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 finished teaching my introductory classes on Citrus, Spices and Woods, and the new series will return with Chypre (sold out), Cologne and Florals. My ISIPCA teaching duties are quite heavy this semester, but I will try to add more classes, focusing on fundamental notes. We will revisit spring florals and green accords as well. If you have any other requests, please let me know.
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
54 Comments
Michael Z.: Dear Victoria, a few days ago I’ve sent you a message using the contact form of this website. Could you be so kind to check if you’ve received it, please?
With kind regards,
Michael. January 27, 2025 at 9:11am
Victoria: Hi Michael, I haven’t. Would you please resend it? January 27, 2025 at 12:13pm
Michael Z.: Maybe there is a problem with the contact form.
I’ve just sent an email to you.
With kind regards. January 27, 2025 at 12:30pm
Victoria: Dear Michael, just a quick note that I’ve just received your message and I will reply later. Thank you for contacting me. January 27, 2025 at 12:55pm
Alityke: Hi All. Please can anyone suggest a relaxing spa like fragrance?
I currently need something that will help me relax during a time of terrible stress.
I’m using Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower oils. The Deep Relax mix makes me nauseous but the De-Stress Muscle mix gives me smell I’m looking for. This mix includes lavender, rosemary, ginger & black pepper.
My olfactory memory told me Tam Dao would hit the spot but sadly not January 27, 2025 at 9:53am
Sebastian: Perhaps you might try L’Eau Bleue d’Issey pour Homme. It has all the notes you mention (except instead of black pepper there is juniper and pink pepper). It’s also a bit aquatic, which I associate with spa. Starts rather sweet, but the spicy, herbal notes will assert themselves. January 27, 2025 at 11:55am
Alityke: Thank you for your kind suggestion. I’m afraid aquatic fragrances are immediate headache for me. I lived through the 90s & I’m scarred for life January 27, 2025 at 2:56pm
Sebastian: Afterthoughts: Jean & Len have something called “Rosemary Ginger Scent Experience”.
Also, “Aqua Sextius” seems very spa-like and relaxing on paper, although the notes are different from those you mentioned. I don’t know those two perfumes, but they might interest you. January 27, 2025 at 12:05pm
Alityke: They’re new to me. I’ll add to my research list. Thank you January 27, 2025 at 2:57pm
Aurora: Hi Alityke: I’ve remained faithful to Clarins for spa-like products: Eau dynamisante and Eau Ressourçante and their ancillary products, both eaux are natural-smelling, different from each other and spa-inspired. January 27, 2025 at 1:32pm
Alityke: Hi Aurora
I’m afraid my DH is having more chemo, hence my need for something relaxing.
Eau Dynamisante is in my collection, has been for decades. It’s a great love & I know whatever I wear now will forever be tainted by this time, as Eau Extraordinaire was when he was first diagnosed & had treatment/surgery.
Thank you for your suggestions, you are more certainly on the right lines January 27, 2025 at 3:03pm
Aurora: So sorry for this worrying time for you. Sending healing thoughts to your husband. January 28, 2025 at 4:15am
Safran: Like Aurora, I’m also thinking of a Clarins scent for your search, Eau Extraordinaire. January 27, 2025 at 2:38pm
Alityke: Safran, thank you. This is exactly the fragrance I wore when my DH was first diagnosed & had chemo & surgery.
After that time I couldn’t bear it & had to sell on.
I’m looking for something in that spa vibe but EE is already tainted January 27, 2025 at 3:08pm
Hamamelis: I am very sorry for your difficult times. Wishing you strength and fortitude. Not a spa fragrance but an easy relaxing one for me is Guerlain AA Nerolia Vetiver. It also doesn’t break the bank. Maybe what also could work for you is April Aromatics Precious Woods. No Tam Dao but a very natural not masculine wood. January 27, 2025 at 3:15pm
Nikos: Firstly accept my wishes for your trying times.
I believe that many Aesop fragrances will fill your criteria. Sorry I can’t recommend a specific one, as they ere too hard to sample where I am. Also Costes fragrance (the red bottle) made by Olivia Giacobetti for Costes Hotel has a luxurious spa quality, herbal and incensy with rosy hints that maybe you will like.
All the best January 28, 2025 at 1:19am
Aire: Costes is a beautiful scent. Is it still available? January 28, 2025 at 7:26pm
Nikos: Yes it’s still available on the hotel’s site eshop.
I have no idea though if it’s available anywhere else. January 29, 2025 at 1:55am
Aire: Thanks, Nikos! January 29, 2025 at 11:33am
Aire: Perhaps one of the Gendarme scents? Cologne or edp?
