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, autumn light in Shiraz
197 Comments
Heather: I’ve become a bit of a perfume addict lately, it’s my little treat to my self every day as I work from home. The problem is that some retailers are closed or not allowing testing perfume because of the lockdowns. So I’m doing a lot of blind buying. I’ve had some real winners (Chamade, Van Cleef Arpels First, Cartier Carat, Lalique L’Amour) and I also found a few with amazing reviews and enticing descriptions but not to my taste (Shalimar, L’Heure Bleu, Arpege). What else can I try? To get a sense for what I like, some other favorites include Hermès Jardin Sur Le Toit, J’Adore, Basier Vol and Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche. I guess I veer towards fresh florals, nothing to “chemical-y”, feminine, but not too girly and not too mature either. Unique enough that it’s something people will notice and compliment. I love quality but don’t have unlimited budget, and am a fan of finding a high quality fragrance at a discount (fragrance.net is a site I frequent often). I would love your suggestions! October 26, 2020 at 7:36am
Anne Sheffield: Hello,
I would recommend you trying Annick Goutal Petite Chérie And also recommend DoSon from dyptique! I’m pretty sure you will love those.
Anne October 26, 2020 at 9:14am
JillS: Second DonSon! October 26, 2020 at 10:30am
Patricia Devine: I would see what minis you can buy on Ebay. This is how I buy nearly all my perfumes for testing because I live remotely in rural France. For instance, I liked the sound of what Victoria said about Egoïste recently, so I bought a mini for 5 euros, liked it and bought several more. That way I can experiment for a while with my 20ml before taking the plunge of a whole bottle. I also buy part-bottles and decants on Ebay. Perfumes I think you might like include Scherrer II, Serge Lutens’ Nuits de Cellophane, Caron’s Pour un Femme and Lalique’s Le Baiser (if you can track it down – discontinued). October 26, 2020 at 10:58am
Antonia: I likewise purchase perfume on Ebay. I am waiting a small bottle of Lauren Safari and was able to bargain for a lower price as well. I sometimes set a limit for myself, otherwise it an get very expensive very quickly. October 26, 2020 at 4:46pm
Nina Z: There are sites, such as Surrender to Chance, where you can order small samples of just about anything. This is a good way to test a lot of fragrances and avoid any blind buying. Luckyscent, an online perfume seller, also allows you to purchase samples of almost everything they sell. October 26, 2020 at 12:00pm
N: Guerlain Samsara is rose and sandalwood (however I have not worn that since the early 90’s and I am sure it has been reformulated probably). Stella by Stella McCartney is rose with woodsy notes and amber. October 26, 2020 at 3:07pm
Nina Z: Samsara is primarily a jasmine and sandalwood fragrance. Perhaps you are thinking of Nahema, Guerlain’s rose fragrance? Nahema is a great one and contains a lot of real rose essence. Although I prefer vintage, a number of years ago I tried the contemporary Nahema EdT and it was also lovely. Victoria gives it 5 stars and compares the vintage and modern here: https://boisdejasmin.com/2005/05/guerlain-nahema-perfume-review.html October 26, 2020 at 5:46pm
D: You seem to like statement perfumes. Sometime partially filled bottles of mid-century (possibly originating in estates) can be found at lower prices. Unforunately, these have often been reformulated, so reviews on perfume blogs can be misleading.
You might also try discount department stores (the type with racks of low price tops, always on further mark down). They often have a perfume rack which discontinued items from the big brands.
Given your taste, you seem to lean towards scents marked feminine. October 26, 2020 at 3:15pm
Marie: Instead of a specific perfume, I recommend two perfume houses with several good scents in their line that might appeal to you:
Annick Goutal and Parfums de Rosine. October 26, 2020 at 4:34pm
Peter: Hi Heather. My response to you went out of queue and can be found farther down the page. October 26, 2020 at 10:51pm
Hilde: Hi Heather,
I would recommend you Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir l’Eau Exquise (not easy to find at my local stores here in Belgium), Hermès Jour, Cartier La Panthère, Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage, Dior Diorissimo, Guerlain Champs Elysées, Givenchy Amarige, Estée Lauder White Linen, Yves Rocher Comme une Evidence, Chanel n°5 Eau Première.
At Zara online you can order the discovery collection of Zara Emotions (8 x 4 ml for 15,95 EUR), created in collaboration with Jo Malone. October 27, 2020 at 5:49am
Heather: Wonderful suggestions thank you. I was able to find Mon Jasmin Noir L’Eau Equisite here in the US and it sounds amazing. I have that in my shopping bag along with Hermès Jour. I’m looking at La Panthere and see there is also a Legere version which may be lighter. Do you have any experience with La Panthere Legere? I’m debating between that and the original. October 27, 2020 at 7:35am
Hilde: Hello again Heather.
La Panthere is alsof available in a light version ‘La Panthere eau de parfum legere’ but I prefer the eau de parfum. Recently I still bought a new release: La Panthere Brume de parfum. It is a body mist and smells very well and last alsof quite well. Perhaps you should try that. It is also less expensive.
Best regards. Hilde October 27, 2020 at 1:04pm
N: I meant this comment to reply to Heather, sorry.
Guerlain Samsara is rose and sandalwood (however I have not worn that since the early 90’s and I am sure it has been reformulated probably). Stella by Stella McCartney is rose with woodsy notes and amber. October 27, 2020 at 3:39pm
Tamasin: I would suggest Osmanthus by Ormonde Jayne. It is in the clean fresh category (but not at all metallic), but they have a new Discovery Set with 7 different floral perfumes (I also love Sampaquita). They also have a promotion on so it’s £20 at the moment instead of £42. October 28, 2020 at 4:30am
Theora: Hello Heather, I read your list of favourites and recognised some of my own. If you’re looking for green florals at the discounters I would suggest: Kenzo Ca Sent Beau; Ralph Lauren Safari (this used to be quite heavy, but I understand it has been lightened over the years); Grès Cabotine. Enjoy your search! October 28, 2020 at 2:58pm
Jessica: Hello Heather, if you like Cartier Carat, you may like also Cartier l’Heure Diaphane and l’Heure Brillante. L’Heure Fougueuse is also amazing 😍. October 31, 2020 at 8:19am
Sherry: I totally understand what a lovely escape parfume has been during this challenging time. I have sometimes walk by my parfumer and just spritz some in the air and take a deep breath and let my senses enjoy and revive. It’s been a small escape.
I’ve never been able to wear Chanel No. 5. Yet there’s part of this important fragrance that always pulled me in and part that kept me out! I recently discovered Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere, and guess what? It’s the exact part I of the Chanel no. 5 I was needing and wanting and none of the other part! It’s such a beautiful lovely fragrance. I do recommend trying to get your hands on samples somehow before committing to full bottles. This can help (not guarantee) a mistake. 110% feminine yet not too girly. Very beautiful, a joy to wear.
A fresh parfume also recommended I believe by Victoria somewhere in this blog, as a sparkling parfume is Bulgaria Eau Verte. It’s very fresh, more for spring and summer, but I enjoy it. It can be found for reasonable prices on the internet. It’s easy to wear.
Good luck and enjoy your journey 🙂 November 1, 2020 at 6:08am
JillS: Heather, I like Chanel Chance in all its versions. You might try the different versions. I like Chanel #19 eau poudre. I also like Estee Lauder Beautiful Belle. It’s subtle.
My daughter gave me a gift of Waft where they custom make your fragrance based on your questionnaire. I really like what they did.
That’s one of the thing I miss most—not being able to try on Beauty products and fragrance.
Good luck! Jill October 26, 2020 at 8:15am
Anne: Hello,
I ve been waiting for what feels like forever for this moment. I love this and have had some fantastic recommendations in the past.
So here I go. I am looking for a rose perfume. But I wish the rose note not too be crisp, definitely not sweet or syrupy. I like Le Labo rose 31, but the cumin note is too strong. I really love sandalwood too. So maybe the rose note in Rose 31 meets Santal 33??? Or any other suggestion? I still wish it too smell soft though ( I realise I m super tricky!!!!!! Sorry).
Someone recently made me try rose and cuir from FM, the rose was too crisps and the latest her note too manly. It never softened. I didn’t enjoy it.
So if something like that exist…. thank you for your suggestions!
Hugs.
