I’m glad 2022 is drawing to a close. The war in Ukraine, the revolution in Iran, the floods in Pakistan, not to mention conflicts in Ethiopia, Yemen, the Sahel, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Haiti, Colombia, and Myanmar, made this year devastating for many people around the world. For me personally it has been a difficult year with moments when it seemed that I wouldn’t be able to pull through. But it’s now December, and I’m here writing and feeling thankful for the blessings I can count. My family and friends in Ukraine are safe. My Iranian friends and colleagues are likewise doing well, considering the circumstances. As my book, The Rooster House, was published in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain, I had a chance to travel around Europe, speak about Ukraine and its culture and get involved with causes to support my country during this difficult time. I was also happy to meet several Bois de Jasmin readers during these travels and discover more about the people who visit this page. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It made all the difference this year.
When it comes to summing up this year in terms of scents, at first I had a difficult time. I haven’t had a chance to try as many fragrances as I normally do. While the few that I tried were memorable, I wondered if I missed something interesting. Then a perfume-loving friend came to visit and brought me a large selection of new launch samples. It was fun to immerse myself into scents and escape into the world of incense and violets. This exercise reminded me of my great-grandmother Asya’s love of scents and her belief in the necessity to recharge, no matter how frivolous it might seem at the time.
What impressed me about my scent journey through 2022 was the diversity of the offerings. Some fragrances clearly stayed within the usual tropes–ambers and incense for niche and fruity-florals for prestige, but there were also many unusual compositions across all styles. I’ve highlighted such fragrances in my list below and added those that I instantly gravitated to. My best of the year lists are always highly personal and 2022 is no exception.
Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
A surprising blend of soft suede, dry woods and spicy immortelle (think burnt orange jam and maple syrup,) Immortelle Corse is complex and rich. Immortelle is a polarizing note and may not be to everyone’s taste, but this rendition showcases it beautifully. If you like the warm, spiced facet of Annick Goutal’s Sables, this fragrance from Parfum d’Empire might catch your attention.
Le Labo Thé Matcha 26
The bitterness of green tea is highlighted with fig and vetiver. An understated fragrance that can function as a cologne for both men and women, Thé Matcha 26 is nevertheless elegantly constructed and has a memorable presence.
Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
Osmanthus fragrances come in different guises. Hermès Osmanthe Yunnan is all tea leaves and leather. Ormonde Jayne Osmanthus plays with flower petals and powder. The Different Company Osmanthus is limpid and redolent of apricot skin. Love Osmanthus is something else still. It builds its effect with bright citrus and green notes. When osmanthus makes its entrance, it smells like sliced peaches steeped in green tea. Delicate but lingering.
Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
Rose & Cuir blends the minty freshness of rose geranium with pepper and leather. The leather accord is bold and smoky, and the contrast against the rosy freshness is both jarring and intriguing. As Rose & Cuir develops, the roses vanish and leather and musk dominate. While I wish that the fragrance were more balanced towards rose, it’s nevertheless an excellent leather etude.
Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
A soft and warm leather twisted around violet leaves and coriander. The fragrance is mild but with a good presence, and the warm drydown of suede and musk feels elegant and polished. Despite the leather accents, it behaves like a green perfume with lots of freshness and sparkle.
Chanel 1957
The ruffles of musk hide iris and orange blossom petals. 1957 is the embodiment of Chanel elegance. It’s powdery but delicately so. It’s sweet but charmingly subdued. While it’s not a fragrance that makes a statement, 1957 unfolds beautifully on skin and feels harmonious.
Gallivant Gdańsk
Part of the “urban exploration” series, Gdańsk interprets amber as animalic and leathery, with hints of saffron and incense. The amber here is meant to be ambergris and the fragrance has a beguiling salty note that fits well into its theme. Smoky balsamic and tobacco notes complete the picture, adding dark layers to this luminous blend. Not sure if the scent takes me to the Polish town of Gdańsk, but it transports me nonetheless.
