The first round of perfume recommendations was a lot of fun! Many of you asked for “Recommend Me a Perfume” to become a regular feature, and I’m happy to add it. So, every other week on Saturday I will run a thread for perfume recommendations. You can also use this space to ask questions: where to find a particular perfume, how to make decants, etc.
How it works: please post your requests as comments here. 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. Then check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer.
The perfume counter can be confusing and intimidating even to the most experienced perfume lovers, so having your advice is very helpful!
Photography by Bois de Jasmin
253 Comments
Nikki: Great, thank you V! I am just watching the sunrise over the Sonoran desert…and yes, even heard the coyotes howling just 10 minutes ago…so here is my request:
I am looking for 2 perfumes for the “Wild West”:
1. something ultra feminine
2. something to wake me up in the morning that fits the terrain
My favorite perfumes are Spellbound, Shalimar, 4711, Jicky, Clarins Eau Dynamisante, Gardenia Passion Annick Goutal, Kashaya Kenzo, Mauboussin, and especially First by Van Cleef.
I have tried the following perfumes in my Wild West/Sonoran Desert experiment: Sables by Annick Goutal (too much of a bacon scent), Safari by Ralph Lauren (too dry), Loulou by Cacharel (too sweet/hippie), Verveine (oo lemony), Lavender (doesn’t fit)…
So far, Vetyver has been very good here.
A scent in an oil or cream form may be good to counteract the dryness.
Looking forward to inspired ideas! Thank you! October 20, 2012 at 9:18am
Katherine: I don’t know if this will help your quest for a Wild West scent, but I just received a sample of Chaparral by Roxana at Illuminated Perfume and my friends and I agree – it smells just like the clean wild high desert mountain green of Colorado. It isn’t so much sexy as it is evocative of a very particular location and I kept sniffing at it for hours remembering my time there. A strange and beautiful scent. October 20, 2012 at 9:35am
Nikki: Thank you Katherine! This sounds very interesting and I will try it! October 20, 2012 at 9:40am
rosarita: I’ve not tried it yet, but Olympic Orchids Arizona sounds like it would be a good one to try. They have a nice sample program, too. You can Google them. October 20, 2012 at 9:47am
Nikki: Wow, that sounds really fascinating, will check it right away, thank you Rosarita! October 20, 2012 at 9:50am
Barbara: I like Diptyque Eau Duelle. It feels feminine, reminds me of Shalimar but more sheer, and it has plenty of citrus to be my “morning cup of coffee” type of perfume. October 20, 2012 at 9:51am
Nikki: Thank you Barbara, will try! October 20, 2012 at 11:13am
sara: Hi Nikki,
Try Eau de Campagne bath and massage oil plus the cold cream Eau de Campagne. Once mixed both oil and cream the result is absolutely green, invigorating and lustful. Regards October 20, 2012 at 10:12am
sara: Hi again Nikki,
I have forgotten to write that Eau de Campagne is a perfume by Sisley. October 20, 2012 at 10:13am
Nikki: Thank you Sara, that sounds like a winner, just googled it and it is by Ellena whose creations I love. I also like that they have a body oil! Will get a sample asap! October 20, 2012 at 11:12am
Elizabeth: Keiko Mecheri has a perfume called Canyon Dreams that’s supposedly similar to Shalimar, but is inspired by the desert.
Here’s a review: http://www.thenonblonde.com/2012/07/keiko-mecheri-bespoke-canyon-dreams.html October 20, 2012 at 12:06pm
Patt: Seconding Canyon Dreams. I’m wearing it today and love the dry, soft incense 🙂 The downside is that it is very expensive, so I recommend a decant, which is what I have. October 20, 2012 at 6:09pm
Nikki: Thank you, Elizabeth and Patt! I will have to try that..great name, Canyon Dreams. Like burning Mesquite wood and Creosote bushes after the rain. October 21, 2012 at 12:07pm
Lucas: You might want to try Tauer Lonestar Memories or L’Air du Desert Maroccain they should match the “wild west” theme October 20, 2012 at 12:14pm
Nikki: Lonestar Memories, great idea! Thank you, Lucas! October 21, 2012 at 12:09pm
Victoria: For a feminine, uplifting and intriguing, I would recommend Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu. It was inspired by Shalimar, by the way. October 20, 2012 at 1:35pm
Anna Minis: Hi Nikki! Perhaps you need something fruity, against the thirsty feeling in the desert; maybe that apple of Donna Karan? October 20, 2012 at 4:19pm
Ariel: How about D.S. & Durga Cowgirl Grass? I have’t tried it but it sounds feminine – tuberose and damask rose and Wild West -sage and vetiver. October 20, 2012 at 4:34pm
Nina Z: Guerlain Vetiver pour Elle is a more feminine, floral vetiver that will fit with the West. Another idea would be Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, which has galbanum, iris and rose. So, again, it’s very feminine but at the same time the green aspect helps it fit with the West (I live in California). To me, the most feminine fragrance I can think of is Malle Carnal Flower, but I can’t wear it because it gets cloying on me after a while. The one I can wear that I love is Chanel 22 (both the vintage and the new versions). October 20, 2012 at 4:55pm
Joe: Nikki: How about Le Labo Santal 33? Dry woods, saddle leather and a hint of campfire smoke. October 21, 2012 at 4:31pm
Barbara: I loved the first round of recommendations, and today I’m hoping that you can help me.
I’m looking for a woody perfume that smells like pieces of wood you find on the beach. You know, that dry, nonsweet smell. I’m open to trying any perfumes, niche, department store, indie, doesn’t matter. I tried Diptyque Tam Dao, and I loved it. Would love more recs, please. October 20, 2012 at 9:49am
sara: Préparation parfumée by Andree Putman smells like wet wood, why not gie it a try? October 20, 2012 at 10:09am
Barbara: Thank you! I googled it and apparently it was created by Olivia Giacobetti, one of my favorite noses. October 20, 2012 at 10:11am
Katherine: We commented at the same time – I’m looking up that Giacobetti scent right now! October 20, 2012 at 11:57am
cryptic: I think you’d enjoy Chene by Serge Lutens. October 20, 2012 at 12:09pm
Hana: I remember driftwood impression from The Different Company: Sel de Vetiver. It’s more salty than Tam Dao but give it a try. October 20, 2012 at 12:18pm
Victoria: Have you tried 10 Corso Como, Barbara? It’s similar to Tam Dao, and I actually prefer it to Diptyque. October 20, 2012 at 1:34pm
Ann C: You might like Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d’Iris. October 20, 2012 at 2:50pm
Judith: Sounds like CB I Hate Perfume’s In the Library? It’s a very dry, very real wood to me. October 20, 2012 at 4:38pm
MB: Timbuktu by L’Artisan has an intoxicating aspect of dry woods too! October 20, 2012 at 4:39pm
Merry: Costamor’s Beachwood comes to mind. Le Labo Gaiac 10 is a dry wood to me. October 20, 2012 at 8:39pm
Cybele: Préparation Parfumée, Eau de Merveille and Timbuktu! Try also Declaration by Cartier October 20, 2012 at 9:58pm
Annemarie: Bois Naufragé by Parfumerie Generale was inspired by a photo of driftwood. To me it is woody, silky and salty and I can almost feel the sand between my toes. October 21, 2012 at 4:25am
Maureen: Barbara–
certainly more beach than wood, but I immediately thought of Parfums De Nicolai Weekend a Deauville. It is an unusual beach to me with many facet–perhaps even some driftwood. October 21, 2012 at 9:04am
Barbara: Thank you SO MUCH everyone! I’m excited to try these perfumes. October 22, 2012 at 7:58am
Katherine: I also am looking for a woody scent that’s not sweet – I’ve sent for a sample of Nuit de Noel; Filles en Aiguilles is pretty good but not “it.” I think I’m looking for something deeper, stranger, maybe with an earthy wet undertone, if that makes sense. More of the North coast than the mountains or the jungle. I’m not adverse to flowers but vanilla isn’t me at all, and musky smells are usually unfortunate. Any suggestions? October 20, 2012 at 10:15am
Suzanne: You might try Sonoma Scent Studio Forest Walk. Perfumer Laurie Erickson makes very high quality reasonably priced fragrances and has a good sample program. October 20, 2012 at 11:42am
Lucas: Seconding Forest Walk and adding Serge Lutens Cedre October 20, 2012 at 12:14pm
Katherine: I haven’t tried Cedre, but I do like his Filles en Aiguilles so I’ll get a sample! Thank you, Lucas. October 20, 2012 at 3:46pm
Katherine: Thank you, Suzanne. I sent for several different samples, I had never heard of the line. October 20, 2012 at 3:45pm
Cymbaline: Hi Katherine,
You might give Slumberhouse Norne a try. I live in the Pacific NW and to me this smells “right-on’! The description on the Slumberhouse site as well as the dark color of the jus can be intimidating, but I find it to be a unique combination of dense and subtle – smells just like the temperate rain forest : ) October 20, 2012 at 11:57am
Katherine: Cymbaline, I hadn’t heard of this line, I sent for several different samples. Thanks! These independent perfumers are a new world for me. October 20, 2012 at 3:47pm
sara: What about Nez a Nez marron chic ? Regards October 20, 2012 at 11:57am
Elizabeth: Ormonde Jayne’s Ormonde Woman. It’s very green, woodsy, and strange. October 20, 2012 at 12:00pm
cryptic: Are you okay with oakmoss? That might be the note that delivers the earthy undertone you’re seeking. Aliage comes to mind from your description. October 20, 2012 at 12:12pm
Jack Sullivan: I have recommended it during the last Recommend Me a Perfume: Autoportrait by Olfactive Studio. Not “earthy wet” but definitely not sweet.