Anne October 26, 2020 at 9:22am
Tourmaline: Hi Anne,
For rose scent suggestions, I would recommend that you read Suzanna’s guest post from October 26, 2012, “The Ultimate Rose Perfume”. Suzanna lists over 20 rose fragrances, and describes many of them. Moreover, 15 of them have links to reviews by Victoria.
I hope you find a rose fragrance you love!
With kind regards,
Tourmaline October 26, 2020 at 9:37am
Patricia Devine: I would recommend Serge Lutens’ La Fille de Berlin (dries down soft and talcum-powdery), Jo Malone’s Red Roses Cologne (very true rose), Serge Lutens’s Sa Majesté la Rose (fresh and green) and perhaps even Lalique’s Le Baiser (rose with violet). I also love Yves Rocher’s Rose Absolue, though that might be a bit sticky for you. October 26, 2020 at 11:02am
Hilde: Hi Patricia, Do you know where I can still find Yves Rocher Rose Absolue? It has been discontinued and I read a good comment of it by Victora, so I am eager to buy a bottle.
Hilde October 27, 2020 at 6:27am
Patricia Devine: You can still find it on Ebay, with worldwide shipping. I bought it last year, along with Rose Oud (fantastic), Accord Chic and the others in the Secrets d’Essences line. I am very sad they were discontinued. October 27, 2020 at 8:39am
Cyndi: Hi! My two favorite rose perfumes are Guerlain’s Nahema (which I think you can still buy in edt and edp concentrations) and Serge Listens La fille de Berlin. I would get samples first to see if you like them. To me, they’re both very beautiful rose perfumes and I would not describe them as ‘crisp.’ October 26, 2020 at 11:13am
Nina Z: I also love Nahema! October 26, 2020 at 5:48pm
Anu: Hi Anne,
Some rose based perfumes that I enjoy that I think you might want to look into are Amouage Lyric, both Man & Woman. Also, MDCI Rose de Siwa. I second the SL La Fille de Berlin suggestion. October 26, 2020 at 11:50am
Safran: 10 Corso Como, it’s a soft rose and sandalwood scent. October 26, 2020 at 11:58am
Zazie: Hi Anne!
As someone who literally hates crisp or syrupy roses, I have struggled with many perfumes that were recommended to me in the past, because I felt they were exactly what I didn’t want.
So…I would instantly direct you to Mohur, by Neila Vermeire.
It is complex, with an oriental base, And sandalwood spiced with Cardamom.
Gorgeous.
I also recommend secret de rose, by Parfums de Rosine. It shares Mohur’s grand style, but is slightly more rosy, with lovely sapphron and plum accents.
However both perfumes belong to the glam variety: they are rich, luxurious, velvety and layered.
If you are a fan of the Labo, maybe they will read like…too much?
In which case I would urge you to try out Tiger by her side (and sandalwood temple since you like sandalwood) by Sana Jardin.
They have a “modern” and easygoing feel, like le Labo, but they share the velvety and amazing quality of the classics. Sana jardin offers an excellent sample pack (not a single dud), and you can redeem the cost on your perfume purchase. If you manage to stop at one. All excellent. Tiger by her side is a classic rose-patchouli combination, but so smooth, balanced and rounded to make it stand out among the plethora of similar perfumes.
The brand makes the best patchouli perfume ever, so no surprises there.
Good luck with your quest, let us know if you find your rose! 🙂 October 26, 2020 at 12:03pm
Ninon: Totally agree–I’m another non rose person who loves Mohur, especially the extrait. The other “rose” I like is Une Rose de Kandahar, but it’s really more about almond, apricot, tobacco, and so much else. October 30, 2020 at 1:19am
Zazie: Wow it sounds amazing! Must seek it out!!! October 30, 2020 at 7:29am
Jessica: Oh these are amongst my fa ouvrîtes indeed 🌹 October 30, 2020 at 11:25am
Patricia Devine: I forgot Rochas’ Tocade (rose and vanilla). October 26, 2020 at 4:37pm
Lynley: For some simple roses without a lot else going on there’s Maison Francis Kurkdjian A La Rose, and Acqua di Parma’s rose. October 26, 2020 at 5:46pm
Peter: Hi Anne. I recently purchased Cartier Declaration d’Un Soir after reading about it on this post. It’s a spicy sandalwood rose. It does start a little crisp, but it mellows to a lovely rose scent. Good Luck on your quest. October 26, 2020 at 11:27pm
Old Herbaceous: Hi Anne! I reviewed dozens of rose fragrances this spring on my own blog, Serenity Now; Scents and Sensibilities, and you might find one there that you like. I called it my “Roses de Mai Marathon”, and I think if you click on my avatar by my name, that will take you to the blog. I love rose fragrances and own many. Since you like sandalwood with your rose, I wonder if you’ve tried Garden Rose by Aerin Lauder? I don’t own that but I remember trying it at Nordstrom’s a long while ago and thinking it was very nice. October 27, 2020 at 9:30am
Old Herbaceous: Actually, you would click on my screen name to get to it! October 27, 2020 at 9:38am
Jaz: I have Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Ginger Piccante, which I really like! It’s quite light and pretty so maybe it will come across as a bit sweet to you, but the ginger adds a bit of spark to it and livens it up a lot. It is also supposed to have a cedar base but I don’t really get much of that on my skin. Maybe you can try this one! October 27, 2020 at 10:39am
Aurora: Hello Anne: A suggestion to get the Parfums de Rosine, not expensive from their website, it gives you a large selection of Rose centered perfumes. My favourite is Majalis, a cinnamon rose. October 27, 2020 at 2:58pm
Aurora: Hi Anne: A suggestion to get the Parfums de Rosine, not expensive from their website, it gives you a large selection of Rose centered perfumes. My favourite is Majalis, a cinnamon rose. October 27, 2020 at 3:02pm
Aurora: I forgot to write the suggestion is for their sampler set. October 27, 2020 at 3:13pm
therabbitsflower: I will second Mohur as a standout and add Aramis Calligraphy Roae and Providence Perfume Company Rose Boheme. October 28, 2020 at 12:11am
Kathi Matich: Hi,
I loved Rose 31 until the cumin in the dry down too.
Here are a few similar that I love. Divine L’inspiratrice. Guerlain Rose Barbare. and Francesca Bianchi Angel’s Dust. For a realistic rosa damascena Tauer Une Rose Vermeille. Samples available at Surrender To Chance, Lucky Scent and for Francesca Bianchi Indigo Perfumery USA. 🙂 October 28, 2020 at 6:53pm
Karina: I love Buly 1803 for a gorgeous rose, their damask rose. I also like Diptyque Eau Capitale for a patchouli rose chypre. Good luck! October 29, 2020 at 7:58am
Jessica: Hi Anne, Andy Tauer has delicious rose scents, such as Rose Flash, Une Rose Merveille and Phi, Une Rose de Kandahar. I could also recommend Mohur by Neela Vermeire, which is amazing. Tobacco Rose by Papillon Artisan Perfumes is also a beauty. And of course Nahema, by Guerlain but current availability is scarce, unfortunately. October 30, 2020 at 11:21am
Domestic Goblin: Hello Anne,
Have you tried Tea Rose by Perfumers Workshop? Smells like a realistic rose bush. November 5, 2020 at 2:29pm
Tourmaline: Dear Victoria,
I just had to comment on the beautiful photo. Was it taken in a church, with stained glass? I suspect you wouldn’t be reading on the floor of a church, though.
I’ve never had the pleasure of reading in stained glass light!
With kind regards,
Tourmaline October 26, 2020 at 9:25am
OnWingsofSaffron: If I may venture a guess, I’d say it’s the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque or Pink Mosque in Shiraz. It was rather small—at least compared to the grand Isfahan mosques—and so exceptionally pretty with the multi-coloured lights. October 26, 2020 at 5:16pm
Tourmaline: Hi OnWingsofSaffron,
Thank you! I have just googled the mosque, and it could indeed be the one. Victoria might well have been able to read under the stained glass light in there – half her luck. I love this photo.
https://faithandform.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/REZA_2.jpg
With kind regards,
Tourmaline October 26, 2020 at 7:44pm
Victoria: Yes, it’s the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. I got there very early, so it was empty. October 27, 2020 at 3:04am
Tourmaline: Thanks for confirming.
