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!
I also wanted to mention that the great writer Nikolay Gogol (Mykola Hohol) was born on this day in 1809 in Ukraine’s Poltava region. He made his name as a Russian writer, but Ukraine inspired his writings and left a deep imprint on his work. Whichever of his work you read, you will find it resonating with today’s situation, as I did when I re-read Gogol’s Dead Souls. Please let me know in the comments which of Gogol’s works you’ve read.
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
70 Comments
sandra: Hello Victoria and others.
I am looking for an oud oil or perfume that doesn’t have rose as the dominant note or any rose at all. That is sweet/floral feminine with oud smell. Thank you all. March 31, 2023 at 9:08am
Aurora: Hi Sandra, I can recommend you explore Al Haramain, I have generally good luck with the oils from that house and they are very affordable. April 1, 2023 at 7:30am
Sandra: Thank you.
Is there one you recommend that you like? April 1, 2023 at 7:50am
Aurora: You’re most welcome, I really like musk poudree; so sorry I don’t know their oud oils but the good thing is it’s not expensive to get several to try. Also, see if they are recommendations on Fragrantica. April 1, 2023 at 10:07am
Muireann: Hi Sandra, I would recommend Cartier’s Les Heures Voyageuses all featuring a woody oud note. – Oud & Oud, Oud & Ambre, Oud & Musc or Oud & Santal might suit you. They’re pricy but high-quality. Hope that helps! April 3, 2023 at 9:48am
Sandra: Thank you! April 6, 2023 at 9:18am
hera: Hi Sandra, I like the oil attar from Andy Tauer and sometimes i layer it with Flower Market Margiela. April 2, 2023 at 10:15am
Linda: I recommend Cinéma by YSL, a striking and very elegant fragrance. I recently discovered the fragrance Agua Fresca de Azahar by Adolfo Dominguez and I really liked it.
I would like indications of perfumes with an orange note.
Thanks March 31, 2023 at 9:20am
Sara: Hi Linda,
I love Arancia di Capri by Acqua di Parma. Many people recommend the blood orange scent by Atelier Cologne but in my opinion, the AdP scent is far more beautiful! March 31, 2023 at 11:46am
Linda: Sarah, thanks for the recommendation.
I’ll try to find out, I really appreciate AdP perfumes
thanks March 31, 2023 at 11:53am
Linda: sorry I misspelled your name sorry hugs Sara March 31, 2023 at 11:55am
Aurora: Hi Linda: I second Arancia di Capri, I loved it when I tried it last year. April 1, 2023 at 10:10am
Evelyn: I am an orange scent lover as well. I really enjoy Atelier’s Orange Sanguine. This fresh scent is crisp & clean. It makes me think of summer vacation! March 31, 2023 at 9:36am
AndreaR: Orange Sanguine is a summer staple for me. I often switch it out with Jo Malone’s Basil and Neroli. Another you might try is Parfum d’Empire’s Azemour les Orangers. March 31, 2023 at 10:50am
Evelyn: Thank you. April 1, 2023 at 11:14pm
Ruth Griffin: Hello everyone
I am searching for a replacement for Byredos Seven Veils which is discontinued sadly
If anyone has any suggestions I would be most grateful 😃 March 31, 2023 at 9:47am
Aurora: Hi Ruth: I am not familiar with Seven Veils but the notes on Fragrantica make me think of Honoré des Prés (French house) I Love Les Carottes so you might like to try it. April 1, 2023 at 7:13am
Ruth Griffin: Hi ! Thankyou so much for the suggestion :-)) April 1, 2023 at 7:41am
Rachel: Hi people!
