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. Or you can just tell us what perfume you are wearing!
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
134 Comments
Jacqueline: Can someone advise me, I have a lot of fragrances but I miss La Perla Classic so much, I’ve tried eau du soir sisley, magie noire, knowing and so on, I’d love to find a niche frag that comes close! Thank you! February 22, 2021 at 7:18am
Frankie: I recently purchased a sample of portrait of a lady as a gift. They loved it so much I bought a full size bottle on eBay shipped from the Russian federation. It was less than 60.00. Professionally packaged with the cellophane. It is missing that last zing that sends the fragrance over the top. It is missing something. It does not seem to be a counterfeit but who knows. I can’t imaging so much going in to the packaging! Has anyone else experienced anything similar buying fragrances from the Russian federation? February 22, 2021 at 11:25am
Mary: Yes… They are all made in Bulgaria and are dupes… Unfortunately… I did research and found out a description in Russian site of the same seller explaining that they are very very similar to originals – so why pay more…. I am a native speaker,,, i was able to get full refunds for my purchases… Beware… February 25, 2021 at 12:17am
EB: I purchased some fragrances through what I thought was a genuine website listed in Europe. Turns out it was fake product from Belarus.All went in the bin. A lot of money wasted. I now only purchase through trusted known websites. February 25, 2021 at 1:18am
John: I am so sorry to hear this! Shopping on auction sites can be tricky, and though I’ve mostly had positive experiences, the few negative ones are enough to almost turn me off the process completely. One thing I’ve noticed is that some brands seem to appear more reliably (i.e. safely, authentically) on the secondary market than others. Prices for mid-range products by Guerlain or Caron are excellent, and deals through reliable suppliers appear to be plentiful; I have purchased bottles and testers of Shalimar, Vetiver, l’Instant de Guerlain and Habit Rouge, as well as Pour un Homme de Caron and Le Troisième Homme and Yatagan, often several times, with no problem. I do notice however that product at a slightly higher price point/level of prestige, such as those from Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford, Byredo and Killian, to name a few, are generally almost impossible to find at reasonable prices from trusted suppliers, so I tend to assume that those advertised at low prices from the Russian Federation are indeed too good to be true. Compounding the issue are used but full or mostly full bottles (often from North American merchants who do not deal in perfume at high volume) being offered for similar prices, leading me to wonder if buyers who realize they have been sold inauthentic products are then flipping them to recoup lost funds. Anyway, what’s important is the generous gesture you made to your friend… A Malle perfume is quite a gift! February 25, 2021 at 9:25pm
Aurora: Hello Jacqueline: La Perla was so good, not a niche but have you tried Aromatics Elixir? It’s a chypre like LP and while not identical gives a similar vibe. Hope you will get more answers. February 22, 2021 at 11:22pm
Jacqueline: Thank you Aurora, Well Aromatics is actually my signature scent now and finished a lot!!! of bottles! But thanks for the tip anyway, maybe other members have some suggestions! February 23, 2021 at 1:44am
virago: It’s not niche, but a bottle of Taylor of London’s Chique Concentrated Cologne Spray just arrived in the mail, and anyone who likes AE should give this one a try. A mossy chypre with enough floral notes to keep it from getting too puckery and enough lemon to give it some bite. Major sillage and longevity; “Cologne” is a misnomer. February 24, 2021 at 3:10am
Jacqueline: Thank you so much, I’ll have a look!! February 24, 2021 at 3:40am
Aurora: Thank you so much for the recommendation, I’m intrigued and it’s so affordable February 24, 2021 at 1:30pm
Sara: Hello, friends. At the risk of sounding greedy, I’m going to say I’m looking for two different kinds of things. First, I am always looking for a fragrance that captures the feeling of being in a flowering wildflower meadow on a warm, sunny day. The closest I’ve come to this is L’Artisan’s La Chasse Aux Papillons–it’s pretty green on me, and gives the effect of greenery and flowers warmed by the sun on a humid day in late spring. The fragrance doesn’t need to be purely floral (hay and horse stables would be welcome additions, or a mix of herbs).
The second thing I’m looking for is a fragrance that executes the concept of water evaporating from rock and that wet mineral smell. Alaia Paris had this concept behind it, but I find it too sweet and fruity. The eponymous Eau d’Italie fragrance does the water-mineral-thing pretty well, but something in the composition bothers me (something that reminds me of Lalique Encre Noire Sport–I adore the original Encre Noire and wear it, but don’t enjoy the sport version for some reason). February 22, 2021 at 8:22am
Danaki: Hello Sara. This is not greedy at all. I like your questions and find them inspiriting. I agree with you on the Alaia. I have it and wear it happily but yes it is rather sweet (comfy). Have you tried Hermes Un Jardin sur la Lagune? When I sniffed it in the duty free (which now seems ages ago) I found it to be mineral and floral, but not sweet.
For your first request, I can only think of Penhaligon’s Ostara (that bees buzzing sensation). It is discontinued but can still be found online (some samples on the famous auctions site if you’d rather try first). Jour d’Hermes works too in a more refined way. A darker twist on that them IMO would be Diptyque Ombre dan l’Eau, although that one’s greenness fades away quicker than the first two. February 22, 2021 at 8:42am
Patricia: A second vote for Ostara, here – that’s the fragrance that came to mind for me. February 22, 2021 at 10:27am
Trudy: Couple of suggestions. Regarding the first…I love La Chase and get many compliments when I wear it although it is very light and doesn’t last as long as I’d like Not as floral (to me) but very reminiscent of a warm sunny day is Sundazed by Byredo. I have a sample that I got from Lucky Scent (I think). It is also very light and it is pricey but lovely.