It’s so beautiful. October 27, 2020 at 3:51am
Wanda: Hello. I too would like to purchase a new perfume . Being in lockdown, I do not wish to visit a department store and try any on.
The thing is, I know from several years ago, that I love this cologne from Santa Maria Novella. Problem is I have photos of the bottle, but cannot identify the the exact fragrance. I really hope this is a simple oversight on my part and apologize in advance for my ignorance if it is not. Hope someone can help.
Im not able to include photo. This website does not seem to support that so I will just type the
Information from the bottle.
ACQUA
Colonia
Officina Profumo
S. Maria Novella
Firenze
1612 October 26, 2020 at 9:26am
Tourmaline: Hi Wanda,
I think the perfume you are seeking is Acqua di Colonia by Santa Maria Novella. Is this the one?
https://www.punmiris.com/himg/o.32898.jpg
On the Fragrantica website, there is an article that might interest you. It is “Santa Maria Novella perfumes and colognes”.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
With best wishes
Tourmaline October 26, 2020 at 9:46am
Nina Z: Tourmaline, all the fragrances in the Santa Maria Novella line are called “Acqua di Colonia.” The name of the particularly fragrance (they have many) is, unfortunately, on the back of the bottle on a label. October 26, 2020 at 11:55am
Tourmaline: Hi Nina,
Fragrantica has a review for Acqua di Colonia, which was originally created in 1533 and apparently is also known as Acqua della Regina.
It seems to have been the first of the company’s perfumes, because the article I mentioned says, “The earliest edition was created in 1533”, and lists it as the first of the 48 fragrances.
With kind regards,
Tourmaline October 26, 2020 at 7:31pm
Nina Z: Interesting history! But unfortunately the rest of the 48 also say Acqua di Colonia on the bottle, which I suspect just means “cologne” in Italian because all the Santa Maria Novella fragrances are cologne only. See this site for a selection of fragrances from SMN that are all in the same bottle: https://www.zgoperfumery.com/search-result/?search_query=santa+maria+novella
The only reason I’m adding this comment is because I don’t want Wanda to get extra confused! It’s confusing enough that all the SMN bottles look identical with only a small sticker on them to identify which fragrance it is…. October 27, 2020 at 1:49pm
Tourmaline: Hi Nina,
I don’t see how I could possibly have “extra confused” Wanda by telling her about (and providing her a link to) the article regarding the 48 perfumes from Santa Maria Novella that are included on the Fragrantica website.
Hopefully her daughter will be able to provide a photo of the back of the bottle, and hopefully the sticker with the name will still be there. October 27, 2020 at 10:34pm
Nina Z: So sorry, Tourmaline! It looks like I’m the one who is extra confused. I misunderstood your comment and the reason for providing the link. Forgive me? October 28, 2020 at 12:53am
Tourmaline: Certainly!
I hope Wanda finds the fragrance she is after. October 28, 2020 at 12:58am
Wanda: Tourmaline,
Thanks you for the link I will read it. October 26, 2020 at 7:08pm
Tourmaline: Hello again Wanda,
Please see my reply to Nina Z.
The link I provided was to a photo of the bottle and box. Here is a link to the article I mentioned.
https://www.fragrantica.com/designers/Santa-Maria-Novella.html
I hope you find the fragrance you seek!
With kind regards,
Tourmaline October 26, 2020 at 7:38pm
Nina Z: I’m sorry to say that photos aren’t going to help unless you photographed the bottom of the bottle. That’s because all the bottles in this line are the same (except Melograno, I believe). It’s really frustrating when you’re trying to test the line–that’s how I know about this problem.
So I suggest you try doing two things: 1) Try to remember the basic smell of the perfume. Is it floral? Spicy? Vanilla? Tobacco? Most of the SMN perfumes are focused on a single theme. 2) Go to the Santa Maria Novella site and scroll through all the different fragrances they have and see if any name sounds vaguely familiar. The names are in Italian and, in most cases, describe the main focus on the perfume. For example, Garofaono is carnation and that perfume is a carnation and citrus cologne. October 26, 2020 at 11:53am
Nina Z: Oops! I just checked my bottle of Garofano. The name is on the BACK of the bottle, on a small, transparent sticker, at the bottom of the back. Did you photograph the back or just the front? October 26, 2020 at 11:57am
OnWingsofSaffron: And, alas!, I believe Garofano perfume has been axed! It was nowhere to find on the rather quaint website of SMN. October 26, 2020 at 5:20pm
Wanda: Thank you. I had pics of front and bottom. It is my daughters perfume, I’ve asked her to send pic of the back. She is in NY and I live in Austin. 😀. I really appreciate your help. October 26, 2020 at 6:59pm
Wanda: Thank you, very kind and helpful. I actually have pic of bottom, there is nothing there by way of a name. It is quite maddening. I will try your suggestions thank you.
Wanda October 26, 2020 at 7:02pm
Nina Z: Yes, my apologies. The sticker is probably on the back (lower back). I went and got my bottle of Garofano out to check. October 27, 2020 at 1:50pm
ClareObscure: Hello Victoria, Heather, Jill, and fellow fragrance aficionados.
It’s early afternoon in Manchester, UK. I’ve just been watching Victoria’s blog on YouTube, Smelling Colours: A Fun Way to Boost Creativity.
For me this has stimulated memories, observations & questions.
Before stringing them together, hopefully as lucidly as possible, I wanted to tell Heather that her taste in fragrance sounds much like mine. I would recommend Miracle by Lancome, Place Vendor by Boucheron, Issy Myaki “A Scent” (green box) . I also recommend trying inexpensive “Savons de Marseilles” soap bars available on eBay. I’m loving Ambre Bois, Verveine, Eglantine & Ewe’s milk.
Thoughts about Victoria’s vlog…Perfume bottles don’t always suit their contents. Thinking of what blue smells like, not Byzance by Rochas. In the late 1980s I knew a lovely woman who wore too much of it. Then a work colleague, an elegant, tres chic French lady ruined the smell of Opium by YSL in the same way.
As this is Recommend Me a Fragrance, please help me to get a sense of direction in buying from the expensive candy store of the perfume market. Recent obsessions/must haves have been Sycomore & Miss from Chanel Exclusif. I’ve also surprised myself by embracing Chanel no 5 & YSL “Y”, so different to how they smelled on me years ago & on people who wore them. I also love Jo Malone Myrr & Tonka and finally Serge Lutens, la Religieuse, Vitriol d’Oeillet and Eau Froide. Too disparate to discuss? Or a tasteful colourful tapestry? Thanks for reading/listening in lonely isolated times. Love & laughter to you all. October 26, 2020 at 9:47am
Patricia Devine: Those are quite disparate but I wonder if you quite like cold incense scents – there’s myrrh in the Malone, incense in La Religieuse, incense in Eau Froide and the iris in Vitriol d’Oeillet is also quite cold. Have you tried Incense Avignon by Comme des Garçons? Or L’Air du Desert Marocain by Andy Tauer? Or Timbuktu by Artisan Parfumeur? I wonder if they might be up your street. October 26, 2020 at 11:10am
Heather: Thank you, I plan to order Place Vendome today since I found it on an amazing price online. So it’s an easy little splurge. The others I need to save up a bit for 😀 October 27, 2020 at 7:29am
ClareObscure: Should have read Place Vendome.
Sycamore and Misia.
Curse you ‘auto correct’ I’m sick of your shirt. Haha. October 26, 2020 at 9:53am
Shane: Hello All,
I was wondering if anyone could offer recommendations for a men’s fragrance for the winter? I’ve never really worn fragrances but would like to start exploring, and would appreciate any suggestions as a starting point for me to sample. Thank you! October 26, 2020 at 10:04am
Patricia Devine: Scents I’ve loved on my husband include Caron’s Le 3eme Homme, Olfactive Studio’s Chambre Noire and good old Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Le Mâle. He also wore Trumper’s Spanish Leather, which I really liked – very barber’s shoppy. October 26, 2020 at 11:13am
John: Hey Shane,
I would second Patrice’s vote for Caron’s 3e Homme (AKA Le Troisième Homme, AKA The Third Man)… I like fougères and old school masculine citrus chypres and this brings those profiles together for me. It also offers an interpretation of the ‘barbershop’ formula (biting citrus start, smooth lavender and herbs and mossy-woody drydown softening into a talcum-powder finish) but with a floral, slightly skanky twist that pushes it into a much higher level of sophistication. Unlike many reformulated old-school fougères this does not feel dated to me and material quality and performance are very good to excellent once your bottle has ‘opened up’. One caveat: it is getting more expensive to find in the secondary market; I bought my back-up bottle for around $50.00 CDN, but it’s upwards of $80.00 now (not sure why as Caron still has it available on their website, so it isn’t discontinued.) I would, however, willingly repurchase at this price as I find it the best of its type outside of niche offerings north of $120.00
I wear Le 3e Homme on the rainier side of autumn, winter and spring.
