider it the perfect summer chypre. July 20, 2020 at 6:03pm
Wendyr: I will try it! Price is extremely reasonable. July 20, 2020 at 6:18pm
Patricia Devine: I use a lot of Eau de Rochas too – it’s the perfume I take on holiday, winter and summer alike and I prefer a splash bottle if I can get it, and treat it like a cologne. I also loved Fleur d’Eau de Rochas and was delighted to find a bottle of vintage on Ebay, so snapped that up. July 21, 2020 at 4:35am
Nina Z: Love and Tears for a beautiful green jasmine that works well in the summer. July 20, 2020 at 8:05pm
Erry Kananga: Jo Malone Orange Blossom for a simple, light and bright white flower. Diptyque Philosykos for creamy fig with coconut undertone. Probably, Parle Moi de Parfum Gardens of India if you like tuberose. It isn’t a big, fill-the-room tuberose, more a skin scent tuberose. July 21, 2020 at 12:09am
Patricia Devine: I wonder if you would like L’Eté en Douce by Artisan Parfumeur? It’s another Giacobetti fragrance. Her Safran Troublant is also superb. They both have poor longevity – I drench myself in them – but they have a ‘quality’ I can’t explain in words – an elusive romance, like something caught on the breeze. July 21, 2020 at 4:22am
Karina: For En Passant you could try some of the other Giacobetti scents, that have a similar attitude (epithet different notes) e.g. Philosykos, Passage D’Enfer, Hiris, Dzing!
Philosykos might be a good match as it also has a coconutty aspect. July 22, 2020 at 6:38am
limegreen: Staying with the FM line: I love Eau de Magnolia any time, except for when it’s cold, but it really blooms in the summer warmth. The lemony aspect of magnolia really comes through in the hot weather. It’s wears well and longer than En Passant, which I also love. July 22, 2020 at 12:15pm
piteault: play doh also in Beautiful by Castelbajac July 20, 2020 at 11:25am
piteault: play doh also in Beautiful by Castelbajac. July is hot in france,so it’s citrussy smells & even savon d’Alep July 20, 2020 at 11:27am
Patricia Devine: Not in Normandy! I’m sitting here on my patio, freezing, as there’s a builder in the house and I’m keeping my distance. 🙂 I agree about the citrus scents, though – I wear a lot of greens as well as citrus and just bought Scherrer I to add to my ‘fresh’ collection, and am in love with Berdoues 1902 Naturelle this summer. July 21, 2020 at 4:25am
Deanna: I love the notes in My Name by Trussardi, but it is very faint.
Any ideas for similar lilac based perfumes with a bit more Oomph! – other than En Passant July 20, 2020 at 11:51am
Aurora: I love My Name, it lasts a decent amount of time on my skin, but we’re all different. I also like Jean Patou Vacances for a lilac perfume, and its longevity is good. July 20, 2020 at 4:14pm
Deanna: Hi Aurora,
Thank you for that suggestion, I see from an old review of Victoria’s that she gives it 5 stars!
So am intrigued to try it, I think it may be discontinued as it not widely available. All the bottles I’ve seen have black stoppers, is that what you have?
Deanna July 21, 2020 at 6:38am
Aurora: Hi Deanna, yes, black stopper with a small golden circle on top. I hope you will be able to sample it. Yes, it might be on its way out as it is heavily discounted in the UK where I live, the discounter I’ve used is Direct Cosmetics, they are legitimate. July 21, 2020 at 10:34am
Deanna: Hi Aurora, I’m in UK too, but not heard of Direct Cosmetics, will have a look. Also wondering if I’m mean when spraying perfume! Usually 1 or 2 spritzes, so if it’s a knock out perfume like Parfum de Therese, 2 sprays are enough, but how much do you, or anyone else use? I’d be interested to know! July 21, 2020 at 12:26pm
Aurora: That’s a very good question, I guess it depends. Usually Serge Lutens perfumes are very strong, so I spritz each side of my neck and the third divided between my wrists. Otherwise, my default mode is four sprays, so I suppose I do in general spray more than your average two. So glad you are in the UK, I’m in London. July 21, 2020 at 1:17pm
Deanna: In London too! North London. Have visited Direct Cosmetics and Bought Vacances because it was very cheap. 1/4 price shown elsewhere, eBay etc. I won’t blame you if I don’t love it! July 21, 2020 at 1:58pm
Aurora: A blind buy! So excited for you, fingers crossed you will like Vacances, it’s very nice of you to state I won’t get blamed. I apply 4 sprays of it but the light musk drydown lasts a long time. I’m in North-East London. July 21, 2020 at 3:34pm
Deanna: I’ll let you know when I get it…….. July 22, 2020 at 4:00am
Deanna: Hi Aurora, Just letting you know I love the Vacances perfume. A greenish shimmering lilac it seems to me. Unusual and revealing different facets as it drys down. Then just when you’ve forgotten about it you catch the final beautiful notes.
So thanks for the suggestion. July 29, 2020 at 7:03am
Aurora: Hello Deanna: Thank you so much for letting me know.