It’s not a woody perfume as such but I think you might like it since you are looking for something unusual: Perle de Mousse from Ann Gérard, with its delightful saltwater note. October 20, 2012 at 1:31pm
Victoria: Another vote for Autoportrait! It’s a perfect dry woody fragrance.
Another one I like very much is 10 Corso Como. October 20, 2012 at 1:33pm
Elle: I just bought Cedar Rose from OLO Fragrance which I’m really enjoying. It also comes in a hair tonic which I love. October 20, 2012 at 2:38pm
Judith: Delrae Bois de Paradis might be just what you’re looking for. Also, if you can swing even a sample, the new Amouage Interlude for Woman – a most remarkable forest. October 20, 2012 at 4:40pm
Merry: I agree with the recommendations below — Norne by Slumberhouse is a great realistic, spiritual forest-like fragrance. Also check out Ormonde Jayne Woman and Man if you haven’t already done so. October 20, 2012 at 8:36pm
RVB: Terre de Hermes pure parfum has a nice woody mossy balmy theme and Ormonde Woman by Ormonde Jayne is a dark green forest chypre with a unique note of black hemlock absolute and oakmoss and amber notes.And I second Cymbaline’s recommendation of Slumberhouse’s Norne-it’s composed purely of forest absolutes and has a coniferous foggy NW forest feel… October 20, 2012 at 8:51pm
Elizabeth: I love L’Air du Desert Marocain during this time of year, but sometimes I want something a little more lush and feminine. Is there a perfume that is like L’Air du Desert (smoky amber, incense, jasmine, spices) but more traditionally “feminine?” October 20, 2012 at 11:17am
Cymbaline: What about Teo Cabanel Alahine? October 20, 2012 at 12:00pm
cryptic: Alahine is a great suggestion. You also might love Amouage Epic Woman. October 20, 2012 at 12:14pm
Lucas: How about staying within Tauer line and trying Le Maroc Pour Elle? October 20, 2012 at 12:16pm
Victoria: I would recommend Annick Goutal Ambre Fetiche. If you haven’t tried it, you will find it interesting.
Although it’s probably overpriced for what it is, Armani Prive Ambre Soie is a great amber.
And not to forget my cheap and chic favorite that smells expensive–Ambra del Nepal by I Profumi di Firenze. October 20, 2012 at 1:32pm
Elizabeth: I tried Ambre Fetiche briefly when it first came out. It’s time to try it again, I think! I’ll seek out a decant or mini bottle. October 21, 2012 at 2:46pm
Ferris: Elizabeth, I am looking for a decant of Ambre Fetiche also. Someone recommended it last week. In fact, I saw it online on ebay, but Im kind of skeptical of buying stuff like that online. You dont know if its the real stuff or counterfeit. October 22, 2012 at 9:42am
Austenfan: I second the recommendations of both Le Maroc pour Elle ( my favourite Tauer actually), and Ambre Fétiche. Another amber that is quite a powerhouse is Ambre Russe by Parfums d’Empire. October 20, 2012 at 1:48pm
Anne Sheffield: I havé never tried L air du desert but I recently sample Ambre des merveilles by Hermes and I was quite taken by it. It is salty and spicy, also quite vanilly so not sure it will fit your description. I though it was a lively amber. October 20, 2012 at 2:46pm
Victoria: Yes, me too! I love Ambre des Merveilles. October 20, 2012 at 2:52pm
Nina Z: It sounds like you might want a more sheer amber. In addition to what others have mentioned, if you can find some, you might love Fendi Theorema. Also try Ambre Narguile from Hermes, which is very spicy. My favorite amber is probably Ormonde Jayne Tolu, which is definitely more lush than the Tauer. Finally, how about Chanel 31 Rue Cambon? It’s not lush exactly, but definitely more sheer than the somewhat heavy (though amazing) Tauer. October 20, 2012 at 4:46pm
RVB: Try Winter Woods by Sonoma Scent Studio-it has the amber smoke and spices with a sweet floral undertone October 20, 2012 at 5:14pm
Elizabeth: Winter Woods sounds wonderful. I will put it on my to-try list! October 21, 2012 at 2:47pm
Lucas: Yay, Recommend me a perfume is baack! Bring it on.
Today I would like to hear your suggestions on neroli. I love neroli and tried some but I have some doubts.
Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli is great but short lived.
I was hood by Kilian Prelude to Love and Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, they were both amazing neroli and I fancied them a lot but I’m not willing to spend so much for a single bottle of perfume. October 20, 2012 at 12:12pm
Elizabeth: I love Goutal’s Neroli. It’s fresh and green on top and woody and slightly vanillic in the base. Surprisingly long-lasting for a perfume of its type, too. I can’t imagine summer without it! October 20, 2012 at 12:35pm
Lucas: Thanks for suggesting. October 20, 2012 at 1:38pm
Victoria: I want to add another vote for Annick Goutal Neroli. It is one of the best.
Also, Jo Malon Orange Blossom. It’s reasonably priced and very nicely crafted. October 20, 2012 at 1:30pm
Lucas: Thanks, I’ve been thinking about A.Goutal Neroli too. Gotta try it now or later.
I’ve got to check if I have that Jo Malone samples. The line is not available in Poland but I got some samples from good friends that live abroad. October 20, 2012 at 1:37pm
Jan Last: Victoria, I ordered a sample of the Jo Malon Orange Blossom you spoke about, and I like it very much. Thank you! October 20, 2012 at 1:52pm
Victoria: Oh, I’m so happy to hear this, Jan! I have a small purse-size bottle of it in my bag right now. October 20, 2012 at 2:33pm
sara: I can recommend you the really well-priced Neroli by l’Erbolario. Pure neroli. October 20, 2012 at 2:16pm
Lucas: Thanks for your suggestion. Does L’Erbolario offer samples? October 20, 2012 at 3:41pm
sara: Really I don’t know but you can contact them at http://www.erbolario.com/ October 21, 2012 at 6:20am
Elle: I was going to suggest Le Labo, but it’s not exactly cheap.
I second the Jo Malone suggestion. Really lovely. October 20, 2012 at 2:39pm
Lucas: Le Labo is not cheap at all. I have a lemming of Iris 39 and been curious about their Neroli too. October 20, 2012 at 3:42pm
Nina Z: Pacifica has a very nice neroli scent called “Nerola Orange Blossom.” The small bottle is only $22.00! October 20, 2012 at 4:36pm
Lucas: ooooh. gotta check it out. October 20, 2012 at 4:43pm
Joaquim: I’m looking for something dirty, animalic. SL Musc koublai khan, FM Musc ravageur, MFK Absolute pour le soir, CB Musk, etc…I want now something diferent, hardcore.