Also in my personal rotation for the colder seasons: Habit Rouge, Yatagan for weekend walks, and, if I can tolerate a little time travel, Polo or Aramis. Good luck! October 26, 2020 at 1:42pm
Patricia Devine: Yatagan is a top-notch fragrance. I wear it myself, but only a dot or two as it truly is butch. 🙂 I also wear Caron’s Pour un Homme and Royal Bain de Champagne (now Royal Bain de Caron). Chergui, Chêne and Fille en Aiguilles, all by Lutens, are excellent unisex orientals. October 26, 2020 at 2:52pm
rickyrebarco: Guerlain’s Vetiver is always a good choice! October 26, 2020 at 2:51pm
Fleurycat: I second that. Can anyone weigh in on reformulations and what the consider the best version of Guerlain’s Vetiver. October 26, 2020 at 7:01pm
John: Rickyrebarco I agree about Guerlain Vetiver! Like an old friend you take for granted that keeps subtly revealing personal qualities. I’ve really come to enjoy it as a year-round fragrance as well. October 27, 2020 at 3:33am
Klaas: Hello Shane, may I suggest a some real classics to get you started? From a couple of brands that are high end, but by no means exclusive to a point where prices are out of control. These are all a little bit more affordable, even though the term needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. We’re talking luxury fragrance here 😉
From Guerlain you could try their very chic mens fragrances Vetiver and Habit Rouge. Vetiver is invigorating, classy and crisp, Habit Rouge is warmer, more elegant and has a dandy vibe because of its gorgeous vanillic base. If you don’t mind you could also have a look at two of their fragrances marketed for women that work well for guys: Jicky (lavender, Guerlains famous vanillic base and a touch animalic) and Mitsouko. Floral, peachy and a touch of bitterness to give it a bit of an edge.
Hermes also has some good masculine scents. Terre d’ Hermes is very original and unusual. It is transparent, salty and more etherial then most men’s fragrances, but it is still very elegant and quite modern. Their Eau d‘Orange Verte is one of the gold standards for a Eau de Cologne and when you’re at it you could sample their Eau de Neroli Doré, which is the most luminous orange blossom you will ever smell. Floral, uplifing and golden, it is a joy to wear in winter, even though it is thought of as a summer scent.
From Chanel I suggest sampling Pour Monsieur and Anthaeus, Pour Monsieur is very refined, citrussy and sunny – an old school gentlemens fragrance – and Anthaeus pack a lot more muscle, with smokey, leathery notes, on top of rose and geranium. A 80’s icon, but still in very good shape.
From Dior you could have a look at Eau Sauvage, another quintessential masculine fragrance with lots of citrus along with green and herbal notes. Super refreshing to kick start your day! Also from Dior, but very different, is Dior Homme. It is dark, sweet, cosy, and combines a chocolaty vibe with the cool sheen of iris. They fiddled with the formula a lot and I think their Dior Homme ‘Original’ is the closest to it’s original formula.
I hope this gives you a few ideas. Tom Ford also has a few popular mens fragrances, but I’m not familiar with the. And do check the website fragrantica.com for a breakdown of the notes in thousands of fragrances, and for the (sometimes very funny) customer reviews.
Happy sampling! October 26, 2020 at 4:45pm
Patricia Devine: Really nice suggestions here and while we’re at it, I wouldn’t discount Geoffrey Beene’s Grey Flannel; Aramis’s Aramis, Aramis 900, Aramis Devin and Aramis Havana; and YSL’s Kouros (applied at home, alone, with a light hand, and the windows open…). I wear all of these, including the Kouros. I also like Versace’s The Dreamer, but the new version lacks staying power, apparently. October 27, 2020 at 4:12am
Old Herbaceous: Hi! You might try Aramis, a classic, traditional men’s fragrance from Estee Lauder. It is leathery/woody/aromatic, which suits colder weather. But apply lightly! And try first, because it’s such a classic, it may remind you of dads and uncles too much. Also, since you’re starting out, I suggest looking for some “discovery sets”, or “sampler sets”, which have vials of several scents from the same brand. Some very good brands sell them, like Amouage. October 27, 2020 at 9:54am
Aurora: I will add Eau des Baux by l’Occitane, it’s a warm, incensey, piney warm with a tobacco effect, Christmas tree scent. October 27, 2020 at 3:27pm
Jills: Hi, Shane. I love Spicebomb. October 26, 2020 at 11:00am
Julia: Hello everybody,
lately I have discovered how much enjoyable wearing parfumes is.
I have been exploring through samples and I can say that oriental florals are my favorites! But I am looking into Chypres too, to widen a bit my horizons.
I like a lot perfumes with amber notes, like Serpentine by Cavalli and Paris Minuit by Burdin. Actually this last one was quite a surprise for me – I didn’t think I could like it as much as I do.
On the other hand, I also like fresh floral scents like Goutal Un matin d’orage and Dyptique Eau des sens.
I like rose notes but haven’t found the perfect rose for me yet. Any idea? October 26, 2020 at 11:26am
rickyrebarco: The closest to perfect roses for me are Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlain and Diptyque Essences Insensee’ Rose.
For Ta’if rose, you cannot go wrong with Ormonde Jayne Ta’if. It’s a real beauty.
Also, Mohur by Neela Vermeire is a good deep rose with spices and a bit of oud. October 26, 2020 at 2:54pm
Julia: Thank you for your kind suggestion! I don’t really like fragrances with oud that much. I have tried many but it just doesn’t work with me, in my personal taste. La fille de Berlin is a really good fragrance, I agree with you! I have a sample and I enjoy wearing it from time to time, but it’s not “me” enough to make me want to buy a whole bottle. Does Diptyque’s one smell similar? October 27, 2020 at 7:21pm
Patricia Devine: For a rose, you might try Aramis Calligraphy Rose – a stonking oriental rose/incense. October 26, 2020 at 3:56pm
Julia: Wow Patricia, sounds really like something I could easily pull off. It’s just a pity this brand is not easily found in Italy, where I’m based. October 27, 2020 at 7:15pm
Patricia Devine: Available on Amazon Italy, by the looks of it. https://www.amazon.it/Aramis-Perfume-Calligraphy-Parfum-Unisex/dp/B00EQ2CNOE October 28, 2020 at 6:15am
Hilde: Hi Julia,
I adore chypres. My beloved perfumes in this range are Paloma Picasso Mon Parfum, Jean-Louis Scherrer, Sisley Eau du Soir and Silences by Jacomo.
Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage also belongs to my favourites. Have You tried yet Hermès Un Jardin après la Mousson?
Best regards.
Hilde October 27, 2020 at 7:22am
Julia: Hi Hilde,
sounds like I should try them all! I have never tried the above mentioned fragrances. However, Eau de Soir is in my bucket list! October 27, 2020 at 7:12pm
Old Herbaceous: I second Aramis Calligraphy Rose, it’s a great one! Also Gres’ Cabaret. I love rose fragrances and did a whole series of reviews of them in May, on my own blog, which you can find if you click on my screen name, and look for “Roses de Mai Marathon”. I also love chypres. Diptyque makes a lovely rose, Eau Rose, which is more floral fruity but in a good way. Papillon makes a beautiful rose, Tobacco Rose, in which the “tobacco” is more like hay. October 27, 2020 at 10:03am
Patricia Devine: I so wish I could have gotten on with Cabaret but on me it was stale perfume and fag ash, like a pub the morning after the night before. October 27, 2020 at 11:10am
Old Herbaceous: Bummer! I like Cabaret, though I’ve moved on to other roses (and even another Gres, Cabochard). October 27, 2020 at 10:11pm
Julia: Thank you for the suggestion. I should definitely check the article out. Sounds interesting! I generally like tobacco notes when they’re not too strong, so why not? October 27, 2020 at 7:08pm
Ninon: I’m another chypre lover and continue to learn about the genre. My favorites are Niki de Saint Phalle, vintage Miss Dior, Givenchy III, Chanel Cuir de Russie edt, Dior Cuir Cannage, and Hiram Green Shangri La. October 29, 2020 at 1:35am
marcy goldman: Hi Heather – I am also blind buying these days which I’ve never done before because: the #1 department stores don’t have the perfume tester bottles out and #2 my addiction to perfume has only intensified with the current situation. Plus there’s one more incentive: #3 there are SO many perfumes out there not represented in department stores from sleeper cheap fragrances that are special or just fun, or exceptional celebrity scents, to indie and exclusive niche perfumes that are expensive but extraordinary.