Oh how wonderful that you like Vacances! What a good description, there is that beautiful light musk drydown. Enjoy your new bottle. July 29, 2020 at 1:01pm
Marcy Goldman: I live Jean Patou Vacances! Lilac is someitmes hard to fine wherein it smells natural (sometimes I find lilac perfumes smell like bug spray). I wear a few lilacs including Jacques Fath’s Lilas Exquis, Guerlain’s Idylle Lilas Jasmine Duet, Lanvin’s Eclat d’Arpege (which is also lilac colored/beautiful). I also have one last bottle of The Body Shop Lilac Oil (sometimes you can find a passing fair lilac oil from sites that sell perfume oils). July 21, 2020 at 6:59am
Aurora: Wow, you must really like lilac, Marcy. Eclat d’Arpège has gone in my basket quite often but I’ve not pulled the trigger yet. July 21, 2020 at 10:40am
Marcy Goldman: Hi Aurora,
I DO like lilac! It’s so springy but so hard to find one that doesn’t smell like insect repellant. Eclat is so gentle and uplifting – it’s feminine and other -era-ish. July 21, 2020 at 7:07pm
Marcy Goldman: There’s also Guerlain’s Chamade which has lilac in its heartnotes. It’s been a favorite of mine since I’m 16. July 21, 2020 at 7:02am
Deanna: Love Chamade, but didn’t know it had Lilac there, now I will try to prise out the lilac in it! July 21, 2020 at 12:31pm
Marcy Goldman: HI Deanna,
Yes, there’s a bit of lilac in Chamade. It remains, after so many years, timeless and romantic – it’s utterly charming. July 21, 2020 at 7:12pm
Alexandra Fraser: My mum ( who died last year at 99 years old ) had one bottle of perfume her entire married life – she used it sparingly for special occasions – of which there were few. It was a dark blue bottle called -I think – Evening in Paris . I am hoping for suggestions of perfumes that might smell similar. Thank you July 20, 2020 at 3:07pm
Joyce: Hi Alexandra, Soir de Paris (Evening in Paris) is made by the French company Bourjois. I came across this perfume from the WWII novel series (Black Roses was the first in the series and mentioned SdP) by Jane Thynne, in which the heroine wore the perfume in memory of her mother 😊
I have never smelled it, so others can recommend a substitution. However, you may still be able to find a vintage of Soir de Paris on EBay. Good luck! July 20, 2020 at 3:45pm
Alexandra Fraser: Thank you for the suggestion. I might check out those books too😄 July 21, 2020 at 4:58am
Aurora: This is so touching. I second Joyce for the eBay idea, it was a very popular perfume. Although I smelled Soir de Paris as a child growing up in France, I don’t remember it well. On Fragrantica (a useful site) it is compared to l’Heure Bleue by Guerlain, it certainly has the purple flowers in common, so maybe you might like it too. July 20, 2020 at 4:25pm
Alexandra Fraser: Ah great. I shall certainly look for l’heure bleu
Thank you🌸 July 21, 2020 at 5:00am
Patricia Devine: Soir de Paris by Bourjois is still available on Ebay, though prices are rather inflated. A perfume that feels similarly cosy to me, and which is also based on violet and rose, is Le Baiser by Lalique. Intensely feminine and beautiful without being at all girly. I hope you find something you like – I bought lots of bottles of vintage Je Reviens when my mum died, as it reminded me of her. July 21, 2020 at 4:32am
Alexandra Fraser: Thank you for that suggestion – and knowing there is violet and rose there. That is lovely to know 🌸 July 21, 2020 at 5:02am
Joyce: When I was 12 or 13, I was given a bottle of Tribu (United Colours of Benetton). While other girls were wearing Sunflower/CK One/Impulse body spray, I adored Tribu and it’s strangely shaped bottle, which looked like a spaceship 😸
Tribu, in my memory, smelled like tea and botrytis semillon. It is not gourmand, but does have a slight hint of sweetness. I have never come across a similar fragrance again, but hope others can advise please! July 20, 2020 at 4:01pm
Rakasa: It may be tough to find Tribu’s like again due to its mossy heart under the jasmine-tea opening. A friend who also loved Tribu said Cacharel’s Eden compared favorably, but it was noticeably fruitier than Tribu. If it was the jasmine-tea thread that captured you, an Osmanthus scent with jasmine-tea notes like in Parfum D’Empire’s Osmanthe Interdite or the ethereal Hermes Osmanthe Yunnnan might do. Perhaps also Fueguia 1833 Patagonia’s Muskara Osmanthus.
If mossy greeness is what you loved most, I’d suggest the Fueguia 1833 Patagoinia scent named Thays where green tea, matè & osmanthus blend into one of the most extraordinarily beautiful mossy green fragrances I’ve ever found since the advent of IFRA restrictions. July 20, 2020 at 4:48pm
Joyce: Hi Rakasa, thank you so much for this insight, and for sharing Tribu’s notes. Jasmine makes a lot of sense, because I remember liking it for its “Chinese tea” scent. I will see about finding decants of the names you have suggested. Thanks so much again 😊 July 20, 2020 at 11:50pm
Ninon: You’ve reminded me that Colors was one of my first perfumes. September 27, 2020 at 12:24pm
Marcy Goldman: HI,
I’m looking for a scent that smells like fresh oranges without being too sweet but really indelibly orange. Any suggestions? (not a celebrity scent or anything that smells like a Creamsicle (c) July 20, 2020 at 4:07pm
Rakasa: Most folk I’ve met think Atelier Cologne’s Orange Sanguine smells like that. Others recommend a more subtle ‘fresh orange‘ like the one in Lavanilla’s Vanilla Grapefruit. July 20, 2020 at 5:02pm
Marcy Goldman: HI Rakasa,
Thanks for those suggestions. I like grapefruit too and the Lavanilla Vanilla Grapefruit is another direction I can try as well as the AC Orange Sanguine. Thanks again. July 21, 2020 at 6:09am
OnWingsofSaffron: You might want to test the dry-down of Orange Sanguine though. Because the beginning is as fascinatingly luscious, the second half of your scent trip is rather nondescript and disappointing. But my, the beginning is incredible! July 24, 2020 at 4:20pm
Marcy Goldman: Hi OnWingsOfSaffron,
Thanks for the insight. At this point, I might mix Boyijian Orange Oil (I use it in my baking) with a carrier oil of joboba :)- but you’re point is well-taken. July 24, 2020 at 4:42pm
OnWingsofSaffron: What I can recommend is Hiram Green‘s Dilettante. Orange blossoms, petitgrain and essential orange oil, perhaps neroli too. Yes, it is linear, and yes there is a bit of Seville marmalade in it, yet I find it cheerful and delicious. If you should be interested you‘d better hurry up as it will be discontinued. Still, it is available at the moment. July 24, 2020 at 4:49pm
Aurora: Hello Marcy: Maybe check out Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine for summer and Cachareĺ Amor Amor for winter. July 20, 2020 at 5:47pm
Marcy Goldman: Hi Aurora,
Thanks for that recommendation. I’ve see Sanguine in a store near me and never even considered it (don’t know why). Now I’ll give it a try. Thank you! July 21, 2020 at 6:05am
John Luna: I’d recommend Orange Sanguine too. As well, Hermès Concentrée d’Orange Vert is a great one — thematically on-task but evolving, subtle but persistent. July 20, 2020 at 7:09pm
Marcy Goldman: Hi John,
Thanks for that recommendation. I like Hermes Eclat Rhubarb so I’d be down for the Hermes spin on orange. Thanks again! July 21, 2020 at 6:06am
Nina Z: You could try Azemour Les Orangers, which is a drier, slightly mossy orange that evokes the whole tree, stem, fruit, and flower. Not at all sweet. Also maybe Frederic Malle Bigarade Concentree, which is a bitter orange fragrance. July 20, 2020 at 8:10pm
Marcy Goldman: Hi Nina,
I like the notion of oranges with tree, stem fruit and flower. It sounds interesting and non linear. Will have to find a decant for that and FM Bigarade Concentre. Merci! July 21, 2020 at 6:07am
limegreen: If you like the idea of the entire orange tree, try Diptyque Eau des Sens. A perfume blogger reviewed it when it was first released and said it smelled like eating an orange while sitting in an orange tree. Can’t remember who and what exactly but it was a great image and the fragrance evokes that for me. 🙂 July 21, 2020 at 8:57pm
Marcy Goldman: Hi limegreen – this sounds totally unique – I’ll have to sleuth it out. Thank you! July 22, 2020 at 6:37am
limegreen: The blogger may have said “peeling” and not “eating” an orange, can’t remember!
Good luck on your quest!