Thanks in advance! October 20, 2012 at 1:06pm
Jack Sullivan: I have not smelled it yet but according to what I’ve read, Parfums d’Empire Musk Tonkin could be right up your alley. October 20, 2012 at 1:24pm
Victoria: Musk Tonkin is so beautiful, and the lovers of all perfumes animalic will enjoy it. October 20, 2012 at 1:29pm
Ferris: Victoria, Where can you find Musc Tonkin? October 23, 2012 at 9:11am
Victoria: I think that it is just out, so it should be available soon at Luckyscent. October 23, 2012 at 10:02am
Victoria: I agree on Musk Tonkin, very dark and sultry. Also, if you want something hardcore, I recommend Schiaparelli Shocking. It totally lives up to its name! October 20, 2012 at 1:29pm
Ferris: Victoria, Who makes Schiaparelli Shocking? October 22, 2012 at 9:45am
Ferris: Is Shocking wearable for a guy or is it more feminine? October 22, 2012 at 9:53am
Victoria: Schiaparelli is the maker of Shocking, and yes, it can be worn by a man. An adventurous man. 🙂 October 22, 2012 at 9:59am
Ferris: If I am able to a decant somewhere.I will try it. I see where JPG got his inspiration for his Classique bottle. They are also identical. A bottle withcurves. Imagine that!! October 22, 2012 at 10:27am
Lucas: Santa Maria Novella Peau d’Espagne might be something you can fancy. October 20, 2012 at 1:37pm
Joaquim: I’ll try to find those scents, thanks to all!
Musk Tonkin sounds so “for me”, and Shoking…honey, civet and oakmoss, the vintage is awesome for sure. October 20, 2012 at 2:20pm
Karen: What about L’Artisan Parfumeur Dzing! Many people find this quite animalic – I have to say I don’t myself, but it is certainly a lovely perfume and not for the faint-hearted. October 20, 2012 at 2:59pm
Anna Minis: Maybe Bandit? October 20, 2012 at 4:25pm
Judith: Ooo. L’Air de Rien, by Miller Harris? If you haven’t smelled that yet. October 20, 2012 at 4:41pm
Asali: Since you mention AplS, have you tried Miel de Bois, sweet but dirrty! and another one springs to mind, Krizia’s Teatro alla Scala for a whole lot of civet. Fun question, I’m looking forward to read the answers 🙂 October 20, 2012 at 4:57pm
shaney: What about CB Wild Hunt? I think it’s very earthy-smelling, but beautiful. October 20, 2012 at 5:02pm
RVB: Try Black Afgano by Nasomatto a very dark resinous scent with an animalic edge October 20, 2012 at 5:16pm
isabelle: Hi Joaquim,
did you ever try Ambre Muscadin by LM Parfums (LM = Laurent Mazzone)?
This one is a very animalic musc, at least to my nose – and quite different from MKK and Musc Ravageur.
Kind regards,
Isabelle October 21, 2012 at 10:57am
Jan Last: Very excited this will be a regular feature! I want all of you who helped with the anise, licorise and tarragon question, I have sampled almost all of the suggestions, have my first large bottle of Serge Lutens Serge Noir and Kenzo Jungle. I am having more fun and learning, learning, learning.
My question today is, how do you know how old a perfume is? In a little shop in Golden, Colorado, I found a somewhat beaten up box of Krazy Krizia. It fits right into the spice cabinet scents, but I don’t know when it was discontinued. I purchased it for three dollars.
Did I waste my money? October 20, 2012 at 1:44pm
sara: Sold for three dollars I don’t think you have wasted your money. Perhaps the top notes are a bit damaged or dated by surely the base notes or even the middle ones are OK. Nowadays, you can buy perfumes in ebay dating back to the beginning of the 20th century whose only problem are the top notes, both the middle and the base notes, even in the worst storage conditions are OK. Regards October 20, 2012 at 2:28pm
Victoria: I agree with Sara, three dollars is a great value. Perfume lasts for as long as it smells good to you. You might discover that the top notes are a bit flat or smell oily (for a lack of a better word), but after a few minutes, the perfume once again smells like you would expect. Krazy Krizia should be ok, because it contains so many woods and animalic notes, and those don’t deteriorate as quickly.
Glad that you found so many helpful suggestions and ended up with several new perfumes to enjoy! 🙂 October 20, 2012 at 2:50pm
Nina Z: One way to identify how old perfumes are is to use the internet to find images of the bottle and/or box you’ve found and when you find one that matches what you’ve got, go to that site to see if they have info about the age. Even looking at what’s for sale on ebay can help show what is vintage and what isn’t, not to mention how much certain fragrances are going for these days. (That’s just for the future. Obviously if you bought it for $3.00 and you like it, then you did great!) October 20, 2012 at 4:40pm
cyndee: I am almost to the end of my pre-reformulation Jolie Madame. What is a good perfume to replace it with? I love Chanel #5, Bal a Versailles and Nani. I don’t like fruity, candy scents.
Thanks for any help given. October 20, 2012 at 1:46pm
sara: Try perhaps cuir mauresque by Serge Lutens. Best regards. October 20, 2012 at 2:20pm
Victoria: Jolie Madame is a blend of violet and leather, soft and feminine. My first recommendation is Bottega Veneta. Then, Tom Ford Violet Blonde, Prada Infusion d’Iris (especially Absolue version). October 20, 2012 at 2:32pm
Austenfan: Did you like the Infusion d’Iris Absolue? October 20, 2012 at 2:45pm
Victoria: I finally sampled it, and while it doesn’t knock Infusion d’Iris off its top ranking spot for me, I liked it. It reminded me of L’Heure Bleue very much, so maybe because I already have L’Heure Bleue in all of its variations, I wasn’t as tempted to have it in my wardrobe. October 20, 2012 at 2:48pm
Jan Last: The other night, we ended our evening out with coffee and Mandarin Napolean Liqueur. As we held the snifters to our noses, I couldn’t help wondering if there is a perfume out there with those warm, tangerine scents. October 20, 2012 at 1:57pm
sara: What about Eau de gloire by Parfum d’Empire? October 20, 2012 at 2:18pm
Victoria: What about Serge Lutens Mandarine-Mandarin. It’s described on the SL website as “Suddenly the fragrance comes back to me. As a child, I would place the peel on a hot burner of the stove, rendering a scent I’ll never forget.” Quite spot on! October 20, 2012 at 2:31pm
Noele Neidig: Every year about this time I start a quest for a Christmas perfume. In the past I’ve tried Noel Au Balcon by ELD’O, West Side by Bond No.9 (the only Bond fragrance that I actually like), Lys Carmin and Orchidee Vanille both VC&A. All of these are departures from what I normally wear; Fracas, Beyond Love by Kilian, Gardenia Petale by VC&A and my SL collection of Sa Majeste La Rose, Un Lys, Tubereuse Criminelle, Louve. Needless to say, my perfume wardrobe is rather one dimensional. What are some holiday scents that you would recommend? October 20, 2012 at 2:08pm
sara: I amnow thinking of a very particular one Lolita Lempicka’s Minuit Noir with a heavy licorice scent. October 20, 2012 at 2:33pm
Noele Neidig: I don’t know if this was directed towards my comment but Licorice sounds really nice! I don’t know if I’ve ever encountered it in a perfume. I’ll have to check it out. October 22, 2012 at 6:09pm
Victoria: Sounds like you are a big white floral lover, so if you want an interesting white floral with a dark, warm twist, I would recommend Serge Lutens Une Voix Noire (I’m wearing it right now, so it’s on my mind!) Also, L’Artisan Seville a l’Aube. It’s an orange blossom cologne on top, but the drydown is warm, spicy, woody. So good. October 20, 2012 at 2:35pm
Victoria: Also, answering Elle’s comment, I remembered The Different Company Jasmin de Nuit, which has all of the gingerbread spices mixed in with jasmine. October 20, 2012 at 2:41pm
Ferris: A combo of Serge’s Nuit and Ambre Sultan? That should be very interesting. Let us know how it plays out on your skin? October 23, 2012 at 2:45am
Noele Neidig: Ok, I put my order in for a sample of Seville a l’Aube (I already had one of Une Voix Noire). I might mention that I’m going to be in Paris the first week of December. Is there any particular Christmas scent exclusive to Paris that I should seek out? Or white floral, since that it is my favorite scent. October 22, 2012 at 6:02pm
Ann C: Anne Pliska October 20, 2012 at 2:53pm
RVB: Serge Lutens Filles en Aguilles with its pine,incense,and candied fruit notes has a Christmas feel to it.Also Sonoma Scent Studio’s Winter Woods smells like sipping mulled cider by a cozy fire October 20, 2012 at 5:20pm
Elle: I love this post last time. So pleased it will become a regular feature!
I want a grown up jasmine perfume for winter. Something like the new Rodin fragrance (but not as expensive, it’s priced at $220 for 30ml). Preferably a niche fragrance.