Hermès Violette Volynka
Volynka is a type of cross-hatch-grained leather that Hermès bills as the ultimate waterproof material. It’s also known for its smoky, woody scent. Pairing it with violet is a great idea, even if not entirely new. Balmain Jolie Madame is one of my favorite examples of this juxtaposition. Nevertheless, the execution is impeccable, and the bonbon sweetness of violet flowers marries so well with the peat and spice darkness of leather that I was smitten at first inhale.
Diptyque Eau Capitale (bonus)
I know that this isn’t a new launch, but I liked it so much that I decided to add it to my list. Created in the modern style of chypre, mossy-woody perfumes, Eau Capitale is dark enough to be interesting. Its brightness lasts long enough to illuminate the warm backdrop of amber and woods, where patchouli plays the key role in making everything smolder. Refined and somehow comforting. Eau Capitale was one of the fragrances I wore the most this year.
What fragrances have you enjoyed this year?
P.S. Finally I wanted to let you know that Bois de Jasmin now has a new Facebook page called simply Bois de Jasmin. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
Photography by Bois de Jasmin
67 Comments
Maja Bejlegaard: I will definetely try the Le Labo and Diptyue ones. I enjoyed Maison Louis Marie 04 (Bois ee Balincourt) the most this year (oil) December 30, 2022 at 9:28am
Victoria: Diptyque had another perfume I liked, Benjoin Bohème, but it was also from a couple of years ago. December 30, 2022 at 2:10pm
filomena813: I love your choices of the year as I own most of them and have worn them often as well. Wishing you a safe, healthy and happy 2023! December 30, 2022 at 9:45am
Victoria: Nice to see that our tastes overlapped so much. Happy New Year to you too! December 30, 2022 at 2:11pm
Sandra: I am so behind with new launches
My favorite this year has been a Shalimar flanker, Parfum Millésime Tonka. December 30, 2022 at 10:11am
Victoria: This one sounds very good. December 30, 2022 at 2:11pm
Trudy: I haven’t had a chance to try many new launches this year but I do have a sample of 1957 and I like it very much. The Hermes Violette sounds very interesting to me and I will search it out. Two perfumes I have discovered this year but are not new (just new to me) are Comme Des Garcons Wonderwood and Malle’s Dans Tes Bras. Wishing everyone peace, health and happiness in 2023. December 30, 2022 at 11:11am
Victoria: I love Wonderwood. I might wear it tonight.
Happy New Year to you too! December 30, 2022 at 2:11pm
Joyti: I’m very behind on this year’s releases, but Chanel 1957 sounds like a scent I must smell.
Bookmarked the bookshop link to purchase The Rooster House when it is published in the US 🙂 December 30, 2022 at 11:18am
Victoria: It’s utterly elegant.
Thank you very much. The Bookshop website is a great alternative to Amazon. December 30, 2022 at 2:12pm
Joyti: Ah, I forgot – happy new year! May your 2023 be merry and bright.
…I prefer buying books locally when/if they’re available. There’s a charming Russian language bookstore in my city, which also carries books about Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and other Eastern European countries (and they support Ukraine in the war) – I hope they’ll carry it. December 30, 2022 at 8:50pm
Victoria: Me too. If I can buy a book from an actual bookstore, especially a small one, I do that. There is a wonderful bookstore here in Brussels called Tropismes and they carry a lot of literature in translation. December 31, 2022 at 2:38am
rickyrebarco: I discovered a beautiful immortelle fragrance this year, too, Manos Gerakinis “Immortelle.” It is a gorgeous blend of immortelle with clove, cinnamon, patchouli and sandalwood. It is definitely my favorite of the 2022 releases I have tried. I own Chanel 1957 also, and I find it so relaxing and calming. I have not tried the other fragrances you mentioned, but Violette Volynka is at the top of my ‘must try’ list. I hope that 2023 will be a more peaceful year for all of us. December 30, 2022 at 12:02pm
Victoria: Manos Gerakinis “Immortelle” really sounds wonderful, so I will have to look for a sample. December 30, 2022 at 2:13pm
Heather H: Hello Victoria, I am so glad you mentioned Chanel 1957. I asked a sales lady at the Chanel counter for a perfume recommendation. It was a hot day, and I was looking for a light, floral perfume. She recommended this one, and I loved it. A staple for me, especially on a warm day! December 30, 2022 at 12:13pm
Victoria: It’s so beautiful and easy to wear. December 30, 2022 at 2:13pm
connie: Victoria,
I am so excited and proud of myself for seeking out Diptyque Eau Capitale! I have learned over my many years of following your blog that we have similar tastes and from just hearing of this scent I decided it was for me! You have reinforced my belief and now can’t wait till it arrives! Thank you for your incredible discerning taste and poignant reviews. I count on your advice since perfumes are so pricey! December 30, 2022 at 12:18pm
Victoria: So glad to hear this! I hope that you will enjoy Eau Capitale. December 30, 2022 at 2:14pm
Aurora: Thank you so much for a lovely list, Victoria, I love Sables, so will check up Immortelle de Corse and Rose et Cuir I hope to try this year.