The second….maybe Chanel Paris-Deauville? Not sweet at all. I get citrus and warm stones. February 22, 2021 at 2:22pm
Karina: Another vote for Un Jardin Su la Lagune! February 22, 2021 at 3:35pm
Sara: Thank you, Danaki, Patricia, Trudy, and Karina! February 22, 2021 at 4:51pm
Aurora: Hello Sara: Also Eau de Rochas for a mineral effect and from the men’s aisle Terre d’Hermes. February 22, 2021 at 11:27pm
Debby: Hi Sara,
Calvin Klein CK2 has a wet stone/concrete accord and is a very fascinating perfume all-round, certainly not sweet and fruity. Discontinued, but amazingly cheap from discounters. February 22, 2021 at 10:09am
Sara: Thank you! Sounds interesting! February 22, 2021 at 4:52pm
Dohotay: La Chasse is so beautiful, but oh so fleeting as well. I’ve also been trying to find something similar that lasts a bit longer. February 22, 2021 at 10:22am
limegreen: Not exactly La Chasse but have you tried Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia? It has lasting power.
So does Diptyque Olene which has more jasmine than La Chasse (not indolic) but is a very beautiful long lasting white floral. February 22, 2021 at 11:42am
Dohotay: Thank you for your suggestions! I’ll check out Tuberose Gardenia. Oléne is a bit too indolic for me. One white floral that I am enjoying which is less indolic than Oléne is Vert Malachite. February 22, 2021 at 1:59pm
limegreen: Vert Malachite is beautiful but very pricey. 🙂
I thought Olene was too indolic until I tested it again last fall and I was surprised how beautiful and not as indolic it was. I think they reformulated it, for the better. February 22, 2021 at 10:04pm
Anne: Hello,
For your first question I would recommend Flower Market by Maison Martin Margliera.
For the other suggestion I would suggest, Aqua nymphae by Le couvent les minimes. This is a Jean Claude Elena and all the colognes are actualy so good!
I hope you find what you re looking for.
Anne February 22, 2021 at 10:26am
Sara: Thanks, Anne! I tried Flower Market once, but it was after a big smelling sesh at Sephora and couldn’t figure out what I was smelling. Sounds like I need to give it another whirl. February 22, 2021 at 4:53pm
limegreen: Hi Sara!
As soon as you mentioned HAY I had to chime in. One of my favorite fragrances (not just hay) is Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur, ignore the cuir as this is a fragrance that evokes a wonderful field of hay and touch of wildflowers (and a little bit of leatherish impression).This is one of the few fragrances where I felt I “needed” a backup.
As for the other: Atelier de Geste has a high concept fragrance, appropriately named Stones. It’s not sweet at all! It doesn’t quite have the Alaia heat emanating over mineral smell which I also love. More like the smell of damp when the stones are still wet but the steam has gone.
Not a blind buy, btw.
Good luck! February 22, 2021 at 10:58am
limegreen: Stones has a heavy heavy dose of galbanum so it is quite the opposite of sweet! February 22, 2021 at 11:01am
Sara: This fragrance sounds fascinating! February 22, 2021 at 4:54pm
limegreen: Bucoliques de Provence by L’Artisan is a field of lavender and violets and wildflowers with soft leather. It’s beautiful, kind of like Hermes Cuir d’Ange but with slightly more floral and longer lasting. Cuir d’Ange is by Ellena so it’s light! February 22, 2021 at 10:09pm
Anu: Hello Sara, Hermes Eau de Gentiane Blanche has that “water evaporating from rock” quality for me. I hope you are able to find what you are looking for. February 22, 2021 at 11:07am
Trudy: Couple of suggestions. Regarding the first…I love La Chase and get many compliments when I wear it although it is very light and doesn’t last as long as I’d like Not as floral (to me) but very reminiscent of a warm sunny day is Sundazed by Byredo. I have a sample that I got from Lucky Scent (I think). It is also very light and it is pricey but lovely.
The second….maybe Chanel Paris-Deauville? Not sweet at all. I get citrus and warm stones. February 22, 2021 at 1:56pm
Trudy: oops this was supposed to be for Sara! So sorry. February 22, 2021 at 2:21pm
Sandra: Hello Sara-
For your first question I would recommend Ninfeo Mio (lots of green) & Chant d’Arômes by Guerlain February 22, 2021 at 2:37pm
Karina: Have you tried Annick Goutal Chèvrefeuille? That one is like a walk in a garden in bloom encapsulated into scent for me. February 22, 2021 at 3:37pm
Sara: Thank you, Sandra and Karina. The house of Annick Goutal is a bit of a blind spot for me. It sounds like I have a good place to start with Ninfeo Mio and Chevrefeuille. February 22, 2021 at 4:59pm
Laura: I’m recommending Parfum de Grasse by DSH perfumes (available online). More Meadows, grass, pollen and moss. A fairy-tale meadow walk. February 22, 2021 at 6:13pm
Clare Power: Hi Sara, I’d like to recommend two Australian perfumes for you to consider. The first, for your meadow scent, is Boronia by Grandiflora. It has a delicious not of sun-dried hay in the mix that really captures lazing on grass in the late afternoon sun. It also has some lovely green notes mixed in with the floral (from the hemlock, I think). It’s a lovely Australian wildflower scent; a little more rugged than a northern hemisphere wildflower one. The second is Petrichor Plains by Mihan Aromatics. It’s the scent of a long hot day broken by rainfall. It has a beautiful mineral zing of water on hot stone. Hope you find your perfume perfect match! Cheers, Clare February 22, 2021 at 8:59pm
Charlotte: First, to chime in on some of the other excellent suggestions here: I love Un Jardin sur la Lagune, it’s one of my favourite summer fragrances and is not sweet, more of a woody-white floral fragrance with excellent sillage and lasting power. But you must love salt! For me that is by far the strongest impression, I feel like I’ve just gone for a swim at a baking-hot beach; it almost makes me thirsty!