Any ideas? October 20, 2012 at 2:34pm
Victoria: Grown up jasmine is easy to find in the niche–Serge Lutens Sarrasins (jasmine and leather), Serge Lutens A La Nuit (jasmine, jasmine, jasmine, my favorite), The Different Company Jasmin de Nuit (jasmine sprinkled with spices). October 20, 2012 at 2:40pm
Elle: Ooo. Thanks. I might pop into Liberty tomorrow to try the Serge Lutens scents you’ve suggested! October 20, 2012 at 2:42pm
Jack Sullivan: Seconding Sarrasins (might work better this time of the year than A la nuit, but this is only me). Both SLs are wonderful jasmine scents, and Sarrasins is on top of my personal to-buy list. October 20, 2012 at 3:34pm
sara: Try A la nuit by Serge Lutens it is The Jasmine. You can also try Lust by Lush although this one can get your clothes dirty, be careful. October 20, 2012 at 2:42pm
Anna Minis: In wintertime I like the combination of A La Nuit and Ambre Sultan October 20, 2012 at 5:03pm
Elle: I have my eye on MCMC Fragrance’s Noble. Has anyone tried it?
Described by MCMC as “Combined with rich almondy notes of chai tea, burning incense, amber and musk, the jasmine-centered Noble is a long-lasting floral woody with an ethereal drydown.”
I’d need to order from Colette in Paris so a bit nervous to buy without smelling it first! October 20, 2012 at 3:02pm
Victoria: MCMC perfumes are very interesting, but I don’t recommend ordering them blindly. Noble was quite sharp on me. It’s best to test it first on your skin. I’m not sure if Surrender to Chance has samples of this line, but it’s worth checking with them. October 20, 2012 at 3:06pm
Eleni: Hello, newbie here! I love this blog and I have learnt a lot reading it.
I would love all of you to recommend me a perfume (or two).
Here goes:
– I hadn’t worn any fragrance for the past 5 years. A month ago I bought Lys Soleia and I like it a lot, but perhaps a bit too sweet for me?
– Before that, my favourite was Diorissimo and I also loved Gucci Envy and Marc Jacobs Blush.
– Being a 90s child, I also used to wear ck one, which I liked.
– I don’t like rose and peach notes (I think).
Many thanks! October 20, 2012 at 2:34pm
Elle: I LOVED Marc Jacobs Blush. So sad it was discontinued. I have half a bottle left, then it’s all over…. October 20, 2012 at 2:41pm
Victoria: Eleni, welcome! It sounds like you might enjoy a sheer, crisp lily such as Frederic Malle Lys Mediterranee or J`adore L`eau Cologne Florale (although I don’t remember if it might be discontinued already). Also, Estee Lauder White Jasmine and Moss is a very good fragrance that combines fresh jasmine notes (like MJ Blush) with crisp green accents (like Envy) and cool moss. October 20, 2012 at 2:46pm
Christy: Lys Mediterranee is soooooo good! One of my top 3! October 20, 2012 at 7:18pm
sara: If liked Diorissimo you can try fleur de cristal by Lalique. Anyway thinking of CK one I can recommend you Eau d’Orlane or Eau de Cologne by Chanel (Les Exclusifs) but it is a bit expensive or why not giving a try to Diorella? October 20, 2012 at 2:51pm
Eleni: Thank you all! These all sounds great; I can probably test Diorella and Lalique at my local department store, but will add the rest to the list of samples I’ll be ordering (I am based in Greece). I’ll also be buying some samples of some iconic perfumes, just so I can educate myself. I feel ready to broaden my horizons! Was also tempted by Weekend and even Odalisque (PdN) so will be testing those too. And will buy a bottle of Diorissimo too. October 20, 2012 at 3:24pm
Victoria: Parfums de Nicolai Weekend a Deauville and Odalisque are so beautiful! Crisp, bright florals with a twist. I also like Eclipse by PdN, a salty lily of the valley. October 20, 2012 at 3:27pm
shaney: I’m so excited to see this again!
This time around, I am searching for the perfect ‘your skin but better’ scent. Not too sweet and not too much in the way of fruit notes and with some longevity.
I was thinking of trying The Different Company’s Pure Virgin until a reviewer likened it to a freshly opened package of Pampers (no, thank you! been there, done that!).
Thoughts? October 20, 2012 at 5:08pm
RVB: Slumberhouse’s Pear + Olive is a unique scent that combines those 2 notes in an interesting way.The end result is a creamy lactonic skin like note with just a small undercurrent of a fruity greenness -truly unique! October 20, 2012 at 5:25pm
shaney: Thanks so much for the suggestion…I’ve never tried any of Slumberhouse’s fragrances, but now I’m excited to do so! October 20, 2012 at 7:56pm
Elle: What about Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules? October 20, 2012 at 6:31pm
shaney: I have never heard of this, but I am so intrigued! A scent that you may or may not be able to smell…I will order a sample and hope that I can detect it, because it sounds amazing! Thank you… October 20, 2012 at 8:03pm
Victoria: What about Chanel Beige, which is a musky floral, and it feels so silky soft?
Or Gendarme, which is a subtle, very elegant perfume.
I also second the suggestion of Escentric Molecules Molecule 01. Many people say that they get lots of compliments on it–it has a subtle aura, but a fantastic sillage. October 21, 2012 at 6:10am
shaney: I can’t believe I’ve never tried Chanel Beige! Thanks so much, Victoria…your expertise is so impressive! October 21, 2012 at 12:32pm
Victoria: Shaney, glad to help. 🙂 Don’t know about expertise, but I really love florals of all types, and Beige is one of my favorites. Easy to wear, always gets lots of compliments, and it makes me feel put together. 🙂 October 21, 2012 at 2:28pm
Anna Minis: ”Sweet-brier and southernwood, jasmine, pink, and rose have long been yielding their evening sacrifice of incense: this new scent is neither of shrub nor flower; it is–I know it well– Mr Rochester’s cigar.” Reading this in ”Jane Eyre” I thought: Wow!! that would make a great perfume. Does there exist anything like this? I would like that hint of a good tobacco. October 20, 2012 at 5:09pm
RVB: There a many good tobacco perfumes( a favorite category of mine).For a blonde tobacco with amber and dried fruit notes try Hermes Ambre Narguille.For a powdery almond take on the theme try Back to Black By Killian.For a Tobacco and vanilla bomb Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Vanille should do the trick.And small indie line Slumberhouse has Baque a warm amber tobacco flower perfume with notes of straw and davana,and Sova is a nice lighter tobacco perfume with a number of flower absolutes and a sweet clover note October 20, 2012 at 5:34pm
Victoria: I’m thinking Serge Lutens Fumerie Turque. Or Etat Libre d’Orange Jasmin et Cigarette (Jasmin et Tabac). October 21, 2012 at 6:11am
Anna Minis: Thank you for that list, RVB! I put it down in my Black & Gold Perfume Note Book. I like the smell of tobacco and also smoking. But I guess that the Jane Eyre perfume is more about flowers and tobacco. Jasmin et Cigarette must be it (thank you, Victoria!). I hope I can find Etat Libre in the Netherlands. Or perhaps I can layer a tobacco perfume with something flowery. Never seen Fumerie Turque in Amsterdam, is it in the exportline? October 21, 2012 at 6:35am
Victoria: I think that it’s exclusive, not export. But Chergui is an export one, and it has a beautiful tobacco note too. I also recommend it. October 21, 2012 at 6:44am
sara: Why not trying Amber by Mona di Orio? it is a bit expensive but a really impressive tobacco note at the base notes. October 21, 2012 at 6:25am
Maggie: Pohadka by Ys Uzac or the new one from Diptyque, Volutes. Or even, maybe Tabac Blond. October 21, 2012 at 6:18pm
Jana: Oh, being Czech it´s nice to see that there is a perfume with Czech name- pohadka means fairy tale 🙂 October 22, 2012 at 4:59am
Anna Minis: Thank you, Sara, Maggie and Jana! Your suggestions also go into my Black & Gold Notebook. But you see, the idea of the Jane Eyre perfume is not: tobacco perfume (absolutely will try Tabac Blond again!) but flowers with a hint of tobacco. Perhaps the best is: put on a perfume with roses and jasmine and smoke a fine quality Panatella cigar! (I smoke cigars from time to time, love that smell). October 23, 2012 at 11:30am
Dawn: I love Pamlelune by Guerlain and to a lesser degree, Pamplemousse Rose by Hermes.