PS Hiram Green Dilettante is also that Eau de Sens not sweet orange kind of fragrance, but I think it’s discontinued. It’s a little greener with more peel than juice. July 22, 2020 at 12:20pm
Alessandra: I adore Eau des Sens. I think it smells a lot more like orange flowers than oranges themselves, in that it is not a particularly citrusy fragrance – which is part of the reason why I adore it -, but wonderful nonetheless. That said, I must say it is very rounded and present, so in that sense its corpus might remind of the fruit. It is not fruity at all as a fragrance, though. Indeed, it is one of the best, most tenacious orange flowers perfumes July 23, 2020 at 7:50am
limegreen: Have you tried the Eau des Sens hair mist? Tenacious would be right! July 23, 2020 at 9:47am
Alessandra: I haven’t yet! I intend to, though I am more intrigued by the idea of having other fragrances on my hair.. much as I adore Eau des Sens, I am not sure I want it on my hair, except maybe in the summer 😅 July 23, 2020 at 11:26am
Klaas: I second Azemour! One of the best orange fragrances I know. It’s juicy and rich……a chypre in disguise 😉 July 22, 2020 at 11:17am
Sebastian: I also second Azemour!
Then I’d like to mention that I’ve recently and by accident come across a curious perfume called “Orange & Coriander” by Butterfly Thai Perfume. That has sweet orange and grapefruit, and coriander caradamon notes, over a soft base with saffron. The longevity of the orange note is astounding.
That is quite in contrast to Bigarade Concentrée that has been mentioned in this topic. That, in spite of its name, is extremely effervescent and fleeting. July 23, 2020 at 3:00pm
Patricia Devine: Don’t forget Florida water, even just as a base. But Hermès do have a lot of orange fragrances and their Eau des Merveilles is also very orangey. July 21, 2020 at 4:47am
Marcy Goldman: HI Patricia,
Thanks for those suggestions. Florida water is not something I ever thought of! Eau des Merveilles sounds intriguing. I love the bottles so I’m in for that alone! Thanks again. July 21, 2020 at 6:08am
J.: Maybe you could try Hermès Eau de Mandarine Ambrée. July 21, 2020 at 10:42am
Marcy Goldman: Will do. Thank you! July 21, 2020 at 7:08pm
Karina: I second the Eau de Sens recommendation and add Chanel’s Paris-Riviera. July 22, 2020 at 6:42am
Marcy Goldman: Thanks – that sounds perfect. I’ll check it out esp, the Chanel, July 22, 2020 at 8:37am
Aurora: Hello everybody: With many thanks in advance,what perfume would you recommend for high heat and humidity? It doesn’t happen very often at all where I live but I want to be prepared when traveling. July 20, 2020 at 5:51pm
Lynley: Hi Aurora, I live in Australia and summer is very hot and often humid. My go-to’s for that weather are vetiver perfumes -i have a few and they’re all good, Hermes Jardin series (except maybe Mediteranee), green tea (I wear Bvlgari green and blue in humid weather), anything galbanum heavy if that’s your thing. I find that both Bandit and Silences shine in hot humid weather! I tend to avoid citrus as in the humidity they can become cloying, and colognes while refreshing vanish in a second. Hot humid nights are great for sultry white florals too. July 20, 2020 at 6:23pm
Patricia Devine: Oh yes, come evening, it’s time to relish in the heat and crack out the jasmine, tuberose, orange flower and gardenia. 🙂 I love Lutens here: A la Nuit, Une Voix Noire, Fleurs d’Oranger, Tubereuse Criminelle. Plus Songes from Annick Goutal, and Chinatown from Bond. July 21, 2020 at 4:58am
Sebastian: Yes! And lavender, at least for us guys. It’s a warm evening, and I’m wearing MEM right now. So gorgeous, somewhat sultry and enveloping. And very fitting, too, because the lavender is now in bloom. July 23, 2020 at 2:53pm
Aurora: Thank you so much Lynley, the jardin series is very good for summer, isn’t it, I have only two, Le Nil et la Mousson, time to explore the others. Galbanum heavy sounds dreamy. It is so true that white florals bloom in hot weather. July 21, 2020 at 10:50am
Lynley: Oh and fresh watery fragrances. I know calone isn’t popular but it does hold up to oppressive weather. Or colone free fresh fragrances like L’ombre dans l’eau (edp is better!) or Jardins du Poete. Just my experiences anyway. Summery frags like salty, beachy types are ok in the heat but humidity makes them sticky feeling and anything green and cool is far more refreshing. July 20, 2020 at 6:31pm
Aurora: I agree totally about fresh, watery. Yes it is rather out of fashion but I have remained faithful to l’Eau by Kenzo all that time. I put l’Odl’Eau and Jardin du Poète on my list. July 21, 2020 at 10:55am
Sebastian: I don’t much liek most aquatics, especially the calone-heavy bombs of the nineties. But in the heat, a bit watery is nice. I recommend Lys Mediterranee (Malle/Fléchier). It is a little watery, but it’s not at all sea-breezy. It’s more like a pond among greenery and flowers in the heat. There really is a nice mix of coolness, greenness and heavy lily here. I like it in the summer, very much indeed, and somewhat to my own surprise.
Then of course there is mint, also a note I usually don’t like, but always so refreshing in the summer. Of course there are those old acquaintances like Allegoria Herba Fresca, but I particularly admire Haeckels’ Richborough: wonderful spearmint that pervades the smell from beginning to end, embedded in a changing context. Importantly, this scent never really warms up, even the base is bright. (Or you might even say there is no base.)
Finally I sometimes turn to bright rose soliflores, or almost-soliflores, as they can have somewhat of a citrus appeal (but longer lasting) and greenness, too. Also, I have a rose garden, so that is very nice. My top recommendations in this genre would be Hiram Greene’s Lustre, Papillon’s Tobacco Rose, and Malle’s Une Rose (also Fléchier, incidentally, but recommended only if you can stand the brutal geranium opening). July 23, 2020 at 2:48pm
Aurora: Thank you so much for your answer Sebastian., yes, mint is so cooling, I make a note of Richborough.
I’ve not smelled Lys Mediterranée, you make it sound very appealing, I make do with the poor man’s version Lys Soleia.
It’s fantastic that you have a rose garden. Rose soliflores in hot weather is something I will have to explore. July 23, 2020 at 11:56pm
Sebastian: I’m glad you found what I said about Lys Mediterranée appealing. It seems to me that this perfume is flying rather low under the radar, considering that it belongs to such a well-known, high-quality line. Part of the reason may be that it is so much a child of its time, forming a link between the aquatic scents of the 1990s and the fresh, clean scents that emerged at the turn of the millennium. But it is really surprisingly good. July 24, 2020 at 5:33pm
Ninon: Agreed. Lys Mediterranee is my favorite from FM. I had a travel size, which can make it more affordable. September 27, 2020 at 12:27pm
Patricia Devine: I like green fragrances in the heat and humidity. Jacomo Silences, Piguet’s Bandit, Scherrer I, Balmain’s Vent Vert, Roger & Gallet’s Thé Vert, Lauder’s Azurée and Aliage. Always vintage, if possible – they’re greener and sharper and I get a lot from Ebay. A good lemon cologne doesn’t hurt either, such as Eau d’Hadrien from Annick Goutal, and you can never go wrong with 4711. July 21, 2020 at 4:54am
Aurora: Thank you for your answer Patricia. Green perfumes seem to be the way to go, you agree with Lynley. I only have the 90’s version of Vent Vert, I imagine the really vintage one to be spectacular. July 21, 2020 at 11:02am
Patricia Devine: Actually, I think the 90s Vent Vert is the best iteration. The original is VERY sharp indeed – more striking but perhaps a little less beautiful. July 21, 2020 at 3:35pm
Aurora: Good to know, thank you. July 22, 2020 at 10:10am
Notturno7: Dear Aurora, I’m late to this thread. The summer is over some places and probably in London, too, and you asked for perfumes for hot and humid weather. I’ll send you a Lis Mediterannee sample. I love it in hot weather. The salt / ocean note reminds me of that lovely, fresh air and childhood in Dubrovnik September 23, 2020 at 10:59pm
Notturno7: Dear Patricia, I’m thinking of buying Bandit and/ or Vent Vert. I tried Bandit once on a paper strip and it was so intense. I didn’t wait for the drydown unfortunately.
