Today have a generous giveaway courtesy of Bois de Jasmin’s reader Carla. She would like to give away a nearly full bottle of Chanel Gardenia EDP, 3.4oz/100ml. It’s our second Gardenia giveaway this year!
Carla would like your help to find a new fragrance for her. Please see her question below. Carla can send her package in the continental US.
We are not responsible for leaks or damage during transit, customs fees, or for lost packages.
To participate, please answer these questions. I will randomly draw one winner.
1. Please suggest a new perfume to Carla. “My children left for college, I moved to a new house and I’m starting a new job this fall. Lots of new things. I would like a new perfume to mark this transition for me. I like woods and spices, but nothing too sweet or heavy. I wore Diptyque Tam Dao for many years, but it’s been reformulated and no longer smells the same. Thank you for your recommendations.”
3. May I contact you via email to notify you of your win and share your email with Carla?
The contest is closed. The winner is Luce. Congratulations! I will contact you via email shortly.
I would like to thank our entire Bois de Jasmin community for your generosity and kindness, whether it means giveaways like this, advice or comments.
77 Comments
Maya: Good luck, Carla, with all future endeavors. What a great giveaway- thank you and please enter me. I recommend light woods/spices that I personally enjoy. From Commes de Garçons both Avignon and Kyoto are serene, woody, and light enough to wear in an office setting. Serge Lutens, Santal Majuscule has wood, cocoa powder, and a bit of rose and I have grown to adore it in the fall and winter. Dyptique’s eau Capitale is breathtakingly beautiful with wood, rose, and cumin. I wear the solid version to the office so as to not offend anyone and get the most enjoyable whiffs all day. Also from that house I have run through several samples of eau Mage. It is very prominent so you have to apply lightly. It combines woods and spices in a bewitching way. 😊 September 4, 2023 at 8:08am
Sandra: What an exciting new stage in your life, Carla!
I’m in love with Hermes’ Vetiver Tonka. It’s deliciously woodsy and has just enough spice that I find it very wearable. Discreet for the office but interesting enough to delight your nose all day. Thank you for your generous giveaway, I wore Gardenia years ago and loved it. I love in Mexico City so, please don’t enter me in the giveaway. September 4, 2023 at 9:11am
Deborah H: Best wishes for your new job! So many possibilities for a shiny future are on the horizon. Have you tried “Serge Lutens Santal Blanc Eau de Parfum”? It includes notes of pink pepper, rose, sandalwood, iris, cinnamon, musk, and balsam. Victoria has a lovely review posted of it on Bois de Jasmin. September 4, 2023 at 9:13am
Sylviah: These are two of my favourite woody fragrances with some spices; Santal Nabatea by Mona di Orio and Cadjmere by Pierre Guillaume. Santal Nabatea is a dusty sandalwood with a subtle coffee note. Cadjmere is creamy and softly spicy with some vanilla. I’m based in the EU, so I won’t join your generous giveaway. September 4, 2023 at 9:21am
Liane: Good luck with your new adventures, Carla! I wonder if you’d like Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier’s Eau de Camélia Chinois. It’s the green scent of tea, a touch of grapefruit peel, bergamot, basil, and not too sweet. To me it feels delicate, green and summery. Victoria — you are welcome to contact me by email. September 4, 2023 at 9:26am
Rachel: Hi Carla! Good luck and keep your chin up it isn’t easy sending out little birds out of the nest! I am going back to things that I loved when I was young because nothing is appealing to me right now. Plus it is nice when my partner notices my scent. Right now I am enjoying Anais Anais by cacharel. It is really soft, the opening is a little strong but fades on me within 30 min and becomes woody and smells of incense. My husband loves it. I would recommend finding a vintage bottle. All the b st! You may contact me for the drawing!😀 September 4, 2023 at 9:27am
Ugo: Hello! Maybe you can try Obsession by Ck, an ambery and spicy fragrance with a good retro taste but also comforting and cuddling, or also Bois des Iles by Chanel that it’s a marvellous sandalwood, cozy and warm but also exotic and mysterious and deep.
