Happy Nowruz! Happy spring! 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, my haft seen this year
155 Comments
Sebastian: I have always thought I didn’t like aquatics. Too bland, too boring, too predictable, too transparent, too clean.
Over time, I have come to recognize this isn’t quite true. For example, there is Walpole Bay (Haeckels) which is not really sea-salty, but more like being in a sunny place near a rocky coast, there is Mirus’ Driftwood, which has a very faint aquatic note with woods and ambergris, there is Meo Fusciuni’s Varanasi with its very unique animalic-aquatic accord, Zoologist Squid which attempts to combine aquatics with spices and smoke but unfortunately ends up a bit murky, Lys Mediterranée with a very attractive pond-bank wateriness, and last but not least Shawn Maher’s Admiral, evoking a river landscape.
All these I like, because they are a far cry from your typical boring Calone/Hedione- bomb. They are also inventive in not simply attempting to add some salty impression to your perfume and calling it a sea-breeze.
You get the idea. What other non-aquatic aquatics come to your mind? March 22, 2021 at 7:56am
Safran: Épice Marine from Hermès, the Hermessence series would be my favourite non-aquatic aquatic scent. March 22, 2021 at 10:31am
rickyrebarco: I second that. Epice Marine is the best aquatic scent I have found. Jean-Claude Ellena created a winner in Epice Marine. March 22, 2021 at 10:47am
Sebastian: Thanks for the recommendation. Turns out there is a review by Victoria on this site: https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/10/hermes-hermessence-epice-marine-perfume-review.html
I’ll check it out. March 22, 2021 at 11:17am
Charlotte: Hi Sebastian, of the fragrances you list, I’ve only tried Lys Mediterranee, but in terms of salty-seaside fragrances I love Hermes Un Jardin sur la Lagune (seems to inspire love or hate) and Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt. Miller Harris’ Fleurs de Sel is a nice salty-aromatic leather, but discontinued. Of these three, I think only the Hermes contains calone. March 23, 2021 at 4:55am
Karina: I second the Jardin and agree that it seems to split the crowds =) March 23, 2021 at 4:25pm
Karina: Oh – and just remembered Eau D‘Italie Magnolia Romana could fit for something slightly aquatic (but not calone-y) March 23, 2021 at 4:33pm
Old Herbaceous: I third Sur La Lagune! March 24, 2021 at 12:46am
Charlotte: Un Jardin is lovely isn’t it? More than any other fragrance, it makes me feel like I’m on a baking-hot beach (a nice thought right now!) 🙂
I haven’t tried your suggestion but the magnolia trees are in bloom in London right now; so pretty! March 24, 2021 at 5:36am
Krysoberyl: What about Tauer Phtaloblue or Francesca Bianchi Sex and the Sea? March 23, 2021 at 7:58pm
Sebastian: Do not know the Tauer, might try. But Sex and the Sea must be the absolutely most horrible dishwater Bianchi has ever concocted. Pineapple and coconut, synthetic, sweet, cloying. It’s a disgrace to her name. March 24, 2021 at 6:16am
Ninon: Lys Mediterranee March 23, 2021 at 9:41pm
Anouk: Hi Sebastian,
I had the same experience with aquatics: First thought I could not stand them, then found a couple of fragrances I loved.
Aqua amara for example. Though it doesn‘t quite hide its aquatic aspect, it is combined with a little smoke and mandarine notes.
Them there is also Zara Vetiver pamplemousse. I had tonwearvitba couple of times, first thought of it as a vetiver fragrance, them found it to habe a very hidden and minimal aquatic base. April 1, 2021 at 2:18pm
Tami: I recently purchased some decants of tuberose-forward perfume: among them, Tom Ford’s new Tubereuse Neu. If you’re a tuberose fan, it’s worth checking out. I can’t say it’s my favorite tuberose ever, or that I’d buy a full bottle, but I do enjoy it. That said—and I know I’m not alone in this—I think my favorite of my explorations has been Carnal Flower. It develops so nicely on my skin, and really does become a part of me in a natural way, like *I* am blooming. I’m so tempted to splurge on a bottle!
And now… my question. With warmer days ahead, my thoughts are turning to trying out a new perfume that is NOT my normal direction (either citrus, or white floral). I’m thinking something tropical, lush. Fruity is OK but I don’t want to smell like fruit punch. Not musk or patchouli forward. Does such a thing exist? Any suggestions welcome. Thank you 🙂 March 22, 2021 at 8:20am
rickyrebarco: Ormonde Jayne’s Frangipani is a beauty and it’s definitely NOT a fruit punch. Chantecaille’s Frangipani is also wonderful. March 22, 2021 at 10:49am
Tami: Thank you—both sound lovely. And those Chantecaille bottles are so beautiful!
Frangipani sounds like a note I should investigate further. March 22, 2021 at 11:14am
Lora W.: Also Chanel Beige, I am looking forward to wearing it now that it’s springtime!
Happy hunting! March 22, 2021 at 11:52am
Tami: Ooh, I will need to see if I can track that down! Thank you! March 22, 2021 at 4:26pm
Tamasin: Oh I wans going to suggest Ormonde JAyne’s Tiare, but their Frangipani corresponds even better. March 23, 2021 at 7:10am
Tami: Sounds like one to investigate as well. Thank you! March 23, 2021 at 10:18am
irem: Hi Tamy, Carnal Flower is fabulous, and I love how you put it to words: “like *I* am blooming”. It feels even more so in Summer. I have only the travel size bottle and it lasts a long time.
As for your question, I have several suggestions in different directions. The first is Lys Mediterranee from Malle. I find it has that blooming quality similar to Carnal Flower, great radiance, I would describe it as lush floral. Then there is Eau de Magnolia from Malle as well. A cologne without citrus. Imagine a July day sitting under an evergreen magnolia tree in full bloom.
More tropical, ripe fruit, yet no fruit salad is Calyx by Prescriptives in the older days, now by Clinique – but always by Sophia Grojsman.
My final suggestion is Diorella. More citrus, but not just citrus. Fruit without fruit salad, a great fruity/floral-chypre. March 22, 2021 at 2:11pm
Tami: Thank you for the kind words and for sharing so many intriguing suggestions! March 22, 2021 at 4:27pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hallo, Tami!
Songes, Goutal. Flowery, Tropical
Or maybe Mayotte (= Mahora), Guerlain. I know it had bad reviews. But is is really a rich,
lovely ”tropical” perfume. March 22, 2021 at 5:03pm
Tami: Fabulous! I love Guerlain but I don’t think I have tried Mahora yet. Thank you for the recommendations! March 22, 2021 at 5:19pm
Krysoberyl: I was going to suggest Calyx as well 🙂 March 23, 2021 at 8:01pm
Tami: It’s been so long since I’ve smelled Calyx, I can’t recall what it’s like! I wonder if it’s at a nearby counter… I haven’t been able to get samples but consultants have been willing to spray cards for me lately. March 24, 2021 at 9:57pm
Notturno7: Hi Tami, I love Carnal Flower and you describe it well!
