Recommend Me a Perfume : April 2021

Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. You can use this space to find perfume recommendations, to share your discoveries and favorite scents, and to ask any questions about scents, aromas and flavors. Or you can just tell us what perfume you are wearing!

How does it work: 1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know what you end up sampling. 2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!

To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link under their comment.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin, apple blossoms

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176 Comments

  • Ugo: Hello everybody! I would like some recommendation for a LILAC perfume. I tried A lilac a day by Vilhelm Parfumerie and is very good but maybe there is an alternative less expensive then 200 euros. Thank you 🙃 April 26, 2021 at 9:08am Reply

    • KatieAnn: Pacifica French Lilac is very nice and not pricey. If you can get it where you live, it’s definitely worth a try. April 26, 2021 at 9:40am Reply

    • Dorothee: I recently got a free sample of Lila’s Exquis by Jacques Fath that is quite nice and not too expensive. To me it does smell like Lilacs. April 26, 2021 at 10:18am Reply

      • Karina: I second that recommendation. Recently tried a sample of Lilac Exquis and enjoyed it very much. Also has notes of linden and enough of green to make it fresh and spring like. Would also recommend trying En Passant. April 26, 2021 at 3:04pm Reply

    • merylam: They are also expensive options, but en passant from fredric malle and after my own heart from Inneke. Both not cheap, but I think cheaper than the VP April 26, 2021 at 11:23am Reply

      • Matty: Ineke also sells a deluxe sample collection for about $35, nice way to try an American perfumer, very interesting scents. Her After My Own Heart is quite lovely. April 26, 2021 at 1:57pm Reply

    • Carla: En Passant by Frederic Malle April 26, 2021 at 11:33am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Hugo: There is also Jean Patou Vacances, originally quite expensive but currently heavily discounted, at least in the UK where I am. April 26, 2021 at 2:08pm Reply

      • Deanna: I bought this when the last search came up for Lilac perfumes, – there is a reason this is cheap, it doesn’t smell of anything much! It’s So weak.
        I would definitely recommend En Passant, I just buy the 10 ml size, it is worth the money, It lingers so beautifully. April 27, 2021 at 2:22am Reply

        • Julia: Another recommendation for En Passant. I will never be without it. April 30, 2021 at 10:19am Reply

    • rickyrebarco: En Passant definitely. FM is offering a number of its scents in smaller sizes now so hopefully that is an option.
      Another pretty lilac is Ex Nihilo’s Sweet Morphine, but I think it’s above the price point. Ex Nihilo now has some travel sets that contain one of this scent that might be worth exploring. April 26, 2021 at 2:41pm Reply

    • ShirleyP: I asked this question about a year or two ago. I love lilacs. I tried most of the suggestions, and here are my findings. Vilhelm Parfumerie Lilac was a big disappointment to me, and I bought 4 bottles. I was so sure this was IT! It does smell like lilacs, but very soon “POOF”, it totally disappears on me. I would describe it as a weak soliflore. I think Pacifica just smells cheap. Everybody said “En Passant” was the absolute best, so I sprung for it. Early on it is beautiful and complicated, but then the lilac disappears and my husband usually describes it as “gack”. My favorite turned out to be “Lilas Exquis” by Fath. Second favorite is “Vacances”. When I ordered the Fath perfume “Lilas Exquis” directly from the Fath web page it took a little long to arrive. I think from France. They also included four other samples of their fragrances. I really loved another one, named “Rosso Epicureo”. I suggest never buying from EBay or Amazon. Many fakes there that “look” so similar to the real thing. I do often get samples from “Luckyscent” or “ThePerfumedCourt” before deciding to buy a full bottle. I trust that Luckyscent is reputable and sells the real stuff. For anything else expensive I buy directly from the perfume house. April 26, 2021 at 5:32pm Reply

    • Sara: People have already said “En Passant” byFrédéric Malle but I have to say, it’s my favorite lilac scent. It is so breathtakingly beautiful that even for me, a person with a small budget, it is simply irreplaceable and essential. Some people say they find the cucumber note or the wheat note unappealing, but I think they just add the most wonderful pastoral feeling to an already authentically outdoorsy scent. April 26, 2021 at 10:27pm Reply

    • Katya: I think Yardley has a nice lilac option as far as budget friendly options. There’s also one by Aromas Artesanales de Antigua if you like a hand soap/body lotion type of thing instead. Both are sold in Tesco’s in the UK so v budget friendly. April 27, 2021 at 5:20am Reply

    • Abby: Rue des Lilas by Phaedon is very nice, and would fit your budget. April 27, 2021 at 10:52am Reply

      • Sebastian: I second that. However, be prepared to encounter at least as much lily of the valley as lilac.

