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
193 Comments
Wendyr: I am currently wearing Galop d’Hermes. Stays with me all day and is lovely in the heat (for me). Soft and leathery – my very favorite combination! July 15, 2022 at 9:10am
carole: Wendy, That’s my SOTD, too! I get lots of quince from this. I’m always surprised they used a squirt mechanism for a pure perfume. You smell great, as does everyone else here 🙂 July 15, 2022 at 8:31pm
Kitty Devereaux: Good morning! I will be traveling to Peru and Patagonia this fall and looking for local perfumes. I will be limited to major city like Lima and Buenos Aires . I like floral , ambers, chypres. Thanks! July 15, 2022 at 9:11am
Koa: You should look into the wonderful Argentinian, woman-owned house of Frassai. July 15, 2022 at 12:38pm
Kitty: Thanks – a good place to start! July 16, 2022 at 7:01am
Karina_NL: You should definitely visit the elegant Fueguia’s store in Buenos Aires. Fueguia’s perfumes are exquisite and original, and they have an extensive catalogue suiting all tastes. These perfumes are available in Europe and the US, but they are much cheaper in the store in Buenos Aires.
My favourite ones: Agua Magnoliana (floral); Xocoatl and Amalia Gourmand (very gourmand, still elegant).
p.s.: great to see BdJ running again! July 15, 2022 at 4:17pm
Kitty: I will definitely start with Fueguia! Thanks 😊 July 16, 2022 at 7:03am
ninotchka: I love the non-gourmand Amalia. July 16, 2022 at 4:48pm
A.A.Nowak: First of all, I’m delighted this blog is back and live again!!!!!!!!
Slightly unusual request but any recommendations for pregnant person who can only tolerate skin scents? Looking for something that smells like “clean, your skin but better” I like Burberry for Woman dry down but the fruity notes disagree with me. I also tried M. Margiela’s Lazy Sunday Morning but that’s too flowery for me…
Thank you July 15, 2022 at 9:13am
Cassieflower: This is absolutely lovely if you can get your hands on it.
From the brand:
Eau de Soin Relaxante is a beauty product that refreshes and perfumes your skin throughout the day. It is non-sticky and has very low alcohol content. It forms a subtly scented veil of hydration and freshness on your skin.
Eau de Soin Relaxante is enriched with stress-relieving and soothing extracts of jasmine and white tea to deliver a wave of well-being and to relax and comfort your whole body.
Boosted with hyaluronic acid, it moisturises and softens the skin.What about the fragrance? Relaxing, intoxicating and floral. July 15, 2022 at 9:52am
Hamamelis: Maybe one of the Aqua Allegoria’s (Guerlain)? I have been wearing Nerolia Vetiver a lot recently, a period in which perfumes that require more attention from me are too much. It has a soft fig note, besides a fresh neroli, but nothing too figgy/fruity. July 15, 2022 at 10:04am
Mona Chipman: I have Aqua Allegoria Neroli Vetiver as well and have been wearing it somewhat often. I have many AA’s and love most of them but this one is not one of my all time favorites. I don’t like the fig note.
I do love my Bergamot Calabria and Mandarin Basilic very much. Those are the fragrances that have gotten me though lock downs. July 18, 2022 at 12:47pm
Old Herbaceous: Maybe Parfums de Nicolai’s Petit Ange? It’s very light and fresh without being fruity. It has citrus top notes, floral heart notes (mostly lilac), and base notes of musk, vanilla, and benzoin. It is marketed as a fragrance for young children but does not smell babyish. July 15, 2022 at 10:07am
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Memoire dúne Odeur, Gucci Camomille, fresh and soothing! July 15, 2022 at 3:52pm
Cornelia Blimber: By Gucci July 15, 2022 at 3:53pm
Esther Cohn: I wore First for years but the formula must have changed. It doesn’t smell the same. I’ve been looking for something like it for years. I smelled White Tea by Bulgari on a woman and loved it, bought it the next day and it had no odor whatsoever on me. I’ve bought dozens of perfumes over the years and just can’t find THE ONE! I think I like vanilla and gardenia though don’t know if either of those notes were in First. The last scent I bought was Tubereuse by Boucheron. Nice but not quite the one. I know nothing about perfume lingo, “opening notes,” “dry down” etc. i just know it when I smell it! July 15, 2022 at 6:59pm
Aurora: Sorry that your favorite has been tempered with, you could find earlier versions on eBay, prices are very reasonable in the UK where I am. First is a beautiful jasmine, have you tried Diptyque Olène? It’s another jasmine I find very likeable or Serge Lutens A la Nuit. Also, Guerlain Liu while it smells different has that classic vibe of First. VC&A Gardénia Pétale is a soft gardénia and jasmine I wear in summer. Hope this helps you a little bit. July 16, 2022 at 4:50pm
Corina Lymburner: After visiting Grand Teton National park, I’d love recommendations for a fragrance reminiscent of a rocky mountain floral bouquet (lupine, clover, columbine, balsam root), as well as dry grasses, sagebrush, a clear cold-water mountain lake ‘water accord’, with a slightly smokey (but not too heavy on the smoke) backdrop. July 15, 2022 at 11:44am
Corina Lymburner: Sorry, @A.A.Novak, my post was meant to stand alone… first time posting, lesson learned! July 15, 2022 at 10:18pm
Esther: Oops I think I did the same thing July 16, 2022 at 1:55pm
ninotchka: I haven’t sniffed it, but Tauer L’air des Alpes Suisses might be a candidate. July 16, 2022 at 4:52pm
Marianne: Have you tried Floris Jermyn St? Seriously clean, even a touch severe when first sprayed, then softening to a wonderful lavender and herbaceous, soft sillage. Its EDP strength gives it presence yet it’s not in any way overpowering or obtrusive. Marketed as masculine but I’ve loved wearing it. July 18, 2022 at 7:20am
Mary B: Hello Corina, Dame perfumery is based in Scottsdale,Arizona and has some scents that have a lot of ingredients that you like. I live in the desert southwestern US and love Jackson Hole. I have several Dame perfumes and really enjoy them. They are a great value and Mr Dame includes samples with every order. July 26, 2022 at 8:06pm
Merylam: Maybe le musc & la peau by Pierre Guillaume. It is a skin scent that isn’t too overbearing and isn’t flowery. July 15, 2022 at 2:42pm
Sam: An oldie but goodie “clean, your skin but better” is Rain by Terranova. It’s not a sophisticated scent, and if you put too much on, you won’t like it. But it’s pretty cheap and a tiny dab’ll do ya. (Or better yet, try the body lotion, even milder.)
A very different option–sample before buying, of course–is Edward Bess’s Spanish Veil (on the opposite end of the price spectrum). The description on the website is hilariously over the top, but I find the fragrance simple yet stunning. There’s sandalwood, there’s tonka bean, there’s a kind of radiant creaminess. Not floral at all. If you wear just a smidge, it’s a stunning skin scent. The Edward Bess website sells samples.
A final thought: Chanel No 5 lotion. Creamy, soft, very lovely. July 15, 2022 at 4:50pm
Alexandra: Juliette Has a Gun’s Not a Perfume scent might fit the bill. It is very light, and was the only thing I could tolerate while pregnant. Congratulations! July 15, 2022 at 7:12pm
Cathy A: The light classic Guerlain colognes are lovely, Eau Fleur de Cedrat is my favourite, delicate citrus that fades but leaves a trace on your skin so your nearest and dearest can still enjoy. Unisex too. July 15, 2022 at 11:26pm
Tami: I thought of Eau de Fleur de Cedrat as
well. Citrusy, clean, and definitely subtle.