There’s a buffet of unique scents out there: some expensive and some are a bargain; some are surprises and some are interesting, some are duds and some are total winner, signature scents. Now I realize blind buying as the new reality. I do research the notes and pay attention to the reviews. If a review says: men could also wear this scent that generally means (for me) that’s not going to be a scent that I like (I prefer feminine scents whatever one defines that as). Terms like ‘incense-y’ are also (for me) a deterrent. I also read blogs like BoisdeJasmin. I now appreciate the bloggers/reviewers that like the perfumes I do share a scent sensibility and via them, I can discern new scent I might like.
There are also FB sites for fragrance groups where I’ve discovered some treasured recommendations.
Last, I buy decants or samples on Etsy, Lucky Scent or Ebay (or fragrance.net when they’re available) when I can before investing in a bottle. In my city, there are also second-hand apps/classifieds where I’ve found treasures such as Carven (NIB) for $15. Overall, my fragrance world is really expanding because I am willing to consider more options and research more – which is part of the fun.
Last I think Miss Dior is quietly feminine, both fresh and classic and that’s easy to get a sample of. October 26, 2020 at 12:03pm
Geraldine Ethen: Could someone recommend a good talcum powder? I like to use it following a shower and have had difficulty getting one I enjoy. I am almost out of Shalimar by Guerlain and am looking for more of that or a similar aroma. I don’t know of many on-line options, so maybe someone with more technological knowledge might be able to help me. October 26, 2020 at 12:31pm
Nina Z: Maybe “talcum powder” isn’t the best term to use for it, particularly because there are concerns about the safety of some talcum powders, like baby powder. Perhaps look for “perfumed dusting powder” instead. A brief search showed me that Lush has one called Silky Underwear, which I bet smells very nice. I also saw Maja Dusting Powder from the Spanish company Myrugia. I love the smell of their soap. That being said, these powder products aren’t as popular as they once were, so they are harder to find because not many companies make them anymore. You could look for vintage dusting powder on eBay, but the Shalimar dusting powder is very expensive. Since you like Shalimar, maybe you would like Emeraude Dusting Powder? October 26, 2020 at 6:04pm
Klaas: I second Maja! It is inexpensive and I used to think that it smelled a bit like Shalimar. Though I must admit that I haven’t smelled it since the 1980’s, where anything slightly ambery reminded me of Shalimar 😉 October 27, 2020 at 7:18am
Geraldine Ethen: Thank you, Nina. I’m going to search under the new term (to me!) and am grateful for your advice. I was giving up any hope of getting a good talc/dusting powder. Now I have hope! October 27, 2020 at 2:15pm
Geraldine Ethen: Nina, putting in “perfumed dusting powder” made all the difference in the world! I am tons of options! Many thanks for this bit of wisdom. October 28, 2020 at 11:25pm
Nina Z: That makes me so happy! I hope you tell us which one you chose. October 30, 2020 at 2:23pm
Geraldine Ethen: Nina, I was overwhelmed with options! I chose two to try, both new to me: “Silky Underwear” based on your description (I NEVER would have ordered it based on the title!! but I really look forward to the aroma), and “Maja” because both you and another person recommended it and it is a cheaper alternative. I just cannot tell you how grateful I am for your help. November 1, 2020 at 5:21pm
Patricia Devine: Very hard to get here in France, other than one brand of baby powder. But in the UK I used to buy Yardley and Bronnley talcs, especially Bronnley’s English Fern. I think Bronnley have discontinued all of them now, sadly. The classic British talc is Imperial Leather by Cussons, which is still available. October 27, 2020 at 4:22am
Geraldine Ethen: Patricia, I’m grateful for your recommendations and will follow up with them. The only perfume my mother wore was Yardley’s Lavender which she said was the only aroma my father liked. So I turn to lavender as a comforting reminder of my mother. I’ve morphed to Taylor of London’s lavender talc, but am also finding that difficult to get. I appreciate your your options, new to me. October 27, 2020 at 2:23pm
Aurora: Hello Geraldine: I am based in the UK and can confirm Yardley powders are still available in drugstores and online (fragrance direct for example). The UK brand Fenjal (manufactured in Switzerland I think) smells very luxurious.
I second or third Maja. October 27, 2020 at 3:41pm
Geraldine Ethen: Thank you, Aurora. I will see if I can get the Fenjal or Maja, I’m in Oregon, so may not be able to get British brands here, although I do know that Yardley’s is sold here. I just much prefer in talcs Taylor’s of London’s lavender.
I appreciate your suggestions. October 27, 2020 at 4:09pm
Peter: Hi Heather. I’m also a fan of Jill’s recommended No 19 Poudre. I think that Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau is a unique green floral. A garden scented Rose. Suzanna has a great review on the BdJ website. October 26, 2020 at 10:43pm
Heather: Thank you, the description for Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau sounds amazing. A green floral is definitely my aesthetic. I’ll be saving up for that one! October 27, 2020 at 7:31am
Patricia Devine: A friend of mine once described Ombre as a ‘negative rose’, which I think is quite a good way of putting it. October 27, 2020 at 11:11am
John: Hello all,
Can anyone pass on personal thoughts about Molinard’s Patchouli (the post 2015 version in the purple bottle)? I find reviews of it confusing because most of them just go on about whether it is or is not their patchouli holy grail, which doesn’t help me as a relative patchouli outsider. The only patch-heavy fragrances I’ve spent time with are Zino (which I liked a lot but found a bit rough and short-lived in reformulation, on me anyway), Aramis (I objectively admire it’s simplicity, but find it somehow wearing… never seem to get on with leathers, not for lack of trying), and L’Instant de Guerlain in the EDT form (which felt oddly non-patchouli-ish despite the published pyramid, and a bit too linear & transparent for me.)
I’m wondering if the Molinard might have more of the the things I like: it could be a bit old fashioned (read: classical), at least in its construction and progression, hopefully warm and comforting, and a good second skin fragrance that I could wear with a suit to work as well. For reference, I don’t mind things a little unisex or powdery (longstanding favourites include Caron Pour un Homme, Habit Rouge and Le 3e Homme).
My basic concern is whether I will just smell like a bag of potting soil, which certainly has been my experience with patchouli essential oil.
Thanks for your thoughts! October 27, 2020 at 3:47am
Peter: Hi John. I’m not familiar with the Molinard. My favorite Patchouli is Chanel Coromandel. A veil of powdery richness tempers the patchouli. You could check out Victoria’s review. October 27, 2020 at 5:35am
Patricia Devine: I have not tried the Molinard patch but I wear their Cuir in the purple bottle and that is indeed very classic – kind of office-safe and friendly without being boring. My favourite patch of those I own is Patchouli Antique by Les Néréides, which is nicely boozy and chocolatey. Serge Lutens’ Borneo 1834 is another good bitter chocolatey patch, while Annick Goutal’s Mon Parfum Chéri par Camille (discontinued) is a really elegant iris/patch. Even Angel, once the giant candyfloss note has worn off, gives you a lovely patch underneath. October 27, 2020 at 6:31am
Tati: Hi John, I am a patchouli lover. My holy grail is Reminiscence Patchouli. Always get compliments on it. Other favorites: Profumum Patchouly; Perris Monte Carlo Patchouli Nosy Be. For a much softer one, l’Artisan Patchouli Patch. October 27, 2020 at 3:35pm
Klaas: I’ve heard very good things about Andy Tauers Patch Flash. It is not expensive but hard to find. Also, Patricia de Nicolai’s Patchouli Intense is very good. A patchouli fougère (with lavender), it also comes in a affordable 30 ml. spray bottle….