        If you can’t stand either the calone, the indole or the price of En passant, this would be my substitute. April 27, 2021 at 4:08pm Reply

    • D: Vaporocindro Eau de Parfum — January Scent Project smells like a lilac tree in a grassy backyard which has been soaked by an early spring rain.
      Zoologist Hummingbird is a gorgeous bouquet with lilacs dominating April 27, 2021 at 2:49pm Reply

    • Johaboha: The new Issey Myiake ‘a drop’ has a lilac note and it’s quite strong! It has a lovely bottle too. April 28, 2021 at 1:47am Reply

    • Ninon: Puredistance Opardu, though I recently recently received a sample from a new bottle and fear it may have been reformulated. Still beautiful, though with more powder and less complexity. Also $$$, unfortunately. April 28, 2021 at 9:04pm Reply

    • M: En Passant from Frederic Malle is just lovely April 29, 2021 at 6:28am Reply

    • ShirleyP: Also meant to say I love Aerin’s Lilac Path. April 30, 2021 at 7:19pm Reply

  • Anne: What’s your favorite lily of the valley perfume? I’d like something that smells fresh and springlike. 🙂 April 26, 2021 at 9:15am Reply

    • Ugo: A very faithful muguet is Diorissimo, now I know it well cause I smelled real lily of the valley. Another good choice is Mughetto by Italian brand L’Erbolario, a bit more then 20 euros and you get a really good scent! Another muguet is Lily of the valley by Floris. Then there is Iperborea by Lorenzo Villoresi, a good fresh scent that smells of fresh spring air, umid linen drying in the sun and a touch of muguet. April 26, 2021 at 9:53am Reply

    • Maria Yanushevskaya: Recently I have been on a quest to find an uplifting « muguet » perfume for this spring. I tried samples of Sottile by Yosh, Rosine’s Muguet and even Xerjoff’s accento overdose. In the end I settled for a mini from Hermes Le muguet porcelaine and ordered a full size Odalisque by Nickolai because it’s seemed the most joyful. April 26, 2021 at 10:14am Reply

      • Kneale: Now I’m intrigued by the Hermes Muguet Porcelaine and Nicolai’s Odalisque. Thank you, Maria. My go-to scents lately have been Diptyque’s Eau Rose and Zara’s Emotions Vetiver Pamplemousse. April 26, 2021 at 10:30am Reply

        • Maria Yanushevskaya: And mine latest perfume love thanks to Victoria’s wonderful review: Rose Griotte de Rosine. It’s a spring in a bottle. April 26, 2021 at 10:43am Reply

        • Carla: I don’t think of lily of the valley when I smell it, but Odalisque is one of the most beautiful mixed floral perfumes on the market April 26, 2021 at 11:31am Reply

      • Karina: Odalisque is beautiful! Great choice 🙂 April 26, 2021 at 3:06pm Reply

      • Sebastian: Odalisque is a favorite of mine. It is both joyful and somewhat aloof in the chypre manner. There is a LOT of indole from the jasmin, I just love it. Certainly this is not a happily harmless spring scent. No sweetness at all, which is a good thing, too. Dries down developing a wonderful soft warmth that totally fuses with my skin. There have been days I thought it had totally gone, but when I went out into the sun, this skin scent reappeared. Absolutely wonderful. Don’t miss it. April 27, 2021 at 4:19pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Anne: I second Floris Lily of the valley and add Cartier Pur Muguet. April 26, 2021 at 2:11pm Reply

      • katherine x: I’ll second Aurora’s Cartier Pur Muguet recommendation for Lily of the valley. It’s realistic, slightly green, pretty and straightforward. May 4, 2021 at 10:27pm Reply

    • rickyrebarco: A lovely muguet is Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordinaire Muguet. It’s a beauty in my opinion. There is also a Parfums de Rosine that combines rose and muguet that is very nice as well. April 26, 2021 at 2:38pm Reply

    • Karina: No one has mentioned penhaligon‘s lily of the valley. It’s a bit prim perhaps, but I still enjoy it on occasion. April 26, 2021 at 3:18pm Reply

    • Sara: My favorite LOTV is Lily by Comme des Garçons. Don’t be fooled by the name because it’s not a lily, it’s a true lily of the valley soliflore. I gushed about it in a previous thread here. It’s bright and green at first, then darker and heady and creamy. Utter perfection to me. More modern than the current formulation of Diorissimo, less somber to my nose. April 26, 2021 at 10:32pm Reply

    • Katya: Danzatoria by Carner. Got a sample from another order and bought a FB immediately. Pricy but so good. April 27, 2021 at 5:21am Reply

    • Charlotte: Hi Anne, although it’s perhaps not a perfume masterpiece, I like Idylle by Guerlain. Tart but not sharp, well blended with a pretty musk base. Not too challenging, just a fresh spring floral with lots of LOTV, very easy to wear. There are also a few flankers with varied florals, I haven’t tried them though and they may be discontinued? April 30, 2021 at 2:57am Reply