Like others I haven’t smelled many new fragrances, here is what I wore the most:
Calèche vintage extrait, L’Heure Bleue vintage extrait, Guerlain AA Rosa Magnifica (I didn’t know it was inspired by Nahema), I Profumi di Firenze, Vaniglia del Madagascar and Spezie de’ Medici, AdP Profumo, Angel Muse edt, vintage Angel Men, Mauboussin Histoire d’eau, Houbigant Essence Rare (the new one by my beloved Ellena) Miss Dior Le Parfum, Chanel Jersey edp, 100Bon Myrrhe et Encens which is my best discovery this year, a wonderful combination of two favorite notes and it lasts well even though it’s a natural. December 30, 2022 at 12:27pm
Victoria: You have such an elegant list. Have you tried Jersey in extrait de parfum? December 30, 2022 at 2:14pm
Aurora: Thank you Victoria, no I haven’t tried the extrait,I imagine it’s dreamy. December 30, 2022 at 4:44pm
Victoria: I found my sample of the extrait last night and it’s so warm and soft. I like both concentrations. December 31, 2022 at 2:05am
Alityke: Victoria, your descriptions sing, bringing the fragrances to life almost palpably to me. Thank you. I long since tried to stop chasing the new, note tried.
2022 has been a difficult year, my 91yo mother becoming increasingly frail & whose health is declining by the day. She has spent more time in hospital this year than at home.
The the summer brought my DH a diagnosis of treatable but incurable cancer & since the life has revolved around his surgery, chemo & admissions for chemo toxicities.
Therefore perfumery hasn’t been top of my thought process but I did discover Papillon Hera, Clarins Eau Extraordinaire & Guerlain Shalimar Millisime Tonka.
The latter two have been near constants wears since their arrivals. I have eeked out a sample of Hera & now have another sample. I only have one fragrance on my must buy list at the moment & Hera is it!
Health, Happiness & Peace to all in 2023 December 30, 2022 at 12:50pm
Victoria: I’m so sorry to hear that your mother and husband went through a difficult period this year. I hope that 2023 will be much better and healthier.
I discovered that it was very important to find time to take care of myself, especially amidst events that required all of my attention. Perfume may seem like a small thing, but it really helped me to recharge and remember that life still contained much beauty. December 30, 2022 at 2:16pm
Rakasa: Beauty and compassion are as essential to life as breathing…and our treasured Victoria does indeed have a magnificent talent that reminds us so by always bringing the very essence and beauty of fragrance to life!
May the coming year find everyone in this forum productive, creative, healthy and happy.