Palore d’eau by Serge Lutens; it feels quite Spa like to me, not aquatic, but I’m not sure it reads that way to everyone.
A spicy spa from Hermes: Merveilles L’Ombre in the darker blue bottle. Really like this.
Praying for peace and strength for you and yours as you navigate these treatments. January 28, 2025 at 7:25pm
Maggiecat: I’m not sure how spa- like this is, but to my surprise, Juliette Has A Gun Sunny Side Up (sandalwood based but not heavy) actually lived up to its advertising as being a mood lifter. The travel bottle isn’t expensive. I reach for it as needed – and, bonus, it’s easy on those around you too.
I hope things get better for you both. January 28, 2025 at 10:35pm
Lynley: Clarins Eau Extraordinaire is a beautiful spa-inspired fragrance. The perfume isn’t particularly long-lasting but the moisturiser is and together even better January 29, 2025 at 7:46pm
Old Herbaceous: I know from your comments on my own blog that you found some nice solutions, but I also wanted to add that I take great comfort in the various Epsom salt mixes for bath soaks that are available here in the US, sold under the name “Dr. Teal’s.” They have combinations of things like lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, ginger, grapefruit, etc. I hate the idea of a beloved fragrance becoming tainted for you! I hope the situation improves soon. January 31, 2025 at 7:00pm
Liliane: Dear Alitalia, I think Initio Rehab you can try.
And maybe also Initio musk therapy.
For Now I use Serge Lutens Santal Majuscul.
I hope 🙏 that it can help you.
I wish you the best. January 27, 2025 at 10:02am
Alityke: Lillian’s, thank you for your suggestions. I shall add them to my list to explore January 27, 2025 at 3:09pm
Liliane: Sorry * Alityke.
My phone flipt. January 27, 2025 at 10:06am
LibazethR: That class just ended sounded fun. And in regard to its topic, “Citrus, Spices & Woods”, I am wearing all my winter scents that are impossible in a warm humid climate. Like, right now, Azuree. And carefully, Niki de St. Phalle, but maybe not in the house! Also incense based smells from Dawn Spencer Hurwitz. January 27, 2025 at 10:55am
Debby: Just want to thank everyone who recommended Ormonde Jayne Tolu when I asked for suggestions for a rich floral amber, I got it for Christmas and I adore it.
Also currently wearing the new iteration of Chanel’s Cristalle which is a big love on crisp, chilly days. January 27, 2025 at 11:35am
Lari: Hi Debby, I have so been missing Cristalle. There is a new iteration available? How does it compare? January 27, 2025 at 3:31pm
April: Hi Debby, I have so been missing Cristalle. There is a new iteration available? How does it compare? January 27, 2025 at 3:31pm
Debby: Hi April, it’s available as a 100ml EDP in the iconic square bottle, I don’t have that much experience with the original, I’m afraid, but I fell in love browsing the Chanel counter, it’s so bright and pretty, very good longevity for a seemingly light perfume as well. January 27, 2025 at 4:59pm
Aire: Completely different scent compared to original. January 28, 2025 at 6:45pm
Dayna Rubalcava: Hi everyone,
Can anyone tell me if there is anything comparable to Faberge’s Aphrodesia (long since discontinued). My grandmother (a very modern sophisticated grandma, I’ll add) wore it in the 60s (along with her other favorite: Shalimar).
It was the most mysterious & seductive scent I’ve ever smelled—a classic chypre. Is there anything out there that is even remotely comparable? I’ve been looking for years for a similar chypre. I bought a bottle of it many years ago from a site that sold vintage testers, but it hadn’t survived time & smelled rancid. Thank you for any suggestions. January 27, 2025 at 5:15pm
Aire: Looking for a soft green floral, please.
The beautiful Eau de Soir is a little spicy.
The beautiful Calyx too fruity.
My beloved Kelly Caleche and No. 19 feel a ittle stern.
Bel Respiro, unfortunately, just doesn’t last on me.
I am very familiar with designer, but not so much with niche.
I’m looking for soft, not heavy, spicy, sweet, or foody.
