Today we have a generous giveaway courtesy to Frank. He is giving away a bottle of Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower (30ml, sprayed a couple of times only, box included). Frank says, “This fragrance was a hand-me down from a perfume collector friend, but I never could wear it and my wife doesn’t like it either. We prefer to give it away to someone who might enjoy it more.”
Frank can ship anywhere in the continental USA.
Disclaimer: Bois de Jasmin is not responsible for leaks or damage during transit or for lost packages.
Please answer all of the questions below to be entered into the draw. I will create two groups and randomly draw one winner from each.
1. Frank would like to ask for your suggestions of a summer perfume that is light but not a cologne. He is open to any recommendations, but he especially likes woods and leather. “Is there such a thing as a light leather?” he asks.
2. May I contact you via email to notify you of your win and share your email with Frank?
The contest is now closed, the winner is Melanie D. Congratulations! I will contact the winner 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.
54 Comments
Alexander Greene: My favourite for a summer not cologne is Green, green and green by Miller et Bertaux woody, and green and sexy- not a leather but a green perfume for a leather lover June 3, 2024 at 9:07am
Colleen Geary: Thank you, Frank.
Have you tried Rose and Cuir by Frederic Malle? You might like that!
I hope you find your dream scent for summer!
Please contact me vis email. June 3, 2024 at 9:07am
Christine K Pacek: Malin & Goetz Leather Perfume Oil is going to be a lighter, more controlled touch than the spray.
Thank Frank for the generous offer! I adore Carnal Flower. A fabulous win for anyone! I would love to chat with Frank if I do win. June 3, 2024 at 9:09am
Colette L. Olson: I love the smell of Magnolia flowers, they are so beautiful. June 3, 2024 at 9:12am
Adam: I’d recommend Leather by Perfumer H. It’s light and aromatic, slightly woody, with notes of cardamom and lavender and a clean feel of new polished leather. Wears comfortably where I am in Austin, so I think it could be a good summer fragrance. June 3, 2024 at 9:13am
Julie Kautza: Hello Frank, thank you for passing on this lovely fragrance!
One that comes to mind is a TokyoMilk Dark scent called Bulletproof. I have several male customers that love this, as well as women.
And yes, you may absolutely email me.
Cheers!! June 3, 2024 at 9:13am
Sara C: Frank, my favorite light leather is Hermes Cuir D’Ange. For summer woods I also love Santal Massoia from the same line. For light perfumes that are not colognes I recommend trying scents from Heeley; I enjoy Coccobello a lot for summer (a gender neutral coconut scent). For woody leathery fig, I love Ashoka by Neela Vermiere. Because it’s a bit milky and green I find it summer appropriate.
Yes, you may contact me via email and share my email with Frank. June 3, 2024 at 9:14am
Klaas: Wow,what a gorgeous giveaway! But I’m in Europe, so alas….
I’m not much into leather perfumes myself, but Cuir d’Ange by Hermes is very light and subtle, though not timid at all…..it would be a nice one to try for summer!
Tam Dao by Diptyque is a beautiful, light woody fragrance, with sandalwood and cedar. I love to wear it, especially the edp.
For something a bit more refreshing you could also try Hinoki by Comme des Garçons; it’s light, coniferous, woody and cool. Perfect for summer!! Or good old Encre Noir?? June 3, 2024 at 9:20am
Ann: Hi Frank – thanks for hosting the giveaway – I would recommend what I consider the definitive example of a woody summer scent Terre d’Hermès
Yes, feel free to contact me via email. June 3, 2024 at 9:24am
Aida Hashemi: I enjoy Chanel’s Cuir de Russie-
I find the same challenge of finding a lighter leather, woodsy version of this favorite scent type of mine. But this scent is so special that I enjoy it year round.
Yes you can email me.
Aida 🙂🩷 June 3, 2024 at 9:26am
Joan Mansbach: On the lighter side, perhaps Vetiverissimo or Autumn River by Chris Collins; a little greener. My husband tried those.