Kindest regards… December 31, 2022 at 2:15am
Victoria: Thank you very much for such a heartwarming comment! All of you were such an incredible support for me this year. December 31, 2022 at 2:44am
Alityke: Well said! January 1, 2023 at 6:00pm
Amanda M: Perfume, the wearing of and also reading all about, (such as this beautiful blog!) was instrumental in helping me through the darkest days of the pandemic. It really helped in tempering my anxiety, along with a wonderful meditation app. And yes, there still remains so much beauty in this world. ♥️ December 31, 2022 at 5:40pm
Kathy Parsons: I love your articles and wonderful to hear about perfumes that wouldn’t generally come under my radar. Hoping 2023 will bring health and peace. – you have a wonderful leader in Zelensky and to think he started out as a comedian! December 30, 2022 at 2:51pm
Victoria: We used to watch Kvartal 95, the comedy show in which he played the role of a president. He’s really a fascinating individual. December 31, 2022 at 2:03am
Amanda M: Hasn’t Zelensky been a wonderful leader?! Stoic, determined, unfaltering and with a great strength of character. He’s featured several times on our news here in Australia. December 31, 2022 at 6:34pm
Tami: Thank you for your list! I’m unfamiliar with most of these, but that’s the beauty of personal year-end lists: learning what others have enjoyed and perhaps picking up a “new discovery” for oneself.
Funnily enough I had just looked up Eau Capitale to see if it was still in production, as I hadn’t heard or seen much about it recently (and I’m a Diptyque fan that ambles into the boutique on a regular basis). It had a rather large launch (for Diptyque standards) and then seemed to go off the radar in favor of Orpheon (another good one, in my opinion). December 30, 2022 at 3:27pm
Victoria: There is another new Diptyque, Opsis, but I wasn’t that interested in it. Curious to hear from those who’ve tried it what they thought. December 31, 2022 at 2:04am
matty1649: Victoria, I love your blog. I hope 2023 brings happiness and peace for you and all your family X December 30, 2022 at 3:32pm
Victoria: Same to you! Happy New Year! December 31, 2022 at 2:05am
Fazal: Yeah, I am also glad 2022 is coming to a close and I am hoping 2023 is better for the world and also better for me on a personal level since few major developments next year may or may not go my way.
Having said that, I did not really try many new perfumes this year but the one I smelled for the first time and enjoyed most this year (though not current year release) is Ganymede. Another fragrance I enjoyed is Jacques Zolty Severo. One fragrance I did not expect to like (as I consider the brand an overpriced junk) but unexpectedly enjoyed is Clive Christian X for Men. December 30, 2022 at 4:51pm
Victoria: I hope that the new year will bring a positive resolution to your projects. It’s been a difficult year for many.
Clive Christian has been under my radar for such a long time, but I’m curious about their masculine fragrances. December 31, 2022 at 2:33am
Fazal: Clive Christian X for Men is good but I still think the brand is more about marketing and less about quality. I do not think one misses much by not smelling the brand. If you happen to be at a retail store that carries the brand, you can smell the tester bottles but I won’t advise anyone to blindly buy perfumes from the brand. Statistically, even a mediocre brand may get lucky with one or two good offerings and that is how I view X for Men, i.e. a good offering from otherwise not-so-good perfume house. December 31, 2022 at 2:39am
Victoria: That was my impression of the brand overall, but I’ve heard good things about X for Men. December 31, 2022 at 2:45am
Kathleen: I enjoyed reading about some of your favorites from this past year. This year was challenging for many, and I hope 2023 brings peace and happiness to all. Agreed perfume is a small and accessible small thing that brings beauty and joy. December 30, 2022 at 7:07pm
Victoria: It’s true. Even enjoying scents in general is such a good way to boost your mood. December 31, 2022 at 2:34am
Holley Wright: Thank you for another great article <3 December 30, 2022 at 7:28pm
Victoria: Thank you very much! December 31, 2022 at 2:34am
Amanda M: Warm blessings and much love to you Victoria, for what has been a most tumultuous and challenging year for you…(and for others experiencing hardship and difficult times around the world, wherever you are)
Lovely article! Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse sounds very much like something I’d like to try.
For me, this year I have enjoyed the following:
Mitsouko vintage Parfum, Mitsouko edp, L’Heure Bleue edp, Shalimar Parfum, Chanel Coromandel & Le Lion edp’s and last, but certainly not least – Shalimar Millésime Tonka.