It’s one of my all-time favorites as well. July 17, 2022 at 3:00am
Helen: Have you tried Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt? I use it in the perfume solid and it feels very natural and comforting. July 16, 2022 at 9:38am
Aurora: Hello, I thought I would share that the cleanest scent I own is Philosophy Pure Grace. July 18, 2022 at 11:47am
Natalia: Try Ambrette 8, it’s a total skin scent, very light, slightly fruity but mostly clean musks. July 22, 2022 at 4:22am
Aly: I like Chanel 1957 as a skin scent. White musks, stays close so it isn’t too overpowering. July 31, 2022 at 3:22am
Karen Boorsma: Try JLo Glow…..white musk scent xx August 14, 2022 at 10:24am
Judy: Try Musk Malaki by Swiss Arabian on sale at Jomashop 😁
It’s incredibly agreeable and subtle, no crazy florals, no detergent or air freshener vibes, just a clean soft comforting white musk that is like a clean soft comforter on it’s best smelling day. Congrats!!! August 22, 2022 at 10:24pm
Dainius: I am looking to buy daily perfume for myself to wear right now. I like to experiment and find new scents, so I am looking for recommendation of: “rather ligh, semi-daily summer perfume for wearing around the house or at work or just outside. I would like very reputable perfume, probably something older, that was popular but went down in popularity. It would be from big brand, so easy to find and on the cheap side.”
I am male if that matters. (It probably doesn’t).
I am very thankful in advance. July 15, 2022 at 9:18am
Joan: You might like Tea Rose (The Perfumer’s Workshop). It is a very light and summer-appropriate lovely rose. Subtle but full. July 15, 2022 at 9:55am
Joan: In addition to my earlier comment, Tea Rose ticks all your requirements … an older scent, a reputable house, very affordable, wonderful for summer, around the house, must be reapplied during the day for full bloom, etc., etc. Love it. July 15, 2022 at 10:42am
Dainius: sounds very interesting, thanks 🙂 July 15, 2022 at 12:50pm
Aly: I adore Tea Rose. Lasts all day and is so reasonably priced! July 31, 2022 at 3:23am
Old Herbaceous: Have you tried Cool Water, by Davidoff? It is readily available at discount outlets, online and in person. It was launched in 1988 and it’s classed as an “aromatic aquatic.” Just a great, classic, wear-it-everywhere men’s fragrance. July 15, 2022 at 10:01am
Hamamelis: What about Jean Louis Scherrer (the perfume has the same name)? It is a lovely chypre, and easily available (at least in Europe). An alternative would be Eau de Lancome or Chanel’s Cristalle (which is one of my favourites ever). Or no 19 ofcourse… July 15, 2022 at 10:09am
Alityke: O de Lancôme is a light citrus chypre, a perfect pick me up. It’s inexpensive in the UK & easy to find, perfectly unisex.
Roger & Gallet Bois d’Orange is slightly more male leaning orange woody scent. Again it’s very light & very inexpensive. They do a pocket size 30ml that means it’s easy to use as a pick me up during the day July 15, 2022 at 10:45am
Gabrielle Langley: You may want to check out fragrances by Régîmes des Fleurs. Their creations are spectacular, truly some of the finest blending I’ve ever encountered. I’m especially enamored of their fragrances created by Mathieu Nardin for their light but definite presence. I am currently wearing their newest “Tears” which is heart-breakingly beautiful. “Willow” and “Gold Leaves” are also exquisite. Very easy to wear morning or night. July 15, 2022 at 11:26am
Dainius: thanks, will look for them! July 15, 2022 at 12:51pm
Dainius: Thank you so much for recommendations! Putting them all into a list and will be trying them out. First impulse is to look for fragrances fromless known houses, though, yes, I asked for more popular scents (in the past). Maybe one from more known house and one from less known. Could be good plan 🙂 July 15, 2022 at 12:54pm
Cornelia Blimber: A great perfume of the past, and still very good: Arpège, Lanvin. Easy to find and not expensive. July 15, 2022 at 3:59pm
Lydia: Eau de Rochas is one of my go-to hot weather scents. It’s a pleasant, dry, herbal-citrus scent and it’s unisex. It smells to me almost like a very dry cocktail made with some kind of bitters.
There’s a masculine version too, which I’ve never smelled, but I think the female version could easilly be worn by a man or a woman. July 15, 2022 at 1:15pm
Irem: I was going to recommend Eau de Rochas too. Perfect for hot weather: light, dry and mineral. Victoria captured the fragrance perfectly when she pointed out that the dry down smells like Japanese incense. It really does, but the fragrance is not incensy at all.
Not difficult to find, not very $$, but coming by at a sample is not easy. Took me three Summers to finally buy a whole bottle unsniffed, and I do not regret it. July 21, 2022 at 2:53pm
Betty Ackerman: How about Hermes Eau d’Merveilles Bleue? It’s a fresh, salty-air aquatic. Has better sillage and staying power than most in this genre. Very much unisex to my nose. July 15, 2022 at 1:51pm
Ksenija: I would recommend to try Dzongkha by L’Artisan Parfumeur. July 15, 2022 at 2:06pm
Cassieflower: Caron Pour un Homme. July 15, 2022 at 3:11pm
Lynley: Terre d’Hermes or Voyage d’Hermes. Not as light but also Guerlain Vetiver. July 15, 2022 at 4:56pm
Cristina Mariani: Habit Rouge or Blenheim Bouquet. Timeless modern classics July 16, 2022 at 9:18am
John: Hi Dainus, I would enthusiastically second the suggestion of Guerlain Vetiver…It wears pretty light on me, but leaves a long-lasting skin scent… it is also almost impossible to feel self-conscious in whether in shorts and a tee–shirt or a suit & tie. It is also a great fragrance to wear outside as well; though often recommended for summer, it’s even nice in the winter weather, pairing very well with the smell of a wool scarf or overcoat.
Though I think GV is one of the most versatile fragrances in my collection (and basically timeless), here are few other recommendations:
Caron Pour un Homme: a beautiful if polarizing naturalistic lavender-vanilla duet with a touch of amber and musk. I find it versatile, but objectively it is probably best worn in spring… It is also a fantastic bedtime scent.
Boucheron Pour Homme: a mix of citruses, lavender and very clean laundry musks with a surprising floral twist (a subtle rose) in the heart. Boucheron’s fragrances are surprisingly reasonable given the quality and pedigree of the house.
If you enjoy spicy amber-vanilla fragrances, Boucheron Jaipur Pour Homme (cinnamon, carnation, benzoin and cardamom) is even better in my opinion and also a bargain.
Paco Rabanne Pour Homme: a cheap-but-cheerful example of the 1970’s, aromatic fougère genre. A bit ‘hairy chested’, but great for those who like a strong punch of soapy brightness after a shave. Also a decent year-rounder, though not all that compatible with formal wear.
Azzaro Pour Homme: a more complex, distinctly Italian example of the 1970’s, aromatic fougère… With its famous ouzo-like anise opening, it may take time to grow on you. It has a stronger 1970’s reference than Paco, but is elegant, a little sexy and widely available to boot.
Regarding price, the last three can be found online from reputable sellers for excellent prices…They are also not too hard to find at department stores if you wisely prefer to sample before buying. The Guerlain and the Caron have been go-to staples in my collection for years, but have become harder to find cheaply online over the past six months or so. I don’t know if that is due to supply chain issues or increased control by the houses of their products… Speaking selfishly, I hope the situation is not permanent!
All of these fragrances will also help you build a foundational familiarity with some of the classics of masculine perfumery.
Good luck! July 17, 2022 at 6:08pm
Coralie: Victoria, so wonderful to have you back in our world.