I’m not especially a woody or leathery fan; although I do like Ouds. My preference is floral or floral oriental like Ormonde Jayne and of course Malle’s Portrait of a Lady. I would love to own Carnal Flower. What a treat for my collection. Thank you for the generous offer. June 3, 2024 at 9:31am
connie loynd hill: Dear Frank,
You’re a doll! I love Carnal Flower! I think you might like Encre Noir by Lalique it is very hard to describe but I bought it because it is such a unique scent for my son. But being the NY tribalist he is it was rejected being from “uncool mom”. His lose! I wear it now. But, again, Carnal Flower is my fav and I have only ever gotten it in sample size! E-mail if I get lucky!
Enjoy your new discoveries, there are some good ones here.
Best to You and Yours,
Connie Hill June 3, 2024 at 9:36am
Melissa: What a terrific giveaway, thanks!
1) Though it’s not leather, I’m on my second bottle of Guerlain’s Pamplelune. It’s a refreshing, complex grapefruit-forward scent. Really lovely in warmer weather.
Have you ever tried Helmut Lang’s Cuiron? Truly great leather.
2) And you can contact me via email and share it with Frank if I win. I’ll keep my fingers crossed! June 3, 2024 at 9:47pm
Kerry: Frank, have you tried Daim Blond by Serge Lutens? I also think Enchanted Forest by The Vagabond Prince might work. It’s more of a black currant scent, but also has some woody notes.
Yes, you may contact me via email. Thanks for doing this giveaway! June 3, 2024 at 9:58am
Antonia Navarro: Hello Victoria and Frank,
Wow, thank you for the generous giveaway. Carnal Flower is a special fragrance for me.
1. Recommendations: I enjoy some of Jo Malone’s fragrances and I liked the sample of Bronzed Wood I tried; it would be nice for something lighter in weight for the warmer months. Another I’d recommend is Penhaligon, I love Halfeti and Constantinople and wear them year round. And some of the bottles are like small sculpture for your vanity.
2. Yes, please contact me my email.
Thank you again,
Toni Navarro June 3, 2024 at 10:00am
Robyn B: Thank you, Frank!
1. I’m not sure if suede would count as a light leather, but I like Serge Lutens Daim Blond in the summer. It’s rich but not too heavy or sweet, which is nice in warm weather.
2. Yes, you can contact me by email. June 3, 2024 at 10:00am
MJ Benak: Dear Frank,
Thanks for your generous offer. Have you tried Hermes Un Jardin Sur Nil? Its fresh opening and soft “pencil shavings” dry down wear great in humid weather. I always considered Kelly Caleche a lovely, friendly leather fragrance. Please contact me via email. June 3, 2024 at 10:22am
Shannon: Lovely giveaway, but alas, I am in Europe… may I provide a friend’s US mailing address as she will visit me very soon?
For recommendations: chez Hermès there are some nice leather scents for example Equipage or Bel Ami Vetiver. Goutal Duel pour homme may offer a nice balance of fresh, woodsy and leather scent for warmer weather too.
I also concur that Lalique Encre Noire for a woodsy fresh ferns and vetiver scent. I generally think of it for fall, winter, and spring, but if you’re not living in a desert area, it may work for summertime too.
Yes and yes for Q#2. June 3, 2024 at 10:35am
Anais: Thank you Frank for this generous giveaway, and to Victoria for hosting! I went to Paris after a stressful hospital stay in 2019, and tried on Carnal Flower at the Frederic Malle boutique to melt away my troubles. The scent now always reminds me of sublime Paris in the late summer.
You might want to try Christian Dior Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir, a fresh take on the classic. The Amalfi lemon top note gives way to a heart of leather and amber.
Yes, please feel free to email me. Thanks! June 3, 2024 at 10:40am
Lainie: 1. For a light summery leather, I do like Peony & Blush Suede from Jo Malone.