For white floral / tropical Songes, EL Tuberose Gardenia (I have pure perfume and it’s gorgeous), Fracas ( if you love CF you should try Fracas. I like it so much I got it in few formulations). I took these 3 to my tropical holiday and as I could smell these flowers blooming on the island I felt part of everything, it felt magical ), Lutens Une Voix Noire ( muted lovely sexy gardenia), Lutens Sarrasins (Jasmin / leather). White floral -No 22, I love incense drydown. Also Parfum de Therese for jasmine and melon, mmm. I love it in summer and hot weather. It just blooms on the skin.
Let us know what you think. March 23, 2021 at 5:29am
Tami: Wow… These all sound amazing! Jasmine and leather, that sounds like quite a combination. Thank you! March 23, 2021 at 10:20am
Karina: Well there is the summer classic Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess or (very similar, slightly more ‚full bodied‘ to my nose any significantly more €€€) Tom Ford Soleil Blanc. Both i would describe as summery and lush. March 23, 2021 at 4:31pm
Karina: Etro‘s Viccolo Fiori is another one that is not white / flower tuberose but has that summery, hot vibe to me. This one is like sitting next to a flower bed in a hot square by a fountain in a big city to me. March 23, 2021 at 4:37pm
Tami: Thank you for these suggestions! Appreciated! March 24, 2021 at 9:54pm
Morelle: Tropical and lush sounds like Les Nez Manoumalia to me. Vicoria has reviewed it here
https://boisdejasmin.com/2012/04/les-nez-manoumalia-perfume-review.html
Also maybe Keiki Mecheri Isles Lontaines.
No fruit notes are listed for either of them, but in both I detect a distinct coconut note (though maybe just an olfactory illusion) March 24, 2021 at 7:22am
Tami: Thank you! Wow, Manoumalia sounds intriguing… March 24, 2021 at 9:55pm
Silvermoon: So another in the Ormonde Jayne line in this vein is Champaca. March 26, 2021 at 2:21pm
Limoncella: Eau d’Italie has been my favourite for spring/summer for more than a decade and I enjoy exploring the variety of citrus (Acqua Decima has been a nice evolution for summer, though I prefer Aqua Viva (Profumum) in the long run).
Thinking of it, I might be looking for something in between Eau d’Italie and Gucci Envy or Etro Via Verri, but less intense than the latter. I wouldn’t be able to say which are the decisive notes involved, but am very much looking forward to your suggestions. March 22, 2021 at 9:35am
rickyrebarco: My favorite summer citrus is Meloe by Teo Cabanel. It’s fresh but mellow (Meloe? pun intended) and on my skin has good longevity. If you like a green leaves and green tea with citrus fragrance, Mon Amie de la Rose by Parfums de Rosine is perfect for spring and summer. The rose is more in the background in this one. March 22, 2021 at 10:53am
Limoncella: Hi Ricky, great – now let me check if I can find them in my region! Thank you also for giving me some leads (tea/green leaves) that help describing my taste – in fact, I tend to get hooked on certain notes without remembering well what they are. Tomato leaves, for example. March 22, 2021 at 12:59pm
rickyrebarco: If you are in the US, Teo Cabanel is not sold directly in the US. You have to order direct from Paris, but the shipping is very reasonable and I’ve had great luck ordering direct from France from Cabanel. I would think that Cabanel is widely available in Europe but I could be wrong! I’m sure it will depend on the country. March 22, 2021 at 1:40pm
Limoncella: I was already doing some research. And yes, Cabanel is available in Germany, but I have yet to find the one you suggested. Thanks again! March 22, 2021 at 1:44pm
Morelle: Since you mention tomato leaves, maybe you would enjoy L’Ombre dans l’Eau by Diptyque which combines tomato leaf with rose. It’s not a citrus scent but definitely a summer scent.
I prefer the mellower EdP to the EdT version, but you should give both of them a try if the scent appeals to you. March 24, 2021 at 9:08am
Limoncella: That’s an excellent idea, thank you. I’ve tried l’Ombre dans l’Eau before, but don’t remember well. March 29, 2021 at 5:35pm
shiva-woman: I too like Meloe–in fact I’m a big fan of Teo Cabanel anyway. March 22, 2021 at 3:35pm
Ugo: I know that it’s not the season, where now into the spring but I still really need an amber fragrance. I love Ambre Fetiche by Goutal and also Ambre by Reminescence. I also love the ambery side of Shalimar. I don’t like Ambre Sultan by Lutens. I’m searching for a cosy, not too sweet, but enveloping rich, deep and also very animalic if possible amber perfume. Can someone help me? March 22, 2021 at 9:50am
Jacqueline: You really should try Classic Opoponax ( von Eussersdorf) It’s incredibly cozy! March 22, 2021 at 9:54am
Fary: Hello everyone 🙋🏻♀️
I’ve been craving something a bit sweet but not overly gourmand. Some of the notes I enjoy are apricot, powder, iris, violet, almond, citrus, florals… Let me know if there’s something you think I should try. And thanks in advance! March 23, 2021 at 12:43pm
Sebastian: I guess your question sort of went under because you posted it as a reply to an unrelated question.
However, fruity-powdery-floral with sweetness made me think of Trésor. Might be considered by many an old lady’s smell, but I think it’s very wearable. March 23, 2021 at 6:33pm
Fary: Ah silly me!!
Thank you for the rec. I actually loved Tresor when it came out, and I was a kid. I’ve actually contemplated getting a bottle! Do you know if the current formulation is still good? March 23, 2021 at 8:44pm
Sebastian: I can’t say. I would expect it to have changed due to regulations and cost considerations, but I do not remember the 90s version enough to make a comparison. It would be wise to retest, anyway. March 24, 2021 at 6:09am
Morelle: Maybe Daim Blond by Serge Lutens? Apricot, powder and a lovely, soft suede note March 24, 2021 at 9:34am
Fary: Daim Blond is lovely 🙂 Your instincts are on point. March 24, 2021 at 12:46pm
Morelle: Have you ever tried Bottega Veneta? Maybe in the Eau Légère version? Soft, soft leather with violet and iris; and a hint of powder. March 24, 2021 at 6:46pm
Fary: Oh that sounds lovely. I’ll keep my eye out for it. Seems it has been discontinued but maybe it’ll pop up on Fragrancenet sometime 🙂 March 24, 2021 at 7:56pm
Morelle: The original EdP version is also very good, and still available March 25, 2021 at 7:39pm
Anu: Hi Ugo, I would recommend Ambre Precieux by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier & Ambre Russe by Parfum d’Empire March 22, 2021 at 10:12am
rickyrebarco: Definitely agree with Anu’s recommendations. These 2 fragrances are amazing.