Yes you can contact me via email. September 4, 2023 at 9:32am
eva g: I agree with above suggestion: Lutens Santal Majuscule! September 4, 2023 at 9:40am
Elizabeth Le Glaire: Miller et Betrteaux Indian Study. Very much like the old Tam Dao. I’ve turned away from Tam Dao too…it’s too harsh where it used to be absolutely lovely. I also love Milky Musk from Parle moi de perfume. Very soft sandalwood accord.
Good luck with the changes in your life. This is the perfect time of year for starting new!!! September 4, 2023 at 11:48pm
Gabriela: Hi, Carla.
Good luck with this new time in your life. I recommend Bengale Rouge or Woman by Ormonde Jayne.
No need to include me in the giveaway as I am based in Europe. September 4, 2023 at 9:44am
Mridula Koshy: My children left 7, 5 and 3 years ago and missing them does ease though it never ceases. I too believe in comforting myself and marking transitions with perfume. Cedar is a wood note I like a lot and Victoria has a huge list of scents that use this note. Please see here: https://boisdejasmin.com/2005/07/note_of_the_wee-2.html
SL is the house on her list I am most familiar with. You might find your way to a counter and seehow they wear on you. I personally place Boise de Violette in my top five of all scents. Another violet I like that is less woody and more floral and earthy is Guerlain’s Apres L’ondee so if you are leaning the floral way, please try. Its definitely got a dark forest vibe so the idea of wood is still there and by dark I dont mean heavy, just dark like the forest floor close to which a violet might grow.
I think both these violets are good in and out of work. No one has ever complained about my wearing them at work.
Thanks for the chance. Please enter me and you can connect via email if I am the lucky one. September 4, 2023 at 9:44am
Roxann: Have your tried Goutal’s La Violette or Caron’s Aimez Moi? 2 other really good violet fragrances in my opinion. I am going to look into that SL violet. September 5, 2023 at 12:19pm
Luce: I also recommend trying perfumes with Cedar. Many people recommended Serge Lutens here and it reminded me that his Cedre is beautiful. Very elegant and understated. If your office has a scent policy, you might want something mild, but Cedre would work.
Best wishes for your new job!
And yes, you can contact me. September 4, 2023 at 9:48am
Anushia: Hi Carla, congratulations on the new adventures! I love woody, spicy fragrances and I reach for Chanel Bois des Iles whenever I want to spoil myself. It’s such a treat to the senses. Perhaps, worth trying Le Labo Santal 33 as well – it’s a crowd favorite. Best of luck with everything and yes, you can contact me via email. September 4, 2023 at 9:49am
Kathy: Thank you, Ms. Carla, for the generous offer which is a fun way to commemorate all the changes and opportunities coming your way! Given my love of vintage perfumes, I hesitate to offer some old favorites but here goes nothing! Samsara and Je Reviens might be worth revisiting. Guerlain’s Musc Noble is to me a quiet and nuanced fragrance lacking sweetness, very saffron and rose-forward. I have to mention my beloved Estee Lauder Cinnabar. I think the current version is not as sweet as the original. And one more from M. Lutens: Serge Noir. I find it wonderfully wearable, and it is one that got me a compliment from a non-perfumista. Yes, you may contact me by email. September 4, 2023 at 9:59am
Sara C: Carla, I wish you all the best in your new life and new home.
1. For spicy woody fragrances, I would recommend Chanel Egoiste (original) and Tom Ford Santal Blush. I also love Ormonde Man, which is green spicy and has a clean calming oud. (I own Ormonde Woman but am about ready to switch teams) For spicy and sweet, I love Serge Lutens Arabie.
1. Yes, you may contact me at my email address. September 4, 2023 at 10:04am
Sandra: Thank you for your generous giveaway. I live in the US and you can contact me.