2. Yes, you may email me if I win! I adore Carnal Flower.
Thank you for the generosity! June 3, 2024 at 10:54am
Hamamelis: I am not in the US, but thank you for the offer. Besides Cuir d’Ange, which was recommended already, what about Chanel no 19 EdT? It is not leather pur sang, but it has a leather note, and woods, and I think it is wonderful on a man. I also think it has survived reformulations due to restrictions, but vintage is fairly easily available I think. June 3, 2024 at 11:01am
Mark B!: Thank you so much Frank! I am cribbing from Turin/Sanchez and recommend the very fun EAU DE CÉLERI by Monsillage. Crisp and fresh, without citrus. Worth trying for the fun of it too! Also worth trying is the original PERRY ELLIS for men. Please contact me by email. June 3, 2024 at 11:25am
Carol: The lighter leather that I can think of would be Chanel Cuir de Russie Les Exclusifs. Meanwhile, a not subtle leather sample that I recently was blown away by would be Naomi Goodsir Corpus Equus.
Yes, you may contact me for drawing of Carnal Flower! June 3, 2024 at 11:28am
Tatiana Owen: Hello Frank!
May I suggest Floris Mahon Leather Eau de Parfum? It’s light but distinctly leather.
Yes, my information may be shared.
Cheers,
Tatiana June 3, 2024 at 11:56am
Tanya: Hi Frank,
That is such a kind offer! Who doesn’t love a give away 🙂
1) For woodsy scents, I think Vetiver by Guerlain is really delicious. It’s elegant and iconic. As far as leather, Dior Homme Parfum is beautiful.
2) Yes, of course to the email. June 3, 2024 at 12:11pm
Hadley: Thank you Frank!
Absolutely there are fresh woody leathers! My favorite for summer, and I live in hot humid Georgia, is White Whale by Masque Milano – the olibanum, black pepper, cedar wood, vetiver and violet + a “salty Rope” accord make it not quite as heavy as a traditional leather but more interesting and wears longer than something based in sandalwood. You could also do Black Leather or Agarwood from J Scent – J Scent is a Japanese brand and in general the Japanese culture prefers lighter “soapy clean” type scents so Black Leather or Agarwood are both really light. You are not going to get a lot of longevity but it’s really inexpensive. Both of the brands that I mentioned you can find online but both are niche so not in department stores. June 3, 2024 at 12:14pm
Carol Melancon: 1. I get a “light leather” feel from the tea in Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan. It’s a favorite summer fragrance of mine – not heavy or cloying. (I have several Osmanthus trees in my yard.)
2. Yes and yes. June 3, 2024 at 12:17pm
Graciela Pagin: Hi, Frank. Carnal Flower is my favorite perfume, ever! Thank you for the giveaway.
I would recommend Cuir d’Ange or the absolutely lovely Le Checrefeulle. It is not very leathery but it is very fresh and light.
Yes, you may email me should I be the lucky one. June 3, 2024 at 12:53pm
deborah: Have you tried Vetiver by elizabeth W? could be just what you’re after! Good luck finding your scent and thank you for the give away,
of course please email me should I be the lucky one to experience Carnal Flower! June 3, 2024 at 1:38pm
Amy: How generous of Frank!
1. Goutal Eau d’Hadrien is one of my fave summery scents so my fresh woody summer reco is Bois d’Hadrien.
2. Yes and yes! June 3, 2024 at 1:38pm
Terry Futrelle: Hi, Frank. Thank you for the opportunity of such a great gift. I have two suggestions from an unusual company, called, “Henry Rose”. It is the actress, Michelle Pfeiffer’s company. First choice: DARK IS NIGHT. Second choice: LAST LIGHT. Both of these, are woody and ethereal and truly light enough for summer, but have a soft leather hint. The scents are deep, yet, clean. Anyone can wear them and they sell samples. I have tried them all. Interestingly, she has, EWG Verified, her scents. If I am selected, you both, may contact and email me! June 3, 2024 at 1:46pm
Heather Chase: 1. I recommend Amouage Memoir Man for Frank. I believe it would appeal to his taste for leather and woods.