Is it too early for Christmas? October 27, 2020 at 7:28am
Jane: Will someone recommend a good winter perfume when we are all stuck indoors together and the heat may be blasting? My signature(s) are Paloma, Channel N°5 and Caswell Massey’s Elixer of Love. I also love Amazing Grace by Philosophy, Dahlia & Vines by Nest, and a very old bottle of Deep Night by Ghost. I like Deep Night and Paloma for their long lingering finish. My taste is all over the place and I am curious to see what recommendations might make sense. October 27, 2020 at 2:11pm
Patricia Devine: I’m not familiar with most of your fragrances, other than No5 and Paloma Picasso, but for winter I enjoy Serge Lutens’ Five O’Clock au Gingembre (ginger), Caron’s Montaigne (cinnamon), MPG’s Bois de Turquie (orange pomander) and incense frags like L’Air du Desert Marocain, Timbuktu and Avignon. These spell comfort to me. October 27, 2020 at 3:26pm
Old Herbaceous: I’m currently enjoying Hermes’ L’Ambre des Merveilles, a gentle, warm amber with vanilla but not sweet. I like Adam Levine for Women in cooler weather, and SJP Stash, for two inexpensive options. October 27, 2020 at 8:25pm
Aurora: Also Sonoma Scent Studio Forest Walk and Goutal Nuit Etoilée and Clinique Wrappings to bring the cooling winter forest into the home. October 30, 2020 at 11:03am
Jane: Patricia: I ordered a small tube of Montaigne Caron Perfumed body lotion online so I can try before I buy. Your suggestions all sound spot on. I have a beautiful glass oil burner and cats that get into everything so I will skip the incense. It seems incense is much more sophisticated than I remember from my 20s! October 27, 2020 at 4:35pm
Patricia Devine: Sorry, when I said ‘incense’ I meant that these are all perfumes with incense as a major note – they’re to wear, not to burn 🙂 October 27, 2020 at 5:13pm
Jane: Haha, I feel silly and thank you for clarifying! October 30, 2020 at 7:20pm
Jane: My tube of Montaigne perfumed body lotion just arrived. I bought it off eBay and it the tube itself still had a the little tinfoil cover below the cap. Unfortunately the scent has clearly faded over the time and I can barely smell anything. I will probably just keep as I can always use lotion but still haven’t smelled Montaigne based on the description. Oh well. I am considering ordering some essential oils and creating my own Quarantine/WFH scent. I will wait for another day to test all the wonderful recommendations in person. November 3, 2020 at 1:44pm
Julia: Hi Hilde,
sounds like I should try them all! I have never tried the above mentioned fragrances. However, Eau de Soir is in my bucket list! October 27, 2020 at 7:10pm
Sarah: It’s fall and I once again realize there is something lacking in my perfume collection. I’m looking for a greenish-woody scent, maybe mossy and foresty, somehow reminiscent of or a cross between Diptyque’s Eau de Lierre and Eau d’Italie’s Sienne L’hiver. I like both, but not enough to invest in either – Lierre is almost too light, and Sienne gets a little abrasive. Any suggestions? October 28, 2020 at 11:08am
Patricia Devine: Have you tried Jacomo’s Silences? I wonder if that might appeal. October 28, 2020 at 12:48pm
Sarah: Never even heard of it! Will see if it’s available in my country! Thanks! November 2, 2020 at 8:27am
Ninon: Nasomatto Absinth is my favorite mossy, forest floor sent. October 29, 2020 at 1:37am
Ninon: Argh autocorrect: scent! October 29, 2020 at 1:37am
Sarah: Just checked it out, it didnt quite hit the mark, but thanks! November 2, 2020 at 8:27am
Anouk: Hi Sarah, I had the same craving and bought a decant of Tom Ford‘s Vert d‘Encens. It‘s incense with foresty green notes. October 31, 2020 at 5:41am
Sarah: Sounds lovely. But must i really brave the wrath of the woman guarding the local supply of Tom Ford? She is not happy with me for other reasons, and I’m not very happy with her either….must think of way around. November 2, 2020 at 8:29am
Neva: Hi Sarah, maybe one of Laurent Mazzone’s perfumes would be fitting? I’m not familiar with Sienne L’hiver so I may be guessing wrong. I would recommend that you try LM’s Scandinavian Crime. November 2, 2020 at 9:41am
Ninon: I posted in a prior “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread seeking androgynous, glam rock-type fragrances and was introduced to Iris Bleu Gris, which I now love. Recently I’ve been enjoying austere-yet-dirty floral leathers: Cuir dR edt and Dior Cuir Cannage. I’m interested in continuing to explore this territory, i.e., well-structured perfumes that play with expectations around gender and/or have contrasting hard and soft elements. TIA! October 29, 2020 at 2:23am
Sebastian: Excellent question! Androgynous perfumes in the sense of being ambivalent rather than unisex, that is interesting territory.
Perhaps Anatole Lebreton’s L’Eau Scandaleuse might interest you. For me it ticks all the right boxes in the floral leather category.
Bogue MEM is a perfume that I love a lot, especially at this time of year. It comes across as traditionally masculine at first encounter (oh, that lavender!) and then proceeds to subvert that position. Fascinating. October 29, 2020 at 1:40pm
Ninon: Thank you so much for this! Exactly–androgynous or ambivalent rather than unisex. I am really interested in L’Eau Scandaleuse! Unfortunately, I struggle with lavender and anything remotely fougere 🙁 October 29, 2020 at 3:37pm
Peter: Hello Ninon. Have you tried any of Liz Moores’ Papillon perfumes? Salome is a slightly skanky retro potion. Fragrantica classifies it as a Chypre Floral with woody, leather, musky, white floral, fresh spicy, and smoky notes. My favorite is Anubis, a dark rich leather. Fragrantica classifies it as an Oriental with balsamic, warm spicy, leather, sweet, and musky notes. You can get samples from Luckyscent. Hope you find something to tempt you. October 29, 2020 at 11:04pm
Ninon: Hello Peter! Anubis is on my to-try list, I think perhaps because of your recommendation (unfortunately the samples are currently out of stock at LS). I do not usually get on with warm spices, but I do love balsamic fragrances. I will report back! October 30, 2020 at 1:23am
Sebastian: Salome would interest you in the context of your question. It is a perfume that is reminiscent of the 70s, and in that time would have been considered definitely feminine. October 30, 2020 at 3:42am
Ninon: Thank you, Sebastian. I got a sample of this when it first came out, but my tastes—and tolerance of animalics–have changed since then. I will have to retest. November 3, 2020 at 3:39pm
Anonymoose: I have tried Anubis. It’s too much Frankincense for me. Enjoyed Tobacco Rose much more than Anubis. October 30, 2020 at 10:36pm
Ninon: Thanks for this feedback—I really struggle with frankincense. November 3, 2020 at 3:40pm
Klaas: Ninon, a crazy thought maybe, but have you tried Anthaeus? I think it could smell dy-na-mite on a woman! Testosteron infused leather with rose, jasmine and smidge of incense……if you end up trying it, please report back 😉 October 31, 2020 at 6:20pm
OnWingofSaffron: Hi Sarah, Heeley’s “Cuir Pleine Fleur” may just be the right scent. This is exactly what you’re looking for: an austere-yet-dirty floral leather! November 1, 2020 at 3:38am
Ninon: Thanks so much for this. I tested this years ago and found the leather to be rather soft and purse like. I will retest. November 3, 2020 at 3:41pm
limegreen: Hope this isn’t too late! I love Cuir Cannage so thought you might enjoy testing some of my favorites along the same theme:
Parfum d’Empire Cuir Ottoman — iris and leather, really beautiful
Serge Lutens Cuir Mauresque
And something that’s not floral but a real interesting twist by Cognoscenti, a San Francisco niche house: — tomato leaf and leather!
Cognoscenti no. 16 Tomato Leather November 5, 2020 at 2:55pm
Catherine zwingelstein: Dear All,
I love Bottega Veneta both the original and Knot (wear this one on the wedding day). I also have been wearing Chanel 5 eau premiere for years for the office. I had to change my perfume habits when I moved from France to the US and wear much softer perfumes 🙂
Last time when I went to Nordstrom I was told that they will not sell anymore the Bottega Veneta perfumes. I brought the last knot!