May everyone’s New Year be filled with peace & tranquility, love, friendship, family and good health!
Thank you Victoria, for your wonderful pages here and for bringing so much beauty to all your readers. ♥️ December 30, 2022 at 8:05pm
Victoria: Thank you very much for your kind words, Amanda. I hope that new year is peaceful and happy for all of us.
Your year has been filled with classics and fragrances that smell like classics! December 31, 2022 at 2:36am
Perfumatrix: My choices for 2022 are Yves St. Laurent Babycat (I love incense and vanilla!) and Chloe Nomade Absolu. Some new-to-me for 2022: Patchouli Tentacion by Bulgari, Allure EDP by Chanel (I am VERY late to that party–but worth it) YSL Cinema, Le Baiser du Dragon by Cartier, Twilly by Hermes, Kayali Elixir, 1969 Parfum de Revolte and 1899 Ernest Hemingway, both by Histoires de Parfums; Lune Feline by Atelier des Ors, Vanilla Black Pepper by Bohoboco, Byzance by Rochas (the 2019 reformulation) and Fils de Joie by my beloved Oncle Serge.
Best Cheapies: Nero Assoluto by Roberto Cavalli, Trussardi Donna, La Maitresse by Agent Provocateur, Encre Noire a l’Extreme and Lalique Le Parfum by Lalique, Elizabeth Arden Red Door, Fancy Love by Jessica Simpson, Jungle (l’Homme) by Kenzo. December 30, 2022 at 8:42pm
Victoria: Encre Noire is one of the best perfumes available and it’s reasonably priced. It’s always good to be reminded of it. December 31, 2022 at 2:37am
Gabriela: Tonight I will wear Bengale Rouge. I will celebrate for all the good I have and for all those people facing difficult times.
This year we almost lost my father. He caught malaria in Africa and was able to survive. Funny thing is that at 76 he will continue his work in Africa as he is a leader and dreamer.
Salut, Salud, Saude, Cheers.
Victoria, you bring beauty and hope to the world. Thank you for this wonderful space. December 31, 2022 at 4:57am
Hamamelis: I am glad you are able to keep Bois de Jasmin going. It brings pleasure and beauty and helps to find ways to recharge (Yes Asya!).
Best of the year for me: Dusita Fleur de Lalita, Chanel La Pausa, no 19, Vero Profumo all of them, Annick Goutal Songes, Hiram Green Vivacious. Lots of flowers I see now, and today I am wearing Andy Tauer’s Golestan…more flowers. December 31, 2022 at 7:20am
Silvermoon: Hello Hamamelis, I am very curious about Golestan. Please can you say little more about it? Is there anything similar so as to imagine/compare it in my head? December 31, 2022 at 4:30pm
Hamamelis: Hi Silvermoon, Golestan reminds me a little bit of Un Jour d’Hermes. That has a beautiful top accord, but something in the dry down gets on my nerves. I gave it away a long time ago. Golestan has a similar beautiful opening, with the bergamot and citrus sparkling, joined by ylang and to my nose mostly orange blossom. Andy sells 5 ml, which may make it easier for you to try. It is an extrait, and a few drops go a long way. Hope this helps! January 1, 2023 at 2:46am
Hamamelis: Ps Golestan doesn’t get on my nerves, but it is longwearing. January 1, 2023 at 2:48am
Silvermoon: Hi Hamamelis, and happy new year,
Thanks for your excellent description. It’s helped me imagine the perfume. Interesting to hear about the orange blossom note (I love it), which I wasn’t expecting. The name had suggested a rose based perfume to me (don’t know why). I might look for the sample first. January 1, 2023 at 3:44pm
Tourmaline: Dear Victoria,
I enjoyed reading about your favourite perfumes of 2022. I will have to sample 1957, Violette Volynka and (although not new) Encre Noire.
This year, I have often worn Mitsouko, Oscar, L’Heure Bleue, Yvresse, Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamonds and Rubies (by the talented Sophia Grojsman), April Violets, and Le Dix. The only new scent I tried was my blind buy, Aqua Allegoria Flora Salvaggia, which I like very much.