Thank you! January 28, 2025 at 7:33pm
Mari: Have you considered Oriza Legrand Deja le Printemps? It leans grassy, green, and soft. January 28, 2025 at 8:20pm
Caroline: Haven’t tried Goutal’s current iterations, but they have a couple you might want to sample, including Un Matin d’Orage (edt, the edp isn’t really green),Le Chevrefeuille and Heure Exquise. Also check out Victoria’s review of Scherrer:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/03/jean-louis-scherrer-original-perfume-review.html January 28, 2025 at 9:04pm
Aire: Thank you, Caroline. I lost track of Goutal when they disappeared from major department stores. I will include those on my sample order. Much obliged. January 29, 2025 at 11:10am
Aire: Hi Mati,
Thanks! This is a line I want to explore and will include your recommendation of Deja la Printemps in my sample selection. Really appreciate your help. January 29, 2025 at 11:08am
Lynley: Maybe Hermes Un Jardin Sur le Toit? It has fruit but I personally wouldn’t call it fruity. Jo Loves The Flower Shop. Rance Eau de France. Goutal Grand Amour (ok, not so soft but you may think otherwise). Piguet Futur (ditto) January 29, 2025 at 7:57pm
Aire: Thank you, Lynley,
Probably can readily test the Hermes and the Jo. Not sure what the current Goutals smell like. Range and Piguet putting on the sample list January 30, 2025 at 10:11am
Old Herbaceous: I love green florals, soft or stern. You’ve gotten some wonderful suggestions in other replies, which I second. Some others I like are Guerlain’s Chamade, and Herbes Troublantes; Byredo’s La Tulipe; Chanel Cristalle (any version), which is softer than No. 19; any of the Un Jardin line from Hermès (I have and love them all; some are more floral than others). If you like lily of the valley, there are many more of those I could suggest. January 31, 2025 at 7:07pm
Aire: Old Herbaceous, would you please elaborate on the Hermes Jardin line? I would like to know which are more floral, which are more fresh, spicy, etc. Thanks in advance. February 1, 2025 at 12:51am
Old Herbaceous: Sure. Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is citrusy with jasmine. Un Jardin a Cythere is citrusy green, not very floral. Un Jardin Sur le Nil is more floral, especially in the middle stage, with a green citrus opening. I find Un Jardin en Mediterranee more figgy than floral, but it has notes of orange blossom and oleander. Un Jardin Sur le Toit has rose and magnolia with green grass, but also apple and pear so it’s a bit fruity. I think Un Jardin Sur la Lagune is more floral than several in the series, because magnolia and lily are very prominent among its notes, but it also has a salty seawater aspect. Un Jardin Apres la Mousson may be my favorite, though I love them all; it is a green spicy floral, but not heavy on the spice. They’re all worth trying! February 1, 2025 at 9:31am
Aire: Thank you! That’s so helpful.
Are you familiar with the current version of Alfred Sung? February 1, 2025 at 2:45pm
Alyssa: Looking for a recommendation! Vanilla with a fruity and/or green bite. Fresh and natural, not heavy. January 28, 2025 at 11:35pm
Aurora: Hi Alyssa, also, have you tried Mugler Aura?
discontinued but not to difficult to track a sample, that’s for green vanilla. For fruity Vanilla I like Berdoues Vanira Moorea which is a different take on Kilian Love don’t be shy, Memo Sintra and PdM Oriana. If you like citrus fruits with vanilla Devotion is a masterpiece. January 29, 2025 at 1:38pm
Old Herbaceous: I second Berdoues’ Vanira Moorea! It’s a summery vanilla. February 1, 2025 at 9:33am
Lynley: I haven’t tried it but Lolita Lempicka Green Lover is vanilla and mint. The older formula of Laura Biagiotti Roma is soft vanilla and mint too and delicious but I read that the newer formula replaces the mint with citrus. Nobile 1942 have many vanilla combinations, La Danza delle Libellule with apple, Perdizione with citrus.. These are heavier than Roma but not as heavy as D&G Devotion or Akro Bake January 29, 2025 at 8:03pm
Sara: I love florals of all kinds. I’m curious to know: what is everybody’s favorite rain drenched floral and what do you love about it? My first ever signature scent was L’eau d’Issey edt for women, so that has a special place in my heart, but later I moved on to En Passant, which I find more ethereal and more pastoral. What others can you recommend? January 29, 2025 at 8:50am
Liliane: 🤔 Alyssa, maybe from Guerlain Angelic noire.
That one maybe…
Hopely 🙏 , greetings L. January 29, 2025 at 11:50am
Liliane: Dear Victoria what do you wear now? January 29, 2025 at 11:53am
Aire: Wonderful. Thank you for the help! February 1, 2025 at 2:41pm
Julie: Please rec. $155 oceanic white floral citrus like Light Blue Dolce & Gabanna, Aqua di Gio for women Armani but discontinued, like Acqua di Goiaia as labandum fixes it February 2, 2025 at 2:37pm
Aurora: Hi Julie, maybe try I Profumi Di Firenze Sapore Di Mare. February 8, 2025 at 4:12pm