I’ll be quiet now. Don’t want to hog the board. 🙂 March 22, 2021 at 10:55am
Sebastian: I recently smelled Glowing Amber (Meleg), which ticks all those boxes except animalic. High quality and easily recommendable.
And, uhm, what about good old Opium? March 22, 2021 at 11:39am
Cornelia Blimber: Ha, Opium, of course! And also good old Coco and Youth Dew.
One of the best was Byzance (Rochas), but only the old one, not the reformulation.
Very refined amber was Sublime by Patou, recently discontinued.. maybe on line (by Jean Kerleo, a great perfumer). March 22, 2021 at 5:11pm
Notturno7: Hi Cornelia, how do I know if my Byzance is reformulated? I remember trying it once in a duty free and loving it but I bought a bottle a while back and I think it’s not the same. But I’m not sure cause I tried it so long ago. Am I just being picky? March 23, 2021 at 5:37am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Nottuno 7,
The reformulation is recent: 2019. I have a bottle of the old Byzance, about 15 years old and still glorious.
The reformulation has a new bottle, so it is
easy to see whether your bottle is the new one
In guess you smelled the old one and bought the new one! Do you like it? March 23, 2021 at 6:22am
Notturno7: I bought my Rochas Byzance 4-5 years ago so it’s not the 2019 reformulation. What puzzles me is that my 3.3 Oz EDT bottle is not round like vintage ones but tall and has octagonal corners. Is that the same juice as the vintage despite the change in packaging? March 23, 2021 at 3:38pm
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe a special edition? I don’t know.. March 23, 2021 at 3:55pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Notturno…I found it on Fragrantica. You have the 2017 special edition! March 23, 2021 at 4:07pm
Notturno7: You’re good!!! Nice research. Thank you. I just finally tried it and smells really good and it’s a strong scent. It’s surprising it’s EDT!
I never tried applying it before, but just smelled the cap.
I realized that just seeing my light blue bottle instead of that beautiful dark blue vintage look, it made me think the scent was weaker! And I just stashed it somewhere and never used.
Ah, the fickle powers of perception.
It is really good, maybe the same juice because just a dab is powerful and usually put 2-3 sprays of a fragrance when applying something.
Thanks for mentioning it here. I feel like I got a new perfume! March 23, 2021 at 4:57pm
limegreen: Have you tried Musc Ravageur (Frederic Malle)? I am not a fan of Shalimar and don’t like amber that’s too sweet so MR is perfect for me, wonderfully rich and ambery with animalic tones. March 23, 2021 at 11:31am
Krysoberyl: I too am looking for my perfect amber. These are all close… Ambre 114 by Histoires de Parfums, Amber Precieux by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier, Akkad by Lubin, Idole by Lubin, Les Annees 25 Bis by Andy Tauer, Tolu by Ormonde Jayne and, strangely enough, a solid from Auric Blends that I got at a health food store (I’ve heard the Kuumba made one is good too.) I looooove the Annick Goutal Ambre Fetiche though. March 23, 2021 at 8:13pm
Notturno7: Hi Ugo, here’s Victoria’s list of amber fragrances and some of these have 4 or 5 star reviews. Hope this helps. Just scroll down a bit as it’s alphabetically listed.
https://boisdejasmin.com/perfume-fragrance-reviews/perfume-reviews-by-note March 23, 2021 at 11:28pm
Old Herbaceous: I’ve been enjoying L’Ambre des Merveiles recently but I wouldn’t call it animalic. Cozy, not too sweet, enveloping, yes — but I don’t experience it as particularly rich or deep. YMMV! March 24, 2021 at 6:52pm
Leslie: Ambra Aurea by Profumum Roma is exquisite. March 25, 2021 at 6:45pm
Tati: Late reply but I LOVE amber. One of my favorites is Ambre Loup, by Rania J. Definitely rich, deep, and animalic. March 28, 2021 at 7:51pm
Emily: Seconded! Definitely rich & cozy with a real animalic growl to start, highly recommend. March 29, 2021 at 2:30pm
Richard Gilbert: Very excited to receive some recommendations.
I use, Men, apres rasage, edt, perfume:
Boucheron, Jaipur, pour un homme, 4711. In the past I enjoyed Dunhill Editon..It is increasingly difficult to purchase apres-rasage.
Thanks. March 22, 2021 at 11:41am
John: Hi Richard,
If I understand you correctly, you are asking for recommendations for apres-rasage products (aftershave lotions or balms) that will suit the scent profiles of your preferred fragrances — is this correct?
You may find it helpful to check out blogs devoted to shaving products specifically, such as ‘Badger & Blade’; many of those posting on the forums there are enthusiasts of old-school or ‘barbershop’ fougère, classical eau de cologne, and ‘oriental’ compositions like those you mention, and sometimes discuss aftershaves to accompany them. One nice thing about these sites is that shaving enthusiasts are often more democratic in their tastes than perfume enthusiasts, so you will see both cheap and expensive options discussed with appreciation and discernment.
I wear Caron Pour Un Homme regularly, and use their aftershave lotion regularly (they also have a deo stick); it is an expensive but excellent product. If you cannot find it, try looking for aftershaves with a generally lavender-forward composition, including typical drugstore products like Proraso Green or Mennen Skin Bracer. Another reasonable option (and, in North America at least, widely available) are products by Pinaud, such as the venerable fougère composition Pinaud Clubman; I use Clubman as a reasonable compatible aftershave when wearing Caron’s Le Troisième Homme and Guerlain’s Habit Rouge. One caution is that these products (like Skin Bracer) are packaged in plastic and should be decanted into glass bottles for a more satisfying experience.
If you are based in Europe, you may want to explore the wonderful range of shaving-related products offered by traditional English barber suppliers such as Geo F. Trumper and D.R. Harris. Finally, if you are on the continent, maybe investigate the Spanish aftershave brand Myrsol, which for many shaving enthusiasts is considered a gold standard of craftsmanship and presentation.
Online dealers (such as, in my country, Canada, Fendrihan.ca) offer a wide range of products by many of these suppliers.