I am creating perfume and I would appreciate your vision for the associations to make with encens in order to get it warm and smooth. And maybe you know this fragrance : Hinoki? It comes from Japan. They use this wood for onsen and for temple. It is linked to purity, Junsui, in Japanese. Its terpineol has to be well managed and I had the feeling you have this ‘savoir-faire’… Thank you so much for your vision. July 15, 2022 at 10:02am
Old Herbaceous: I’m so happy to see Bois de Jasmin back in action! I hope you are well, Victoria. July 15, 2022 at 10:08am
Adam: My tastes seem to lean vintage and fall in the masculine, aromatic woody category. I like fougeres and chypres. My current fave is Azzaro Pour Homme. I also really like the 2012 Eau Sauvage parfum (not to be confused with the original classic). Something well blended, not too soapy, with a certain herbaceous “lift”? Also, perhaps not too heavy or formal, as I’m currently sweating in Texas! Any ideas? (P.S. Not a fan of overly green, “fresh”, or aquatic scents). July 15, 2022 at 10:14am
Alityke: Chanel Pour Monsieur or vintage YSL Pour Homme though that is getting expensive on the resale market. Maybe try YSL Y in the square cream coloured bottle, not the recently release mens version. July 15, 2022 at 10:54am
Joy: So happy that your column is back, Victoria! I was concerned that I had been dropped. Your articles are such a pleasant diversion from stressful news.
Today I am wearing Chanel’s Cristalle perfume. So different from the EDT, fresh and more linger. I purchased it on my recent trip in May to France. I had such a wonderful time there visiting beautiful villages in the Dordogne region.
Joy July 15, 2022 at 12:58pm
John: Hi Adam,
Have you tried Guerlain Homme? This is a nice one to wear in the summer with its minty ‘mojito’ accord (mint, ‘rum’ and a strong impression of lime that starts off as naturalistically juicy before becoming a little more synthetic). If you enjoy the textured, cedarwood-like use of ISO-E-Super in Terre d’Hermès, you will probably enjoy this. It’s described as an ‘eau de parfum’, but is more like an eau de toilette in density and performance.
Guerlain Vetiver is a can’t-miss classic in warm weather. Also from Guerlain is Habit Rouge…It is *very* powdery (not for everyone) but shares Azzaro’s complexity, having both a dense orchestration of notes and a range of transitions from start to finish. I actually really like it in the summertime, as it reminds me of drinking horchata water.
Finally, Caron’s Troisième Homme (‘Third Man’) is a fascinating mix of citrus, lavender, herbs and floral notes…Like Azzaro it is an old-school aromatic fougère that instantly confers the feeling of being well-groomed. It can be polarizing though, with a touch of the animalic (indolic jasmine?) and a heavy dose of coriander and clove. Try before you buy.
Good luck! I hope that these suggestions are helpful. July 17, 2022 at 6:23pm
Harry Hyacinth: Ooh, this is exciting! What a great opportunity. For quite some time now I am looking for a tobacco scent, that smells like those leaves that are processed to be smoked and not like the green leaves still on the plant. And it should be the focus of the scent. I also appreciate perfumes with good longevity. I already have Habanita (which I love) and Havana (which I don’t). In general I have a soft spot for anything with a bit of funky touch to it. Some of my favorite scents are L‘air de rien, Bal a Versailles, Bois d‘encens, Knize Ten, Kouros, Le Lion, Maai, Muscs Koublai Khan and Musc Ravageur. July 15, 2022 at 10:34am
Alityke: You must try Shalimar in all iterations. Not tobacco but smokey vanilla.
Vintage Beautiful did have the smell of tobacco curing sheds in the 80’s & 90’s. Sadly no longer though vintage is still out there on resale markets. Otherwise have you tried TF Tobacco Vanille? I prefer Shalimar but it does have a following July 15, 2022 at 11:02am
Adam: I’d suggest Aramis or Gres Cabochard. There similar and made by the same perfumer (Bernard Chant), and at least Kouros has been inspired by them I’m sure. July 15, 2022 at 1:19pm
Old Herbaceous: Atelier des Ors’ Bois Sikar is a strong tobacco-focused scent. July 15, 2022 at 3:56pm
Sam: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is worth trying. July 15, 2022 at 4:54pm
Ylla: Serge Lutens Fumerie Turque is a smoke-laden, honeyed pipe tobacco. Lux and a little dirty July 16, 2022 at 12:29pm
therabbitsflower: Give Diptyque Volutes EDP a try. It’s a great smooth honeyed tobacco. July 16, 2022 at 9:59pm
Irem: I second diptyque Volutes. Beautiful honeyed tobacco. Autumn in a bottle. July 21, 2022 at 2:56pm
Harry Hyacinth: Thank you all for all your intriguing suggestions, can’t wait to try them all! July 17, 2022 at 4:59pm
John: Hi Harry,
l’Occitane Eau des Baux is billed as a mix of nutmeg, cypress, incense and vanilla but often comes across as tobacco-like in its effect. Though it’s relatively cheap and simple, it’s also quite endearing as a ‘comfort scent’ and delivers lovely sillage. It is sometimes called a ‘poor man’s Tobacco Vanille’, though loyalists to the latter sometimes disagree; not having tried the Tom Ford myself, I’d say take that with a grain of salt.
A richer, more powerful and subtly funky (cumin!) tobacco is Atelier’s Tobacco Nuit. I found this one quite impressive, but would warn that it may be discontinued, a I’ve heard rumours that the house is in trouble. July 17, 2022 at 6:32pm
Harry Hyacinth: How about Yatagan? It’s quite dry, herbacious and vintagey. It’s quite classic masculine to me yet still pretty unique July 15, 2022 at 10:42am
Adam: You’re spot on, although I’ve already tried and like Yatagan. Maybe it’s time for me to pull the trigger and buy a bottle! July 15, 2022 at 1:16pm
Harry Hyacinth: It can also often be found quite cheaply online July 17, 2022 at 5:02pm
Adele: I’m a perfume novice who has tried a lot of samples but owns very few full bottles. Years ago I bought both Bois des Iles and the Coco Mademoiselle velvet body oil based on the compelling reviews on this site so I thought I would come back and ask for recommendations and a clearer idea of what it is I actually like…
In my teens I wore Nanette by Nanette Lepore. Then I moved on to the above two fragrances, both of which I love. I have also worn samples of Un Bois Vanille (dead of winter only, otherwise it was too sweet), Cartier Baiser Vole (something about it was not quite right), Coromandel (like this a lot, once I get past the opening), Eau Duelle (I like this a lot, too – doesn’t seem to last very long?).
And recently I bought a few samples to see if I could narrow down my tastes: Vanille Havane (too sweet, strong, dare I say boring?), Slumberhouse Ore (couldn’t make out anything except chocolate in the opening, too strongly indistinct for me), and Chanel Beige (did not like at all, too ‘clean’, I think?)
I thought I liked vanilla – but perhaps I don’t? I would so appreciate any help identifying what it is I do like! I can also keep buying Bois des Iles but would like some more variety. July 15, 2022 at 11:01am
Cathy A: Try Dior’s Hypnotic Poison. Its a little gem, not as overpowering as its 80s parent, but deep and rich with gourmand notes of vanilla, almond, spices and not too sweet. Its winter in Australia and I’m wearing this every day, bliss in a ruby apple…
Welcome back Victoria! July 15, 2022 at 11:38pm
Adele: Thank you! July 17, 2022 at 10:16am
Karina: Hello Adele,
Eau Duelle is to me much more about spices, than vanilla. In fact, it’s one of the few vanilla fragrances I don’t find too cloying. Bois des Iles is focused on sandalwood (that’s really oversimplifying!) and Coromandel and Coco Madmoiselle have the patchouli in common (different in character, of course).