For your other question I also thought of Bucoliques de Provence which is a beautiful lavender-iris but I find it frustratingly fleeting; @limegreen mentioned it lasts longer than Cuir d’Ange but I find the opposite!
Some other lavender fragrances I enjoy are L’Occitane’s Terre de Lumiere (sweet and honeyed) and Burberry’s Brit Rhythm for Women (rich yet fresh, great lasting power).
And finally, L’ete en Douce by L’aP is a mix of floral (linden blossom) and hay. For some reason I found it to be a scrubber, can’t quite remember why I disliked it so much as I enjoy much of Olivia Giacobetti’s other work. I believe it’s quite popular though so could be worth a try!
Good luck with your search 🙂 February 23, 2021 at 6:55am
Sara: Hi Charlotte,
I LOVE salty fragrances! One of my favorites is Eau des Merveilles EDT. I actually wish it was even saltier with less of that ambery sweetness it can get; in the summer, I find that the bracing salty notes come out more and it’s a favorite. If Un Jardin sur la Lagune is lacking in sweetness and saltier than EdM, I am definitely giving it a try! February 23, 2021 at 10:20am
limegreen: I love salty fragrances, too!
Some of my favorites w/o florals:
Heeley Sel Marin
Santa Eulalia Marinus
and with floral:
Frederic Malle Lys Mediterreanee
(salty lily) February 23, 2021 at 10:40am
Charlotte: In that case I think you might really enjoy it 🙂 February 23, 2021 at 10:53am
Charlotte: Oops that was meant in response to Sara! February 23, 2021 at 10:55am
limegreen: Just because Cuir d’Ange isn’t long lasting doesn’t keep me from wearing it! 🙂
Nice to meet another fan of Bucoliques de Provence! I haven’t loved L’Artisan new releases in the last few years but this was a keeper. Too bad it’s fleeting on you. 🙁 February 23, 2021 at 10:36am
Charlotte: They are both loves! BdP I generally save for bedtime as I find it so subtle 🙂 February 23, 2021 at 10:54am
limegreen: I just respray! I bought a set of Hermessence travel sprays (mix and match Heathrow dutyfree!) so Cuir d’Ange is handy and easy to respritz for me. 🙂 I was hoarding it but realized that when it’s gone, it’s gone, the pleasure of perfume is to wear it. February 23, 2021 at 11:10am
Charlotte: I agree 🙂 Hopefully we’ll have access to duty-free again soon..! February 24, 2021 at 5:15am
Sebastian: Hello Sara,
you will probably enjoy Anatole Lebreton’s Eau de Merzhin. Most wonderful hay note with wildflowers and greenery. Transitions into a sweet incense dry-down that lacks a bit of depth, but it is still a most evocative fragrance. Look up the marketing blurb, for once, I’ve found that apt. February 23, 2021 at 3:37pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Hi, as there are so many resposes to your interesting questions I‘ll be brief. For your second request you may want to try Serge Lutens‘ L‘eau froide. Victoria has an excellent review on this eau. February 23, 2021 at 3:56pm
Deanna: Try Nicolai Eau de Chateau, it was made to evoke the grasses and wildflowers of a particular Chateau. I love it in the summer . February 24, 2021 at 8:50am
Ninon: This is lovely, though I fear it’s been discontinued? February 24, 2021 at 9:33pm
Ninon: Givenchy III is a “meadow” fragrance to me, but it’s more green than floral. February 24, 2021 at 9:20pm
Dohotay: I have a question about a note or ingredient that I really dislike. I smell it frequently in many modern recent perfumes ( Piano Santal, Tardes, Solar Blossom, Delina, Winter Palace, Quartier Latin). You can smell it more as a perfume dries down, although at times I smell it from the very beginning – a bit fizzy, a bit like pineapple to me, there in the background unchanging, and staying around for ages. I’ve smelt it in florals and in oriental / woody perfumes . I get the sense that it is added to perfumes to give them more lightness, and longevity? Would any of you have an idea what it might be? It’s so disappointing. I don’t think it’s musk as I enjoy many perfumes with musk in them. I’d like to figure out what is so that I can avoid the headache it gives me every time. February 22, 2021 at 10:26am
limegreen: Cashmeran? I only know Delina on your list. It’s warming (cashmere) and can be musk-like so this might be the culprit as opposed to other musks that do not bother you.
Good luck! February 22, 2021 at 12:06pm
Dohotay: Thanks. I’ll pay attention to that note and see if it shows up in fragrances that give me a headache. February 22, 2021 at 1:54pm
Dohotay: I should add that I tried Bacarrat Rouge the other day and it also had that interminable note that gave me a headache. February 22, 2021 at 2:08pm
limegreen: BR doesn’t give me a headache but something about it doesn’t agree with me and I like most of MFK fragrances, but mostly the lighter ones, A la Rose and Aqua Universalis.
good luck! February 23, 2021 at 10:27am
Caro: A few days ago I’ve got a sample of Snowy Owl by Zoologist Perfumes. I should say I was very pleased by that one, especially by the opening. I have the feeling that mint and coconut (the two notes that my untrained nose can identify in the beginning) are blended in a way that gives an impression of damp earth, more or less like when the snow starts melting in a cold sunny morning. After about one hour, the calone (watermelon) becomes more prominent on my skin and stays there until the end, but it is still a pleasure to wear it. Anyway, I keep reaching my sample because of the damp earth feeling I got in the first hour. Does anyone have any thoughts about Snowy Owl? February 22, 2021 at 10:28am
Charlotte: Hi Caro, can’t add anything useful as I’d really like to try the Zoologist perfumes but haven’t been able to locate any of them. Many sound very unusual and fascinating; they seem to be ‘love or hate’! It’s nice to see a Canadian niche perfumer gaining an international reputation. February 24, 2021 at 5:19am
JillS: Caro, I love Snowy Owl except for that opening note. February 24, 2021 at 12:03pm
Marilyn from New York: I purchased and enjoyed the 5-bottle vanilla sampler by La Maison de la Vanille. I’m a complete novice about fragrance but I’m hoping to learn a few things here.