Good luck! I hope that this helps. March 22, 2021 at 4:24pm
Richard Gilbert: Thanks John:
Could recommend a few frangrances. As mentioned, i wear Boucheron, Jaipur, pour un homme, 4711.. much thanks. March 23, 2021 at 9:04pm
John: Hi Richard,
If you like Boucheron Boucheron, you would enjoy Dior’s Eau Sauvage I’m sure. If you have not yet tried Guerlain Habit Rouge, you may enjoy that as well, as it has a citrus eau de cologne-style opening like that of 4711, but with a dense and complex heart of flowers and vanilla on a base of light leather and woods. Given what I have read of Jaipur’s use of rich vanilla and powdery accents, I imagine it might have some traits in common with Habit Rouge. March 24, 2021 at 12:11am
Notturno7: Hi John,
Where do you get your Caron products from? I’d love to get those two you mention for my Dad. When Perfumes, The Guide came out, I ended up getting my Dad Vol de Nuit, Missoni, Chanel Pour Monseigneur, and Beyond Paradise scents and he loves them. They all got 5 stars in the Guide and I’d go on a shopping spree when my parents were visiting here in the US. I got myself Habit Rouge extrait as it came in a bigger spray bottle that year for a better price.
I’d love to get him Caron aftershave or a deo stick. I can’t talk him into opening Chanel package as he keeps saving it for some reason. I think I got him a Dior Eau Sauvage too and few of these he hadn’t opened yet. March 23, 2021 at 11:58pm
John: Your father is very fortunate (and fragrant!)
I get most of my Caron products online through reliable suppliers in my country via an auction site. Things can be ordered directly from Caron as well, but it’s a bit trickier for me to negotiate shipping to where I live in Canada. I have read posts by others who order from Caron directly and apparently their service is excellent, often including several samples being added to a package. This would probably offer a wider range of products as well… I hear good things about both a bar soap and hand sanitizer (!) in the Pour Un Homme line. March 24, 2021 at 12:06am
Richard Gilbert: I truly enjoy Bois de Jasmine and hope to learn much more about fragrances. March 22, 2021 at 11:42am
Krysoberyl: If it’s lingering, it might be iso e super, ambroxan, or cashmeran March 23, 2021 at 9:09pm
Rachel: Why does perfume smell “perfume-y”?
I’ve always wondered about this. I’ve been searching for perfumes that don’t have this note/accord/whatever it is. I often find that a perfume smells distinctive in whatever way, but soon, and for the rest of the day, I just have this one strong note of “perfume” coming from my wrist & sleeve. What is this? Thank you so much for this blog, full of beauty! March 22, 2021 at 12:27pm
Ruth: Rachel, I am not sure about your exact experience, but I have found a similar experience with some but not all fragrances. A good number of scents for me end up with a single note that it is semi-permanent on fabric, plus I can smell it in others’ fragrance whether expensive fragrance or inexpensive, it doesn’t matter. The note smells like orange flower water and I profoundly dislike it for some reason. March 22, 2021 at 12:56pm
Ninon: Often folks say this about aldehydes, the fizzy, soapy chemical compounds that give scents like No. 5 No. 22, Rive Gauche, et al a champagne-like quality. March 23, 2021 at 8:14pm
Nina Z: The “notes” listed for a perfume are actually not literally what’s in the perfume. They are just descriptive hints to give you an idea of what it smells like. And I can’t think of a single “note” that smells perfume-y, except maybe aldehydes, a sparkling fizzy note, which are more common in vintage fragrances than they are now. So if you’re talking about modern perfumes, you may be overly sensitive to a synthetic ingredient or two that many perfumes contain these days. I know because I have this problem myself and a few of my perfume friends do as well. What you describe about the scent on your sleeve reminds me of my experience with Portrait of a Lady, which smelled beautiful at first and then turned into an acrid smell that lingered for days on the sleeve of my winter coat. It’s frustrating for sure because sometimes I feel left out when everyone else is smelling something beautiful. But I’ve found more than enough modern fragrances to love through trial and error.
Unfortunately I think there is more than one ingredient that can cause this reaction, and since I don’t know what you mean by “perfume-y,” I can’t guess at what ingredient it might be. Maybe if you look at notes that don’t sound like real things, such as ambroxan or cashmeran, you might notice a pattern. But those things are not always listed.
I have found, however, that certain perfume houses work for me and others don’t, and also that certain perfumers are better for me than others. So if you have a perfume that really works well for you, try more from that house or that perfumer.
Another thing you could do is try some of the perfumes by Hiram Green because they are all natural (and beautiful) and see if any cause that “perfume-y” reaction. Also if you get a chance, try some vintage fragrances and see if you have that experience with them. They typically used different synthetics than the ones used now, and I never have problems with them. March 23, 2021 at 8:25pm
Aida: I have been obsessed with the Tribeca scent from Bond No. 9 lately. A friend brought me the sample and I fell in absolute love with it, to the point that I hug my tops at the end of the day I’ve worn it 😉
I usually am very drawn to the beautifully done gourmands, Angel by Mugler is my what I call soulmate scent. I’ve worn it for 30+ years. I also love when a floral is done beautifully with a hint of spice. The notes for Tribeca are cacao and hazelnut on the top. Followed by cedar and jasmine sambac in the middle. Base notes are ambroxan (no idea what that is), caramel and moss. Pure deliciousness. I wanted to hear from those who’ve also tried this. Is this similar to the Baccarat 540 scent by Maison Francis Kurkdjian? Love to you all 🙂 March 22, 2021 at 12:37pm
Andrew: Soooo I’m planning a trip to New York City for Easter weekend. Being that I live in New Hampshire, my ability to sample and try different fragrances is limited, so I am using this opportunity to try as much as I can. I plan on visiting Saks for “Uncle” Serge Lutens, Frederic Malle Une Rose, and some Guerlain (though with the ground-breaking Mitsouko now being an online exclusive, would I be able to try it?). I also plan on visiting Scent Bar to try some Comme des Garcons, Parfum d’Empire, and Knize Ten. (Feel free to suggest others.) In addition to recommendations, I am looking for advice regarding the process of trying fragrances. When I worked in fragrance at my local Macy’s, I was told not to encourage customers to try more than three fragrances at once, as it numbs the nose and then everything starts to smell the same. Was that advice true, or was it because many men’s fragrances found at Macy’s do smell the same? If it is true, how can I avoid my sense of smell becoming numb while trying so many fragrances at once?