Like Alityke and Gabriela, who have my sympathy, I have had an unwell parent this year. On Tuesday, my 94-year-old father attempted to get out of bed without the aid of his walking stick, and broke his right leg. He is currently in hospital and doing well, having had an operation on Wednesday to put a pin in his femur. Dad really misses his cat, Iggy. Also, it’s hard to believe that my older brother died just over a year ago now. Time charges on.
Thank you for continuing your wonderful blog, Victoria. For a while back there, I was afraid that it was gone forever. You bring so much beauty and joy to our lives. May 2023 bring peace, health and happiness for everyone.
With kind regards,
Tourmaline December 31, 2022 at 7:34am
Alityke: I do hope your father heals quickly & gets to go home & stay safe. January 1, 2023 at 6:06pm
Tourmaline: Hi Alityke,
Thank you so much.
I hope that both your mother and your husband enjoy better health this year. I know how much travelling to and from appointments can sap your time and energy and drain your spirit, so please look after yourself as well.
With kind regards,
Tourmaline January 2, 2023 at 5:59am
Kari: Oooh, what a lovely list!
Happy New Year, Victoria! I’m so grateful that you returned to blogging despite all the awful things that happened this year. May next year see peace for Ukraine (and peace for us all… please, no NEW bad things either.)
Choosing favorite new-to-me fragrances was really easy – even though I didn’t try too many new things, I found some that I absolutely love.
First, Hera by Papillon Artisan Perfumes. This is so special, a really rich floral. If you love Mitsouko like I do, I think Hera would be in your wheelhouse.
(Back for more later; Saving so I don’t lose this.) December 31, 2022 at 1:33pm
Kari: (Continued)
Hera is really, really special. It’s luxurious. Perfumer Liz Moores originally made this for her daughter’s wedding. It’s floral, but this is not a gentle bridal fragrance. This is divine, lush, powerful, rightfully named for a goddess. Stunning florals (particularly jasmine), bergamot, and orris in a golden symphony.
I was also thrilled with Milano Fragranze after trying a sampler of their line. They have a really strong collection of perfumes that are inspired by different parts of or attractions in Milan. I recommend seeking out their samples or discovery set.
My favorites are Basilica, which contains gorgeous rosemary and thyme notes as well as incense and woody notes; Panettone, a festive gourmand which is delightful to wear (and probably also should have made my favorite holiday season scents, except that I’ve been enjoying it since Spring!) and Brera, with dark rose and patchouli. Piazza Affari is also an excellent masculine-leaning herbal lavender fragrance.
I also was thrilled with L’Aromatica’s Kulfi, a gourmand that captures the essence of the delicious Indian dessert incredibly well. Milky, creamy, cardamom and saffron! I love wearing it so much. December 31, 2022 at 8:41pm
Alityke: Hera having a relationship to Mitsouko wasn’t one I had picked up but yes I too adore Mitzi & Hera is my only will buy scent at present. Hera is a singular scent as is Mitsouko January 1, 2023 at 6:10pm
Silvermoon: Hello Victoria, many thanks for the lovely list. I have only smelled Rose and Cuir (I have a small sample, which I have really enjoyed). Many sound intriguing – definitely will try the Hermes (so now have two to test), Diptique and YSL ones.
I just wanted to say that I really appreciate and love reading your blog (the only one I do). So happy you are feeling better again and are able to continue with it. It has been a tough year for so many around the world (as you mention in the post).
May 2023 bring a better situation for all – health, peace and happiness. And of course may everyone experience some beauty in their lives (whether from nature, art, perfume, etc). December 31, 2022 at 4:42pm
Annie S.: My favorite cologne is Mac Turquatic.