I suggest Chanel Bois des Iles, Samsara, and a little different would be some Annick Goutal – I love Ninfeo Mio September 4, 2023 at 10:13am
Elina Ayzenberg: Hello Carla! Very interesting and exciting time for you and your family, many changes but all for the best! Good luck with it!
I would like to recommend a new scent for you, as it was given to me on my 50th birthday and signifies the beginning of new chapter, the natural transition to sophisticated maturity, I believe it will fit perfectly to your current transition in life. I Am Not a Flower by Floraiku is a very beautiful, woody and amber fragrance that feels very comfortable yet elegant and sexy and leaves a lasting impression on your skin and everyone who comes to contact with you. You will be sure to get compliments on it! It is stunning fragrance for Fall as it has a touch of spice and ginger and gives a hint of tea with orange bitters absolutely perfect for long autumn walks in the park. Enjoy it Carla!
Warmest regards, Elina. September 4, 2023 at 10:21am
Elina: Of course, I can be contacted via email. Many thanks! September 4, 2023 at 10:27am
Renee: Hello, Carla! When I think of spice I have to say Chanel Coco, a current obsession. I bought it first in Paris in 1985 when I was 21, if only to be different from my mother who wore No. 5. I have worn many scents since and now return to this lovely classic. Best of luck in your new job and now beginning. The best is yet to come. Renée
Yes you may contact me for my address September 4, 2023 at 10:57am
AB: Chanel Bois des Iles is lovely. I’ve been meaning to try Montale Amber & Spices. And yes, you may contact me through email. September 4, 2023 at 11:02am
Judy: You are starting a great new chapter in your life, Carla. Good on you! It is very exciting!
You did not say what type of office you will be working in now, but I imagine you want a fragrance that is classy, subtle, and gorgeous, so my first pick would be the classic and beautiful Guerlain Samsara for its smooth, elegant sandalwood and its discrete jasmine accords.
A second pick is the lovely Lutens Santal Majuscule which has notes of sandalwood, cacao, and Damask rose, and is not very sweet.
Finally, with cooler weather on the horizon, if you like Tonka as a note, I highly suggest Guerlain Tonka Imperiale. It has Cedar and Pine notes along with Tonka, Tobacco, Jasmine, and Incense amongst a few others. It exceptionally elegant, and it is only slightly sweet but not in a foodie or sugary way. Also, the chances of anyone else in your new office wearing it are very slim indeed. It is another uncommon and gorgeous Guerlain that is both signature and back up bottle worthy.
Here is a great quote to remember as you start out on this new life path… I wish you all the best, Carla.
“Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.”
– Daphne Rose Kingma
You may contact me at me email should I win the drawing. September 4, 2023 at 11:05am
PrincessTonk: Since Chanel is the giveaway, I kind of assume you might have tried Bois des Iles. But I urge you to try Encre Noire which despite its gender assignment, is a wonderful woody, delicious scent that costs almost nothing but is worth many times the actual cost.
If you do that and you can find Fendi Theorema, consider a price average between the 2 purchases! The Fendi is perfect for your request IMHO.
My other favorites are the Van Cleef Arpels Collection Extraordinaire “Bois” or Rêve d’Ylanf which are less about spice but beautiful woods. September 4, 2023 at 11:22am
PrincessTonk: You may contact me but I was obviously more excited about writing! Starting things makes life exciting and stressful but.. that is what perfume is for. September 4, 2023 at 11:25am
matty1649: Congratulations on your new job and new life.
I’m interested in everyones suggestions for a new perfume for you. I’m in the UK so no need to put me in the draw X September 4, 2023 at 11:24am
Elizabeth Gregoire: Hi Carla. Congratulations on your new life adventures and thank you for this generous giveaway. I highly recommend Field Notes From Paris from the fragrance house Ineke. It is a beautiful woody oriental. Starts off with coriander seed and orange blossom then drifts into tobacco blossom, patchouli and cedar. The drydown is tonka bean, leather and vanilla. It is one of my favorite fragrances. Yes, Victoria can share my contact information with you. September 4, 2023 at 11:31am
Alexandra: What a nice giveaway. I would recommend Andy Tauer L’Air du Désert Marocain. And yes, you may contact me. September 4, 2023 at 11:35am
Nell: I don’t live in the US, so am not eligible to enter, but I wish you all the very best in your new job, house and direction in life Carla. A new fragrance is a joyous way to mark, and celebrate, these milestones. Here is my suggestion.