First, I noticed a lot of evaporation in every bottle over several months time. What should I make of that?
Second, I enjoyed each of the five scents but couldn’t say how each was different from the other or which I liked best. Any comments or feedback?
Third, do you have a vanilla fragrance you recommend?
Thank you for any insight or information that you can pass along. Sorry to be so parochial. February 22, 2021 at 12:02pm
Frankie: Jalaine silk. It is a warm creamy vanilla with a touch of amber and aquatic notes. Like laying on creamy,dreamy vanilla cloud! Someone described it as laying in the sun on a multi million dollar luxury yacht off the coast of Monte Carlo. Not east to find on the secondary market but u can check jalaine.com. They may even sell samples. The bottles are beautiful as well. Italian crystal. February 22, 2021 at 1:09pm
Marilyn from New York: I agree, that is a beautiful bottle. Thank you for the information and recommendation. February 25, 2021 at 7:11pm
Karina: I enjoy Dyptique Eau Duelle (an unusual vanilla), Les Indemodables Vanille Havane, Artisan Parfumeur Couleur Vanille. February 22, 2021 at 3:40pm
cornelia Blimber: Hypnotic Poison, Dior. Vanilla and almonds.
And the vanilla in Shalimar edp is excellent.
Royal Bain de Caron has vanilla as well. February 22, 2021 at 4:32pm
cornelia Blimber: And, of course, Un Bois Vanille (Lutens).
The drydown is surprisingly fresh. February 23, 2021 at 6:57am
Marilyn from New York: I appreciate the suggestions and will enjoy trying them. February 25, 2021 at 7:13pm
Notturno7: Hi Marylin, Shalimar extrait and body cream, and Hermes Vanille Galante ( Lilly and vanilla ), those are my favourites when I’m craving that vanilla note. March 4, 2021 at 11:42pm
Sara: Hi Marilyn! Welcome to the wonderful world of perfume enthusiasts!
I started getting deeper into this hobby in about 2014, and what really helped me to hone my tastes as well as my palette were two things: (1) reading as much as I could about perfumes, especially the ones I was trying (in stores, at the time), and comparing my experiences to others’ experience of those scents; I learned a lot from Victoria’s blog here, from Gaia at TheNonBlonde (who unfortunately passed away some time ago–she was a huge influence on me), from Robin and Kevin at Now Smell This, and from the world of Fragrantica. Whenever I was interested in a perfume, I would voraciously read the reviews and note lists, and I would deeply reflect on my own sense experience. (2) I smelled a lot of things; I compared fragrances relentlessly until I figured out what I loved about one and didn’t love about something that was similar on paper but gave me a different feeling. In the end, this is about developing your own palette, so I think nothing can replace smelling, researching, reflecting, and learning to trust your nose. Eventually, I think you’ll come to an understanding of what makes a perfume really sing for you.
The best thing about this hobby is not only how much beauty it brings into your day to day life, but also how much it makes you aware of the beauty of smells all around you. Happy smelling 🙂 February 22, 2021 at 4:49pm
Marilyn from New York: So much to look forward to! Thanks for sharing. February 25, 2021 at 7:33pm
Amanda: I love the vanilla in Dior Addict. The original 2002 version is best, if you can find it at a reasonable price. The vanilla is still nice in subsequent versions. (2012, 2014)
Also love the vanilla present in Shalimar! February 22, 2021 at 6:31pm
Aurora: Hello Marilyn: I noticed the same issue with my Maison de la Vanilles samples, the solution is to seal them with parafilm. I agree some of them are similar, in the end I decided to get a bottle of Vanille sauvage de Madagascar because I love the mix of lavender/vanilla although it’s not the longest lasting that is Patchouli Intense. February 23, 2021 at 10:13am
Marilyn from New York: Never heard of parafilm but have found and ordered online enough for this purpose Thank you very much. February 25, 2021 at 7:29pm
John: Hi Marilyn,
I enthusiastically second Sara’s remarks concerning getting your brain and nose to talk to one another though an evolving process of sampling and reading. I live in a small town in Canada and have a rather limited budget for luxuries, but have learned so much just by paying close attention to even a handful of compositions, then reading everything about them I can find; this includes reviews of them by more experienced noses than mine, but also exploring their histories and varied formulations. It follows that this strategy works especially well with classics, which have the benefit of both having attracted decades worth of responses and reactions against which to gauge your own, and having influenced many other perfumes that can then be read as elaborations, extensions, evolutions, etc. of the balance of notes and accords present in that original ‘classic’ composition. One example I can think of is a favourite of mine, Pour un Homme de Caron…Developed in the 1930’s, it is a seemingly simple composition mostly centred on lavender, vanilla and musk. You can encounter variations on its core idea via flankers (an ostensible Eau de Parfum, a sport flanker and a lighter ‘eau’ variation) but can also detect its influence via later fragrances like Gaultier’s LeMale, Killian’s Taste of Heaven, Tom Ford’s Lavender Palm and Chanel’s Boy. Incidentally Pour un Homme de Caron is worth a try for anyone interested in vanilla despite its designation as a ‘masculine’ fragrance.