Does it smell similar to No19, Cabochard or Caleche? I like these and have them in extrait vintage.
I also like EL Private Collection, Mitsouko, Vol de Nuit and En Avion.
How does Vent Vert compare to Bandit? I never tried VV either.
Wanted to find it on Ebay.
Can you please describe the VV bottle from the 90’s? Does it have a green bow?
Thank you so much September 23, 2020 at 11:06pm
Patricia Devine: To my mind, Bandit doesn’t soften much compared with many of the other greens – Silences has a softer drydown, more calm, less edgy. Vent Vert is more floral and delicious after the initial green opening, more like No19 than Cabochard or Calèche. The version of VV I like best is the Calice Becker formulation, which has a green box with cursive script and the bottle has a kind of green tuft on it like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Vent-Vert-Pierre-Balmain-Paris-Perfume-Splash-Mini-Bottle-13-Fl-oz-4-ml/333628684574?hash=item4dadd1b91e:g:7-wAAOSwzvde6vMa But it is getting harder to find – try it in a miniature first if you’re unsure. I haven’t tried the modern version. September 24, 2020 at 3:15am
Notturno7: Dear Patricia, thanks for your recommendation. I just ordered a small sample of vintage Vent Vert on ebay. It’s coming next week. Which version of it do you have? I’m tempted to buy a vintage EDT, a bigger size then this sample but I better wait for this little package so I can try it before I buy more. In your opinion, is Vintage EDT as good as vintage EDP? Or maybe there’s only EDT and extrait. September 27, 2020 at 5:19am
Patricia Devine: I’ve only tried the vintage EDT – I’ve never seen an EDP or extrait, to be honest. Hope you enjoy your sample. September 27, 2020 at 3:41pm
Megan Manning in OkC: From Oklahoma here, so for hot and humid days I like SL Le Eau froide and Hermes Un Jardin Sur la Nil if you want something bracing. or Eau de Merveille Bleu if you want cool but a little softer and sweeter. Lol and occasionally for yard work days I just sprits some Original old spice cologne post shower. Hope this helps! July 21, 2020 at 12:14pm
Aurora: Thank you very much for your answer Megan, love the idea of the SL incense for heat and humidity and I recall liking EdM Bleue when I tried it last summer. I have and use Eau Claire des Merveilles, an older flanker I like very much.
Very helpful. July 21, 2020 at 3:42pm
Tourmaline: Coles Bakery Decorated Pavlova
Hi Aurora,
During the hottest days of an Australian summer, I reach for fragrances such as –
– 4711 Original (Muelhens 1792)
– Eau de Guerlain (Guerlain 1974)
– Green Tea (Elizabeth Arden 1999)
– Eau Dynamisante (Clarins 1987)
– Aqua Allègoria Herba Fresca (Guerlain 1999)
– Le Chèvrefeuille (Annick Goutal 2002)
– Diorissimo (Christian Dior 1956)
– Chloé “Classic” (Lagerfeld 1975)
– Pleasures (Estée Lauder 1995)
– Anaïs Anaïs (Cacharel 1978)
– Miracle (Lancôme 2000)
– Clair de Jour (Lanvin 1983)
– Y (Yves Saint Laurent 1964)
I hope you find a couple of fragrances you like.
With kind regards,
Tourmaline July 22, 2020 at 5:13am
Tourmaline: Please ignore the Pavlova fragment at the top. It was from an email I was sending to someone. I bought one of those Pavlovas today – $12.00 down to $3.00 on special! July 22, 2020 at 5:16am
Aurora: 😀 July 22, 2020 at 10:14am
Aurora: Thank you for a great list, I wouldn’t have thought of using Anais-Anais in the heat but now I will. I adore Eau de Guerlain. July 22, 2020 at 10:13am
Tourmaline: I’m glad you found it helpful. To my nose, Anaïs Anaïs is flowery but also powdery – even a little smoky, so on a hot day it is never cloying. July 22, 2020 at 10:42am
Karina: Depends on what your looking for
Refreshing: a citrusy cologne, Atelier Cologne has great ones (e.g. Clementine California, Bergamote Soleil) or you can check Victoria’s recent article on Guerlain colognes. Personally I really love something with a bitter bite and turn to The different company’s Limon de Cordova or to Parfum Nicolai Eau Yuzu.
Greeeeeeen
Chanel Cristalle, Chanel No 19
Vetiver
Works always in my opinion,I like Guerlains Vetiver (I am lady so… don’t let the ‘for men’ categorisation turn you off)
‘Hot with hot’
Bronze Godess or something loaded with Jasmine or Tuberose July 22, 2020 at 6:49am
Aurora: Thank you so much for your answer, green perfumes and especially vetiver really seem to be popular for heat and humidity. July 22, 2020 at 10:17am
Jennifer Shaw: Hi, Karina. I am wondering where did you find Chanel No1 9?? I have been trying to find it here in Portland, Oregon and have had little luck.
My go to fragrance year round is Eau d’Hadrien. I love it to pieces. Still am quite frustrated that the new Goutal website has made it near impossible to find Gardenia Passion. Any ideas of a similar fragrance?? July 22, 2020 at 5:59pm
Karina: Hi Jennifer, Chanel 19 is (from what I hear) one of the lesser loved Chanel fragrances and therefore usually available only in the Chanel boutiques or online (at least in Germany where I live). So might be difficult. In Germany some perfume shops offer to order a fragrance for you, without any commitment of buying. they then usually get a bottle and a sample bottle which enable you to sniff.
Eau d’Hadrien is lovely. Limon de Cordoza is in fact very similar in the top notes, a tad more lemony and more bitter in the dry down. I’m sorry I don’t know Gardenia Passion.
Other similar to 19 and Hadrian? I will have a think. July 23, 2020 at 1:45am
Karina: Some further ideas:
O de Lancôme
Penhaligon’s Bleneim Bouquet
Chanel Cristalle (should be easier to find than 19)
P.S. Chanel 19 is not less loved as I said above. I meant it’s not as commercial or successful at the counters. The fragrance on fact gets A LOT of love from those who do appreciate it. Worth seeking out in my view. July 23, 2020 at 2:10am
robinw47: Hi Jennifer, I live in Los Angeles and order Chanel No. 22 from Chanel’s US website; I just checked and No.19 is available in edt, edp and perfume on there. (There’s even a No.19 deodorant)! The shipping is free and you always get free samples as well 🙂 July 23, 2020 at 4:27am
Alessandra: Hello Aurora!