2. Yes, please contact me via email if I am fortunate enough to win the wonderful Carnal Flower. June 3, 2024 at 2:35pm
Maya: What a generous giveaway- please enter me.
1. I recommend 10 Como Corso for a beautiful light wood, and Kelly Calache edp version for a light and sophisticated leather.
2. Yes. 👍 June 3, 2024 at 2:54pm
Saadet Isildar: Hello Frank and Victoria,
Thank you for this wonderful and generous opportunity.
My recommendations for a light leather fragrance would be Kelly Caleche and Daim Blond, I wear them year round even in hot and humid summers in Southern Ontario, 🇨🇦
Yes, please contact me via email.. June 3, 2024 at 2:59pm
Shirley Henry: Thank you Frank. Here are a few of my suggestions: Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt, Tom Ford Santal Blush, Diptyque Tam Dan EdT is slightly fres with some green cypress to sandalwood without any greenness, Initio Mush Therapy and lastly, Silk Santal 36 has a light woody note. These might be the perfect summer perfume, though it maybe hard to choose just one. June 3, 2024 at 5:34pm
Lora: Thank you for the generous give away!
My recommendation is: Theseus by Lorenzo Villoresi. It sounds like a fragrance that you would enjoy. Light, yet masculine and nice for the warmer months.
Yes notification by email is fine and sharing it with Frank is also fine.
Blessings to all you lovely folks out there smelling great! June 3, 2024 at 5:42pm
Alityke: I’m not in the US so please don’t enter me.
Most Hermescence are wearable in summer. Sample if you can. Memo have a range of leathers to try too.
I second Goutal’s Eau de Sud, Eau d’Hadrien & Bois d’Hadrien. June 3, 2024 at 5:44pm
Rickyrebarco: I recommend Jasmine Leather by Eau d’Italie. A leather that soft enough for all seasons.
Yes, you may contact me by email if I win. Thanks to Frank for the giveaway. June 3, 2024 at 6:13pm
Catherine: Dear Frank, what a generous offer.
1) Have you ever tried Bois Imperial or Mon vetiver from Essential parfums?
2) yes and yes.
Best, June 3, 2024 at 7:03pm
Theresa: what a wonderful opportunity! I have had several samples of Carnal FLower and used them up long ago.
1) for a light leather scent, you might try Bottega Veneta -not sure if it is available still, as I haven’t been haunting perfume counters since COVID hit! but I remember liking it very much
2) yes and yes! June 3, 2024 at 8:23pm
Rene Saller: Hi, Frank. I love the two “impressions” of Carnal Flower that I have, so I’m reasonably confident that I’ll love the real thing. My suggestion for you might seem a bit old-school or unisex, but I enjoy the leather notes in Estee Lauder Azurée, Clinique Aromatics Elixir, and Cabochard by Grès.
Yes to both questions about my email and sharing it with Frank should I win.
I understand why Carnal Flower doesn’t work for everyone, but it turns out that I enjoy a sinister green tuberose! June 3, 2024 at 8:24pm
Kristen: Hello! This is lovely! I think Carnal Flower is gorgeous! I have two suggestions: Kyoto by Comme des Garçons is a light yet comforting and meditative woody scent and Sycomore by Chanel is wonderfully vetivery and woodsy. I wore a little bit of the latter in today’s NYC heat, and it was wonderful getting tiny hints of it on the subway. Yes, you may email me. June 3, 2024 at 9:49pm
Mridula: Ive tried Carnal flower in a smaple and loved it and am the proud owner of Malle’s POL , which along with SL Tubereuse are my top two for using sparingly and trying to make last forever. Thank you for this chance.
I honestly have no recommendations for light leather. Ive not had much or possibly any experience with leather. Im reading the comments with interest and there seems to be many good suggestions. Tam Dao was mentioned int he comments, which I think is such a dry and even airy woodsy scent and I hesitantly offer that it might evoke the woodsy end of leather. At least it brings all shades of brown and gold to mind. June 4, 2024 at 3:55am
Notturno7: Thank you, Frank and Victoria for this generous giveaway. I love Carnal Flower and would be delighted to win. Yes, of course you can contact me via email, please.