Some scents that spring to mind are Nomade by Chloe, 10 Corso Como, Dzing!.
Although with Bois des Iles you already have already fallen in love with a perfumed masterspiece. You could therefore also try something in a completely different direction, to complement rather than replace. I would suggest 31 Rue de Cambon. It has a different scent profile to Coco Madmoiselle, but to me it has the most beautiful sillage.
Good luck in your perfume travels! July 16, 2022 at 5:11am
Adele: Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions! July 17, 2022 at 10:15am
Roxann: Welcome to the perfume world! Years ago I owned 3 bottles of perfume and I wanted one for my big 50 birthday. I couldn’t find anything until I discovered niche. My first bottle was Eau Duelle. Did you know it comes in both Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum? I bought the Eau de Parfum version and it last well on me. I find I like nothing like I did as a teenager. I’d suggest first finding a “genre” you like, woody, resins, florals, gourmand, citrus and then go from there. My tastes have changed over the years, I started in gourmands and have branched out. Have fun. July 16, 2022 at 12:06pm
Adele: You are right, I did sample the EDT! Thank you, I will look for the EDP. July 17, 2022 at 10:18am
Marianne: Hi Adele, have you tried Chanel no. 5 L’Eau EDP? It’s a joyous burst of stardust and flowers, much, much lighter than the traditional no.5 with good strength and of impeccable quality and elegance. Lovely. July 18, 2022 at 6:59am
Mona Chipman: I like Dyptic Eau Duelle very much too ! July 18, 2022 at 12:54pm
ChanteusedesIles: Hi Adele, it seems that you may enjoy sandalwood, patchouli, balsamic ambers and resins (like benzoin and olibanum/incense) as long as they are not too sweet! For another dense but not too sweet patchouli a la Coromandel you might like Serge Lutens Borneo 1834 (which i first read about thanks to Victoria!) For more of that benzoin, amber and olibanum goodness try YSL Caftan. If you’re in the States definitely try the woods from Sonoma Scent Studio, especially Champagne du Bois, which has sandalwood, amber and that fizzy aldehyde in the top (like Bois des Iles). For all those notes and more try FM Portrait of a Lady if you like a little more rose that isn’t sweet. For a different style of patchouli-nouveau chypre but with most of those notes, try Narciso Rodriguez for Her EdP! A beautiful everyday scent with soft but noticeable sillage! For a dryer amber try Dior Dune. You can search by notes on Fragrantica and include notes you like and exclude the ones you may not (like vanilla) for even more options! If you’re still not sure what you like, try ordering samples based on notes or families of fragrance to narrow down what you love! For example try a bunch of just roses, or ambers, or chypres, or incense, or sandalwood, or aldehydes! That’s what I did and discovered many gems that I wouldn’t have tried otherwise as well as figuring out my tastes. Have fun! July 24, 2022 at 12:24am
Adele: Thank you so much! You have sent me into a googling frenzy. July 24, 2022 at 6:04pm
Alityke: Welcome back Victoria you have been missed. I hope you are healing both physically & psychologically. My thought remain with you & the Ukrainian people July 15, 2022 at 11:06am
Corina Lymburner: After visiting Grand Teton National park, I’d love recommendations for a fragrance reminiscent of a rocky mountain floral bouquet (lupine, clover, columbine, balsam root), as well as dry grasses, sagebrush, a clear cold-water mountain lake ‘water accord’, with a slightly smokey (but not too heavy on the smoke) backdrop. July 15, 2022 at 11:46am
Roxann: My first thought was Andy Tauer’s L’air des Alpes Suiss. No smoke though, but crisp mountains with a touch of floral. I love Grand Teton, I went as a child, then again when I was 50 and took my child. Such a stunning place. July 16, 2022 at 11:57am
Corina Lymburner: I’m delighted by your response & will check into recommendation, thanks so much! July 18, 2022 at 11:41am
Corina Lymburner: I’ve ordered a sample of L’air des Alpes Suiss (the notes seemed perfect), can’t wait …thanks again! July 19, 2022 at 5:55pm
Roxann: I hope you love it. July 20, 2022 at 10:17pm
Pearl: I’ve recently come out as nonbinary and LOVE rose based scents- I lean more femme, but I want to find a more masculine rose to wear when the mood strikes. I am curious about Chanel Egoiste. I prefer drier spices and citrus and I’m worried that Egoiste will be too clove-y for me, which always comes across a little too ‘red’ to my nose, if you know what I mean. Any thoughts on Egoiste and any other ideas for a masculine rose for me? July 15, 2022 at 12:33pm
Michelle Mayo: Hi there! Egoiste is divine. It sits perfectly in the unisex vibe, at least so for me. I believe Victoria has a great review on this one so you might want to indulge in her review before making up your mind. Recommended roseish perfumes with an edge to them, I would say (like I said… I’m a complete novice) POL a stunner in every aspect, also Rose 31 from Le Labo… oh so divine! Good luck on your venture. July 16, 2022 at 2:39am
Cristina Mariani: Gourmandises Keiko Mecheri. dark rose with pralines but not sweet. July 16, 2022 at 9:20am
Aurora: Les Parfums de Rosine has Rose d’Homme but in fact you could explore the entire line as they specialise in rose perfumes.
Egoïste is a beautiful choice, unisex to my nose. July 16, 2022 at 5:02pm
AnnE: Hi Pearl, I’m a rose lover, and perhaps my favorite would suit you – Rosae Mundi by Profumum Roma. This is a heady blend of rose and patchouli, but very sophisticated, no whiff of the hippie. 🙂 The brand is very expensive, but you can find samples to buy. Good luck! July 17, 2022 at 11:26am
renate: First, I am also very glad to find you back, Victoria! My thoughts are with you in those difficult times.
To Pearl: you might like my own latest discovery, Smyrna by Le Couvent. Wonderful rose and pepper. Highly recommend! July 17, 2022 at 1:05pm
Irem: Hi Pearl. Egoiste is wonderful – both on men and women. It does not smell clove heavy to me – not like Chanel Coco or the original YSL Opium. It is more woody than spicy , sandalwood to be exact – similar to Chanel Bois des Iles. I have gifted my husband a bottle of Egoiste and he wore it happily – and I did not mind borrowing it from time to time.
As for a masculine rose, you might want to try Le Cri from Parfum d’Empire. It is focused on iris, rose and musk ambrette. Luca Turin gave it five stars and describes it as a “masculine rose” in Perfumes 2018. Luckyscent has samples and a nice review video too (not affiliated other than having purchased there). July 21, 2022 at 2:46pm
Mary B: Hello Pearl, I like Moschino Toy Boy. It is unisex but marketed to men. I wear it a lot and it lasts! The rose is beautiful. The nose behind it is Francis Kurkdjian and it smells expensive and has good projection. I think the teddy bear bottle is fun, too. August 1, 2022 at 12:57pm
Jayne: This is my first time posting here. Just wanted to say this Blog is so wonderful and rare. It’s uplifting that others are also passionate about perfume it’s been a lifelong one.
The perfume I wore for 35 years was discontinued decades ago. (I’m in my early 70s.) Since then, I’ve worn a few One of them was Robert Isabel’s CEYLON. That too was discontinued upon his passing.
I’ve tried several samples and bought a couple of full bottles of other orange blossom and Neroli fragrances.
I wear white florals and one citrus fragrance. I
Thank you for all suggestions. July 15, 2022 at 12:33pm
AndreaR: So very happy you’re back, Victoria! Our hearts and souls are weighed down by the war in Ukraine and also uplifted by the generous spirit of those who are helping with humanitarian needs in so many ways.