I’d like something else fresh that lasts longer through the day than these two– and not ultra expensive. I also loved the now lost Celui de Jean Desses– entirely different, but my all time favorite and Paris by YSL. October 20, 2012 at 6:40pm
RVB: I believe that Jean Claude Ellena used Rhubofix in Pamplemousse Rose to give it the tart note.It has a tangy rhubarb smell so you might want to try a perfume with rhubarb in it.Aedes de Venustas new signature perfume has a very prominent rhubarb note combined with tomato leaf ,honeysuckle and incense-it’s very unique.On the cheaper end of the spectrum try Commes des Garcons Rhubarb-a nice tart green scent.Also Histories de Parfums 1873 has an interesting grapefruit note combined with sweet floral and vanilla notes-it also has outstanding longevity and comes in a smaller size October 20, 2012 at 9:01pm
Victoria: 2nd all of these.
I would also add Yves Saint Laurent In Love Again, another tart grapefruit-rhubarb perfume created by Jean-Claude Ellena. One of his best. October 21, 2012 at 6:00am
Cybele: Lime Basil Mandarin, Jo Malone is great and has good lasting power October 20, 2012 at 10:26pm
sara: Fruity with rose and violet and not ultra expensive are the Guerlain variants of Insolence such as Insolenceeau Glacé October 21, 2012 at 6:36am
Merry: Hi everyone, I have two questions! First, I’m getting married next October, and I’m looking for the perfect perfume. Yes, I’m obsessed with this a year ahead of time 🙂 The wedding will be in an Italian villa/restaurant by the Hudson in NY. I don’t like heady florals — but maybe a floral oriental?
Please share your ideas!
Second, lately I have been loving Tea for Two and Ambre Russe — what else should I sample? October 20, 2012 at 8:31pm
RVB: If you like Tea for Two try Coeur de Vetiver Sacre also by L’Artisan-it has a nice black tea note combined with a soft vetiver and dried fruit.Ambre Russe is a powerhouse amber so try the iconic Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan-a more herbal take on amber.Andy Tauer’s L’air du Desert Marocain is one of my all time favorite dry arid amber and incense scents.If you want something more floral and unique try Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne-an iris/amber incense scent.Check Victoria’s review.She describes it far better than I can-it’s lovely! October 20, 2012 at 9:11pm
Merry: Thank you for all of the ideas! I just sampled Amber Sultan today, and I adore it as well. I’m going to have to look for samples of the others you recommended! October 20, 2012 at 11:07pm
Cybele: Try Rose Barbare by Guerlain for your wedding, it is a spicy honeyed rose and extremely pretty! (it’s not too heavy on the rose, I usually don’t like rose fragrances)
Have you tried Hermes Ambre Narguile? October 20, 2012 at 10:24pm
Merry: Thank you, Cybele! I have a decant of Rose Barbare — I’ll need to test it again, but it wasn’t love. I tried Ambre Narguile years ago and liked it. I need to revisit it, I suppose! October 20, 2012 at 11:08pm
Cybele: ok, how about Comme des Garcons White? October 21, 2012 at 4:02am
Victoria: Congratulations! 🙂
I’ve just revisited Armani Prive Ambre Soie, so that’s why it’s on my mind, but it’s really lovely–a sheer amber laced with spices and chocolate. Feels warm and elegant.
Then I would also recommend Hermès L’Ambre des Merveilles (it just came out) as well as the original Eau des Merveilles. Some of the best elegant ambers can be found in this collection. L’Ambre des Merveilles is a must try for amber lovers IMO.
Then there is Estee Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang, which is a lush blend of white florals (jasmine, ylang ylang) with warm, rich amber. It has some spices like you might find in Tea for Two, so that’s why it came to mind. It has a gorgeous sillage, always an important consideration for a wedding perfume. 🙂 October 21, 2012 at 5:59am
Liz K: Have you tried Ineke’s Evening Edged in Gold? It is a sweet and warm but I find it not at all cloying, kind of a floral oriental light and would make a lovely wedding scent I think. The sampler set from her website is a great deal and the cost can be applied to a full bottle so they are basically free if you find a fragrance you love and need. PS. I planned my wedding for 2.5 years and find this not at all obsessive. October 23, 2012 at 10:10pm
HappyLili: Hi!! Newbie too… I’d like a perfum for my working days. I love green floral, like Envy, Lys Mediterranee, Reverie au Jardin. A cheaper version of the last one would be great…
I don’t like too sweet or too incense perfums.
Suggestions? Thank you! October 20, 2012 at 8:44pm
Victoria: What about Issey Miyake A Scent or Stella McCartney LILY? Those would fit your description and the price is quite reasonable. You can test them at Sephora too. October 21, 2012 at 5:47am
HappyLili: Thank you! I will try! October 21, 2012 at 6:45am
Anne Sheffield: You might also enjoy Infusion d Iris from Prada. I love it and it is so easy to wear! It is probably my most “difault” perfume. October 21, 2012 at 9:43am
zephyr: Victoria, I love your blog and have just started following it in the past few months – though I’ve read many of your reviews over the past several years!
I’m so glad this “recommend me a perfume” has come up. I’ve been nursing a flacon of 90s Parure EDT (Guerlain) for a looong time. I used to wear it every day, except in summer, to work. I guess you could say it was my signature scent; I adore it! Then, it became harder and harder to get. A few years ago at a Guerlain boutique in Paris, I was told that it was being discontinued. I don’t think that’s necessarily true, because I read online about the “flap” with oakmoss and EU rules against its use (nonsense, afaik) but it does seem as though Parure is maybe only available sometimes and maybe just in a reformulated version. So sad!
My existing flacon won’t last much more than another year, with sporadic use.
Is there any perfume you know of, dear Victoria, that is similar to Parure? I love a few other Guerlains – Mitsouko (not the same as it used to be), and Aqua Allegorias Herba Fresca and Mandarine Basilic in summer. My everyday go-to, now that I’m a SAHM, is O de Lancome; I’ve worn this for over thirty years. Other favorites are Caron Nuit de Noel, Narcisse Blanc, and Alpona – all “dressy” scents for me, depending on the season and event, and not for everyday chaffeuring kids from one place to the next.
Any suggestions for something similar to Parure would be greatly appreciated! I’m dreading the day my supply runs out; I visions of begging on my knees at the boutique on Champs de Elysee for it. Or maybe paying a perfumer/nose to duplicate it for me. Evil oakmoss or not – I love it! October 20, 2012 at 10:49pm
Victoria: Oh, I can feel your pain. I went through a phase of Parure infatuation, and the news of its discontinuation hit me hard.
The first perfume that comes to mind is Annick Goutal Mon Parfum Cherie, which is a modern take on rose-moss-plum, and it’s really beautiful.
Then for a combination of mossy fruity chypre and fresh cologne, I would recommend Parfums de Nicolaï L’Eau à la Folie. A fun and elegant scent. Parfums d’Empire Azemour les Orangers is another cologne crossed with mossy chypre, but it’s less sweet than Parure or others I’ve mentioned. Worth keeping it in mind, since you seem to love the saltier type of chypre and fresh-citrus notes (Alpona, O de Lancome).
And this is a bit different, but well, why not suggest it too–ianother pretty rosy chypre is L’Eau de Chloé. I wouldn’t recommend buying it blindly or even spending too many energy obtaining a sample, but if you pass by Sephora and spot it on the shelf, give it a try. It might be a nice surprise. October 21, 2012 at 5:53am
zephyr: Thank you so much, Victoria! I just didn’t know where to start with this search. I’ll try as many of these as possible. I’m in Chicago, so brick-and-mortar places are definitely accessible, and then there’s the internet. It may take a while, but I’ll let you know my impressions and thoughts on your suggestions. Your expertise is amazing! October 21, 2012 at 9:59am
Victoria: You’re welcome! 🙂 I hope that some of these will fill in the void left by Parure. Please let me know what you end up discovering. October 21, 2012 at 10:49am
zephyr: Well, Victoria, sara, and ChrisinNY, a month later and I’ve tried all of these except for one! I ordered samples from STC, but they don’t have L’Eau a la Folie so I will keep trying to find it. I have a feeling this one could be a winner!
L’Eau de Chloe was easy to find in local Sephoras. I wafted a few strips around, let them sit in my “hangouts” (kitchen counter lol, dressing table) on two separate occasions and liked it, surprisingly! But the real test is on my skin, so I’ll be playing with my STC sample this weekend. On the little strip testers L’EdC seems like Parure light to me. Will report back on my test run!
AG Mon Parfum Cherie, so far, isn’t doing much for me. I have it on right now again. Definitely salty but has a powdery-ness that I’m not wild about, that seems to edge out everything else for me. Jury’s still out on this one.