I think the best fragrances to go with very humid weather are either those that blossom excellently through it or those that counterintuitively destroy its effect on the body, sensation-wise. I might be wrong but that’s how it works for me. It’s a bit like drinking hot tea to combat the heat. For that reason, I tend to avoid colognes – if anything, because they vanish, and do not keep me cool under those conditions, personally -, though cologne-like fragrances can be excellent as shower produtcs while travelling to humid places. If I were you, I would either choose tea-based perfumes – Guerlain Teazzurra and Memo Inlé were tested under extreme conditions and resisted very well – or Malle’s Geranium pour monsieur – a wonderful combination of geranium and mint that keeps you tidy, polished, and quite refreshed -, or white florals that blossom splendidly, like a good tuberose or jasmine etc… (Ormonde Jayne’s Sampaquita, among others). Finally, my favourite way to combat the heat is wearing some woody, oriental fragrances I would normally wear in winter, except I tend to only wear them in the evening when it’s hot and humid. Not all of them are fit for the task, though. Indeed, some would be too heavy. To me, anyway. Chanel Coromandel or Bois des Iles and Serge Lutens’ Santal Majuscule, as well as an opulent but mellow musk perfume or musk oil, are my personal favourites so far, although I intend to test more.
Hope this helps or gives some ideas!! Report back 🙂 July 23, 2020 at 8:00am
Aurora: Hello Alessandra: Thank you so much for your answer. Tea is a very good idea, I have Eau Parfumée au Thé Rouge (tea with fig and walnut) and it performs really well in summer. I am interested i Teazzura but it might discontinued, I believe the aqua allegoria are limited eds. Concensus seems to be green perfumes for heat and humidity so thank you for listing Geranium pour Monsieur, mint is so refreshing. Everybody agrees that evenings call for different perfumes, I like your idea of musky perfumes, will test my Clair de Musc when it gets properly hot. Very helpful thanks again😀 July 23, 2020 at 11:28am
Alessandra: Not all Aquas are temporary but Teazzurra is indeed discontinued, alas. Try Ebay before Guerlain takes it back in an exclusive line at a much higher price haha (it could happen). I adore thé rouge! Sadly, that one too is discontinued 🙁 I do not think that Clair de Musc is the type of musc I would test under superhumid conditions – was more thinking of darker musks -, but who knows? It could work! Glad to have been of help, anyway 😊 July 23, 2020 at 3:16pm
Alessandra: I do think green is good for the heat – I do love some green fragrances -, just not against massively humid conditions.. not for me anyway… 😉 July 23, 2020 at 3:30pm
Aurora: *in Teazzurra but it might be discontinued
sorry for the typos July 23, 2020 at 11:35am
Alex: I’m looking for my next forever perfume 🙂 I used to love Chanel Chance in my teens and early 20s. Then, I wanted something more mature and switched to Love, Chloe which is now unfortunately discontinued. Would you be able to recommend a scent that would be similar to Love, Chloe?
Thanks,
Alex July 20, 2020 at 6:43pm
Rosie: Zara recently came out with a fragrance very similar called Violet Blossom July 21, 2020 at 8:07pm
Trinh_scent: I’m trying to find a perfect Gardenia soliflore perfume. Most of the time, I end up with Gardenia perfume that smell too sweet, to ” jasmine like” and lack of Gardenia’s characteristic. I would love to try something fresh and green grabbing around Gardenia.
Can someone recommend me a name?
Thanks and love
Xxx July 21, 2020 at 1:24am
Patricia Devine: I like Un Matin d’Orage by Annick Goutal – like wet gardenias to my nose and it has the mushroom note. July 21, 2020 at 5:00am
Old Herbaceous: You might like Natalie, a fragrance by Natalie Wood’s daughter. It is widely available for low prices online. It’s a fresher, citrusy gardenia. Natalie Wood’s favorite fragrance was the vintage “Jungle Gardenia”; her daughter created this one as a tribute but also an update. July 21, 2020 at 12:57pm
Emily Johnson: I like Gardenia Petale by van Cleef and Arpels. It is a warm, rich gardenia, with an underlying green freshness and a vegetal note that stops it being too sweet. It really mimics the scent of a fresh gardenia for me! July 21, 2020 at 1:24pm
Peter: Hello Trinh,
Last month, Nina recommended I sample the Aftelier Perfumes Cuir de Gardenia. Mandy Aftel is a natural perfumer and she uses a high quality Tiare (Tahitian gardenia) base. It’s a little pricey, but small samples are available. Elisa gives a review on the Bois de Jasmin “Find a Perfume”. July 21, 2020 at 5:06pm
rosie: Olivine or Kai July 21, 2020 at 8:07pm
Christina: I was just watching a review of Dusita Melodie de l’Amour on Luckyscent’s YouTube channel that described this very issue with gardenia (the challenge of isolating it), and recommended that perfume highly. July 23, 2020 at 1:09pm
Kayliz: Boutonnière No.7 by Arquiste is a green gardenia.
Do report back:) July 26, 2020 at 10:07am
Ninon: This. And MCG Lady Day. September 27, 2020 at 12:29pm
Figuier: Hi all, this is a question following on from Victoria’s recent tuberose post & video. I currently wear & enjoy Anatole Lebreton’s L’Eau Scandaleuse, which is a quirky yet classical turpentine-leather-tuberose perfume. It never occurred to me that I’d enjoy something like this, but I got a tester & as it turns out, this is my favourite ever tuberose. The leather/turpentine balances out the sultry tuberose very nicely without reducing it to ‘cold cream’ (like Dior’s New Look 1947). So my question is: do you have any recommendations for similarly structured tuberose+leather or tuberose+tar type perfumes, ones that are quite dry and non ‘pretty’? I’d love to try any other ones out there. Thank you! July 21, 2020 at 8:40am
Aurora: I have not smelled it but ELdO Vierges et Toreros has widely polarized comments, so maybe you might try it? July 21, 2020 at 2:14pm
Figuier: Thank you Aurora! I just looked it up and Vierges et Torreros does indeed sound like an interesting tuberose – polarizing in a good way 🙂 July 21, 2020 at 3:53pm
Lynley: I know it’s not tuberose, but Floral Street’s Ylang Ylang Espresso is a gorgeous take on white floral headiness. The coffee gives it a nice edge.