The Inimitable Mr William Penhaligon. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From me. Mr P has an uplifting citrus start, then a terrific Vetiver and that wonderful Halfeti-like woody/oriental quality, although Mr P has incense and sandalwood, not oud and sandalwood. I don’t get much Jasmine myself, but there is a lactonic quality I love. There is a creaminess to Mr P, like fig milk?? Some say they smell coconut but to me it’s more a creamy yet refreshing fig. The dry down is a more wearable version of Halfeti and works better in my own hot, humid climate, where Mr P it is simply magical. I have found that it can be a little be lacklustre in cold air con, but not many fragrances shine in that artificial climate.
Enjoy testing out our suggestions Carla. September 4, 2023 at 11:36am
Heather Chase: Good morning,
Thank you so much for this offer.
1. I have three suggestions for a new perfume for Carla.
Acqua di Carthusia’s Geranio is warm and not strong.
Halston Classic Halston for women is also not overpowering and very woody.
Finally, Amouage’s Memoir is spicy, and yes, it is strong, so I spray it above my skin rather than directly on it. Of the three, Memoir is the most complex and sophisticated.
3. Yes, please contact me.
Kind regards,
Heather September 4, 2023 at 11:44am
Celeste A. Church: As soon as I read your description of the scents you like I thought of Tokyomilk’s Dead Sexy. It’s beautiful, not heavy or sweet but definitely woody. It would be a beautiful accompaniment to your exciting changes
And thanks for the chance to win such a gorgeous perfume!
Of course you can email me.☺️
Celeste Church September 4, 2023 at 11:51am
Trudy Góngora: Congratulations on a new phase in your life – it’s always exciting to have a change. When I retired from my law firm job and went to work in a yarn shop, I wanted something new and picked out Etat Libre d’Orange Bijou Romantique- which might be a little too strong for an office job. A better choice might be Hermes Caleche, a long time favorite. You have so many good suggestions!
And yes, you may use my email. September 4, 2023 at 12:00pm
Lee: Hi Carla, best wishes as you embark on this new chapter in your life! I live in California and would love to enter the Gardenia giveaway. You may share my email.
I recommend Commodity Book as a possible new scent for you. Notes of bergamot, eucalyptus, and sandalwood, plus you can select different degrees of intensity: personal, expressive, and bold, which I love.
Cheers, Lee September 4, 2023 at 12:34pm
Mary: Hi Carla, These times of transition and new beginnings can be exhilarating and challenging. How wonderful you are branching out with a new job and perfume! One I highly recommend is Tauer’s L’AIR DU DÉSERT MAROCAIN. It is dry cedar woods, and coriander and jasmine give it such a nice hint of freshness and sensuality, but no too sexy if worn to the office.
You may share my email for the perfume. I have been seeking a gardenia / tuberose perfume and interested to try the Chanel. September 4, 2023 at 12:41pm
Koa Pickering: Hello Carla- celebrate your new phase of your journey. I would suggest you consider Hermes Poive Samarcande, or Vetiver Tonka. Both are elegant, distinctive, and not cloying or heavy, and superbly composed by J-C Ellena from the Hermessence line. All the best. Koa September 4, 2023 at 1:06pm
Julia: Hi Carla, Boy, you have a lot of transitions happening! I would think you might like Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois. I have worn the Shiseido original for years and also have the SL version and it’s very nice. I wish you the very best on your journey! Thank you so much! (yes, you may contact me) oxJulia September 4, 2023 at 1:11pm
Damiana: I appreciate Carla’s kindness and the opportunity to win a bottle of Chanel Gardenia. In terms of a woody fragrance, I highly recommend Flame of the Forest by the indie brand, Anjali Perfumes. This is a gorgeous blend of Texas and Himalayan cedarwoods with spices (saffron, pink pepper), champaca, and ambergris. It is soulful, comforting, and not overpowering. Wishing Carla all the best!