I may sound parochial myself here, but in the spirit of exploring classics as a form of research, may I suggest Shalimar? It has such a specific use of vanilla (one that is felt differently in various vintages and iterations from cologne to EDT to EDP to parfum) that it really is a must. It will also help you to understand the fascinating way that certain ingredients can in combination create accords so distinctive that they truly become more than the sum of their parts. The vanilla-jasmine-civet combination in Shalimar is a great example of this kind of merging and transforming… Unforgettable and (in later encounters or guises) immediately recognizable. February 25, 2021 at 5:30pm
Marilyn from New York: Thanks John. I appreciate your generous information. February 25, 2021 at 7:35pm
John: Also: I would enthusiastically recommend searching through older posts on this blog. Victoria’s post ‘how to make perfume hobby affordable and more fun’ is an excellent start; I often refer people to her fascinating dissection of the varying aromas of a crushed peppercorn. ‘How to improve your sense of smell’ is also a great one. You can return to these ideas and exercises repeatedly and keep learning something new. February 25, 2021 at 9:31pm
Marilyn from New York: You’re right. This blog contains a wealth of information, resources and opinions. Thank you again. February 26, 2021 at 8:18am
Cyndi: I am SO looking forward to Spring. I can’t wait for the warmer weather and watching the flowers begin to bloom. This winter has been so depressing. I’m looking for a new Spring perfume. I love florals, and although I want to say cost is no object, I can’t. Favorite floral scents are Nahema, Fracas, EL Tuberose and Gardenia, and the classic L’air du Temps by Nina Ricci. I also have sent away for a sample of the new Beautiful flanker, Beautiful Magnolia. But I still want to expand my collection. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I love hearing from the Bois de Jasmin community!!! February 22, 2021 at 1:45pm
Christine: Jo Malone’s Jasmine Sambac & Marigold is a stunner if you love jasmine with a touch of spice. It is fairly affordable.
If cost were no obstacle i can’t recommend FM Le Parfum de Therese enough. It is a one of a kind beauty. Sensual and intimate. February 22, 2021 at 5:44pm
Cyndi: I love Le Parfum de Therese! I should just bite the bullet, save up and splurge. Would love to have that perfumes. February 22, 2021 at 9:43pm
Christine: I love it too!! Just treat yourself to what you truly love 💘 February 22, 2021 at 9:51pm
Aurora: Hello Cindy, I was recommending Guy Laroche Fidji to Clare, it is tropical flowers but a chypre some it has freshness, Guerlain Chamade and its cousin Goutal Grand Amour are lovely florals, and hands down my favourite spring floral is Houbigant Essence Rare but that one is on the pricey side. February 23, 2021 at 10:36am
Cyndi: I’ve smelled Chamade. Forgot about that one! It is very pretty. Like Spring in a bottle. Thanks for reminding me! February 23, 2021 at 11:00am
Sebastian: Hi Cyndi, for spring, I always like something with lily of the valley. Odalisque is very good and affordable, a cool, classically elegant green chypre-type perfume with lily of the valley and jasmine, featuring a very slightly lascivious underpinning. February 23, 2021 at 3:48pm
Ninon: Opardu is sublime. February 24, 2021 at 9:21pm
Cyndi: One other question. Has anyone tried Parfums de Marley Delina perfume? If so, what are your thoughts? February 22, 2021 at 1:49pm
Dohotay: It smells very rosy, but almost immediately gives me a headache. And somehow the smell of it As it dries down seems interminable. I liked Atomic Rose a bit more. February 22, 2021 at 2:02pm
Cyndi: Thanks for letting me know! Was very curious about that perfumes. Always gets raves on YouTube. February 22, 2021 at 2:59pm
Notturno7: Hi Marylin, Shalimar extrait and body cream, and Hermes Vanille Galante ( Lilly and vanilla ), those are my favourites when I’m craving that vanilla note. March 4, 2021 at 11:49pm
Debby: Personally, I think Delina is over-hyped, though I understand its appeal as it is a very well executed example of a fruity floral.
I agree with Dohotay, it is headachey, and is actually one of the few things I’ve tried that my husband took serious offence to.
That bottle, though!
For your other question: my personal favourite spring florals are Apres L’Ondee, Ostara and Dior Blooming Bouquet. February 22, 2021 at 5:54pm
Cyndi: Thanks for you opinion and suggestions!! February 22, 2021 at 9:37pm
Shane: Spring is in the air! Can anyone recommend me spring fragrances for men? Thank you! February 22, 2021 at 1:50pm
Aurora: Hi Shane: Arquiste Boutonnière No 7 is a floral for men, also Christian Dior Escale series are very good citrus cologne scentsPondichry (jasmine tea) the new Hermes H24 with its narcissus which I haven’t smelled might be really good for spring. February 22, 2021 at 11:59pm
Aurora: *Pondichery, sorry for the typo February 23, 2021 at 12:02am
Mela: Hello everyone,
Wonderful to read the suggestions and the detecting we do when finding notes we love, or don’t.
My question is about diffusers. I’ve been looking for a nice room diffuser that doesn’t break the bank. Say, under $100 for a nice long lasting one. I was going to purchase JM Mandarin Lime but discovered that the batches have been bad and the fragrance is barely present. (I was actually surprised at how much I liked my sample of this, not something I would usually go for.) I would LOVE to find a good leather room scent or something green. A softer Terre de Hermes in a room perhaps? Or a fresh light flower? Or in herbal scents, a mint/sage? I like some fruits but nothing involving coconut or apple….or pine.