I personally love Vierges et Toreros. The tuberose isn’t obvious but it’s an interesting rich warm floral. July 22, 2020 at 1:53am
Figuier: Lynley I replied to you way down the thread by mistake! Short version: thank you – both really useful comments 🙂 July 26, 2020 at 8:05am
Sebastian: Does it have to be tuberose? “George” by Jardin d’Ecrivains is a leathery floral that is quite close in character to L’Eau Scandaleuse. Heliotrope instead of tuberose, a little less opulent (or oppressive, depending on your point of view) and with (a lot) less luxurious leather, but I like it better for everyday wear, and appreciate the Peru balsam dry-down. It’s affordable, too. July 23, 2020 at 3:06pm
Figuier: Hi Sebastian, no it probably doesn’t need to be tuberose, although I do like the creaminess of that & tuberose. I’d definitely like to try George – it was already on my radar, since several reviews of L’Eau Scandaleuse mention it, but the approachable feel & the drydown do both sound nice. I find L’Eau Scandaleuse easy to wear, but wouldn’t bring it to work! July 26, 2020 at 8:07am
kayliz: Oh, George, of course! Another tobacco-leather one, with ylang, is Cuir de Lancome. There‘s currently a crop of them on ebay at relatively fair prices, at least where I am (Europe).
One I hesitate to mention, because the opening has nothing to do with the others, is Salomé by Papillon. The drydown is very much in line with what you‘re looking for, I think.
(Hi Sebastian! I don’t know if you remember but you gave me some brilliant recommendations for hot-weather perfumes a couple of years ago. Fate seems to be conspiring against them/me: they‘re remaining untested for yet another year, this time because I‘m in the UK, where it doesn‘t ever reach continental heights of temperature & humidity. I‘ve also gone part-time to be able to stay & work from here, so new perfumes are on hold anyway. I never thought I‘d be happy with just … oh, hang on, I’ve got five here, that‘s not /entirely/ minimal…) July 29, 2020 at 7:32am
Sebastian: Hi Kayliz, yes, I do remember. Nice hearing from you! Your comment made me laugh out loud: I used to be proud to have only a few selected perfumes at any given time, and be perfectly happy. Now look what’s happening, the stuff multiplies by itself – I’ve got to empty some of those d*ned bottles. So there’s a moratorium on acquisitions here, too, which I am breaking only for getting tiny little samples that don’t count, or maybe a swap here and there. (Oh God) I hope you’re doing fine in Britain, and will not be negatively affected by Brexit. Cheers, Sebastian July 29, 2020 at 9:59am
Johaboha: I also used to wear love, Chloe and used to like it’s enveloping, very powdery and smooth quality. Fragrances that remind me of that are Séville à l’aube by artisan parfumeur and l’heure bleue or Insolence edp by Guerlain or Classique by JPG July 21, 2020 at 10:18am
Johaboha: Oops…this was meant as a reply to Alex July 21, 2020 at 10:21am
Alex: Thank you Johaboha, I’m not familiar with these fragrances so will definitely give it a go.
Alex July 21, 2020 at 10:39am
Old Herbaceous: Does anyone have any idea whether/when the Zara Emotions fragrance collection created by Jo Malone (the person) might be available in the US? I’m dying to try it, and I thought it was supposed to arrive this summer. Thanks! July 21, 2020 at 12:54pm
Johaboha: Hello everybody, I’m often faced with the “problem” that I would love to find a next perfume-love but I don’t know how I can tell a sales assistant in a shop what I’m looking for. I have a wide range of tastes in perfume and I also don’t necessarily want something that smells similar to what I already have (which is a question I often get asked in a store). I’m just looking for something that strikes an emotion. What do you in order to avoid sniffing every single perfume when you have the chance to be in a store with a lot of brands/perfumes you don’t know? July 21, 2020 at 1:09pm
Aurora: Hello: I like to use scent strips in stores and take them home. It’s not exactly like trying on skin but it already gives a good idea of what scents I’d like to try on skin. I agree with you it’s difficult to know how to deal with SAs. And now with Covid everything has changed anyway. July 21, 2020 at 2:08pm
Nina Z: Read up on the fragrances and then narrow it down to a list of things you want to try. You can do that on this very blog! It’s also fun to read the two books by Lucca Turin and Tania Sanchez on perfume and pick some of their five star fragrances to try (you may not always agree with them but it’s fun). There is also a book by Neil Chapman that guides you through many currently available perfumes: https://www.amazon.com/Perfume-Search-Your-Signature-Scent/dp/1784882437 July 21, 2020 at 4:21pm
Christina: I was curious about the Turin and Sanchez book based on this post and ordered their 2018 volume today. Sounds like a fun one, thank you for sharing the idea! July 22, 2020 at 4:21pm
Tourmaline: Hi Christina,
You’ll love it. Some of the descriptions have made me laugh out loud. I can enjoy reading it just for the fabulous writing. As Nina said, you might not always agree with their impressions, but they are always interesting and entertaining. And, most importantly, you’re sure to find more than a few fragrances that you are eager to try. July 22, 2020 at 11:21pm
Christina: That was my reaction too Tourmaline—it seemed like something to read just for the writing! And I have lots to learn. July 23, 2020 at 10:08am
Peter: Hello Johaboha,
Nina explains the first step very well. I love reading Victoria’s descriptive reviews and seeing what piques my curiosity. Under “Find a Perfume” you can search by ‘mood’ or ‘note’.
Next, as Aurora recommends, I’ll request a few perfume strips or sample vials (from my ‘list’) and smell them at home. You can then test the most intriguing scents on your skin. I’ve learned not to skip this step, because our personal chemistry can alter a fragrance.
Happy Hunting! July 21, 2020 at 5:52pm
Nina Z: Yes! Buying samples online or obtaining them from a shop is a great way to go because you can really wear the perfume a number of times before you decide to buy. July 22, 2020 at 1:48pm
Klaas: Hey Johaboha! It maybe sounds silly, but try and find a perfumery with knowledgeable staff. Period!
They will take time for you, listen to your wishes and provde you with smelling strips and samples of the scents you liked, as they will perfectly understand that you’ll want to try a fragrance before you buy. They will also help you a second time if you didn’t (yet) find what you are looking for….Don’t loose your time with sales assistants that just want to push any fragrance on you.
We have a excelent perfumery in Amsterdam called the Perfume Lounge. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, they do scent profiling, they have a sample service……I hope you have a similar store around where you live!
Also, don’t forget that the fun is in the search and not only in the find 😉 July 24, 2020 at 3:35pm
Christina: Hello everyone, I’m looking for neroli-based recommendations. I recently tried Heretic’s Dirty Neroli and it is more or less what I am looking for—floral but with that bitter or astringent edge that to me is what makes neroli appealing. The problem is Dirty Neroli fades so fast I can’t bring myself to spend the money on it. I saw an earlier post here recommending L’Artisan Histoire d’Orangers and am getting a sample. Any other ideas? July 21, 2020 at 9:22pm
Aurora: Hi Christina: Some to try, Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli, quite bracing, Au Pays de la fleur d’oranger Neroli Blanc Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum, Lancome O de l’Orangerie, opens bracing and bitter but has a little bit of sweetness in the drydown as do Hermes Eau de Neroli Doré (not very long-lasting on my skin) and Diptyque l’Eau Neroli but they are good quality, and I also like Fragonard Fleur d’Oranger, I use it a lot, it lasts well I find(not the intense which relies on sweeter notes). July 22, 2020 at 2:24am
Christina: This is a great list and all new to me, so thank you, Aurora! July 22, 2020 at 10:08am
Klaas: Hello Christina, some bery good recommendations by Aurora already. Patticia de Nicolai also has two great neroli’s in her line-up (Cap Neroli and Neroli Intense. I prefer the Cap, but that’s personal). They also come in 30ml bottles, which is a great way to try without over spending.