My favorite woodsy fragrances, some with leather notes are: Clinique Aromatic Elixir, Chanel Cuir de Russie, Bois des Îles, Chanel No.19, Chanel Égoïste (mmm🙃 wood and candied fruit), Coromandel, Hermès Violette Volynka, Hermes Tonka Vétiver, Cabochard Grès (I found a vintage bottle on eBay for around $30), Frederick Malle Parfum de Therese.
Happy perfume hunting! June 4, 2024 at 4:29am
Alexander Greene: I just had a second thought- Lonestar Memories- a tarry leather from Andy Tauer- it works remakably well in hot weather, where you get to smell like a tarmac road in the blazing sun. (of course you can email me) June 4, 2024 at 7:50am
Alexander Greene: And if you’d like a floral for the summer- have you tried Lys Mediterranee? It might be my favorite Malle… June 4, 2024 at 7:52am
Koa Pickering: I would suggest Neroli Portofino Forte from Tom Ford. It is a beautiful warm-weather fragrance that is grounded with leather and woods in the base. The neroli/orange and citrus notes give it a stunning summer vibe, and as an EDP, it holds up in the heat much better than a typical cologne. June 4, 2024 at 9:59am
Mari C.: Hi Frank, thanks for sharing your bottle of Carnal Flower!
I don’t know too much about leather fragrances, but for woody fragrances for summer, my mind goes to:
– Hermès Un Jardin Sur le Nil, which has refreshing citrus and fruity notes in the opening and a woody dry down
– Chanel Paris-Edimbourg, which has a green and woody character
– Diptyque Tam Dao, which is a smooth and light cedar and sandalwood scent
Yes, I may be contacted by email. June 4, 2024 at 11:53am
Julia: How kind. I would suggest original Bottega Veneta and Hermes Galop. Both seem unisex to me and both have a soft leather note I enjoy. For woody, Tam Dao by Diptyque is nice and it has two formulations. My other woody love is Feminite Du Bois by Serge Lutens. I will throw in my full on wood perfume, Olfactive Studios Woody Mood. Yes, you may contact me, thank you so much! June 4, 2024 at 10:33pm
Tamm: Thank you for your generosity! I would like to suggest Cartier declaration as a scent that’s not a cologne but has a wonderful fresh mix of spice and herbs and maybe a bit of leather. Also J Scent makes a fragrance called Leather. I love a few of their fragrances. Yes, you may contact me by email. Thank you! June 4, 2024 at 11:48pm
Carla: Thank you Frank and Victoria!
A light leather might be Idole de Lubin. I have always liked another perfume by the same perfumer, Olivia Giacometti, and that is Preparation Parfumee by Andree Putnam. Hopefully it’s still available. It has the most interesting driftwood core and is light but definitely not a cologne. Finally, something very different from those two is Cap Neroli by Nicolai. It is not a cologne, rather like a new Private Collection, always lovely and interesting to wear.
Yes and yes to question 2. Thank you! June 5, 2024 at 12:37am
Melanie D: Hi, Frank, I recommend vetiver. Anything with vetiver would fit your request. Guerlain Vetiver or Carven. Guerlain’s is my favorite.
Yes to both questions! June 6, 2024 at 5:26am
Roxann Wiebe: I love Memo’s Italian Leather, but it is not light. Maybe Tabaco Toscano by Santa Maria Novella. My favorite from Santa Maria Novella is Lana which is leather and woods. Stunning. Yes you /and or Frank can e mail. How kind of Frank and his wife to pass this along. June 6, 2024 at 10:12pm
Roxann Wiebe: How kind of Frank and his wife. I love Memo’s Italian Leather, but it is not light. I would suggest Tabaco Toscano or Lana from Santa Maria Novella. My choice would be Lana….love it. Yes you/and or Frank can E-mail me. June 6, 2024 at 10:14pm