I can not stop wearing Chanel No 5. I really like it, but it is missing something for me. I would love to find a new everyday scent that is classic, clean and sophisticated. I do not like sweet sugary perfumes. I like soft powdery, but with an edge. Any ideas? Thanks so much! March 31, 2023 at 10:47am
sandra: Have you tried 31 Rue Cambon from Chanel? March 31, 2023 at 11:56am
AndreaR: I second 31 Rue Cambon. I always feel like a million bucks when I wear this. March 31, 2023 at 12:59pm
Emily: Parfum d’Empire’s Le Cri! In general I’m not at all into aldehydic florals, but this one is crystalline & irresistible. Iris, ambrette, & rose in perfect harmony. So chic, so beautiful, but not at all stuffy.
I like to order straight from the website, based in Paris, but Luckyscent carries this house, too. March 31, 2023 at 1:25pm
Sylvia Woods: Chanel Bois des Iles March 31, 2023 at 2:29pm
Tracey: Hi Rachel, have you tried Chanel No.22? It’s a lovely alternative to No.5. It’s soft, clean and powdery. Very sophisticated. Dry feminine.
Regards Tracey March 31, 2023 at 5:21pm
Zuzanna: Jardin d’Armide Oriza L. Legrand. Vintage powdery flowers with an intriguing bitter note (aldehydes or neroli?). One of my all times faves. April 2, 2023 at 7:44am
tomatefarcie: Cartier Carat maybe? April 9, 2023 at 5:32pm
Kimberly: Hi Rachel, I have recently started wearing Chanel 1932. Have you tried it? I love it for an everyday perfume. The aldehydes sparkle with pear and citrus. The middle notes of iris and jasmine are beautiful. It reminds me of No 5 and No 22 but it isn’t has top heavy on the aldehydes. March 31, 2023 at 1:48pm
Bettina: Victoria, after you posted about Nikolay Gogol in 2017, I found a copy of the translation of Dead Souls you recommended. I really enjoyed the story – it is timeless in its observations. I am glad that I read it. It is the only one of his books I have read so far. March 31, 2023 at 4:54pm
Victoria: I’m so glad to hear it! I really enjoy that book. April 1, 2023 at 3:04am
Tracey: Sorry Rachel, that was meant to read “very” feminine, not “dry”. March 31, 2023 at 5:24pm
Rachel: Thank you all for your suggestions. I am excited to try these! I am fortunate to have all the recommendations from the crème del-a crème noses! 🙏🏻😊 April 3, 2023 at 9:13am
Noemi: Hello! These days I am wearing Agua Fresca de Rosas, by Adolfo Domínguez, and I spray my hair with Chanel Gabrielle. These are not too intrusive for work create a salty sensation that anticipates summer. March 31, 2023 at 10:29pm
Mirjam: Agua Fresca de Rosas is one of my summer favourites! When it is really hot, I enjoy Azahar, by the same brand. Both gifts of my precious Spanish sister in law! April 1, 2023 at 8:18am
Noemi: Azahar is beautiful as well! April 1, 2023 at 9:41am
Aurora: Thank you for sharing Noemi, it sounds like a lovely combination. April 1, 2023 at 10:24am
Noemi: Thank you! April 1, 2023 at 4:11pm
Mallory: Hi all!