Any recommendations for a decent priced replacement for the original Bottega Veneta? Winter is coming and I love the feeling of wearing that perfume. Stay safe everyone. October 29, 2020 at 6:52pm
Aurora: Hello Catherine: Another light leather like Hermes Kelly Calèche might give you the same feel as BV and try also the more expensive but lovely Cuir d’Ange from the same house. October 30, 2020 at 11:22am
Klaas: Hey Catherine, I am not familiar with Knot, but if it is light leather your after I would like to suggest Eau d’Hermes. It used to be a powerhouse, but its current version is much softer. A very round leather fragrance with a touch of geranium. People complain about the cumin in the formula, but I don’t pick up on it.
And it is a lot more affordable than Hermes’ Cuir d’Ange, which is beautiful indeed! October 31, 2020 at 6:01pm
Aurora: You are encouraging me to try Eau d’Hermes, is there still cumin in it? I struggle with this note. November 1, 2020 at 5:01am
Klaas: Oh Aurora, I really, really like it! I sampled it last week in Rome and oh my, it is a keeper I think! When I looked it up on fragrantica after trying it, I read a lot of negative reviews due to the cumin note but like I said, I didn’t pick up on it at all! To me it just smells deliciously leathery, round, luminous and airy. I think Ellena oversaw the last reformulation, so it has his transparant signature. Also, its sillage is gentle, so it is easy to wear.
But yeah, lots of remarks on the cumin. Some even complain it smells like body odor! So try on paper first ;-)) November 1, 2020 at 6:02am
Sebastian: You were in Rome last week? Did you have to go in quarantine after your return? Germany classifies Rome as a risk area, and although you may travel, you must go into self-isolation afterwards. November 1, 2020 at 6:16am
Aurora: Thank you so much for your detailed answer, I bet you smell really elegant when you wear it. I will try it when I can, when the situation about testing perfume changes. Adore J-C Ellena’s work and combined with Roudnitska (I believe it was) there is magic. So glad you were able to go to Rome, I was in France end of August to mid-September and it made all the difference. November 1, 2020 at 7:37am
Klaas: Oh, Rome was wonderful! Almost alone at the Villa Borghese and with a handful of people in the Sixtine Chapel…..Such luxury!
I am glad you got to France as well. Traveling is such a pleasure. Rome was my last splurge, no more plans until the covid situtation clears.
And yes, I think a spot of Hermes for Christmas will make for a very elegant 2021. You’re right, Roudnitska and Ellena……things could be much worse! November 1, 2020 at 10:19am
Klaas: Sistine Chapel. Some typo’s are unforgivable 😉 November 1, 2020 at 10:54am
Tourmaline: Hello Everybody,
I want to wish everyone a happy Halloween for tomorrow (well, about one hour, Brisbane time). I will be dressing as a witch to go and vote in our state election.
I googled “pumpkin” on Fragrantica, expecting to find several fragrances. To my astonishment, there were 78. Here are several of them.
– Alchemic Muse Pumpkin Coconut
– DSH Perfumes Halloween
– Arcana Wildcraft Pumpkin
– Sweet Essentials Bourboned Pumpkin
= Alkemia Perfumes Pumpkin Strumpet (my favourite name)
– Demeter Fragrance Pumpkin Pie
– Doctor Sweet Tooth Pumpkin Firewood
Please chime in if you’ve tried any of these.
With kind regards,
Tourmaline October 30, 2020 at 8:38am
Peter: Wicked Witchy Weekend to Tourmaline. I’m so not a lover of Pumpkin. Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur would be my choice for Halloween. There’s a hint of pumpkin spice along with the dark muskiness October 30, 2020 at 11:39pm
Tourmaline: Thank you, Peter! I appreciate your reply, as I know you’re not a Halloween fan, either. I must try Musc Ravageur sometime. I like spice and dark muskiness, along with pumpkin. October 31, 2020 at 1:48am
Tati: Not a pumpkin fan either, but love Like This, by Etat Libre d’Orange. Very comforting fall scent that is not sweet. October 31, 2020 at 2:46am
Tourmaline: Thank you, Tati. I must try that one sometime, too. October 31, 2020 at 2:55am
Patricia Devine: How would you describe Like This? I like the sound of it a lot. October 31, 2020 at 5:32am
Tati: I will tell you how I came to it. My favorite fall perfume is Theorema, by Fendi. Of course discontinued. It is a much more complex perfume, but they share spice and orange combined with woods. I would describe Like This as a modern, deconstructed version of it. It is fresher, with the pumpkin adding a very interesting touch. October 31, 2020 at 2:48pm
Patricia Devine: Thank you. it does sound intriguing. Where are you based? there is a 30ml of vintage Theorema on French Ebay but shipping is only to Europe. October 31, 2020 at 4:19pm
Tati: Thank you for that. I’m in California, but I do see some on our Ebay. I might have to indulge in a back-up bottle. 🙂 October 31, 2020 at 6:29pm
Klaas: Like This is very nice, it smells of a sweet curry, with pumpkin and immortelle, with its typical maple syrup, fenugreek like smell.
There’s also a bit of tangerine and vetiver in the formula, to give it a bit of an edge. It is a very cosy fragrance and I like it a lot, but it is a bit too sweet to my taste, like most of the Etat Libre d’O. perfumes I’ve tried. October 31, 2020 at 6:11pm
Tourmaline: Another scent to try; thanks Klaas. I don’t mind a sweet fragrance in cold weather, although it can be a bit cloying when it’s hot. October 31, 2020 at 8:41pm
Anonymoose: Hi Everybody,
I got into colognes after getting hooked on some aftershaves. I’m a ‘new nose’ but so far I have sampled about 40-50 scents and my favourites are:
– Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT
– Yves Saint Laurent Kouros (vintage w/ civet)
– Rogue Perfumery Mousse Illuminee
– Guerlain Vetiver
– Guerlain Derby
– Davidoff Cool Water
– Geoffrey Beene Grey Flannel
– Rogue Perfumery Fougere L’Aube
– Papillon Perfumery Tobacco Rose
– TF Mandarino Di Amalfi & Neroli Portofino
– Chanel Platinum Egoiste
– Creed Green Irish Tweed
– Chatillon Lux Gratiot League Square
– Chatillon Lux Weinstrasse
Liked, but on the fence:
– Caron L’Anarchiste
– L’Artisan Parfumeur Dzing
– L’Artisan Parfumeur Safran Troublant (a bit too sweet and feminine leaning)
– Chanel Egoiste
– Creed Silver Mountain Water
Did not make a huge impression. Mostly, “meh”:
– Caron Pour Un Homme
– TF Costa Azurra
– Versace The Dreamer
– Bleu De Chanel EDP
– Encre Noire A L’Extrem
– Encre Nore (liked this better than extrem)
– Polo Blue
Did not like:
– Caron Yatagan (too much castoreum hovering constantly in the background)
– Dior Homme Intense (Too Iris-ey/pungent)
– VC&A Midnight in Paris (Too pungent)
– YSL M7 (Too pungent)
– Santal 33 (Cedar bomb. Where’s the sandalwood???)
– Oud for Greatness (Maybe Oud is not my thing? I’d love an Oud-Rose recommendation before I give up on Oud altogether)
What next? What are some classics I should try?
I’m already thinking of Guerlain Heritage, Jul Et Mad Aqua Sextius, Guerlain Jicky, and Dior Eau Sauvage EDT, Balmain Vent Vert, Givenchy Gentleman, Knize Ten, Chanel Antaeus, Chanel Pour Monsieur, and Azzaro Pour Homme. October 30, 2020 at 10:29pm
Peter: Hello Anonymoose. You’ve certainly sampled a lot of great fragrances. Of the ones that you’re thinking of, Chanel Pour Monsieur is a great reference chypre.
Some other great Chanel fragrances:
-Cuir de Russie (Leather)
-Coromandel (Patchouli)
-Sycomore (Vetiver)
I’m a big fan of Guerlain Derby. I wasn’t so crazy about Heritage. How about trying the classic Mitsouko (Chypre)?
I have a difficult time with Oud. Cartier Declaration d’Un Soir is not an oud per se, but it’s a fantastic woody rose.
I haven’t tried Papillon Tobacco Rose yet, but I love her Anubis (Leather).