My problem is that anything low quality and too chemicalish smelling gives me a headache, and I am a super smeller; So my nose is sensitive and my brain doesn’t get over and ignore odors after a bit. Great if I like a fragrance, and if not….. As an example, I brought my jasmine bush inside for winter (and thank goodness after the weather we have had in New York) It decided to bloom this month. Now I need to shut the door to the room about an hour after I open it or everything tastes and smells like heavy indolic jasmine all day. It IS an outdoor plant.
At this point all suggestions are welcome even if I need to spend more, with care. Thank you all in advance.
PS Now I’m wondering if I could make a diffusion from my Hermes… February 22, 2021 at 3:50pm
Natalie: Hi Mela, I‘ve used Nest reed diffusers and their fragrances tend to be sophisticated with a higher end feel. Bamboo is good and it has green notes with jasmine. They have a new Wild Mint and Eucalyptus which sounds herbal and green, but I haven’t tried that one. They are $48-$50. They have a website, nest newyork.com, with 15% .off the first order and they have 25% off sales like three times a year. They are sold at Sephora, Nordstrom, and other places. I have no affiliations with them, but have been buying their products for years. February 22, 2021 at 6:20pm
Mela: Thanks Natalie, i will look them up. The mint eucalyptus sounds perfect. February 22, 2021 at 6:35pm
Clare Power: Hello! I am looking for suggestions for some new perfumes to sniff out please. My preference is for what many would call ‘heavy’ fragrances. Some of my favourites are MAAI by Bogue, Salome by Papillon, Lost in Heaven by Francesca Bianchi, Civet by Zoologist, Coco EDP, Fracas and Bal a Versailles. As I sweltered in the summer sun this weekend I thought it might be good to discover some ‘lighter’ fragrances that are more suitable to hot and humid weather, the office and the theatre. Something with the richness of my favourites, but perhaps a little less…drama? 😉 I love indolic, animalic, big floral and oriental fragrances. I’m not as excited by fruity, green or gourmand scents – but never say never! – and certainly nothing too sweet. Thank you for any ideas you can share with me. February 22, 2021 at 9:48pm
Aurora: Hello Clare: Have you sampled Amouage perfumes? Some are rather heavy hitters so maybe not for summer but some are more discreet like Dia which I find lovely.
When I want a fresh but still lush with ylang-ylang floral I always wear Guy Laroche Fidji perhaps you might like it. February 23, 2021 at 10:22am
Clare: Hello Aurora, I haven’t heard anyone speak of Fidji in the longest time! The moment I read the name I had a flashback to Mum’s dressing table decades ago. I’m not even sure I have smelled it in my adult years/ I shall search some out now, for sure. 🙂 And whilst I have not tried Amouage myself, I have read wonderful things about them, so shall look into that House, too. Thank you. February 25, 2021 at 11:54pm
Sara: Hi Clare,
I’m not familiar with all the reference scents you mention, but I’ll give the challenge a go. If you like Fracas, you may enjoy Profumum Roma’s Sabbia Bianca. For 100 ml it is very expensive, but I have the 18 ml travel size and think that will last a long while. It’s not a light fragrance by any means, but it is a very joyful big white floral (tuberose) perfect for celebrating warm weather. 24 Faubourg EDT is a beautiful crisp and somewhat powdery orange blossom and hyacinth, to me. I enjoy this during spring, and wouldn’t really call it a hot weather fragrance, but I think the classification depends on one’s taste. Ormonge Jayne Frangipani has a certain richness–it’s not indolic or heavy to me, but it’s very plush and peachy, and I think would work beautifully in the heat. It opens crisp, but morphs quickly into a warm creamy peachy frangipani plushness that I find irresistible. Finally, Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger is a thick, raunchy orange blossom, but I find it works in the heat; it has facets of jasmine and tuberose to me, and some smokiness that makes it better for summer nights in my view. You may already be familiar with these options as they’re not exactly off the beaten path, but they may be worth checking out for your purposes. February 23, 2021 at 10:45am
Clare: Thank you, Sara. You had me at “raunchy orange blossom”! 😉 I have not tried any of the fragrances you have suggested but I will seek them out. In fact, I am ordering samples of Fleurs d’Oranger and OJ Frangipani *right now* as I reply to you! Sabbia sounds extragavant and lush. It may be a little trickier to locate from Australia, but I am on the hunt! February 26, 2021 at 12:00am
Sara: I wonder what you will think of them! Don’t hesitate to report back even if you despise them. It’s always interesting to hear people’s reactions. 🙂
I just looked over your original request and saw the “nothing too sweet” part. I think the two samples you ordered won’t be too sweet, but Sabbia Bianca has a hefty sweetness. I generally stay far away from very sweet fragrances, but when it comes to the sweetness of a big white floral, I can’t stay away. The opening of SB gives me the vision of tropical white flowers crystallized in sugar, with a strong kick of cinnamon. The spice goes away and the sugar crystals give way to creaminess, but the sweetness is undeniably there. February 26, 2021 at 10:04am
limegreen: Some of the Frederic Malle fragrances are dramatic/complex without being overpowering and do well in humid warm weather:
Eau de Magnolia (not overly sweet)
Noir Epices (oriental-like)
Lys Mediterranee (though I like this in the cold weather)
Carnal Flower (beautiful green and tuberose, not as indolic as Fracas for me, but spray lightly)
En Passant (lilacs and very light, but so beautiful)
Serge Lutens Sarrasins is lighter than A la Nuit, and a lot less indolic but has animalic notes. It wears softly on me (for a jasmine-centric fragrance). You can always dab rather than spray. 🙂 February 23, 2021 at 10:58am
Sebastian: I second Lys Mediterranee. So dense, rich, earnest and realistic, but set off with delightful fresh greenery and soft pond-bank aquatics. A delight in any weather. February 23, 2021 at 3:55pm
Clare: Thank you, Sebastian. Sold! I am ordering a 10ml Lys Mediterranee (in another tab) as I type this to you. I can practically *smell* your comment; your description is marvellous! February 26, 2021 at 12:07am
Sebastian: I’d be much interested to hear how you like it, perhaps in some later installment of this blog.