Thanks, Victoria, you may contact me via email if I were the lucky winner. September 4, 2023 at 1:23pm
Shirley: Hello! Thank you for the giveaway. Congrats on your new chapter!
I have a handful of autumn favorites that I love. One of my favorite for autumn is Eleventh Hour by Byredo – apple cider spices, boozy but bright (so nice)! Another is Falling Trees by Regime des Fleurs – resinous, hinoki, juniper (leans more woodsy & incense). One of my all time favorites is La Danza delle Libellule by Nobile 1942 – cedar, cinnamon, bergamot (soooooo nice)!
Yes you can share my email. September 4, 2023 at 1:31pm
DN: You should try one of the old diptyques: leau or l’autre. Both are very spicy, relatively light and beautiful. September 4, 2023 at 1:47pm
dn: You should try one of the old diptyques: leau or l’autre. Both are very spicy, relatively light and beautiful.
You can share my email if I win the bottle! September 4, 2023 at 1:48pm
Sylvia Woods: How generous! Chanel Gardenia, my wedding fragrance! Would love to have the edp! Congratulations on your new chapter in life! I would recommend Chanel Bois des Iles, it is fabulous! And also Coromandel and Sycomore! And yes please share my email. September 4, 2023 at 1:49pm
Leslie Dudley Corbell: Hi!
Thank you for this nice giveaway. Please enter me for this prize! Gardenia is my favorite crisp floral. I recommend another favorite of mine—Angel’s Share by Killian. It’s warm and invigorating all at once, and not too heavy or sweet—just cozy and confident.
Please feel free to pass along my contact info should I be the fortunate winner! September 4, 2023 at 2:35pm
SnowyOwl: Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway. I love reading other’s recommendations as this is my favorite type of fragrance and the one I return to when needing to feel ‘me’ and comforted by life’s’ transitions as you are experiencing currently. A fragrance house that speaks to my soul is Meo Fusciuni – a beautiful Italian man who meditates to make small creations from his memories. Since the weather has become cooler I’m wearing and enjoying Little song, Encorps du temps and Sogni. They are complex, mysterious and you won’t find anything else like them, they surround you with a gorgeous veil. Thanks and good luck in your new adventures. September 4, 2023 at 2:49pm
Caitlin E Meagher: I love the idea of Amouage Journey but it is likely too heavy/sweet so I nominate Femininité de Bois, Serge Lutens.
And yes, of course Carla is welcome to contact me.
GOOD LUCK, CARLA! What a cool idea 🙂 September 4, 2023 at 2:55pm
Josey: I’ve recently become *obsessed* with Chanel fragrances, thanks to Le Lion and No 5 L’Eau! I would recommend trying out Seven Virtues Santal Vanille, which is a creamy sandalwood with a touch of vanilla. Contact at email is fine! September 4, 2023 at 3:10pm
Laju: Hi Carla, based on what you have mentioned, I would recommend Creed’s Spice and Wood, from their Les Royales Exclusives collection, because of your noted appreciation of woods and spices.
Creed’s history in their artisanry in perfumes, their maturation process will make this a very memorable fragrance for you. It is worthy of trying their take or on woods and spices and adding it to your fragrance wardrobe.
Spice and Wood fragrance will honor your opening a new chapter, (Congratulations on the new job), with new ways of interpreting these fragrance family of spice/woods that you have loved, all these years.
(3. May I contact you via email to notify you via email of your win and share your email with Carla?) Yes: you may do so. September 4, 2023 at 3:45pm
Klaas: Hi Carla, woods and spices ring Andy Tauer to me…..his Air du Désert Marocain has been mentioned by a few already, but I’d like to mention that it also exists as a solid perfume which is lovely and wears more discretely. The EDP is a bit of a bomb…..