My personal favorite is Eau de Neroli Dorée by Hermes. It is a cologne, so it is light and fleeting….but the most glorious neroli smell I know. It is reasonably priced so reapplying is no problem 😉
Azemour les Orangers is also a lovely, lovely orange perfume, but not neroli centered. July 22, 2020 at 11:14am
Christina: Thank you, Klaas! Happily, I see Luckyscent has samples of Cap Neroli in stock, so I am excited to try that one. And two recommendations now for the Hermes, definitely have to check that one out. July 22, 2020 at 4:18pm
Christina: Klaas my sample of Cap Neroli came today and it’s so good. Thank you! July 30, 2020 at 8:33pm
Klaas: Hey Christine, thank you for reporting back 😉
I’m so glad you like it! I love the rosemary and mint in it, it gives the neroli just that little edge. Enjoy! July 31, 2020 at 8:59am
Nina Z: Neroli by Annick Goutal is another option. Victoria gave it four stars: https://boisdejasmin.com/2011/04/annick-goutal-neroli-fragrance-review.html July 22, 2020 at 1:50pm
Christina: Thank you, Nina! I saw that Annick Goutal in her post but was almost afraid to try it and get attached, since it sounds like it is being discontinued! July 22, 2020 at 4:19pm
Nina Z: As I understand it, the EdT was discontinued but there is a new EdC instead. I haven’t tested that one, but it’s worth trying. And it’s probably pretty easy to find the discontinued EdT because it’s old stock now, with the older bottle, etc. and those using get sold for low prices. July 23, 2020 at 11:16am
Christina: Ah, thank you for clarifying Nina! I obviously didn’t look into it very carefully. 🙂 July 23, 2020 at 1:05pm
Alessandra: Miller Harris Lumière Dorée is a sublime and persistent neroli. Enjoy 🙂 July 23, 2020 at 8:10am
Christina: I’m intrigued and checking out that brand right now, it’s new to me. Thanks Alessandra. July 23, 2020 at 10:11am
Alessandra: My absolute pleasure 🙂
It’s a good perfume house, some fragrances are truly wonderful July 23, 2020 at 11:22am
limegreen: I love neroli and neroli-based fragrances! I second all the recommendations people have made already. I have the L’Artisan one you have already ordered and it’s lovely. Victoria has a review of it, and as she says, it is very close to the original Goutal Neroli. I have tested the new Goutal Neroli edt and it’s pretty but not longlasting, and without that Dirty Neroli “edge” you mentioned.
2 more wonderful neroli-based fragrances that haven’t been mentioned:
19-69 Capri — it’s neroli with white and yellow florals, and on me, it lasts almost all day
Heeley Oranges and Lemons Say the Bells of St. Clement — I adore this one and it lasts, too! July 23, 2020 at 10:00am
Christina: Adding these to my list, thank you limegreen! July 23, 2020 at 10:12am
Alice: I’m looking for more complex / grown up version of Chanel Chance, any ideas?
Thanks,
Alice July 22, 2020 at 9:09am
Aurora: Hi Alice, you may want to try perhaps Bottega Veneta EDP, it has the patchouli and pink pepper of Chance, a fruity touch with bergamot and adds soft leather (very soft, don’t be scared) for a grown-up feel. But you know if you love it don’t let go of Chance, perfumes don’t come with an age limit after all 😉 July 22, 2020 at 3:29pm
karina: You could try some of the other Chanel‘s. My picks would be 19, Coco and Cristalle in that order. July 23, 2020 at 2:26am
Figuier: Lynley, thanks so much. Great to have a first-hand recommendation of Vierges & Torreros, & Ylang Ylang Espresso sounds fabulous too. Along with tuberose I am also having an ylang moment, specifically Bogue’s I Love YY, which is however utterly beyond my budget. Coffee plus ylang makes sense, somehow. July 22, 2020 at 6:51pm
Tamasin: I love the smell of Rive Gauche, my first perfume purchase as a teenager. I still reach for it in Duty Free occasionally to have that powdery drydown. My signature scent is Tolu by Ormonde Jayne which has a similar powdery quality (but much more sophisticated!) July 24, 2020 at 5:13am
OnWingsofSaffron: Hi everyone, I’m a bit late in the current Recommend me a Perfume, but here goes:
I wanted to mention the perfumer Hiram Green and his wonderful creations: https://hiramgreen.com.
I do believe he’s done remarkable perfumes, especially the tuberose Moon Bloom, the honey-tobacco Slowdive, the orangeade Dilettante, the spectacular rose Lustre, and now that new retro violet-carnation scent Vivacious. Interestingly, all perfumes are 100% natural which is most surprising considering how long-lasting they are.
What touches me—and this may sound strange—is that they have a kindness to them. They have charm, a warmth, and a “humane” quality (meaning they aren’t haughty, snobby, or slap-you-in-the-face). As you can see: I’m a fan! July 25, 2020 at 12:10pm
Aurora: Hi OnWings: Thank you for your recommendation, that house sounds very interesting, ‘retro violet-carnation’ Vivacious must be a lovely retro perfume. July 26, 2020 at 6:03am
Ninon: I totally agree–I love Hiram’s fragrances! Unfortunately, two my favorites are dc: Shangri La and Dilettante. September 27, 2020 at 12:30pm
Laura: Hi All, today I tried the new – for me – Osmanthus from Acqua di Parma. It’s nice, but a bit pale and at first try, seems to lack projection. But I liked it enough to want to own an intense osmanthus fragrance. One with perhaps some beeswax, leather, maybe apricots, but not Osmanthe Yunnan from Hermes, that one is too transparent and fleeting. A more intense one, non sweet. Any suggestions? Many thanks in advance! July 25, 2020 at 5:10pm
Nina Z: You want intense? Try Miyako by Auphorie. Very intense osmanthus. July 25, 2020 at 9:32pm
Perry: Hello fragrance lovers! I’ve been looking for the holy grail of fresh rose scents, trying to match the scent of a very common rose in my garden (it’s just a pink “knock out” rose). I’m looking for a hint of powder, freshness, and pink rose rather than deep, woody rose. Malle’s Lipstick rose has some notes, but my husband can’t tolerate that one. : ) I wear Philosykos most often, which has a natural, wearable quality that I love, but of course is not at all in the fresh rose vein I’m looking for. Any suggestions are welcome! July 26, 2020 at 2:15pm
Aurora: Hi Perry: Some ideas to match the rose in your garden: Jurlique Essence of Rose is the most true to pink rose, it would be my top pick for you, it comes as a roll-on of 10ml so that’s very practical. Also, Annick Goutal Rose Absolue, just roses all the way, and perhaps Diptyque Eau Rose too, a slightly fruity rose. Hope you will get other recommendations. July 26, 2020 at 2:50pm
Perry: Thank you for the suggestions, Aurora! I’m now on the hunt for samples of these! July 26, 2020 at 6:12pm
Klaas: Hey Perry! I’m no rose buff, but Hermes’ Rose Ikebana is wonderful. Elegant, light, refreshing, a little green, a little tart…..it is quite perfect!