Jayne, I’d like to make the following suggestions:
Hermes, Cedre Sambac
Hermes, Jour d’Hermes
Nicolai Parfumeur, Cap Neroli
L’Artisan, Histoire d’Orangers
Atelier,Orange Sanguin
Parfums d’Empire Yuzu Fou July 15, 2022 at 5:49pm
Jayne: Thank you. I will try to find samples of all. Good wishes. July 20, 2022 at 11:04pm
Jayne: Thank you, Andrea. I’ve sampled the Artisan but not the others.
Will do so.
Regards. July 20, 2022 at 11:25pm
Aurora: Hello Jayne: I’m like you, orange blossom and néroli are favorites. Atelier Cologne Grand Néroli is uplifting and bracing, Jo Malone Orange Blossom is sweeter, Chanel Cristalle edt is a classic but was difficult to find last year, I think it’s easier now in Europe where I am. There is also Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger Néroli Blanc Intense which is a bit too sweet for my taste, they had a fantastic cologne but naturally it got discontinued, still it’s a good perfume. Good luck in your search. July 16, 2022 at 5:29pm
Jayne: Thank you. I will try to find samples of all. Good wishes. July 20, 2022 at 11:05pm
Hamamelis: Hi Jayne, one of the most beautiful white flowers for me is Goutal’s Songes. For summer Goutal’s Eau du Sud is a lovely citrus, I like it much more than Eau d’Hadrien.
Houbigant has a very good orangeblossom, Orangers en Fleurs. Good luck! July 17, 2022 at 5:27am
Jayne: Thank you. I recently ordered a few sample of Goutal perfume; started wearing three of them in the mid or late 80s but they are different now. I didn’t try Songes but shall. Thank you. July 20, 2022 at 11:32pm
Jayne: Thank you. I recently ordered a few samples of Goutal perfume; started wearing three of them in the mid or late 80s but they are different now. I didn’t try Songes but shall. July 20, 2022 at 11:32pm
a.: hi jayne, one of my favorite white florals is estee lauder private collection tuberose gardenia. i believe victoria has reviewed it so you can find her post on this site from the reviews index for a beautifully written and more detailed description.
also, i recently tested parfums de nicolai cap neroli which to me felt very much like a cross between a citrus and a white floral fragrance, so that may interest you as well. i believe you can order a sample from luckyscent. July 19, 2022 at 9:34pm
Jayne: Thank you. I will try to find samples of all. Good wishes. July 20, 2022 at 11:05pm
Notturno 7: Hi Jayne, I second EL Tuberose Gardenia, especially pure perfume is possible, AG Songes and I would also recommend Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger. That one is summer for me. Like happiness in a bottle. July 22, 2022 at 10:27am
a.: i also love SL fleurs d’oranger — i’ve been testing orange blossom scents and i like it better than PdN cap neroli for myself because richer/deeper scents are my pref. but for that reason i suspect jayne may prefer cap neroli, ELPC tuberose gardenia, or other “lighter” or “fresher” scents. just a thought. esp. since many folks detect cumin (in an unpleasant way) in fleurs d’oranger. i don’t, or whatever it does to the perfume, i love, but many seem to find it too much. good luck on your search jayne! July 23, 2022 at 1:05pm
Lydia: I’ve been using up a set of Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo samples, and so far there isn’t a single one I don’t like. They are nicely balanced herbal-citrus colognes, light enough for summer without being bland. I’d like full bottles of a few of these for summer.
I am wondering if it’s possible to successfully make one’s own herbal-citrus cologne with essential oils. Has anyone tried this? July 15, 2022 at 1:34pm
Phyllis: I am very happy to see this blog back on once again. Victoria, I hope you and your family are all safe. I have been praying for Ukraine from the beginning as I know many others are also doing the same. July 15, 2022 at 1:52pm
Adrienne: Dear Victoria. When I heard Ukraine was under attack, my thoughts leapt to you and your beloved homeland. I think of you often and am concerned over the emotional impact this will be having upon you. I hope your family members stay safely out of harms way. Know that you are thought of, and appreciated by so many. July 15, 2022 at 4:56pm
Kristen: Dear Bois de Jasmin/Victoria and fellow readers, please help me find a replacement for my beloved signature fragrance, the now discontinued Marc Jacobs Perfume that was launched in 2001 and is also known as MJ Women, MJ Women Classic, or MJ for Her. If you are not familiar, it’s a watery white floral scent, and there happens to be wonderful review of it on this website. What I love about it is that in addition to being a watery non-soliflore white floral fragrance (with gardenia and jasmine), it has bergamot in the opening, a pinch of pepper in the mid, and light woods/musk in the base; it isn’t overly sweet, too clean, or too fruity. It was just right as if it were made for me. Here are some fragrances I have tried and enjoyed, but they have not yet surpassed my love for MJ. First, let’s talk Chanel starting with No. 19 EDP, which is definitely much more greener; it also reminds me so much of my mom, in a classic and sophisticated way; while I love wearing it, I feel like an imposter or the adolescent 5-year old version of myself going into her closet and trying on her high heels. I so very much like No. 5 Eau Premiere and No. 5 l’eau, but they just don’t feel like me either (at least not yet anyway). Moving away from Chanel, I have tried Carnal Flower, En Passant, and L’eau D’Hiver from Frederic Malle; Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia and Beyond Paradise from Estee Lauder, as well as the newest version of Guerlain’s Apres L’Ondee EDT. Carnal Flower and Gardenia & Tuberose are gorgeous, but they feel too big, too realistic, and/or more suitable for me to wear for special occasions then everyday. Beyond Paradise felt too “perfect”, and it missed the musk and woody base; I felt like I need to layer it with something. L’eau D’Hiver is almost there with its beautiful watery feeling, but I missed the white flowers. While I feel like I found elements in these perfumes that I love, I haven’t found the “one”. Can you think of a perfume that might work for me? I would love to hear your thoughts and appreciate the help. July 15, 2022 at 8:40pm
Aurora: Hello Kristen: Have you tried Michael Kors, the original one known as Michael or Signature? Also, I found Jo Loves Gardenia very pretty, gardenia and jasmine but it is replaced now by Golden Gardenia and I’m not sure it’s the same. VC&A Gardenia Pétale is another soft gardenia and jasmine. July 16, 2022 at 5:43pm
Kristen: Hello Aurora, I have not tried any of these yet. Thank you so much for the suggestions. It’s greatly appreciated. July 16, 2022 at 7:39pm
Tami: Seconding the recommendation for the original Michael Kors. It’s one of my very favorites! White flowers plus a touch of woods. July 17, 2022 at 3:11am
Kristen: Terrific. Thank you so much for the second recommendation. July 17, 2022 at 2:59pm
Hamamelis: Have you tried Goutal’s un Matin d’Orage? Victoria reviewed it on BdJ a long time ago. July 17, 2022 at 6:41am
Kristen: Not yet, but I will check it out. Thank you so much. July 17, 2022 at 3:00pm
Ewan: I bought the Discovery Set for AEMIUM, a set of 7 sample perfumes. They are in bottles with a stopper , not a sprayer. They are all interesting scents – Hespereden is very fresh and citrusy, pleasant and light on a hot summer’s day. July 16, 2022 at 2:20am
Deanna: SHALIMAR
Just wondering if anyone knows what has happened to it!
It used to be powerful stuff, now it’s barely there, a spray and it’s gone…. even on clothes.