I prefer his Au Cœur du Desert to L’Air du Désert Marocain and if you like incense, you might appreciate his Incense Extreme. Very woody, very spicy and very smokey. A single Spritz on the hand is all on needs for a glorious sillage!
Good luck with this new phase in your life. And remember that when certain doors close on you in life, the most unexpected doors will open……take your time to adjust and enjoy the changes……
I live in Europe so no need to include me in this draw. A fabulous draw, by the way…….a Chanel Exclusif!! September 4, 2023 at 3:49pm
AZ: Hi Carla! Congrats on the changes in your life! Best of luck.
For perfume recs, have you considered Estee Lauder Sensuous or one of its many flankers? You may find the subtle woodiness complements your tastes.
Thanks again for your generous giveaway. Please contact me via email. September 4, 2023 at 3:50pm
Maggiecat: If you are still a sandalwood lover, you will like Sandalwood Temple from Sana Jardin. It’s lighter than other sandalwood scents and very unisex. I would also describe it as office friendly but not bland. I also love Tiger By Her Side from the same house, a cozy spicy scent.
Yes, you may use my email to contact me. September 4, 2023 at 3:55pm
Maren: Congratulations on all the new things in your life, and how lovely to celebrate it with a new fragrance and a generous giveaway! I immediately thought of Serge Lutens Santal Blanc for you based on your preferences. It is very wearable for anytime, and not heavy. Another possibility is Lumière Blanche by Olfactive Studio, a woody, spicy fragrance that is also very wearable, not heavy.
And I adore Chanel Gardenia, and this would be my next Chanel purchase, but I’m trying to cut back on my perfume spending. Yes, I may be contacted by email, if I am the lucky winner! September 4, 2023 at 3:55pm
Gila W: Carla – I wish you well navigating all your changes. I love the idea of marking a new era with a new fragrance. Woody, spicy scents may be my favorites. A few that always make me happy:
Ormonde Man (I find it better blended and a bit more unusual than Ormond Woman), Encre Noir, and if you can find a vintage Halston Couture, it’s the richest, most alluring woody chypre I’ve ever come across, for pm relaxing.
Thank you for your offer, and yes, please share my email if I’m lucky enough to win. September 4, 2023 at 3:57pm
Hiba: Carla, it sounds like you are embarking on an exciting chapter of your life. I love woods and spices, too. I’d recommend Serge Lutens La couche du diable (believe it translates to “the devil’s bedsheets” or something similar). Unisex, and contains notes of oud accord, fruity complex & rose. Not too sweet – and there’s a note of whiskey I get when it’s initially applied. The oud doesn’t overwhelm. I think it’s one of the underrated Serge perfumes. Give it a try! September 4, 2023 at 4:25pm
Hiba: Oops. And yes, you may contact me by email re: the contest! September 4, 2023 at 7:44pm
Margaret: I am also a Mom and there is a lesser-known but absolutely amazing fragrance I think would be wonderful for Carla who is moving into new job, empty nester, new house – Queens and Monsters from Henry Rose. It is spicy and lightly woody. There is an intoxicating vanilla musc in the dry down. It is quite complex yet very fresh. I have never gotten so many compliments as I have when wearing Queens and Monsters! Also, it is not too in your face for Carla as she is starting a new job it is day-to-night appropriate. I am in love with this fragrance brand I ordered the discovery set. All love ❤ September 4, 2023 at 4:45pm
Rhonda: I wish for you all the best as you enter this new stage of your life. Thank you for your most generous giveaway. I think that Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleue is such a beautiful fragrance and I highly recommend allowing it to accompany you in your adventures. Yes, you may contact me via email. September 4, 2023 at 5:52pm
Bettina: Carla, good luck with the new chapter of your life. A new perfume is the perfect way to mark the occasion.