About me: I am a 29 year old who is looking for excitement in fragrance outside the mainstream, as the “clean, out-of-shower” feel has become dull (Platinum Egoiste, Eternity, Aqua di Gio, Davidoff). I liked Tom Ford Grey Vetiver, but I became bored with it quickly. I really liked John Varvatos Artisan and I ADORE Le Labo Rose 31, but neither were that long-lasting on me. I found the samples I received from Atelier Cologne possessed excellent sillage, projection, tenacity and uniqueness, but I did not find them captivating, with the possible exception of Rose Anonyme. In the future, I am eager to try Diptyque’s Tam Dao EDP (EDT I don’t find as lush), and I recently bought myself Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil. My experience with it, along with Terre d’Hermes, was quite positive. March 22, 2021 at 3:10pm
John: Hi Andrew,
Firstly, let me say how envious I am of your pilgrimage! The last time I was in New York, I discovered both the fabulous (& now sadly gone) Caron Boutique as well as Christopher Brosius’ CB I Hate Perfume laboratory in Brooklyn…I’m not sure if the latter is accessible with COVID restrictions, but when I was there in 2015 it provided one of the most memorable scent-sampling experiences I’ve had.
As for things to try (I am envious -again- that you get to try Knize ten!), you might see if you can find Caron’s Le Troisième Homme or Pour un Homme if indeed there is any Caron to be had in brick & mortar shops stateside.
Designer-level fragrances are definitely worth sampling too. To avoid the generic ‘Macy’s smell’ you so accurately identified, try older compositions that now serve as classic reference points. Dior’s Eau Sauvage (Bigger Department stores may even carry Jules, an older Dior composition) is a great example of a classic that evolves gradually on the skin. At the Chanel counter, try Egoïste (the original not the ‘Platinum’ flanker, is a wonderful spicy tobacco-sandalwood-stonefruit combination) as well as Antaeus (a rich and melancholy leather chypre.)
As for Guerlain, I’d seek classic references there too: I also find Tom Ford’s Grey Vetiver little relentless but its ancestor, the lighter but more complex Guerlain Vetiver, is one of my favourite everyday fragrances… If you have not yet experienced Habit Rouge, it is also an important part of anyone’s learning curve and (for me anyway) still an incredibly uplifting, multilayered and wearable fragrance.
Finally, older Hermès compositions like Bel Ami, Equipage or the somewhat infamous Eau d’Hemès are also sometimes at bigger department stores like Nordstrom’s, though I’d imagine you can readily track down a Hermès boutique in New York; these more venerable compositions are all important references to get your nose on if nothing else. I personally admire both Bel Ami (a luxurious orange-tinted leather) and the more old school but idiosyncratic Equipage, which, meant to emulate ‘a cold pipe stem’ is heavy on clove and nutmeg accents.
One trick that I’ve heard for extending your fragrance testing stamina is to sample by genre, trying, say, a trio of chypre or of oriental fragrances only. I’ve never tried this personally but it makes sense to me. Some very basic things that have worked for me are to be very patient taking that first sniff of a paper strip after spraying, so that the initial dispersion of alcohol or aldehydes does not dominate your impression; I then label each strip and walk around with them, preferably venturing outside of the cloud of musks that tend to dominate the smellscape of a Sephora or the perfume/cosmetics department of any big store. Allow yourself ample time between each spray strip sample (sometimes out of self-consciousness, or an overly solicitous SA, we go too fast, rushing that first impression.) If you like something on paper and are ready for the next step, try a spray on skin, but beware wearing more than one fragrance on your body as it can really muddy your impression; every time I’ve tried a different sample on each wrist (other than when comparing an EDT and EDP of the same fragrance), I’ve developed largely inaccurate sense of how that fragrance is reacting with my chemistry & sensibility.
Finally, you might know as a former Macy’s guy whether the trick of smelling coffee beans actually helps clear the nose palate or not. Some say it’s a myth, but t seems to have worked for me in the past.
Good luck! March 22, 2021 at 4:56pm
Andrew: John: Caron was actually one of the first fragrances lines I tried looking for in planning my trip! Unfortunately, I found no place in New York that held that line. I’ll keep an eye out during my travels. As for your designer recommendations, I actually sampled the Chanels (along with Pour Monsieur) and Dior you had mentioned on the same day as I tried TF Grey Vetiver. They were all original and well done, but after two years with the TF, I desire a break from vetiver. With all that said, I may need to revisit Antaeus and Egoiste. Habit Rouge I found a bit too sweet, but I would love to, if not purchase Guerlain Vetiver, at least smell it for future reference, as I’ve heard it’s quite good. As for the Hermes you suggested, I remember trying and liking those, but I don’t remember what they smelled like. (Furthermore, I’m a bit turned off that they don’t come in sizes smaller than 100 ml, like some other Hermes do.) Did you get a chance to try the latest Hermes? I’d love to hear your opinion.
It’s funny you mention the coffee bean trick. Victoria actually suggested on her YouTube channel to use your clothes instead of coffee beans. I may try that, or see what they people at Scent Bar have to say. They’re the same people behind Lucky Scent, so I imagine they have some advice for this sort of thing. Additionally, many of the scents I wanted to try in Comme des Garcons are of the Incense series. The Parfums d’Empire are not as related, so this could be an opportunity to put your genre theory to the test. March 23, 2021 at 3:57pm
John: Hi Andrew,
Sorry for the slow reply! I have not tried T24, but will eventually. If I am honest, nothing I have read about it so far has me all that excited. Have you tried Narciso Rodriguez Pour Homme? As explorations of airy/ozonic, vegetal/mineral neo-fougère kind of things go, I thought it was very unique, stirring and memorable…a great ‘wet cement’ scent, perfectly represented by a concrete-grey opaque bottle. March 28, 2021 at 2:37am
Andrew Patnaude: I tried the T24, and I wasn’t impressed. As for NR, I went to the website, and there’s only a “Bleu Noir” version available of Pour Homme. My intuition tells me that it’s not the one you’re talking about. March 30, 2021 at 10:09am
John: Sadly, the grey bottle of Narciso with its petrichor-like dampness has been superseded in the line by a much more derivative ‘Bleu Noir’ flanker that seems to be a Cartier Déclaration knockoff. Thankfully, the original Narciso Rodrigues for men can still be found online for reasonable prices despite having somewhat of a cult following. March 31, 2021 at 2:17am
rickyrebarco: Wow, wish I could go to NYC perfume shopping. Can I fit in your suitcase? If you like sandalwood, then Diptyque’s Tam Dao EDP will be a good one to try. I also love Herrmes Un Jardin sur le Nil and Terre d’Hermes. TdH is my husband’s signature scent. March 22, 2021 at 7:12pm
Andrew: Rickyrebarco: Your husband must smell absolutely incredible. I do like sandalwood, and after living in Asia for five years, Diptyque’s homage to Buddhist temples suits me fine! Are there any other sandalwoods you would recommend? March 23, 2021 at 3:58pm
rickyrebarco: Serge Lutens Santal Majescule is wonderful, but it is very strong also. Worth a try, I think. March 24, 2021 at 8:28pm
Rachel: I was not planning to add anything on this chat, but you have mentioned my two most worn scents (Tam Dao and Jardin sur Nil). What’s more TdH sample is currently in my basket! I’m a real newbie to the world of scent, but it seems like it would be foolish not to pick your brain. If you have any other faves or recommendations let me know… March 28, 2021 at 11:27am
Andrew Patnaude: Rachel: I am so sorry for commenting so late! For some reason I missed your comment, and I feel bad because it seems like we are both in the same place in our fragrance journey and have similar taste! By sheer coincidence my coworkers asked for my opinion on fragrances, and I composed the following list. I’ll give you the shorthand version:
most things Acqua di Parma
Atelier Cologne Philtre Ceylon, Orange Sanguine, Rose Anonyme
Bulgari The Vert (don’t expect longevity)
Chanel #19 and Anteaus
Clarins Eau des Jardins (more aroma-therapeutic)
Comme des Garcons & Monocle Scent One: Hinoki (like a Japanese sauna. Highly recommended!)