I resorted to trying vintage 90s but it’s the same, edp or edt. July 16, 2022 at 8:29am
Aurora: Hello Deanna: thank you for sharing, well it’s a disappointment but I can relay that Shalimar parfum de toilette from the 80’s is my most potent Shalimar, it lasts all day. July 18, 2022 at 3:31pm
Roxann: Some happiness to see this site is back and running, yet continued sadness at the war in Ukraine. I have not forgotten though the “news” moves on. As far as perfume: I am loving Lana by Santa Maria Novella. I was fortunate to travel to Miami and go to their boutique. Lana is the most favorite thing I smelled this year. I also smelled Misia by Chanel and now am smitten by all things violet. Anyone know any other good violet fragrances similar to Misia? I want to try more before I decide which to buy. Thanks. July 16, 2022 at 11:51am
Hamamelis: A lovely violet is Hiram Green’s Vivacious. July 17, 2022 at 5:30am
Roxann: Thanks. I will check into that one. July 24, 2022 at 11:52am
Nancy Chan: Roxann, Have you tried Guerlain’s Insolence? July 17, 2022 at 1:09pm
Roxann: No, I need to try that. My local shop no longer stocks Guerlain. I’ll add that to my sample list for the next order. Thanks. July 20, 2022 at 10:20pm
Roxann: I tested it a few days ago. I liked it, I ended up purchasing Goutal La Violetta. I may go back and purchase Insolence as well as my shop has just one bottle left and no longer stocks Guerlain. I was given a sample to test a few more times. July 24, 2022 at 11:55am
Esther: Esther Cohn: I wore First for years but the formula must have changed. It doesn’t smell the same. I’ve been looking for something like it for years. I smelled White Tea by Bulgari on a woman and loved it, bought it the next day and it had no odor whatsoever on me. I’ve bought dozens of perfumes over the years and just can’t find THE ONE! I think I like vanilla and gardenia though don’t know if either of those notes were in First. The last scent I bought was Tubereuse by Boucheron. Nice but not quite the one. I know nothing about perfume lingo, “opening notes,” “dry down” etc. i just know it when I smell it! July 16, 2022 at 1:57pm
a.: victoria has reviewed first, and in the review she mentions some other fragrances that might be similar. https://boisdejasmin.com/2006/01/fragrance_revie_12.html July 19, 2022 at 9:48pm
Ksenija: I am truly enjoying all the comments and reading the archive text from this blog. Victoria, you hav been missed!
Dear all, I hope you could help me. I am searching for a new perfume to add to my collection. Being a child of the late eighties, I am leaning towards big & bold perfumes. Nothing that can be deemed as ‘office appropriate’. Not for me. I want something that will turn heads in a 10 m radius. I am quite open to all the fragrance genres, except for fruitchuli and gourmand. So La vie est belle, Baccarat Rouge Angel do not qualify.
For reference, I enjoy perfumes such as Teint de Neige, Poison, Arpège, Fracas, Jubilation XV, Timbuktu, Calèche. Thank you all in advance, looking forward reading your suggestions! July 16, 2022 at 2:25pm
Karina: My first thought was Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant. That one announces itself for sure. And dries down to a cozy comfort. July 16, 2022 at 3:38pm
Ksenija: Thank you! Although I consider Jungle to be a fantastic perfume, I personally cannot wear it. but you are spot on, it definitely does announce its presence a mile away. It is one of those fragrances I enjoy smelling on other people. July 17, 2022 at 3:19pm
Aurora: Hello Ksenija: Also, I find Frédéric Malle perfumes quite strong, from your list, you seem to like tuberose fragrances so I would add Carnal Flower. July 16, 2022 at 5:57pm
Hamamelis: Hi Ksenija, you could try one of the Ormonde Jayne perfumes. For instance Tolu is a a big one. I think samples can be easily ordered. You need to get along with iso super though.
Depending on your funds you could also try another Amouage, for instance Memoir (reminiscent of Poison) or Fate. July 17, 2022 at 6:35am
Ksenija: Thank you! I will look into OJ. Although I know about the house, I have never sampled their scents. I just found a local boutique that sells a selection. And yes, you are spot on Fate, after Jubilation XV and Beloved that is the only other Amouage fragrance I enjoy (on and for myself). July 17, 2022 at 3:23pm
Karina_NL: Do you already own Shalimar and Samsara?
And what about some Serge Lutens’ beast (non-gourmand) perfumes, such as ‘A la nuit’ or ‘Fleurs d’Oranger’? July 17, 2022 at 3:43pm
Alityke: Opium comes to mind immediately. You may also enjoy exploring leathers. Cabochard, Bandit, Knize 10, Azuree, Sarrasins for starters.
Other big old tuberoses would be Giorgio Beverly Hills and Fracas.
Enjoy your discoveries July 18, 2022 at 1:39pm
nefertari: It’s great to be back and meet Victoria!
Sincerely recommend the Mitsouko produced in 2022, I recently wore guerlain’s ode, MDCI Parfums Promesse de l’aube and chanel sycomore, and interested in Guerlain’s legendary fragrances Vega, Sous le Vent and Djedi, want to smell them.
I would like to know if there are any alternatives that are more readily available, where do i find them, maybe friends who love perfume here have better suggestions.
Thanks for any reply! July 17, 2022 at 5:05am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Ksenija:
Perfumes you may like:
Beyond Love (Kilian) (discontinued? maybe)
Baghari (Piguet)
Rive Gauche (Ysl) edp
Paris (Ysl) edp
J’Adore Absolu( Dior) or, more tuberose: JÁdore Infinitissime
Fleurs de Citronnier (Lutens): stronger than you may suspect)
Datura Noir (Lutens)
Mahora (Guerlain)
And the strongest of strongs: Portrait of a Lady (Malle) July 17, 2022 at 6:13am
Ksenija: Thank you! I sampled all the Killians and did not enjoy any of them. However, I do Baghari is one of the better Piguest (form the current line), I do love & Own Rive Gauche (but wish it were stronger), I definitely find J’Adore Avbsolue to be the best iteration of J’adore currently on the market, but it’s my mom’s scent so that one is out of questions. I love Datura Noir, haven’t tired yet Fleurs de citronnier, sadly Mahora is discontinued but it totally sounds like something I am after! POL is not my cup of tea, I prefer Voleur de roses for a patchouli/rose scent or the almighty classic I will never get tired of – Aromatic Elixir!
I sampled yesterday Olène and Oud Palao so I am seriously considering getting a bottle of one of these two. July 17, 2022 at 3:28pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Ksenija!
You can find Mahora under the name of Mayotte! I own Mahora and mentionned the old name, sorry! it is the same fragrance.
I agree on POL. But the drydown is marvellous, after 2 or 3 hours.
If you like a powdery perfume like Teint de Neige, you may also like Ombre Rose by Charles Jean Brosseau.
Happy hunting! July 17, 2022 at 4:04pm
a.: ksenija, i think you and i may have very similar tastes. i’m also a child of the 80s; of the perfumes you listed i’ve tried and love poison and fracas; also *didn’t* like any of the kilians, nor POL! my 80s faves include magie noire, opium, and paloma picasso, amongst others. the first 2 are still made but have changed a lot and i haven’t tried the new formulations. (i recently got an old bottle of opium on ebay and am in heaven, but hunting down old perfumes is mostly an exercise in frustration! i’m planning to try the new formulations to see if i like them, because i can’t afford the ebay life ;-))
anyhow — i just bought a bottle of the PP because it was quite affordable, and i find it still as alluring as i remember in the 80s. others that are more recent that i personally like for their strength and presence are sisley eau d’soir, agent provocateur (the original one, pink bottle), and penhaligon’s halfeti. good luck in your search! July 23, 2022 at 1:21pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Ksenija,
We are both children of the 80s when it comes to perfume! I was never happier with a perfume as in 1985, Poison. I still wear it.