Unfortunately, it is also wonderfully expensive and people complain it doesn’t last long. It does on my skin though!
If you have a Hermes store around where you live you should check it out. I’ve been to a couple of their boutiques and the staff are always incredibly helpful and happy to provide samples.
The Diptique Aurora mentions is also nice and is a lot more budget friendly 😉 July 26, 2020 at 3:31pm
Perry: I do love some Hermes fragrances. I think I tried Pamplemousse rose but not Ikebana. Worth a try! Thank you! July 26, 2020 at 6:14pm
MZ: I’m conflicted about roses, but love Hiram Green’s Lustre. I think it’s quite close to a pure Bulgarian rose. It’s so fresh and just a lovely summer scent. July 26, 2020 at 3:41pm
Perry: I used to dislike rose fragrances, associating them with “old lady” scents or potpourri. But I am in love with the scent of the rose in my garden, and this keeps me open to trying new rose fragrances. The only Hiram Green scent I tried was Slow Dive, I think? Which was lovely, but I wasn’t drawn to the honeyed vibe. Well done, though, and I love that the company is uses natural ingredients. I’ll check out lustre! July 26, 2020 at 6:17pm
MZ: I really like the Hiram Green line. Even those which aren’t really my cup of tea scentwise, I can appreciate as well made fragrances. I find several of them quite strong, so maybe I should underline that Lustre is just as ut name, very light and fresh. At least on my skin – reading some of the reviews on Fragrantica and looking at the grade, I’m quite astonished and can’t relate to my own experience of Lustre. So probably not a safe blind buy, as it seems there is a wide variety of opinions on this one. Either way, I hope you find the rose in your garden as a perfume! July 28, 2020 at 7:48am
MZ: After a tentative start, I’m now head over heals with Xerjoff Casamorati 1888: Dolce Amalfi. I just love the spicy warmth, the sweetness and a bit of cosy powderiness, set off by freshness from the quince and, maybe it sounds strange, but I believe I get some from the incense as well. I see meny reviews mention bubblegum, but I perceive it as more balanced and grown up on my skin. Now, I’m usually oriented toward violets, flowers in general and haven’t explored this type of perfume so far, so I’m curious if you have some recommendations for me in the Dolce Amalfi style. If it should happen to be a smidge more affordable than the Casamorati 1888 line, that’s a bonus. July 26, 2020 at 3:35pm
Janet: Hi all. I’m looking for a perfume that combines vanilla with incense. I love the smell of incense, but some of the incense perfumes tend to be too literal and “church-like.” I’d like to find a scent that combines incense with a bit of sweetness, preferably vanilla. FYI: I love both Shalimar and Caron’s Parfum Sacre. July 26, 2020 at 5:46pm
Aurora: Hello Janet: For a sweet incense you might try Weil Suki Essence where the sweetness comes from vanilla, dates and plum. The longevity is very good on my skin, sillage moderate. July 27, 2020 at 12:14pm
Janet: Thanks Aurora. I have not heard of this one-I’ll try to find it. July 27, 2020 at 2:05pm
Janet: I did a blind buy on the Weil scent – and I love it! Blind buys are risky, but I figured two things: a. anyone on this site know what they’re talking about and b. the price is not too high. I’m sitting here enjoying the nicely tempered incense-thanks again! July 29, 2020 at 1:31pm
Aurora: Hello Janet: This is fantastic news, thank you for letting me know, so glad and relieved the blind buy ended well. Honestly, it’s a hidden gem, I wouldn’t be without it, so happy I could share it with you. July 29, 2020 at 2:32pm
Christina: Hi Janet, not sure whether this is an exact match for what you are looking for since vanilla isn’t among the notes listed, but your question made me think of Petit Papiers by Mad et Len. And now I am curious about Suki Essence… July 30, 2020 at 8:29pm
Chris in Oakland: Hi Janet, I just got a sample of “Hallow” by Blackbird from Surrender to Chance. It’s an understated incense that smells pretty smoky to start, but soon a soft nuttiness/vanilla note comes into play. It’s not for me as I prefer the incense unsweetened, if you will 😄 July 29, 2020 at 12:17pm
Janet: Thanks Chris. Funny you should mention Surrender to Chance-I just did my first order with them. I will definitely check this out on the next one. I love incense, but I just can’t handle unsweetened. July 29, 2020 at 1:28pm
Ashe: Hello!
If I really like Le Labo Thé Noir 29, what else can I sample? Thank you !! July 29, 2020 at 7:58am
Aurora: Other tea fragrances ? You could try Nicolai Fig Tea (apricot, fig, tea), l’Artisan Parfumeur Tea for Two (smoky lapsang souchong), and Dior Escale à Pondichery (citrus, spicy jasmine tea) August 1, 2020 at 7:51am
Alessandra: Dear all,
apologies in advance if this has already been covered, but… what is going on with Après L’Ondée? Has it been discontinued or has it ‘just’ become a ridiculously expensive rarity only available at certain Guerlain boutiques as a refill option? I really don’t understand anything, at the moment… let alone why they would do such a thing to such a cult and beloved classic.
Thanks in advance!! July 30, 2020 at 3:37pm
Aurora: Hello Alessandra, it no longer appears on the Guerlain website, so the likely explanation is that it is discontinued. August 1, 2020 at 8:04am
Alessandra: Alas, it is not so straightforward. I thought so too, but I also read words from some who directly asked Guerlain boutiques and the matter appears to be more complicated. Perhaps it would be best to call a Guerlain Paris boutique August 1, 2020 at 8:43am
Aurora: Ah yes, that might be a solution, also I am going to France later this month. I am more of a l’Heure Bleue faithful but feel sad at the situation, time to get a back-up bottle, I guess. August 2, 2020 at 8:19am
A: Hello all! I am trying to find more winter fragrances that’s not too heavy or spicy.
I have a good collection of S/S and Fall frags, but have yet to find more winter ones that I can wear everyday at home with sweaters or doing anything from remote work to chores.
Liked and tried: Lalique Encre Noir Homme (a bit too damp), Burberry London Man (good for Christmas, too spicy other times), Tom Ford Ombre Leather (testing now), By the Fireplace (the one I like most so far).
Don’t like overly sweet or gourmands but open to most other things. 30sF. Thank you! August 15, 2020 at 1:09pm
Ugo: I have read an article about Jasmin Antique by Rogue. I have ordered a sample so I will soon test it personally. The interesting thing that convince me to buy it (I never buy a perfume I never tested on my skin) is that this perfume house doesn’t follow the IFRA limitation so the Jasminum Grandiflorum Rogue put in this fragrance is not limited according to the ultimate IFRA regulation on this specific flower so I’m very exited!!! I’m looking forward to let you know if this perfume is amazing like that article said! August 18, 2020 at 4:01am