Diptyque Do Son
Elizabeth Arden Bluegrass
Estee Lauder White Linen
John Varvatos Artisan
Le Labo Rose 31
Men’s Prada Amber
YSL Opium (try it on)
Let me know if you’ve tried anything, as well as your thoughts. Again, I sincerely apologize for the late reply!
-Andrew May 5, 2021 at 11:34am
limegreen: What a fun trip, and nothing to be taken for granted these days!
Since Une Rose is on your list, why not make time to visit one of the 2 Frederic Malle boutiques in NYC? I have not been to the NY ones but every FM boutique I’ve been to in Europe/UK have been marvelous experiences with knowledgeable people. Their recommendations have been so helpful and not the hurry you along kind of recommendations. I have interacted with the SAs in NYC (Madison boutique) on the phone and they are great. One of them recommended Une Fleur de Cassie which was not an obvious one for me but I love it.
As for testing so many fragrances, after testing at the boutique, you can buy a set of samples at FM and test them at leisure after you get home. I discovered that FM can take a few wearings but are really worth it.
Have fun! March 23, 2021 at 11:16am
Andrew: Limegreen: Sadly, I had not considered FM much because many FM fragrances exceed my budget. However, I wasn’t aware of the sample set that they offer. Any good suggestions from FM on the lower end of the price range? Maybe I can get a good deal in the future. March 23, 2021 at 3:58pm
limegreen: Andrew — I understand! I like buying the smaller sizes and in fact, I still have a half full Une Rose 10ml size, a little goes a long way!
I’m not sure about how to recommend FM since each fragrance is idiosyncratic given that different perfumers work on each fragrance. I love the line but there are fragrances that I just cannot wear (and do not like as a result). I did a series of repeated testing with samples.
Une Rose is beautiful and since you were planning on testing it at Saks anyways, I thought you would enjoy the ambiance and experience in the boutique.
I’ll add to John’s vetiver recommendations FM Vetiver Extraordinaire to test, though Guerlain Vetiver is likely less pricey.
I am a fan of Knize Ten Golden Edition, slightly more floral than Knize Ten which has a little too much leather for my skin. And I love leather perfumes!
I’ll add my 2 cents: before I make a big trip where I will be doing serious perfume smelling and buying, I make a list and prioritize the ones I really want to test. Obviously there’s still room for surprises but this way I don’t overload the arm space. 🙂
Have fun! March 23, 2021 at 9:28pm
Andrew: limegreen-Thanks for your comment and advice! And thanks for understanding my small bottle preference! With Guerlain not having a smaller size of their vetiver, maybe FR’s is worth trying. I also appreciate your suggestion of Knize Ten Golden. When the market is saturated with mediocre flankers, it’s nice to know which ones are worth trying. (Anyone reading this who can recommend some good flankers is welcome to comment!) March 24, 2021 at 9:34am
Sebastian: FR recommendations:
Vetiver Extraordinaire starts somewhat bitter, almost metallic, and goes on to become a restrained perfume, emphasizing the soft-spicy, nutty aspect of vetiver. It’s nice, worth trying. I share your preference for small bottles, and this is available as a 10 ml travel spray, or 30, 50, and 100 ml bottles.
I second the Une Rose recommendation, definitely worth trying if you like your rose green and thorny.
Lys Mediterranee, mentioned in another topic here, is towards the lower end of their price spectrum and a perfume I love.
Musc Ravageur is famous and very popular. As is Portrait of a Lady, although the idea has been copied so much, it’s less of a stand-out now.
Une fleur de cassie is even more expensive than Une rose, but it is just achingly beautiful.
Bigarade Concentrée, contrary to what you might expect from the name, is a great bitter orange scent for the summer, fleeting and effervescent.
Although I do not like them all equally, and am love only a few, there really is not a single bad perfume in the line. In terms of quality, this is an extraordinarily consistent collection. March 24, 2021 at 10:12am
limegreen: Sebastian — just wanted to wave hello to a fellow FM fan!
Love your descriptions. Une Rose is very much with thorns as you described, with soil clinging to them. I read some reviews who do not like that “truffle” earthiness but I love it. Sets it apart. March 24, 2021 at 11:00am
Andrew: This is very vulnerable information. Thank you! March 24, 2021 at 12:49pm
limegreen: I got my (small sized) Knize Ten Golden through Luckyscent, so Scent Bar should have it! You may well love the original but I’m partial to all those leather florals. It is up there with Dior Cuir Cannage (discontinued) and Lutens Cuir Mauresque. What’s interesting is KTGolden is marked as a cologne (“toilet water”) but does not smell or perform like a cologne. Much stronger and longer lasting.
I wish all the good houses would offer smaller sizes. 🙂 March 24, 2021 at 10:28am
Annie: Is marijuana used in any way in any fragrance?
Can anyone recommend good places online to purchase decants?
You might want to call ahead and see if they will allow you to take off your mask long enough to sniff. March 23, 2021 at 2:39pm
Andrew: Annie: I know that The Body Shop has a line of body products with hemp. Maybe that would suit your cannabis craving? I was at a Sephora a few weeks ago, and if you place a test strip above your nose, you can get a pretty good idea of a fragrance. Scent Bar limits the amount of people in their store, and they recommend making an appointment. Such is my plan. March 23, 2021 at 3:59pm
Ninon: Nasomatto Hindu Grass is supposed to evoke cannabis. You can order samples/decants from ThePerfumedCourt. March 23, 2021 at 8:18pm
Morelle: Speaking of Nasomatto, Black Afgano by the same brand lists cannabis as top note, and the name of the scent implies as much 🙂 I’ve never tried it, though. March 24, 2021 at 9:52am
limegreen: If you are interested in a perfume (as opposed to therapy-oriented) with cannabis, Heretic Parfum Dirty Grass contains CBD. It’s also with violet leaf and lemon. March 23, 2021 at 9:31pm
Old Herbaceous: DSH Perfumes has a number of fragrances with cannabis as a note: https://www.dshperfumes.com/shop/product-category/fragrance/cannabis/ March 24, 2021 at 6:56pm
Andrew: Wow! I had no idea I’d get such great responses! As a novice in the art of fragrance, I so appreciate them!