PdE Azemour les Orangeurs is really nice but sadly doesn’t have any lasting power on me! Next try I won’t be cautious with my sample and will be liberal with it and see how that goes. It’s citrusy, along with some moss, a little sharp at first (which doesn’t bother me at all) and just delightful. But I don’t want it to disappear on me!
So that’s my report so far; more to follow! November 30, 2012 at 10:45am
sara: I recommend you to give a try to “Life threads platinum” by La prairie and to try Chanel’s “Cristalle” for everyday tasks.
Other idea is trying “Un zeste de rose” by Les parfums de Rosine.
Best Regards October 21, 2012 at 3:12pm
sara: Too many “Try” “Trying” in my text. So sorry. All the best! October 21, 2012 at 3:13pm
ChrisinNY: I too loved Parure, and will check out some fo these recommendations. October 22, 2012 at 11:02am
Jana: Hi,
Could somebody maybe recommend me something similar to JPG Fragile? It was my favourite perfume but sadly it was discontinued. It was advertised as a tuberose though I don’t know whether it was really a typical tuberose. I loved the warm and somewhat golden feeling of this perfume. My other favorites were Armani Idole, Guerlain L’Instant and Gucci Envy. It seems that I am more white flowers person but I need a warmer base at the same time. The only niche perfume I tried so far (if it is a niche perfume) is Romea D’Ameor Maitresse de Louis IX. October 21, 2012 at 7:03am
Victoria: Hi Jana, these are the recommendations I sent you, but also a couple more. I recall that Fragile was a mix of tuberose and orange blossom on a very warm base. Here are my recommendations: Estée Lauder Tuberose Gardenia, L’Artisan Nuit de Tubereuse, Marc Jacobs for Her, Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion. Also, I recommend Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle and Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger (it’s called Orange Blossom, but it’s really a tuberose perfume). October 21, 2012 at 7:46am
Jana: Thanks again Victoria for your recommendations! So far I have tried Annick Goutal- it’s lovely but unfortunately it does not stay long on me. But you are right about Jardins de Bagatelle. I bought it once and liked it very much but then somehow forgot about it. Maybe it’ s time to try it again. And I will also try SL. Though I cannot eat oranges (food allergy) I like the smell of orange blossom. October 21, 2012 at 8:02am
Isis: This little comment about fragile just made my day! It is probably silly to keep replying to these older posts, but reading through these comments I am learning so much, about the way perfumes relate to each other, about my own taste.. ! I had a sample of fragile once and really loved it, long ago when I had never heard of tuberose… all I could pick out then was some vanilla. And a few days ago I sprayed on some Jardins de Bagatelle and to my surprise I really liked it. I would never have guessed that I am a lover of something that sounds as innocent as ‘white flower’, but reading through your blog I’ve discovered that almost every scent I’ve fallen in love with has jasmine, tuberose and/or orange blossom. Thank you Victoria, your blog is a delight. And now that I hacking into this thread anyway, can I just say that your build-me-a-perfume-wardrobe articles were really enlightning. Flowers confused me before, I never knew what I was smelling, but after reading your explanation of the differences between them I am now suddenly able to discern the tuberose from the ylang-ylang and the orange blossom from the lily of the valley. Thank you! It made my life much more interesting, scent wise. August 4, 2013 at 4:37pm
Victoria: Thank you so much for letting me know. 🙂 I’m very happy that you liked them and found them useful. I’m a big white floral lover myself, so it was fun to write those. But once my workload lightens up and I have more time for research, I will continue the series. August 5, 2013 at 10:11am
Isis: I’m looking forward to them! August 5, 2013 at 12:26pm
Jack Sullivan: Hello Jana, I used to wear Fragile too and I can totally understand what you must feel. I never quite found its equivalent, although to me it is somehow related to two Hermes perfumes that I admire: Eau des Merveilles and its variants/flankers (for the spicy blend) and 24, Faubourg (for the radiant orange blossom). Maybe you should check them out and see if they do the trick? Neither of these has tuberose but sometimes it is worth wandering away from the big movie star and investigating the supporting cast. October 21, 2012 at 8:20am
Jana: Thank you Jack! I’ll try these two. I was so sad when I learned that Fragile was discontinued. Here in Brussels you can still find Edt version but it’s not the same as Edp, it’s almost like a different fragrance (way way lighter and completely missing these warm undertones) October 21, 2012 at 8:59am
Jack Sullivan: That’s a shame, isn’t it? Moreover, the “collector” bottle for the EDP was one of the most spectacular ever seen – although it was very difficult to use it without making a mess! October 21, 2012 at 9:04am
Jana: Yes, the snowglobe bottle was so beautiful but impossible to use till the end. If I remember it correctly it was also possible to refill it. It would be nice if JPG relaunches it one day (though I think they will not). Having smelled their other perfumes and seen that they design Coca-cola cans, I thing they’re heading some direction I don’t want to follow… October 21, 2012 at 9:26am
Annikky: Hi, Jana and Jack!
I just wanted to mention that until I read your exchange, I had completely forgotten that I used to wear Fragile. I was in the university then (more than 10 years ago…) and had just got together with my boyfriend (we are still together now). The fragrance was too expensive and probably too grown-up for me: I received it from my boyfriend’s mother, who didn’t like it. I loved both the scent and the snow globe bottle and wore it all the time. Sadly I don’t remember the fragrance well enough to recommend a replacement, but I now own a FB of Fleurs d’Oranger and think it’s great. Thank you for reminding me of a long-ago favourite, a shame that it is discountinued. October 21, 2012 at 10:33am
Jana: Hi Annikky,
When I used Fragile for the first time it was also too grown up for me. It was a gift from my boss (we were allowed to choose the perfume we wanted and to be completely honest I picked up this one because of the bottle). Then I moved abroad and there were some turbulent changes in my life. Though “Fragile” I had the impression that this perfume gave me the confidence and strength. Never had this feeling with any other perfume. Few years ago, I was stranded at the Budapest airport, my flight being cancelled because of the snow storm. I was so stressed.Then a woman wearing Fragile passed by and suddenly I was completely calm. This perfume was a pure magic for me. October 21, 2012 at 10:55am
Annikky: That was beautiful to read, thank you for sharing. I really hope you find something that makes you feel like that again. Simply based on the fact that you like tuberose and that our taste seems to be somewhat similar (I used to wear Envy and would gladly still, if it was availble), I would suggest you try the big tuberoses as well: Fracas, Tubereuse Criminelle, Carnal Flower. They would not be exact replacements for Fragile, but you might enjoy them a lot. October 21, 2012 at 11:09am
Jana: Thank you Annikky. I have already read so much about these big tuberoses. I will have to try them. I am a little bit afraid of them (maybe not feeling diva enough) but then Fragile was also “a diva perfume” and it was never too much or too overwhelming for me (cannot speak for my surrounding though 🙂 As for Fracas, I’ve read somewhere that it’s Madonna’s and Courtney Love’s favorite. It scared me a little bit. I certainly like Courtney Love’s music and have respect for Madonna’s professionalism but I would say I prefer less “loud” and more discrete style. But I will have to try it first to judge for myself. And yes, I would also gladly wear Envy again, another favourite lost…though not so painful for me as Fragile October 21, 2012 at 11:37am
Annikky: I know that many people find Fracas scary, but it never feels overwhelming to me, just beautiful. And I think Carnal Flower is very elegant, if you prefer a more discreet tuberose. But just try them yourself, if you get a chance, at least it will be a pleasent distraction, if nothing else. October 21, 2012 at 12:10pm
Victoria: Courtney Love has a great taste in perfume. She also loves Amouage Gold and Prada Infusion d’Iris. October 21, 2012 at 2:22pm
Jana: As for Amouage, in the local perfumery they recommended me Honour to replace Fragile. It was also interesting and the sillage was great. I for instance admire Courtney’s taste in fashion but it’s something that I know would never work for me (and I’m afraid it will be the case with Fracas, but I will definitely at least try when I have the occasion). October 21, 2012 at 3:33pm
Jack Sullivan: Annikky, perhaps you won’t believe me but I was pretty much in the same situation as you back then: an overworked Master student, moving in with my then-boyfriend (what is different from your story: we split a couple of years later), trying to smell way beyond my age and sophistication level. Ah, girls will be girls. October 21, 2012 at 11:59am
Annikky: Jack, I have no problem whatsoever with believing you:) I think one of the most wonderful thing about fragrances (like books or music or films) is how you can feel an instant connection with someone when you discover that you share a favourite. Like today. October 21, 2012 at 12:16pm
Maureen: V–I, too, am very excited that this will be a regular feature! I am learning so much reading the requests and recommendations from everyone else–what a lovely community of fragrance lovers!