I always have a fresh shower scent. December 31, 2022 at 6:34pm
behemot: Dear Victoria, I am also waiting for this year to end. It has been challenging, and the invasion of Ukraine profoundly damaged my sense of safety because the unimaginable happened. It scared me to death and traumatized me. I cannot even guess how hard it hit you.. I am glad that despite all that you finished and promoted your book and spoke about Ukraine internationally. And Bois de Jasmin is back. My New Year’s resolution will be to start the day by reading Bois de Jasmin instead of political news when drinking my morning coffee. Thank you for everything you do and have a better 2023! December 31, 2022 at 6:38pm
Silvermoon: Hello behemoth,
Great new year’s resolution! And one that should be a pleasure to stick to. 😊
I like to read Bois de jasmine at the end of the day. I find it a lovely way to wind down. Calm, beauty, and kindness is found here in abundance! January 1, 2023 at 3:51pm
Kaisa: What an interesting list! I’m very keen to try Violette Volynka.
Your blog is always such a delight to read, a space for reflection on beautiful things. Long may it continue. I wish you and yours good health, happiness, and peace in 2023!
My fragrant tastes have been all over the place this year, but in the summer I wore a lot of vintage green florals and chypres: Safari, Givenchy III (which sadly I turned out to be allergic to), Creation by Ted Lapidus, Leonard de Leonard, Maxim’s, and of course Diorella and Miss Dior.
Other ‘discoveries’ included Amouage Memoir, Guerlain Iris Torrefié, Anatole Lebreton L’eau scandaleuse (yes! dark tuberose), Jorum Studio Nectary, Hiram Green Shangri-La (though I’m hankering after Moon Bloom, too) and Papillon Hera (it’s so beautiful I may have to spring for a bottle…). January 2, 2023 at 12:45pm
Frances: Good evening Victoria, long time no see. I didn’t have much time to post these last months but I still read Bois de Jasmin, from time to time and I wanted to greet you pour la nouvelle année. I wish you an Happy New Year, in the hope that 2023 will be better than 2022. As we say here Pace E Salute, Health and Peace, both much needed to lead the path to happiness.
This year I enjoyed the usual suspects, means lots of Guerlain of course: Shalimar, Habit Rouge, Insolence and Après L’Ondée which I wore alot, I almost finished my 100 ml bottle. I also tried to wear Kenzo ça sent beau but the new version doesn’t compare to my childhood memories, alas. A new discovery is Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue but didn’t wear this one alot, I must correct that. This last month has been dedicated exclusively to Jean Louis Scherrer. For Christmas I was gifted First by Van Cleef EDP and Arpels which was on my wish list for a long time, since I read your review, actually. I am in love with this one. Very much like Chanel n°5 but with alot of jasmine…fragranced bliss. Very comforting too. I also think it has a better sillage than the current Chanel which disappointed me upon testing. Speaking of your excellent suggestions, I saw that you enjoyed Ambre Sultan lately. I was lucky enough to be offered a sample of it (this is always nice when the samples suit your taste, it happens too rarely nowdays) and it is really a beautiful fragrance, very uplifting come winter time indeed.
I also want to wish an Happy New Year to all this beautiful community with special thoughts for the ones who faced difficulties and sorrows during 2022. May 2023 be kinder and warmer to you. January 2, 2023 at 4:25pm
Jean-Paul: BDK Velvet Tonka and G&B sunset hour are yummy January 2, 2023 at 5:50pm
OperaFan: I’m so late to the party but still want to wish you (Victoria) and the entire BdJ community a Happy New Year!
I enjoyed reading not only your list but those of everyone who has commented. Obviously 1957 will have to go on the must-try list, as well as Hera. And Eau Capitale is 1st on my “next Diptyque to buy” list – I think it’s absolutely gorgeous.
I haven’t tried any new releases since realizing my collection of perfumes is enough to last 3 lifetimes, however, coming home from Greece last summer I tried Chanel No 5 L’Eau and bought the body spray. That has become and continues to be my most-used fragrance. The body spray is so versatile and refreshing since I started doing cardio exercises at the start of the pandemic.
As with everyone else here, I’m so glad you were able to start posting again and will look forward to the availability of your book in the States.
<3 January 4, 2023 at 9:46am