As I started on a new chapter of my life last year, I discovered the perfume house Matiere Premiere. They are very contemporary in attitude but grounded in traditional French techniques. Their Santal Austral lovely and may be what you are looking for. September 4, 2023 at 6:14pm
Bettina: is lovely (!) September 4, 2023 at 6:15pm
Yve Spiders: May I recommend Woody Mood by Olfactive Studio? I’m a fan of true woody fragrances myself and i love that one. Smells just like a sequoia forest.
Yes you may share my email address to enter the giveaway. Thank you! September 4, 2023 at 6:20pm
Janine Kawazoe: Dear Victoria,
Thanks so much for this very generous giveaway!
I’d definitely suggest one of my fragrance loves, Frassai – Tian Di as a brand new perfume option for Carla. I fell in love with Tian Di two years ago. This very charming, slightly earthy fragrance has touches of peach, incense, tea and sandalwood, so it’s the perfect choice for Fall.
As per Frassai, the notes are ginger, galbanum, star anise, olibanum, peach elixir, orris, Red Chrysanthemum, Chinese incense, Tonkin musk and sandalwood.
To me, Frassai – Tian Di is a beautiful, tranquil Fall meditation with just the right amounts of spice along with smooth sandalwood to balance the quite intoxicating aroma.
I formerly just purchased the travel size spray bottle, but fell so in love with Tian Di that I quickly purchased a full size bottle just a month later.
Janine Kawazoe September 4, 2023 at 6:51pm
Marty Marshman: Hi,
Tauer’s Marocain would be an obvious pick. But Byredo’s Bal D’Afrique and Bois Imperial by Essential Parfums are also worth trying. If you don’t mind a bit of incense as well Filippo Sorcinelli’s Contre Bombarde 32 is a personal favourite. Juniper, Cedar, Elemi, Frankincesnse. Smells like the wooden pews of your local church with a bit of a caramel drydown. So good.
All the best,
Marty M from Australia September 4, 2023 at 8:20pm
Ramin: Hermes Un Jardin à Cythere
Le Couvent Maison de Parfum Tuberosa September 5, 2023 at 1:49am
OnWingsofSaffron: Perhaps Serge Lutens‘ „Bois de violette“? Otherwise the Hermès perfume „Violette volynka“. I find the combination of violet plus either wood or leather most bracing: remember „Grey Flannel“? (Please count me out as I live in the E.U.) September 5, 2023 at 2:22am
Tracy Dee: I’m recommending Jicky by Guerlain; it’s classic, has some spice but less sweetness than your reformulated former favorite, and is a traditional, classic fragrance that doesn’t do a younger woman justice.
Hope you draw me – I love Gardenia, and I have never gotten the opportunity to own Chanel’s, although I remember sniffing it before and it was lovely. And I am checking my email every day to see if I win! Good luck, all! September 5, 2023 at 11:25am
Roxann Wiebe: Best wishes on your new life changes. I became an empty nester this year. I miss having the kids around, but the extra free time is quite enjoyable. I’d suggest Un Jardin a Cythere by Hermes. Woody and slightly aromatic. It’s my favorite of 2023. A great scent for the office. My other favorite is Lana by Santa Maria Novella, a very cozy woody fragrance made for a Scottish cashmere line by Ballantyne. It was supposed to be limited edition, but been around since 2017. Woods with a touch of moss and rose. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever smelled before. Do let us know what Carla chooses, so many good recommendations in the post. Yes, please e mail me and share with Carla if I am the lucky winner of this generous giveaway. Have a great day everyone. – Roxann September 5, 2023 at 12:16pm
Theresa: Dear Carla, with all the changes in your life you will need some perfume therapy for sure! Best wishes with the exciting changes.
May I recommend a few of my favorites? for sandalwood: Guerlain’s Habit Rouge – a classic! and you may enjoy Andy Tauer’s L’Air du Desert Marocain. Just a drop and you will be enveloped in a very dry (not sweet) but spicy scent. Moderation is the key here! And finally, I have to put a plug in for my favorite Carthusia’s Aria di Capri, which has some facets reminiscent of Chanel No 5.