You’ve also discovered Rogue. Chypre-Siam is also excellent, with a crisp lime note.
My other recommendations:
-Frederic Malle Noir Epices (Spicy)
-Frederic Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur (Aromatic Fougere)
-Hermes Epice Marine (Spicy Fougere)
-Nasomatto Baraonda (Whiskey)
Best of Luck on your continued journey. October 31, 2020 at 5:23pm
Anonymoose: Thank you for reading my long comment and the recommendations, Peter! I’m going to try sampling all of them (my wallet begs for mercy lol!)
I have tried Chypre-Siam and Tabac Vert; they did not make a huge impression on me. They are very nice, but I’ll not be looking to buy more of them. There is a new release called Bon Monsieur which, from the looks of it may be worth trying. I also intend to try out Derviche and Ishtar from this house.
I have also tried Anubis, but it was too much Frankincense for me. To be fair, I’ve only worn it once, so perhaps I should give it a few wearings before I make up my mind.
Once again, thank you for the recommendations! October 31, 2020 at 6:54pm
Peter: Hello again. I also own Derviche. It’s definitely a retro Oriental with a sweet tobacco note that you might like. I was thinking of sampling the Rogue Fougere and Mousse, but I usually like a more floral scent. That’s why I was drawn to his Flora + Fauna (retro Chypre) over the Bon Monsieur. I did sample Ishtar, which was a light incense. Maybe not enough va-va-voom.
Did you also try Papillon Dryad? It’s a vintage oakmoss Chypre. Warm and rich. October 31, 2020 at 8:08pm
Anonymoose: No, I haven’t, yet. Excellent suggestion!
Flora + Fauna also looks like it would be right up my alley.
So many scents, so little time 🙂 November 2, 2020 at 12:55pm
Ugo: HELLO, I NEED A ❤️CARNATION❤️ PERFUME! I LOVE BELLODGIA, OEILLET BENGALE AND SAUVAGE, DIANTHUS BY ETRO, L’AIR DU TEMPS AND ETERNITY BY CK. NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THEM WITH SOMETHING WITH A VERY STRONG CARNATION NOTE. I NEED A PERFUME NOT DISCONTINUED. PLEASE HELP ME!!!! 😘😘😘 October 31, 2020 at 7:19am
Patricia Devine: Very tricky due to restrictions on Eugenol, sadly. October 31, 2020 at 4:22pm
Peter: Hello Ugo. The natural Perfumer, Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, has carnation perfumes. I haven’t sampled them, but I was quite taken by her Tubereuse. DSH is based out of Colorado, but she has a ‘voile de parfum’ format that’s alcohol-free and can be shipped overseas. October 31, 2020 at 5:55pm
Tourmaline: Hi there Ugo,
It’s a shame that Lush no longer seems to make a fragrance called Potion. It is an extremely strong carnation scent, which I bought as a solid perfume in a small pot, at least 10 years ago. It might be worth trying the Lush website where you live, or asking among friends as to whether they have a tin of it that they don’t want. I can’t seem to find any on eBay, but you could have a look.
I love carnation, too, and am lucky enough to have a big vintage bottle of Bellodgia, as well as some L’Air du Temps.
Good luck with your search!
With kind regards,
Tourmaline October 31, 2020 at 8:33pm
Aurora: Hello Ugo: Oriza L Legrand has two carnation perfumes: Oeillet Louis XV and Royal Oeillet which is my favourite and their soap for that one is divine. I too love Bellodgia, especially vintage, and Dianthus, there is also l’Artisan Parfumeur Oeillet Sauvage which Victoria loves. November 1, 2020 at 3:35am
Peter: Hi Aurora. I still haven’t opened my pretty box of the Royal Oeillet soap, but I’ll think of you when I use it! November 1, 2020 at 7:02pm
Aurora: How sweet of you Peter, this soap is divine, better than Roger & Gallet. November 3, 2020 at 12:52pm
Peter: The box is open and the Royal Oeillet is scenting by bathroom. Besides the Carnation, I’m getting a nice aroma of Sandalwood. November 3, 2020 at 6:06pm
OnWingsofSaffron: This looks pretty desperate :-), so why not layer two Lutens scents for an instant carnation/clove remedy?
1) “Vitriol d’œillet” for carnation (hair, neck, wrists) and
2) “Serge Noire”, a clove bomb, on the body underneath your undershirt/shirt.
That’ll fix your urge for a very strong carnation note, I promise!
(You can find all Lutens’ on Ebay!) November 1, 2020 at 3:48am
Tourmaline: Yes, and break the bank!
But it’s a fantastic idea! And if you’re desperate… November 1, 2020 at 5:08am
OnWingsofSaffron: 😀 yes, you‘re so right! But aren‘t we all continually spending on fragrances whilst we actually have enough in our cupboards till the sun explodes? (That why I buy 2nd hand on Ebay!) November 1, 2020 at 7:51am
Tourmaline: Yes, of course you are right, too. I have enough perfume to last me for at least a century, and I won’t be living anywhere near that long! I keep chiding myself for failing to wear my good perfumes every day, for saving them for special occasions. But I own more than enough to be able to wear excellent quality fragrance every day. Besides, at home, there is more opportunity to enjoy them, to sniff my wrist and savour the ambience. When I’m out, I’m usually busy doing other things.
That settles it. Tomorrow I’ll be at home, and it will be Mitsouko Monday! November 1, 2020 at 8:25am
Patricia Devine: I’ve worked out that I have enough for more than the rest of my life, so I’m generous with decants etc – there’s no way I could get through it all. 🙂 November 1, 2020 at 8:55am
Tourmaline: That is very kind of you, Patricia. I should do the same. November 1, 2020 at 9:00am
Patricia Devine: In better times, I hold fragrance evenings and do 5ml decants for people at the end of the evening. As a beauty journalist, I was gifted a lot of perfume at one time and my policy with those is to give half the bottle away. I offered to give a deaf friend a decant once, though, and he thought I was giving him the whole things. Didn’t have the heart to tell him, so I lost 100ml of Batucada. 🙂 November 1, 2020 at 11:33am
Tourmaline: That must be so enjoyable – holding fragrance evenings. And being a beauty editor must give you access to many new fragrances. I think that’s a great policy, to give away half the bottle. Shame about the one that got away, though… Batucada is a new scent to me. According to the notes listed on Fragrantica, I think I’d like it. November 1, 2020 at 9:40pm
Patricia Devine: LOL: Batucada is nice but not brilliant – glad it wasn’t my Séville à l’Aube we made the mistake with, though! November 2, 2020 at 6:47am
Patricia Devine: Tempted to pop upstairs and try this! November 1, 2020 at 8:56am
OnWingsofSaffron: Oh oh! That was suggesting emergency measures for very, very serious carnation withdrawal symptoms 😉 November 1, 2020 at 9:10am
Patricia Devine: Tried it. Got Bellodgia, vintage, on the other wrist. After the initial shock, they smell surprisingly similar, though the Caron is more buttery and soft. November 1, 2020 at 12:04pm
Patricia Devine: I take it back, the Lutens is getting stronger and stronger, while the Caron is softening…. November 1, 2020 at 12:12pm
Tourmaline: (This is my reply to your very slender comment above…)
I remember taking “The Perfume Lover” with me on holiday several years ago, and devouring it. But I still haven’t tried the fragrance. Obviously it’s a winner for you. Yes, just as well THAT one didn’t get away! November 2, 2020 at 6:56am
Tourmaline: Hi there Ugo,
(I thought I posted this comment yesterday, but it seems to have disappeard. Sorry if it comes up twice…)
It’s a shame that Lush no longer seems to make a fragrance called Potion. It is a very strong carnation scent, which I bought as a solid perfume in a small pot, at least 10 years ago. It might be worth trying the Lush website where you live, or asking among friends as to whether they have a tin of it that they don’t want. I can’t seem to find any on eBay.
I love carnation, too, and am lucky enough to have a big vintage bottle of Bellodgia, as well as some L’Air du Temps.
Good luck with your search!
With kind regards,
Tourmaline November 1, 2020 at 5:00am
Klaas: I second Oriza L. Legrand! I’ve only tried the Royal Oeillet, and it is indeed very, very floral and very, very nice. They send samples everywhere, too! November 1, 2020 at 5:47am