I’ve been layering Terre d’Hermes over Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Grand Soir, but I’m not totally sure it works for me. The latter in particular I really admire, but I think it may be a bit much for me, at least for everyday wear. Any suggestions? (I’m also not wild about anything floral, but frequently enjoy things with citrus)
Thanks! April 1, 2023 at 3:58am
Aurora: Hi Mallory:. I like both Terre and Grand Soir but never tried to layer them 😀. Have you tried Guerlain Habit Rouge, it’s an ‘oriental’ like Grand Soir but has citrus on top and a dusty note I love. April 1, 2023 at 7:20am
Mallory: I haven’t, thank you! Will try it out 🙂 April 2, 2023 at 9:21am
John Luna: As a fan of Habit Rouge, I’d also suggest Chanel Pour Monsieur Eau de Parfum… it shifts from the wonderful lemon drop opening of the original EDP to a rich mix of spices (cardamom, nutmeg), musks, resins and vanilla. April 5, 2023 at 11:49pm
Jamal: Can anyone recommend a floral fragrance with an animalic base, done in a classical style? I love complex scents that evolve, and feature a contrast, like Jolie Madame. April 1, 2023 at 8:27pm
tomatefarcie: Chanel Coco. look at Serge Lutens Christopher Sheldrake is known for that in my opinion. Muscs Kublai Khan, Tuberose Criminelle. April 9, 2023 at 5:55pm
Kate: I am looking for a unique fragrance that does well in hot dry environments, as I am going on a work trip there. Musks do not sit well on me, and I don’t really floral, unless they are more of a yellow floral. Anything come to mind? For a reference, my absolute favorite is Guerlains Chamade. April 1, 2023 at 9:53pm
Aurora: Hi Kate: In the heat I really enjoy Un Jardin sur le Nil, you have to like green mango and light incense and in fact another Jardin might suit you as well, Un Jardin après la Mousson is interesting too but more strange, aquatic, aromatic with ginger and cardamom, I wear it exclusively in Provence. Neither are floral.
Have a wonderful trip. April 3, 2023 at 11:44am
Jamal: Can anyone recommend an animalic floral done in a classical style, or anything that is close to Jolie Madame? April 2, 2023 at 4:15pm
Muireann: Hi Jamal, you might like Amouage Beloved Woman. It is a symphonic, old-world floral with chypre and amber nuances. There are rumours of discontinuation, so I’d look for it sooner rather than later! Amouage is one of the best brands of all – there are plenty of perfumes you might like. Hope this helps! April 3, 2023 at 9:58am
Silvermoon: Hello Jamal,
I have three suggestions with a focus on animatic in your request. The first is the wonderful Knize Ten (it’s softly animatic but more leather and florals) and then L’Ombre Fauve (this is definitely animalic but with Amber). Finally, another great perfume from Serge Luton’s – Tubereuse Criminelle (a bit wild at the start but absolutely beautiful once it settles in). I especially love the first and third. Definitely don’t blind purchase any of them – trying is highly recommended. The safest of the three is Knize Ten (if trying before buying isn’t an option). April 3, 2023 at 11:53am
Silvermoon: Sorry about all the autocorrects. Anyway I think all is clear enough. April 3, 2023 at 11:55am
tomatefarcie: Maybe classic chypre — Sisley Eau de Soir, Chanel 19, Guerlain Mitsouko April 9, 2023 at 6:05pm
hera: Hello everyone,
Lately I am craving perfumes with orange blossom. . The one I have is Serge Lutens Fleur d’Oranger which I love. I was wondering which ones are your favourites and you recommend? . thank you April 2, 2023 at 9:09pm
Caroline: Houbigant’s Orangers en Fleurs is a sumptuous orange blossom. While I haven’t tried Nicolai’s Neroli Intense, that might fit the bill as well. April 3, 2023 at 9:06am
Muireann: Hi Hera, I love the Lutens one too. Other suggestions: Matière Première Néroli Oranger is a long-lasting, good-quality, orange blossom scent, ideal for summer. Zara Fleur d’Oranger (Néroli in some markets) is a really good affordable alternative – it is composed by Jo Malone and smells natural. I have expensive taste in perfume, but this one belies its price. Hope this helps! April 3, 2023 at 11:27am
Aurora: Hello Hera:
Like you I love orange blossom, Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger Neroli Blanc intense is lovely if a little sweet, the regular Neroli Blanc has been discontinued, alas, it was superior, Lancome O de l’Orangerie is very refreshing, and I also like Diptyque l’Eau de Neroli and I second Caroline for Orangers en Fleurs. April 3, 2023 at 11:33am