And before 1985, my tuberose was Chloe, lLagerfeld 1975.
Be happy!
Cornelia July 23, 2022 at 4:41pm
Ksenija: I think you jusg might be my olfactory twin! All the scents you mentioned I adore as well. I should get myself a bottle of Paloma Picasso, I also love it but due to the price somehow always tend to think there is enough of time, since it is already there for ages.
Dare I suggest you try Volupte by Oscar de la renta? It is one of Grojsman’s creations and turly a marvelous bang for the buck! July 24, 2022 at 12:23pm
Cornelia Blimber: Thank you! I will try to find it! July 24, 2022 at 12:32pm
a.: hi ksenija, how exciting to find an olfactory twin! 🙂 i hear you re: PP. my worry is that it has so many banned/restricted ingredients that it may eventually go away. (though given its price and the fact it’s still around… truth is it’s probably long since been reformulated and probably already a shadow of what it was in the 80s. ;-P but it smells close enough, well at least on blotter, that i’ll take it for now!). thanks for the suggestion of OdlR volupte. i love many of grojsman’s perfumes but have never heard of this one! July 24, 2022 at 1:04pm
Lizzy: My favourite two perfumes at present are: Versace Dylan Blue for women and Jean Paul Gautier La Belle. What else might I enjoy? July 18, 2022 at 3:43am
Aurora: Hello Lizzy: Some ideas, Bottega Veneta is a modern soft leather like La Belle, Jour d’Hermes, a floral has a great grapefruit note, Angel Muse is a fruity gourmand, light enough for summer, if you especially enjoy the pear in La Belle you might like Un Jardin sur le Toit mix of apple and pear and Goutal Petite Chérie. July 20, 2022 at 4:02pm
Cherie: Hello All, I am looking for recommendations of fragrances that showcase heliotrope in a realistic manner. I have never smelled it in real life, and I am curious!
Victoria, thank you for opening a thread for us to source recommendations! July 18, 2022 at 7:23am
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe Heliotrope by Etro! July 18, 2022 at 9:45am
Nina Z: I have smelled real heliotrope many times and the Etro Heliotrope is very close to the real thing. It is such an unusual flower scent, very powdery in real life. July 18, 2022 at 10:33pm
Cherie: Ok great, thank you! July 22, 2022 at 7:54am
Aurora: Hi Cherie: I can recommend Oriza L. Legrand Héliotrope Blanc more floral and Réminiscence Héliotrope more gourmand. July 18, 2022 at 7:19pm
Cherie: Thank you so much! I will check these out. July 22, 2022 at 7:53am
Julie: I would love some ideas for relaxing scents for the summer and into early autumn. I am wearing Eau des Merveilles Bleue for warmer days, and like it very much.
Any ideas?? July 18, 2022 at 9:41am
Karina: Cartier L’Envol – it blooms nicely in the heat and still has enough heft to carry you into cooler days. And the honeyed dry down is just gorgeous. July 18, 2022 at 10:54am
Julie: thanks for the idea, I read up on it and sounds like it might be masculine, but hopefully not. I’d like something with maybe a citrus edge. July 19, 2022 at 12:21pm
Ugo: Please tell me the ALDEHYDIC fragrances. I love Caleche, Estée, Madame Rochas, N5, Arpege, Calandre, Rive Gauche, Marions-nous, White Linen, Gold woman Amouage. I love the classics. Help me! I just can’t get enough July 18, 2022 at 11:25am
Aurora: Hello Ugo: Have you tried Liu (not Lui which is a different perfume)? Liu is Guerlain’s answer to No 5 so plenty of aldehydes. July 18, 2022 at 11:59am
Ugo: Liu by Guerlain is on my list but I can’t find it in any live store and it’s too expensive to buy it blindly 😕 July 20, 2022 at 7:06am
Nina Z: Chanel No 22 is a must! Beautiful aldehydic floral. A really interesting one is La Myrrhe from Serge Lutens, which combines aldehydes with myrrh, so it’s sort of warm and cool at the same time. Very unusual. July 18, 2022 at 10:37pm
Ugo: I love Chanel aldehydes (like the beginning of Cuir de Russie) but I don’t like 22. I’m very curious of La Myrrhe but like Liu I can’t find a live store to test it before buying it July 20, 2022 at 7:08am
Jayne: I’ve worn several of the scents you mentioned before succumbing to Le De Givenchy, which I wore for over three decades and, I believe, was sent the last bottle left at Givenchy, Paris, because I told them it was the perfume love of my life. They brought Le De back, only at Nordstrom I think about 15 years ago, but it was of course an entirely different scent.
I’d like to suggest Lubin’s GIN FIZZ. You can buy a sample decant from Aedes NY.
It’s amazing and in the realm of Caleche but more elegant and mysterious in my opinion.
Hope you like it. July 20, 2022 at 11:14pm
Cherie: Fleur de Louis by Arquiste is a lovely sparkling aldehydic floral and I just discovered French Bouquet by BDK which was a pleasant surprise. July 22, 2022 at 7:56am
Cornelia Blimber: Ugo: You have such a big collection, almost everything is there. Maybe yoy could try Jardins de Bagatelle (Guerlain). White flowers and very aldehylic.
You can smell Liù in De Bijenkorf, Amsterdam. They have a terster there. July 23, 2022 at 4:48pm
Mary B: Hi Ugo, I love the aldehydic perfumes to and off of your list I have Arpege, Estee and Caleche. I got Tom Ford’s Metallique this year and I really like it. It has loads of aldehydes and a vanilla base which i don’t usually like. July 27, 2022 at 7:57am
Mary B: Hi Ugo, I love the aldehydic perfumes to and off of your list I have Arpege, Estee and Caleche. I got Tom Ford’s Metallique this year and I really like it. It has loads of aldehydes and a vanilla base which i don’t usually like. July 27, 2022 at 7:57am
Ksenija: Hi Hugo,
I am also a sucker for all aldehydic fragrances! I second the suggestion to try Liu by Guerlain, but to my knowledge this one is exclusive to their Paris boutique.
Next I would suggest Estée by EL, the original JLo (an aldehydic bomb and a very good perfume!), Bill Blass Nude (made by the incomparable Grojsman), Aromatic Elixir (I find the EdP to be better), Dia by Amouage, Pure Poison by Dior, the original Clean (the men’s version), Aldèhyx by Laurent Mazzone, Muscio & Muschio d’Oro by Santa Maria della Novella, Musc Intense by Parfums de Nicolaï.
Happy sampling! July 29, 2022 at 9:31am
Mona Chipman: Dear Scent Aficionados,
Victoria, merci beaucoup for opening up this blog. Lovely to see everyone’s comments.
For me, I adore a woody scent. Particularly the sweet woody scent of authentic cedar. I was walking in the woods and happened upon a small block of cedar near the construction of a beautiful gazebo. I picked it up and could not believe how intoxicating it’s fragrance was.
Can anyone recommend a perfume to come close ?
I also fell in love with Guerlian’s L’art et Materiale Epices Volle’ stolen spices.
Thoughts please
Merci in advance July 18, 2022 at 1:05pm
Aurora: Hi Mona: You could try The Bois series by Serge Lutens, it is all about cedarwood. There is Féminité du Bois, Bois et Fruits, Bois de Violette which is my favorite. July 18, 2022 at 9:38pm
Hamamelis: I know exactly which scent you mean. A large cedar had died near our home. It was cut into lovely wooden planks that were put under an open roof to dry. Its scent wafted into our garden all the time. This was years back, and some of the planks are still there, as is their scent.