I have long quested for a wonderful lemon-floral. I enjoy Jo Malone Verbenas of Provence (which I’m sad to hear is being discontinued!), but it’s not quite ‘there’. I’m looking for a sunny lemon note backed by florals that I can’t quite describe–perhaps they just float along with the lemon without overpowering.
I am open to any and all fragrances–from department store to I-can’t-really-afford-it niche.
Maureen 🙂 October 21, 2012 at 9:13am
Lucas: Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien is a juicy lemon scent, but it lacks floral notes. If you decide to try it be sure to get a sample of EdP concentration because EdT is fleeting away after 30 minutes.
Another great lemon and lime is Limone di Sicilia from I Profumi di Firenze. Divine and lasting.
Ah, and you can’t go wrong with Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier. It’s citrusy and floral (mainly neroli + some jasmine) It’s very happy scent, I wore it on hot summer days and felt very refreshed as it has a soapy quality too. October 21, 2012 at 10:28am
Annikky: Dear Maureen,
have you tried Frangipani by Ormonde Jayne? It doesn’t have any lemon, but to my nose there is a happy and long-lasting lime top note and lots of gorgeous, radiant florals underneath. If you are looking for “sunny”, it may be worth a try. October 21, 2012 at 10:45am
Victoria: Another vote for Frangipani. It blends the zesty citrus notes and the white florals perfectly. October 21, 2012 at 10:48am
Maureen: I haven’t tried Frangipani, but I
I’ll add it to the list. October 21, 2012 at 8:39pm
shaney: Have you ever tried Diorella? (I am referring to Dior Diorella, NOT the Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Diorella, so probably mine is an older formulation, but I believe they are both still available…). Anyway, it opens up with a wonderful, bright citrus and then settles into a really pretty floral/peach/honeysuckle…those three notes scared me at first because that’s not typically what I’m attracted to, but I addicted now! October 21, 2012 at 12:41pm
shaney: Oops… ‘, but I AM addicted now!’. 🙂 October 21, 2012 at 12:42pm
Maureen: I like Diorella very much! October 21, 2012 at 8:39pm
sara: Lemon-floral drives me immediately to Serge lutens Fleurs de Citronnier, absolutely gorgeous. Regards October 21, 2012 at 3:00pm
Maureen: Fleurs de Citronnier has been one I’ve wanted to try for some time. I think it’s time! October 21, 2012 at 8:42pm
sara: If you really cannot afford high prices why not trying Yves Rocher “Agrumes en Fleurs” similar to “Fleurs de citronnier” although the lasting power is not terrific. Regards October 21, 2012 at 3:03pm
Victoria: Yves Rocher perfumes are excellent for the price. For instance, their Rose Absolu is really a great deal too, and it smells much more expensive than what you pay for it. October 21, 2012 at 3:39pm
Maureen: Thanks you, Sara! October 21, 2012 at 8:40pm
bluegardenia: I’m a tuberose fanatic, and I have (almost) all the tuberose perfumes I could ever want (not that I don’t read about new ones all the time that I plan on sampling!).
I have a really specific question that I’m not sure anyone will have an answer for…but here goes. Does anyone recognize the top note(s) in L’Artisan Partumeur’s Tubereuse (the original, discontinued one) ?
Is it iris? Mimosa? Something almost a bit dry? I can’t figure it out and have never smelled it before or after. It’s the scent of the perfume when you’ve first sprayed it, before it turns into a straight up buttery tuberose after about 2 minutes! October 22, 2012 at 12:24am
sara: I think there could be some hint of geen notes although these have not been listed in the composition, subsequently the coconut becomes quite evident. What do you think? October 22, 2012 at 4:03am
sara: Excuse me, “some hint of green notes”. Regards October 22, 2012 at 4:04am
Victoria: Hmm, I will see if I can find my old sample, but I remember that the top notes were green + coconut. October 22, 2012 at 3:05pm
sara: I need some advice,
I have been asked by a friend to find a perfume for him. He has a very particular own scent. His scent is quite strong but not bad (that’s why he never uses perfume) and somehow I think it can be described as sweet, thick, salty, metallic and animalic: a sort of blood scent.
I have three options in mind before testing:
1st option: Strong scents such as Chanel “Antaeus” or even Coco EDT (less sweet than extrait or EDP)
2nd option: wood + cognac/rum or wood + dark cacao (not sweet). such as Frapin 1697 or Nez a Nez “Marron Chic”
3rd option: using its own blood scent , patchouly + rose (blood rose and other different roses) like Frederic Malle “Portrait of a Lady” or ELO “Rossy de Palma Eau de Protection”.
What do you think? October 22, 2012 at 6:23am
Barbara: Rossy de Palma Eau de Protection is a great perfume on a man. I also Rosine’s Rose d’HOmme. October 22, 2012 at 8:00am
E: I would second the Rossy de Palma. I loved it, but it was not for me. I could see it working really well on a man, where the darker notes that smelled a bit like cigarettes on me might find a better home. I am not sure about Coco on a man with a natural scent that you describe. It might smell too much like a “cover up” rather than something that compliments? October 22, 2012 at 12:18pm
sara: I think you’re right as I don’t want a scent to “make up” his own smell but to enhance it. Thank you so much for the help October 22, 2012 at 12:30pm
Victoria: Rossy de Palma sounds like a great choice to me. You can get a sample for him and see how it reacts with his skin. October 22, 2012 at 3:07pm
Ferris: Hello all, I am looking for a good musky animalistic scent. One that has alot of ambergris, honey or ambrette seeds in it.I love the drydown of Creed fragrances especially GIT (Green Irish Tweed).The ambergris that Ive been smelling in most fragrances are quite minimal and somewhat dissapointing. Very faint and you cant really tell its there. I would like something that has the Creed ambergris drydown without the high price. I also love leather and incense. October 22, 2012 at 10:20am
sara: I can think of “Eau D’Issey pour homme intense”, “Visit for Men” by Azzaro or Montana’s “Parfum d’homme”.
Although Balmain’s “Ambre gris” does not contain ambregris, give it a try. Regards October 22, 2012 at 12:29pm
Victoria: Have you tried Hermes Eau des Merveilles? It’s one of the better ambergris fragrances IMO. October 22, 2012 at 3:07pm
Ferris: I never knew ambergris was in that fragrance (Hermes Eau des Merveilles). Wow the things you learn. Is it more pronounced in the edt or edp versions. I smelled both and I didn’t really pick up on the ambergris in either. Back then I wasn’t really looking for it. This was a few months ago before I became a perfume enthusiast aka fumehead. The only thing I can vaguely recall is the sweetness of the edp and nothing else. October 23, 2012 at 9:21am
Caela: Hopefully I’m not too late, and there are still some people about who could help me out with a couple of recommendations. I recently got a Sonoma Scent Studio sampler, which was lovely, and it’s leading me towards thinking that I ought to explore perfume beyond my typical orientals and tuberoses.
I loved Jour Ensoleille not just for the white florals, but particularly for its green and fuzzy drydown. I know it’s supposed to be a chypre, but my previous limited exploration of chypres had lead me to think I wasn’t really a fan- I do wear Rochas Femme, but that’s only because I’m a cumin junkie, and Mitsouko and Bandit were complete failures for me (particularly Bandit- it’s the smell of an overflowing bar ashtray on me). Can anyone recommend any chypres of this softer JE type?
Secondly, I’d love some recommendations for violet perfumes. I adored SSS’s Wood Violet and quite liked Cameo, but they weren’t a precise fit for my personality. There was something a bit too pale-melancholic-Edwardian-girl about Wood Violet to fit my usual SL Fleurs d’Oranger/Serge Noire/MKK/AG Ambre Fetiche rotation.
Thanks! October 22, 2012 at 11:41am
sara: As far as your first question is concerned I recommend you to try Ysatis by Givenchy whose drydown can be soft or to look for Panthere by Cartier (discontinued I think but you can find it in some shops). As far as Violet is concerned,
what about Serge Lutens’ Bois de Violette?, it seems to fit in your description. Regards October 22, 2012 at 12:41pm
Victoria: Caela, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette or Feminite du Bois would be my first choices for your violet quest. Both sounds like they would fit in. Since you love Rochas Femme, you should try Bottega Veneta too. It’s a leather-iris and violet, but it was inspired by Femme.
Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with Jour Ensoleille. October 22, 2012 at 3:12pm
Annikky: Hi, Caela!
I third Bois de Violette, especially considering your usual rotation. But just as a thought – if you are looking for something that simply smells like violet, Annick Goutal’s La Violette might be worth a sniff. I was very surprised to like it, as a violet soliflore does’t sound like my thing at all. I suspect it would be great layered over something woody or leathery. October 23, 2012 at 4:54am
Caela: Sara, Victoria and Anikky- Thank you so much for your recommendations! It’s wonderful to be guided in my exploration by others who know more. October 23, 2012 at 2:04pm
Annikky: Dear Caela, I seriously doubt that I know more than you do, I am simply having an embarrassing crush on violet:) October 24, 2012 at 4:09am
E: I’m also late to the party (and new to commenting). But I suppose mine is a more philosophical question. I have a small perfume collection of my favorites, but I’m not sure I’m experienced enough to note any kind of connection between the scents that I like. For example, on my dresser I have Gucci Envy, Stella, Chanel Coco, and Dzing and Bvlgari Black (two new favorites thanks to this site). I have smelled and liked Coromandel, 31 Rue Cambon, and Angel (!), too. I cannot really locate any thread between these all that might help me look for new perfumes I might like. Does anyone more experienced with scents than I am see a pattern or have a thought about this? October 22, 2012 at 12:15pm
sara: You can read descriptions of those perfumes in diverse blogs and try to find the links or visit some websites like fragrantica.com or basenotes.com and look for perfumes that share the same notes. I think this is the best way to collect new ideas and to start learning about perfumes and about your own tastes. Best regards. October 22, 2012 at 12:48pm
Victoria: You have diverse tastes, which is always great! If I were to take a look at that collection and tease out the common threads, it would be that you love leather and patchouli notes. And that you prefer your florals crisp and not too sweet.
Oh, and Coromandel and Angel are siblings! 🙂 October 22, 2012 at 3:14pm
E: Thanks very much, sara and Victoria! I did note that Coromandel and Angel both have the chocolate note, and I have been surprised by the fact that I apparently like leather scents quite a bit (though I think I will have to work up to Cuir de Russie!). I’ll just chalk up the green scents and the rose scents to that diversity in taste, then, and eagerly await my samples of other Olivia Giacobetti creations, and Ta’if, and Kelly Caleche… and see what happens. This posting is so much fun, and I’ve learned a lot from reading the comments on this one and the previous one, too! October 22, 2012 at 10:25pm
Victoria: I’m so happy to hear this, and I look forward to reading about your discoveries further. Please let me know how those samples turn out. October 24, 2012 at 6:58am
Vishishta: I will be in Istanbul in the Spring. I would love to hear about any perfume shops/factories that would be good to tour there, especially in the area of rose? October 22, 2012 at 2:11pm
Victoria: I don’t know about rose factories, but I highly recommend visiting the spice market around the Grand Bazaar (inside the Bazaar itself, the prices are higher and the ambiance is more touristy). The spice market is where the locals shop, and you can find some amazing spices there. If I were to shop there, I would buy kekik (dried oregano leaves that are delicious sprinkled over salads or grilled lamb), marash biber (pepper flakes that taste of dried apricots), urfa biber (smoked pepper flakes that are tangy, smoky and incense-like). And get some pistachios and hazelnuts too! 🙂 October 22, 2012 at 3:17pm
Vishishta: Thanks Victoria! I appreciate your advice–into my travel notes they go! October 22, 2012 at 3:57pm
Iryna: Could you please recommend me a perfume most similar to the discontinued Armani Sensi? Thank you October 23, 2012 at 10:09am
sara: Hi!
Floral + almond drives me to “Toujours Glamour” by Moschino but you can also try Serge Lutens’ “Louve” (jasmine + almond) or something a bit more complex (where the rose scent is pretty evident) which is Mohur by Neela Vermeire. Regards October 23, 2012 at 10:48am
Victoria: Hi Iryna, two weeks ago Tatiana asked the same question. Scroll to her comment here and you will find some suggestions:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2012/10/recommend-me-a-perfume-and-a-contest.html October 23, 2012 at 10:57am
Iryna: Thank you! October 23, 2012 at 11:08am
Iris: Hello All,
I would love recommendations on a fragrance that is muted, it can be sweet or powdery or spicy or woodsy or any combination there of, but it cannot be pungent. An example of pungent is OJ Woman, Nuda by Nasomatto (although I adore it), Chanel No. 19 edt. I hope this makes sense. Thank you! October 24, 2012 at 2:19am
Victoria: Have you tried Love Chloe? It is a soft, second skin type scent. Also Chanel Beige, which I recommended to someone else in this thread who was looking for a soft, muted perfume.
And if you like No 19 edt, but find it sharp, it’s worth trying its soft, powdery version No 19 Poudre. It’s musky, tender, very easy to wear. October 24, 2012 at 7:01am
Ada: I second Victoria’s sugestion for Chanel Beige, it is such a restrained muted beauty October 26, 2012 at 5:45pm
forget-me-not: Could you please advise me where I can get glass vials, especially ones with a spray top? Also, how do you make decants? Do you use special pippets and where can I get them then?
Many thanks! October 30, 2012 at 8:06am
Geneviève: I’m not an expert, but I have a friend who buys it on the store of the website «The perfumed Court» and she is very satisfied. She said that all her supplies have quality, but I never tried them, so I can’t guarantee it. I hope this help. November 1, 2012 at 7:21pm
Victoria: I usually buy them on Ebay (and you can get pipettes there too). If you use spray bottles from which you are decanting, just adjust the nozzle over the vial and spray inside. If the bottle is a splash style, then pipettes work best of all. November 2, 2012 at 3:08am
Geneviève: Hello perfume lovers! What a great idea you had Victoria! I was wondering if you all could help me! I’m looking for a new perfume too and I like powdery scents, rose, jasmine, violet, incense, citrus, corriander and spicies in general
I’m 25 and I’m looking for a feminine scent, not girly. I’m a girly naive girl, but I like my perfume to show my deeper personality. To me it’s like a balance.
There is one thing that I hate, it’s anis.
I wear : L’interdit (2007 version), Shalimar, Chance eau fraîche, J’adore, Chanel no.19 poudré.
Thank you all ! 🙂 November 1, 2012 at 1:55pm
Victoria: Geneviève, if you don’t get many responses in this thread, I will move your question to the next round of “Recommend me a Perfume” (next week).
Anyway, if you like coriander and Shalimar, I would recommend Etat Libre d’Orange Fils de Dieu. It has such an elegant personality, but it’s sparkling as well. I keep mentioning this perfume again and again, but I like it very much and it seems to fit your description–Tom Ford Violet Blonde.
And what about Love Chloe? It’s powdery, but soft and radiant. A beautiful fragrance. November 2, 2012 at 3:07am
Geneviève: Thank you ! I’ll try to smell them fast. You are true, I tried Love Chloe and it’s really my type of perfume but I feel it’s missing «un je-ne-sais-quoi» that would make me want to buy it for myself… Soon I’ll smell Tom Ford Blonde, it’s sound lovely. And for the first, I never seen that brand in any shop… Maybe we can’t buy it in Canada? That would be my first choice to smell because I REALLY love Shalimar and Corriander… Thank you again! November 2, 2012 at 9:50am
Geneviève: And by the way, I’m glad you will do again this activity! It’s so fun to read! 🙂 November 2, 2012 at 12:56pm
forget-me-not: Dear Geneviève and Victoria, thank you very much for your advice! It is very helpful! I love this blog 🙂 November 2, 2012 at 7:20am
Dawn: Could someone point the way to a woody, balsamy fragrance that lasts at least 5 hours?
Thanks– November 2, 2012 at 4:33pm
Katerina: Genevieve, you should try 1000 and Sublime by J. Patou. Especially the second one is an all time classic. November 3, 2012 at 4:44am
Geneviève: Thank you very much Katerina, believe it or not I never smelled a Jean Patou perfume (not even Joy!). It’s time for me to make my homeworks!!! Thanks for the advice! November 4, 2012 at 4:03pm
Louise Rayfield: My beloved Le Dix by Balenciaga is no longer available. I need a suggestion for a similar scent. I can only wear a few fragrances. Two other favorites: Flower by Kenzo and Prada Infusion d’Iris. December 10, 2012 at 8:09pm