Yes, you may contact me. I hope you let the group know which perfumes you decide to test!
thank you, Theresa September 5, 2023 at 1:05pm
Krista: Congratulations on all your new things in life! What about 10 Corso Como (dry, calm woods) or Parfum d’Empire Wazamba (huge, spicy, dry woods)?
Yes, you may contact me. I hope you find your new dream scent! September 5, 2023 at 2:50pm
Daniela Kostadinovska: Gypsy Water by Byredo might be worth trying, Carla. It’s a happy fragrance, not boring; it just puts you in the right mood, great for new beginnings.
Good luck with everything, and, yes, you can contact me. September 5, 2023 at 7:23pm
rickyrebarco: I suggest Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d’Iris or Bois d’Ore by Van Cleef. Yes, you may contact me via email. September 5, 2023 at 7:33pm
Mel: Hi Carla. I’m not “up” on my perfumes these days but I can tell you that Timbuktu by L’Artisan is still one of my favorites. Dzongkha by L’Artisan is a close second. I also love Faunus by LA-Curie perfumes, a small niche house in Tucson and Kyoto by Commes des Garcon!
And congratulations on your new iteration as an empty-nester in a new nest w/a new occupation – sometimes it’s just great to shake the snow globe or have it shaken for you. Rock on, sister! September 6, 2023 at 12:00am
Mel: Attention: Victoria
Stumbled upon this and wanted to share:
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/ukrainian-literature-sasha-dovzhyk/
The Rooster House should be on this list!!! September 6, 2023 at 12:02am
Safeena Wagner: I would recommend Winter Kitty by the perfumer, For Strange Women. It’s surprising, comforting and evocative of a perfect winter evening. September 6, 2023 at 1:37am
Graciela Pagin: Dear Carla.
I totally feel you. My children have also left for university so I totally understand what you must be going through.
As for perfume, I would recommend Bois de Violette or vintage Samsara.
And yes, you may contact me by email, should I be the lucky one. September 6, 2023 at 8:57am
Iolanda Alfonzi: i can suggest Bal d’afrique by byredo, It’s spicy and fresh, on my skin i smell a lot of vetiver so if you don’t like it maybe it doesn’t worth to try it.
Of course you can contact me via email
Best wishes!🍒 September 6, 2023 at 11:06am
Anna Egeria: Hello Carla, I recommend a new fragrance I found, A Hundred Silent Ways by Nishane. I also enjoy YS Laurent LIBRE EDP and YSL Champagne which was renamed Yvresse.
You may contact me and thank you for this lovely giveaway.
Good luck to you! September 6, 2023 at 1:55pm
Stacey: 1. I suggest Shangri La by Hiram Green. It is a bright and airy perfume with a lush and exotic character. The fragrance opens with a sharp burst of lemon, orange and bergamot that is followed by a rich bouquet of peach, jasmine, orris, rose, cinnamon and warm spices. This opulent heart is anchored by an earthy base of vetiver and oakmoss.
3. Yes, you may contact me September 7, 2023 at 8:28am
Perfumelover67: Thank you for such a generous giveaway!
1. I would suggest Hermes Eau de Merveilles, 10 Corso Como, Christian Dior Miss Dior, Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Tom Ford Black Orchid and Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois.
2. You may contact me via email. September 7, 2023 at 11:12pm
Elke Schmeling: Hi Carla,
congrats on the new job and new house!
Maybe D.S. Durga Coriander might suit you? I just sampled this and feel it fits that woody spicy feel; but it’s also fairly fresh and light, definitely not sweet.
I also think a lot of the Comme des Garcons stuff might work – Sequoia, for example, or Incense Quarzazate, which I don’t find very incence heavy but more woody fresh.
Yes you may contact me via email. Thanks! September 8, 2023 at 4:28pm
Brigitte: Tauer LDDM and yes you may contact me September 16, 2023 at 7:19pm