I think the problem with cedar that as a note sometimes it indicates the presence of iso e super which I can be sensitive to. Then I smelled April Aromatics Precious Woods. This has an lovely cedar note. July 19, 2022 at 6:52am
Ksenija: Hi Mona,
I suggest you try Timbuktu by L’Artisan Parfumeur. It is not a cedar forward scent, but it is the most beautufully belnded wood fragrance I have ever smelled. July 29, 2022 at 9:23am
Aki: Dear Victoria,
How wonderful to have reopened this page. I could spend hours reading your readers’ comments and recommendations and I always thought that Recommend Me a Perfume was such a great way to link everything and everyone. X
No particular advice request from me this month. I’m wearing rather non adventurous The des Vignes Eau Fraîche by Caudalie.
Have a good summer x July 20, 2022 at 1:38am
Anna: Hello Victoria, happy to see you back!
Hello everyone, please, recommend me a perfume to wear during hot and humid days in Chicago. Something good for the office, and also for me to enjoy privately. Something feminine, but not too demure. My favorite ones are all versions of Chanel no 19, and current version of Cabochard edp, the last one I absolutely love on rainy days. Thank you
It was a great pleasure to read all the conversations above July 21, 2022 at 2:43am
Aurora: Hello Anna: I would recommend Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil for its light fruit (green mango) and cooling incense if you haven’t yet tried it, and check the other Jardins as well, Chanel Cristalle edt is effervescent and great in the heat, it does have that Chanel feminine touch as does Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche (great citrus in that one), Eau de Rochas is like water poured on stones and lasts so well but may be too unisex for you, I Profumi di Firenze Agrumi di Sicilia is very natural citrus smelling, more traditionally feminine but light for the heat would be Goutal Le Chèvrefeuille (honeysuckle) and l’Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse aux Papillons (linden and tuberose and other flowers), pricier Lys Méditerranée is also great, still-water florals, very unique. July 21, 2022 at 7:12am
Anna: Hello Aurora, thank you so much for taking your time to make recommendations for me. After reading this, I was wondering should I reply with a plain thank you! Or, where should I begin… I think where should I begin is a more suitable answer. So, I was a fragrance lover up till 2008, until I red somewhere that perfumes are bad for you around 2008. Had my little stash stored in my refrigerator of Gucci rush, sir le nil, and Violeta by penhaligon. All kept well, except sir le nil, which I think got killed in the cold temperatures. I will definitely take it out for a ride in the hot balmy weather, since I had some love for it to begin with. Gucci rush held up well. Violetta by Penhaligon, is a beautiful floral, dry as a broom, don’t come near me kind of quality. Makes me wonder what kind of person I was to wear this then? Cristalle by Chanel is always on my mind, edp was my one and only signature fragrance from 1992 to 2006. It was so good and easily available I thought nothing of trouble to get it again. I sampled it in edt at the Chanel boutique last spring, and decided to go with #19 edt instead. Came home, and used a christalle sample with a roll my eyes in the back of my head kind of reaction, thinking I will definitely get it a bit later. Little did I know. Now, Cristalle is sold out everywhere in any of its versions. And it was always a great love for me.
I am excited to try the recommendations you suggested, I don’t know why, but I feel I am going to start with eau de rochas first. And make my way to the rest of the list. Than you again Aurora!
To Victoria, thank you for setting this blog up within the perfume loving community.
I am glad you are working again and finding peace and strength within your heart to move forward regardless of the horrific circumstances in your homeland. Love and good health to all,
Anna July 22, 2022 at 1:31am
Aurora: Thank you so much for your answer Anna and for sharing your perfume journey, I see that I listed some perfumes you already have, what a shame that UJslN turned, perfume is so unpredictable that way. About your concern about perfume possibly being a concern for health have you considered wearing it mostly on clothing? That’s what I do. There are also natural perfumes like Hiram Green and Sana Jardin. I’m so glad you will sample some of my suggestions, I hope you will find something you like. Best wishes. July 22, 2022 at 5:22pm
Anna: Thank you, best wishes to you as well! July 22, 2022 at 11:55pm
Kristina: I’ve really been enjoying lighter scents like those from the perfumer Lily Bermuda. I tried the France library and chose the scent Coral. It’s something I wear when I’m at home usually. I used to like perfumes that were strong and made a lasting statement or would stay strong all day and now I gravitate towards subtly. More great light fragrances are Floris. Really enjoy Limes and many of their refreshing and classic scents. July 23, 2022 at 1:58am
My1stGradeTeacher: I’m trying to find the signature perfume that my 1st grade teacher wore (’76-’77, California). I ordered dozens of samples in the past year but no luck so far. I don’t remember the specific notes as I was too young, but I recognize it when i smelled it in public, the last time which was several years ago. The only familiarity I sense with another perfume is in the drydown of Private Collection, but I don’t know what the note is, lol. Ironically my fave perfume is Estee Lauder’s 1972 Alliage; that is, until I can find my 1st grade teacher’s perfume. I don’t like animalic civet scents like Bandit, Opium, Cinnabar. A far stretch but ideas welcome. July 25, 2022 at 11:36pm
Aurora: Maybe Aromatics Elixir? July 26, 2022 at 1:48pm
My1stGradeTeacher: My1stGradeTeacher: Thank you! Already tried the Elixir, which is unisex & I recall a civet note ? The one my teacher wore was definitely feminine <3 July 26, 2022 at 10:39pm
Aurora: 😃 Oh dear, not what you wanted at all, from my vintage bottle the dry down is oakmoss and patchouli but then it has been reformulated at least once but whatever version you’re right it is very unisex.
A very popular perfume of these years in Europe where I grew up was the original Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld, now that one is decidedly feminine, it’s a floral but it was reformulated. Other very popular perfumes at the time in Europe were the Dior ones, Miss Dior, Diorella, Dioressence and Diorissimo. July 27, 2022 at 10:36am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Aurora! The original Chloe (Lagerfeld) was a fresh tuberose as far as Tuberose can be fresh)’
My favourite before Poison appeared in 1985.
In the 70s, I wore Estee Daytime. Maybe the teacher did as well? July 27, 2022 at 2:57pm
My1stGradeTeacher: Just looked up Daytime. It’s the same as Estee Estee, no? Not many left out there, but could be it<3 Thank you! July 28, 2022 at 12:26pm
Aurora: Hi Cornelia: Estée Daytime is a really good suggestion, I only knew the original. Chloe was everywhere in Paris, I remember smelling it in the bus, you must have smelled great in the eighties, at the beginning of the eighties I wore Anaïs Anaïs, my first perfume. I still wear it sometimes. July 28, 2022 at 1:10pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Aurora! Here in Amsterdam, the bus and the tramway smelled in the seventies of LouLou. (great perfume anyway). Nowadays it is Black Opium in the bus and tram.
You also smelled great! One never forgets the first perfume. July 28, 2022 at 4:24pm
My1stGradeTeacher: (Note: Have tried anaïs anaïs. Very nice; didn’t even detect any of the animalic base that it supposedly has!) <3 August 30, 2022 at 11:59pm
My1stGradeTeacher: Good suggestions! Already tried the original Chloe & it was 1 of my faves! & so many perfumes with “Dior” in the name, rite? Think have tried all except Dioressence & DiorDiorDior. My fave is Diorissimo w the lovely LOTV drydown. Thanks, but Dioressence launched in 79:) btw, tried & was surprised that I liked the more modern J’adore, lol. But yes, most likely my teacher wore a floral, apparently a unique one<3 July 28, 2022 at 12:23pm
My1stGradeTeacher: Thank you! Already tried the Elixir, which is unisex & I recall a civet note ? The one my teacher wore was definitely feminine <3 July 26, 2022 at 10:37pm