Silvermoon: Hi Hera, simple and straightforward, which earns a lot of compliments or even people stopping to ask what I am wearing- jo Malone’s Orange Blossom Cologne. April 3, 2023 at 11:58am
Muireann: Hi Jamal, you might like Amouage Beloved Woman. It is a symphonic, old-world floral with chypre and amber nuances. There are rumours of discontinuation, so I’d look for it sooner rather than later! Amouage is one of the best brands of all – there are plenty of perfumes you might like. Hope this helps! April 3, 2023 at 9:57am
Diana M: Wonderful questions & responses; I’m attracted to so many of the perfumes recommended. Thanks to all! 💐 April 3, 2023 at 12:36pm
Sara: Even though I am buying less perfume than I normally would these days, I always like to ask anyway what people recommend. I’m wondering what fragrances read to you as both feminine and professional. To me, a professional fragrance is not too literal (can’t be a rose or jasmine soliflore, can’t smell like desserts). Somewhat abstract fragrances always read as more professional to me. But I have a hard time finding abstract fragrances that are modern; I love No 5 and Shalimar and so on, but I would not wear them to work (I don’t even wear them when I’m not at work), where they strike me as extravagant and out of place as a result. I’m looking for abstract yet modern and streamlined. April 5, 2023 at 6:26pm
Aurora: Hello Sara: I go to Annick Goutal Heure Exquise in these settings; the thread seems to have gone quiet so you might want to repost next month for more answers. April 7, 2023 at 3:27am
Emily: I’m self-employed & work from a home studio so am free most of the time to experiment wildly with scents while working (almost makes up for the tax disadvantages) but I do have a go-to meeting scent: Ormonde Woman. Chic & elegant & interesting enough to keep me engaged but not so weird it’s distracting to others. A bit of sublimated wildness. April 7, 2023 at 11:06am
Jamie: Hi everyone : )
I’m in love with Le Labo’s Neroli 36–it’s definitely a soapy white floral that has a little fizz (aldehydes), orange, and calone (watermelon)
It’s very clean and powdery to my nose while still remaining interesting and fairly unique
Is there anything else that I should try?
Thanks! April 8, 2023 at 10:33pm
tomatefarcie: Replica Beach Walk or Under the Lemon Trees. I also like Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier April 9, 2023 at 6:25pm
Lari: Hi all. My son and his girlfriend recently returned from a trip to the Canary Islands/ Tenerife. Apparently the scent of laurel is everywhere there. I’ve started looking for her ( a trip for me down the rabbit hole) as she loved it. If anyone here can suggest something it would really make her smile. April 10, 2023 at 8:13pm
Lar: Sorry this posted 2x. I use both names April 10, 2023 at 8:17pm
Aprilbaby: Hi all. My son and his girlfriend recently returned from a trip to the Canary Islands/ Tenerife. Apparently the scent of laurel is everywhere there. I’ve started looking for her ( a trip for me down the rabbit hole) as she loved it. If anyone here can suggest something it would really make her smile. April 10, 2023 at 8:14pm
Aprilbaby: Sorry this posted 2x. I use both names April 10, 2023 at 8:16pm
Aurora: Hello Lari: There is Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay, I don’t recall how true to the scent of laurel it is but if you are in the US there are also those good and inexpensive bay rum colognes I like to be found at the drugstore. April 12, 2023 at 10:05am
MICHELLE RAYMOND: I love Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt but it doesn’t stay on me very long. Can you recommend a perfume as opposed to a cologne that would be a bit longer lived?
Bissou 🙂 April 14, 2023 at 2:33pm
Ugo: Some MUSKY AND DIRTY fragrance like Muscs Koublai Khan by Lutens or Original Musk by Khiel’s? Or something spicy and oriental like Musc Nomade by Goutal? April 17, 2023 at 6:22am
MICHELLE: Musky and Dirty sounds quite interesting, I will def try.
Thanks so much! April 19, 2023 at 11:44am
Hunter Pronovost: I am looking for a specific perfume, but in the form of a body/hydrating lotion, GUCCI RUSH.
What lotions out there have a similar profile? April 23, 2023 at 10:48am