(Shameless plug) Here’s an extended version of my remark on LM. Originally written in German, the automatic translation is quite decent: https://www.parfumo.net/Perfumes/Editions_de_Parfum_Frederic_Malle/Lys_Mediterranee/Reviews/127393
I’m really quite enthusiastic about it and am in fact wearing it right now. February 26, 2021 at 3:55am
Notturno7: Hi Claire,
I second Lys M, Carnal Flower, Sarrasins, Fleurs d’ Oranger…. I’d add Fleur de Cassie, Une Voix Noire, La Parfum de Therese, Tuberose Criminelle (amazing but check that intense menthol note, I love it), Une Fille de Berlin, EL Tuberose Gardenia……I’m sure I’ll remember more as soon as I post this! Let us know what you discover and like! March 5, 2021 at 3:14am
Clare: Thank you, Limegreen. I have been meaning to explore FdM, so this is a great nudge to get on and do it! Who could resist a perfume named Carnal Flower? And Sarrasins sounds poitively delicious – I shall have to get me nose on that one! 🙂 February 26, 2021 at 12:04am
limegreen: Good luck! FM has a sampler set which I would have appreciated in the early days of exploring this line. It is one of my favorite lines though I don’t love everything I can appreciate the quality. If you go down this rabbit hole, the body products are high quality. I wear the body butter and oil for Carnal Flower more than the fragrance itself.
I love the 10ml option, and looks like you got one for Lys Med. (I enjoyed Sebastian’s review, too!)
Good luck! February 26, 2021 at 11:21am
OnWingsofSaffron: Have you tried the Hieam Green perfumes? Dilettante is/was a dream; Slowdive too. Moonbloom seems to be a diva tuberose… February 23, 2021 at 4:01pm
Ninon: ITA re. Hiram Green. Moon Bloom is extraordinary and I also love(d) Dilettante and Shangri-La. Deep and shimmering compositions, and quite amazing as all-natural fragrances. February 24, 2021 at 9:23pm
Clare: Ninon: “deep and shimmering”, what a beautiful turn of phrase! I shall be sure to explore them. Thank you 🙂 February 26, 2021 at 12:12am
Clare: Hello OnWingsOfSaffron, in a wonderful coincidence, Hiram Green has just announced he is shipping to Australia – so I can order the sample set and try all these lovely fragrances you have suggested. Happy Days! 🙂 February 26, 2021 at 12:10am
OnWingsofSaffron: Oh, I am pleased for you!
There is a definite Hiram Green DNA which marks the perfumes as „siblings“ which is just fine in an all natural ingredients context. Next to the perfumes I mentioned there is Lustre, an exquisite rose perfume, and Vivacious, a more playful violet an carnation scent. There is one dark horse, smokey and tarry I don‘t care for, but that‘s okay. February 26, 2021 at 6:20am
Sebastian: Liking Salome, you might enjoy Le Galion’s Megara, which is an aldehydic, somewhat less dense sibling to it.
I remember a warm and windy summer evening wearing Amouage Lyric Woman (the extrait). Not too heavy for warm weather, very enveloping with a natural rose and exceedingly noble incense.
Among orientals, the drier, non-sweet stuff that doesn’t feature a whole spice market at once can work wonderfully in the heat. I’m thinking particularly of Diane St. Clair’s Casablanca.
Very, very interesting within a generally green-chypre structure but very rich and nicely horsey is Orchid Scents Sonnet XVII. If you enjoy the stuff by Bogue and Bianchi, there is nothing to be afraid of here, and it’s not heavy and very unique.
An animalic flowery chypre with heart notes to die for is XPEC Original, pairing thyme and tuberose over oakmoss. It’s a bit like the apprach taken in Etruscan Water, which achieves a similar effect with jasmin, caraway, and oakmoss.
A daring leathery floral chypre like Anatole Lebreton’s L’Eau Scandaleuse, or slightly lighter and safer Jardin d’Ecrivain’s George might also appeal to you.