Yes, I do feel quite lucky to have this chance. I was fortunate enough to get vaccinated a few months ago, and I sooooo need a break from routine. (I do intend on taking every precaution during my stay in New York, however.) March 23, 2021 at 3:53pm
Mziuri: I seem to often encounter a distinctly gasoline/fresh asphalt note in a lot of the newer small indie perfumes (imaginary authors line gives me this quite a bit, as an example) – what am I smelling? Is there a common note or accord in modern perfumes that I am overly sensitive to? I realize this is a somewhat annoyingly general question but it’s happened to me so frequently of late that I’m wondering what I could be interpreting. March 22, 2021 at 9:59pm
Sebastian: Sorry, I can’t answer that question, but it reminds me of “Fueled Up”, a perfume by CinisLabs, that intentionally smells like gasoline and motor oil. Incredible tech stuff. The Ultrae line has a similar take, for example Aether smells like a chemical laundry. Wearing this kind of thing really is a statement! (Well, I can’t bring myself to do it, not yet, or not any longer, but if niche has meaning, this is it.)
This is taking off at a tangent, I realize that gasoline exasperates rather than fascinates you, but still…
As for the asphalt, birch tar smells like that, but that’s not a very common material, except in extremely leathery perfumes. March 23, 2021 at 3:36am
limegreen: Gasoline was the impression I had the first time I tested Shalimar! But I know what you mean — I have started to shy away from a multitude of fragrances that have “noir” as a concept. I wonder if it’s synthetic oud or patchouli, or even musk? March 23, 2021 at 11:38am
Karina: I‘m looking for a fragrance with a prominent honeysuckle note. Any ideas and suggestions?
Thankful to this lovely sharing community and corner of the internet 😊 March 23, 2021 at 4:46pm
Aurora: Hello Karina: Le Chevrefeuille by Goutal is a lovely honeysuckle. March 23, 2021 at 4:57pm
Karina: Thanks Aurora – I should have mentioned that Chevrefeuille is the one honeysuckle perfume that I know and love (and thus wholeheartedly agree with you)☺️👌 March 24, 2021 at 3:20am
Sebastian: Wild Honeysuckle (DSH) is a realistic honeysuckle soliflore with some added greenery. March 23, 2021 at 5:29pm
Karina: Thanks Sebastian. DSH is difficult to get in Europe (and I have heard so much about it!). Will add this one to the list 🙂 March 24, 2021 at 3:21am
limegreen: Karina — if you want a realistic honeysuckle but aren’t fixated on a long lasting one, I have been spraying Demeter Honeysuckle around the house and it really seems like the fragrance from honeysuckle vines are wafting through the air. The large bottle did not cost much at all so I can be lavish. Don’t know if Demeter is in Europe.
Also, DSH ships worldwide in the oil format without alcohol, maybe called voile? March 24, 2021 at 10:35am
limegreen: The fragrances in voile sprays like edt/edp, it isn’t a perfume oil. March 24, 2021 at 10:39am
Karina: Hi Limegreen, thanks for the recommendation and tip on DSH. Will check out their site! March 24, 2021 at 12:32pm
Sebastian: Demeter Honeysuckle is available at FragranceX with worldwide shipment. March 24, 2021 at 11:31am
Karina: I don’t know that site, will check it out too. Thanks Sebastian! March 24, 2021 at 12:33pm
Aurora: Hello again Karina, so we share an appreciation of of Chevrefeuille😀. I was wondering, I haven’t tried it but there is Santa Maria Novella Caprifoglio too which means honeysuckle. It’s a good house and easy access in Europe. March 24, 2021 at 12:08pm
Karina: I don’t know that one either, will look it up and see if there is a way to get my hands on a sample 😊 They do have some interesting scents in their line up. March 24, 2021 at 12:35pm
Old Herbaceous: Nirvana Amethyst has a strong honeysuckle note. It has been recently discontinued and is widely available at discounters for as low as $20. I like it a lot! And Dame Perfumery makes a soliflore Honeysuckle. I really like Jeffrey Dame’s fragrances and it’s good to support independent perfumers. March 24, 2021 at 6:59pm
Karina: Thanks – I‘ll check those out! March 25, 2021 at 2:33am
Ninon: What do all the non summer people wear as the weather gets warmer and–in my part of the world–drier? I am loving spring’s galbanum-heavy green floral chypres, and wear lots of lots of oakmoss, leather, birch tar, iris, smoke, etc., in the cooler months. I do not like colognes or anything “tropical” or fruity, but I do like complex white florals. Some conventionally warm weather-friendly scents I enjoy are Moon Bloom, Timbuktu, Lys Mediterranee, and Lady Day; sometimes I can get a damp forest floor scent like Nasomatto Absinth to work. Any recommendations for specific fragrances or broader strategies for getting from June to September? Thanks so much…. March 23, 2021 at 10:56pm
Aurora: Hi Ninon: Since you liked the Nasomatto you might tried l’Artisan Parfumeur Fou d’Absinthe, it’s a summer chypre with no citrus, also Nicolaï l’Eau Chic with anis and lavender,again no citrus, the same for Phaedon Oriental Mint if you like mint in summer and marine notes, and Cendres de thé for a tea perfume, I like it very much. March 24, 2021 at 12:35pm
Ninon: Thanks so much for these lovely recs–I remember liking Fou d’Absinthe and Cendres de Thé sounds really promising. I need to explore the whole Nicolai line, but struggle with lavender. I should retest Profumum Thundra, which is loamy like Absinth though cleaner. Thanks again. March 24, 2021 at 11:02pm
Aurora: *try not tried March 24, 2021 at 12:38pm
Karina: Keep cool in Chanel No 19. That ticks a few of the scent note boxes mentioned. Have you tried Carnal Flower? That one somehow manages to be a cool tuberose to me. Passage de Enfer or as a light floral incense (i like incense in the heat). March 24, 2021 at 12:41pm
Ninon: Thank you so much, I do like 19, especially in vintage. I have tried Carnal Flower and prefer the hair mist (more jasmine, less coconut)…thanks for the reminder. I sampled Passage de Enfer years ago and found it very muted–I would *love* to find a complex and pronounced lily. March 24, 2021 at 11:13pm
Maria: June to September florals which I love
Estee Lauder Tuscany per Donna (during winter feels too clean, in the warm the flowers bloom and the sandalwood is wonderful, can’t without it)
Maison Margiela Untitled (beautiful jamine and the incense is just perfect amount for summer. Sometimes I take also the L’Eau which is like a lemon sorbet)
ELdO Jamisne et Cigarettes – such a fun and elegant experience
Le Labo Iris 39 and Rose 31 – I would feel like them on day when I feel daring
L’Heure Bleue every day anyway, in eau de toilette concentration, better than any cologne, refreshes me. March 28, 2021 at 12:41pm
Lindsay Magnuson: Hi Everyone! I have been searching for a fragrance that captures the incredibly layered and mystical aromas I’ve experienced at Indian Vedic homas (fire ceremonies). Many substances are offered to the fire, including coconut, herbs, flowers, spices, camphor, ghee and many, many others. It’s so lovely. I tried Trayee but that didn’t really capture the melange.