I’m also attracted to much of the classic stuff: Scherrer, Madame Rochas, Cabochard. Or neo-classic: Le Galion Essence Noble, for example. All fine in any weather. I realize this taste may come across as old-fashionsed, but those perfumes, mostly chypres, to me exude austere elegance rich in notes and layers without being heavy. February 23, 2021 at 6:30pm
Victoria: Not sure what happened, but this message was held by the filter. Just saw and manually released it. February 24, 2021 at 1:56am
Sebastian: That explains the duplication. I wrote again when I didn’t see the original message appear. February 24, 2021 at 2:04am
Victoria: I’ve removed the first comment, if it’s ok with you. The filter is sometimes very off, unfortunately. February 24, 2021 at 2:11am
Clare: Hello Sebastian, I know we’ve never met, but I feel a need to sidle in next to you and inhale deelpy – because I am certain you would smell *ah-may-zing*! I would say your taste is refined and elegant; classic rather than old-fashioned. Of the fragrances you have listed I am only familiar with L’Eau Scandaleuse (a recent purchase I am thoroughly enjoying). A friend gifted me a selection of Olympic Orchid samples (saying they were ‘too much’ for him) so I shall look through to see if Sonnet XVII is among them. You have given me many new Houses and scents to explore – best get reading! I think I shall start with XPEC Original; “animalic flowery chypre with heart notes to die for”? Yes please! 🙂 February 26, 2021 at 12:24am
Sebastian: Thank you for the compliments, Clare. I do believe we have much in common regarding our taste in perfumes. Salome, for example, is one of my favorite scents, and I also enjoy L’Eau Scandaleuse. Have fun exploring! February 26, 2021 at 3:48am
Ninon: Areej Le Doré should be right up your alley! The fragrances are made in small batches and sell out, so I haven’t sniffed them widely, but the new Cuir de Russie (technically fabric only) is amazing. February 24, 2021 at 9:26pm
Clare: Thank you Ninon. I haven’t heard of Areej Le Dore before, but a quick Google tells me I need to learn all about them! February 26, 2021 at 12:39am
Charlotte: Hi Clare Power, @Sara’s suggestion of Fleurs d’oranger made me think of Seville a l’aube by L’artisan Parfumeur; have you tried it? It’s a beautiful, full-bodied orange blossom with a touch of lavender and smoke. Luscious but not too sweet; perfect for summer nights. It also has a great/romantic story to provide some drama 🙂
In the oriental vein, I would suggest Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens. It’s a beautiful rich sandalwood-rose, but the sandalwood is kept light rather than dense. There is a bit of sweetness and cacao which makes it slightly gourmand, but it’s nicely balanced and doesn’t smell edible; just very addictive! February 25, 2021 at 6:00am
Clare: Hello Charlotte, I haven’t tried Seville a l’aube, but I have really enjoyed the other L’Artisan scents I have sampled so I shall seek it out. “Luscious but not too sweet” is exactly what I am after! And I’m a complete sucker for a good story 🙂 I have read others people’s comments in perfume forums waxing lyrical about Santal Majuscule, so I shall learn more. A perfume that is ‘rich’ and ‘addictive’ sounds fabulous! February 26, 2021 at 12:44am
Ana: I fell in love with Hummingbird from Zoologist and Annick Goutal’s Un Matin d’Orage. Also, having lots of fun testing out a sample set of Olivine Atelier’s scents, and waiting for a blind buy travel sprayer of Sabbia Bianca Profumum Roma. I have a little trepidation about the last item but love white florals and after reading so many reviews about it figured now is as good a time as any to purchase it. So, I compromised and purchased the travel sprayer, (pricey enough), as opposed to a full bottle. Keeping my fingers crossed that this is as beautiful as all the reviews claim. February 23, 2021 at 1:52am
Han: Then it must be Zoologist Nightingale, I’ve in love with this perfume since I first smelt it 4years ago. It gave me the impression of poetic Asian culture connected with the Mono No Aware February 24, 2021 at 2:14am
Vi: Hi, all! I’ve worn and loved Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Lumiere Noire pour Femme for several years, but as I went to look for a new bottle recently, I noticed that it seems to have been discontinued. I often find roses a bit blowsy, a bit too much, but I liked the dryness of this one. Does anyone have any recommendations for similar perfumes? I’m trying to move past my sadness and think of it as an opportunity to try something new. February 24, 2021 at 4:07pm
Aurora: Hello Vi: Amouage Epic maybe as it shares notes with Lumière Noire but it’s probably ‘richer, bigger’ like all Amouage perfumes. If you especially enjoyed the rose/patchouli combo a really good one – although very linear – is Terry de Gunzburg Rouge Nocturne which I like very much, also for more patchouli than rose l’Artisan Parfumeur Voleur de Roses is a good option. February 26, 2021 at 8:07pm
Vi: Thank you! I’ll definitely check those out. February 27, 2021 at 5:03pm
Ninon: I’m looking for complex smoky fragrances in the vein of Cuir de Russie, Sycomore edt, Cartier La Treizieme, and Cumming. I’m not looking for straight incense (especially olibanum), vanilla fragrances, or “barbecue.” Tysm! February 24, 2021 at 9:19pm
limegreen: Well, if you want smoky, the Naomi Goodsir line is obsessed with smoke. I’ve tested 3 of them and ashes, smoldering ashes, and smoky ashes! They did not agree with me but I’m not that into smoky. But maybe this will be perfect for you, especially Cuir Velours, what I would call Cuir de Russie X10.
1. Bois d’Ascese (burning house — I think Goodsir herself references this)
2. Iris Cendre (fireplace iris — I had high hopes for this one but could not wear it)
3. Cuir Velours — (new LEATHER JACKET that one wore to a bonfire over the weekend and it’s now Wednesday and it’s still smells like the bonfire) February 26, 2021 at 11:10am
Jane: I have always loved cristalle EDT, and had brief flings with eau parfumee the bleu and miller Harris pamplemousse. Sadly ALL have been discontinued. Is there anything else out there that offers this same sense of brightness from citrus or tea notes March 3, 2021 at 2:26pm
Aurora: Hello Jane: Here in the UK Cristalle edt is still available on the Chanel website so you could check Chanel directly in your country maybe.
Eau de Guerlain might be something you would enjoy, also Eau de Rochas, a citrus chypre like Cristalle. The UK brand Liz Earle, Botanical Essence No 1 (97% natural) is a great citrus chypre too and affordable. March 7, 2021 at 12:44pm
Notturno7: Hello dear BdJ community, does anyone know and recommend Patou L’ Heure Attendue, the vintage version? I’m thinking of making a blind buy. I read the reviews on line that I could find. Victoria did a 5 star review of Patou Vacances and I haven’t been able to find a vintage version so I thought I’d try this one. I really love fragrances that feel like they’re from another era. March 4, 2021 at 5:50am