My other request is for a non-soapy, natural floral that is honeysuckle-dominant with some green/animalic aspects. I keep finding florals (recently with Ineke) that I love on first impression, but that veer into that soapy arena I find sickening. I tend to like fragrances with a strong proportion of naturals, and that are not sillage powerhouses. I’m pretty sensitive. Back in the day I liked Diorissimo quite a bit. Thank you! I’m learning from these responses, as always. March 24, 2021 at 6:36pm
Aurora: Hi Linsay: It might be difficult to replicate but you could try Les Néréides Oriental Lumpur with its Indian Spices.
Liz Earle perfumes are mostly natural and affordable too here in Europe, there is also Hiram Green, Europe and DSH Perfumes if you are based in the US but I’m not sure if there is a honeysuckle among them, perhaps you could use the answers to Karina’s similar question. March 27, 2021 at 1:26pm
Aurora: *Lindsay, sorry for the typo. March 27, 2021 at 1:31pm
Lindsay: Thank you, Aurora! I will try Nereides Oriental Lumpur! I appreciate it.
Lindsay April 9, 2021 at 1:17pm
Niki: I love wintry scents that make me smell of bonfire, whisky and the woods. So when spring and summer arrive my scents are way too heavy. What summer scents can you recommend? I wear black afgano (Nasomatto), tabac rouge (Phaedon), loewe 7, kyoto (CdG), santal 33 and other scents with oud, sandalwood, saffron and frankincense.
I love also oak moss and vetiver, but vetiver centred fragrances dont live long on my skin. March 25, 2021 at 4:16am
Aurora: Hi Niki: Perhaps you would like a summer incense like Serge Lutens l’Eau froide or Atelier Cologne Bois Blonds? March 27, 2021 at 12:44pm
Niki: Thanks Aurora I looked them up and they sound very intriguing! April 1, 2021 at 2:59am
Damla: Have you tried Replica’s By The Fireplace? It’s quite linear but nails down a balanced smokiness – it really smells like chestnut shells! March 27, 2021 at 1:06pm
Jennifer: Hi everyone! I am searching for a fragrance that will transport me back to Hawaii. While I was there I had a spa experience and the scent was just unforgettable: White plumeria (frangipani), gardenia, lavender and coconut. Thanks in advance for any recommendations! March 25, 2021 at 11:06pm
Channon: Have you tried Motif Olfactif he has two that were inspired by a trip to Hawaii. The two fragrances are Huaka’ and Makai April 2, 2021 at 5:16pm
Aurora: Hi Jennifer: Perhaps you would like Nuxe Prodigieux le partum and Estée Lauder Aerin Hibiscus Palm. March 27, 2021 at 12:54pm
Damla: I love orange blossom and Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger almost fulfilled my dreams – except that it’s TOO beautiful, too straightforward an orange blossom (I heard the reformulation got rid of a cumin note, which in my opinion, would be a great accompaniment). I also happen to like hyacinth and lilac very much, and FM En Passant did the exact same thing for me with lilac – almost too beautiful! What are your suggestions for perfumes featuring orange blossom or hyacinth (or lilac – to my nose they are similar) that dirty them up a little bit, while still keeping them as prominent notes? I guess I’m looking for almost-soliflores? March 27, 2021 at 1:04pm
Maria: These days I came across my bottle of Givenchy Le De. Big lilac and while at the begining soapy it develops a dirty undertone. I enjoy it a lot these first warmer spring days March 28, 2021 at 12:45pm
Damla: Thank you! March 29, 2021 at 11:47am
Ninon: Not an almost soliflore (great concept), but Cuir Cannage is a divinely dirty orange blossom. My favorite lilac perfume is Opardu, but it’s an opulent bouquet and conventionally beautiful. March 30, 2021 at 2:12am
Damla: I do like leather notes, will look these up, thanks! March 30, 2021 at 11:16pm
Aurora: Hello Damla: Perhaps you would like Diptyque L’Eau de Neroli, especially for summer, the orange blossom is somewhat ‘dirtied’ by a honey note, also Eau des Sens by the same house is an orange blossom, beautiful and refreshing for warm days. Have you heard of Arquiste? Infanta en Flor, it’s orange blossom and leather, and quite unique. There is also l’Artisan Parfumeur Séville à l’aube, ob and incense .
For lilac and hyacinth, Jean Patou Vacances has these two notes sustained by musk. Also, although very complex, not a soliflore, Guerlain Chamade has lilac and lots of hyacinth. March 30, 2021 at 10:48am
Damla: I’ve beem wanting to try Séville à l’aube and Eau des Sens, all the more reason now. Thanks for the recommendations! March 30, 2021 at 11:18pm
Clara: I have been looking and am still looking for a scent that smells like the original Chloe Nomads commercial looked like. Because the perfume itself certainly didn’t fit it.
I’m looking for something that’s powdery dry and light, like the the desert wind at dusk. The surprising scent of flowers hidden away behind a garden wall. An impression of leather and amber that lingers like a memory.
Nothing sweet or cloying, nothing too floral and definitely not green or fruity! March 30, 2021 at 10:48am
Aurora: Hello Clara: Perhaps you would like Andy Tauer l’Air du desert marocain,which takes inspiration from the Morocco desert. March 31, 2021 at 11:26am
Clara: Thanks, I’ll see if I can track that down April 1, 2021 at 1:33pm
Willow: Zoologist Elephant and Byredo Bal D’Afrique both have a tropical, creamy, holiday vibe; there’s something in each that is reminiscent of sunscreen, but in an elegant way.
Depending how fruit-averse you’re feeling, I also love Miller Harris Poirier d’un soir for sweaty, sticky summer weather. March 31, 2021 at 3:02am