    • Annag: I don’t think it’s regularly touted as an LOTV, but I love the MFK Aqua Universalis. It comes closest to my memory of the LOTV fragrances I wore in my early 20s — inexpensive but I enjoyed them. June 11, 2021 at 1:48pm Reply

  • Judith: Hello everyone
    I would like a perfume that is true cedar . I like Hermes Terre de home but looking for something new I don’t like fruity or heavy scents
    Thanks April 26, 2021 at 9:42am Reply

    • KatieAnn: Give Hermes Cedre Sambac a try. It is very woody to my nose. April 26, 2021 at 12:10pm Reply

    • Karina: Hmmm, have your tried Tam Dao? It‘s usually recommended as a Sandalwood, but it has an equally hefty dose of cedar. As does Radio Bombay from DS& Durga April 26, 2021 at 3:09pm Reply

      • Tami: I thought of Tam Dao as well, and in the same way. I’ve noticed that several of Diptyque’s scents have a lovely cedar note to them. My favorite, Oyedo, also has cedar in its base. April 26, 2021 at 3:41pm Reply

    • Sara: I agree with Karina’s suggestion. The cedar in Tam Dao is amazing! I get more cedar than sandalwood from it. On my partner it pulls more sandalwood but on me it stays cedary. April 26, 2021 at 10:34pm Reply

    • Karina: I just remembered – Maya Njie has released two cedar bases scents: Nordic Cedar and Vanilj. Haven’t been able to try but have seem some positive reviews. Cedar with kardamon – I’m quite intrigued myself. May 2, 2021 at 3:46am Reply

  • Ugo: A very faithful muguet is Diorissimo, now I know it well cause I smelled real lily of the valley. Another good choice is Mughetto by Italian brand L’Erbolario, a bit more then 20 euros and you get a really good scent! Another muguet is Lily of the valley by Floris. Then there is Iperborea by Lorenzo Villoresi, a good fresh scent that smells of fresh spring air, umid linen drying in the sun and a touch of muguet. April 26, 2021 at 9:52am Reply

  • Mela: Diorissimo is wonderful and comes out of the back of the cabinet every spring. It is nice to get more lily-of-the valley recommendations! April 26, 2021 at 10:09am Reply

  • Andrea: Hi All, recently I discovered I really like perfumes where orange blossom is a supporting act. Orange blossom centric perfumes tend to be a bit too much on the freshie side for me, at least the ones I have tried, but I noticed that it can be a beautiful supporting note in more complex fragrances, like Ormonde Jayne Tolu. So I’m wondering if you have any recommendations for orange blossom which is a bit more interesting than your usual citrus-aromatic type. I’m guessing Seville a l’Aube would kind of fit that category, but that’s discontinued and I’m interested in more easily accessible options. April 26, 2021 at 11:07am Reply

    • Nina Z: Neroli Intense from Parfums de Nicholai is beautiful and unique and definitely not a freshie. It is also available in very small sizes. April 26, 2021 at 11:13am Reply

      • Andrea: I will check that out, thanks for the tip! Nicolai is also a reasonably priced brand, another thing in its favor. April 26, 2021 at 1:04pm Reply

    • Carla: How interesting that Tolu has orange blossom! It was one of my regular scents this past cold winter. It is so well done April 26, 2021 at 11:32am Reply

      • Andrea: It is beautiful! April 26, 2021 at 1:02pm Reply

    • GinaP: I was going to heartily recommend Seville à l’Aube but had no idea it’s discontinued! April 26, 2021 at 11:33am Reply

      • Andrea: Yes, sadly! It sounds great though! April 26, 2021 at 1:01pm Reply

      • Patricia: Damn! Glad I bought a backup bottle, as I love it. It’s very honeyed – heavy on the beeswax. April 27, 2021 at 1:22pm Reply

      • Charlotte: I didn’t know this either; what a tragedy! Seville is one of my favourite fragrances, definitely my top orange blossom, so I’m sad to hear it. Will have to savour the rest of my bottle as just looked online and it doesn’t seem to be available anywhere 🙁 April 30, 2021 at 1:42am Reply

        • anonymoose: You can still get a decant of Seville A’Laube from perfuum.com May 23, 2021 at 4:29pm Reply

    • Matty: Fragonard has Fleur d’oranger, only the head note is orange blossom but with bergamot, mandarine, jasmine in middle & honey & musk at bottom it’s lovely. April 26, 2021 at 2:02pm Reply

      • Andrea: Thank you! I haven’t had any experience with Fragonard yet, maybe it’s time to start. 🙂 April 28, 2021 at 6:24am Reply

    • Tati: I also like orange mixed with something else. Although the notes of Seville a l’Aube should have worked for me, it was always too sweet on my skin. For a subtle, daytime scent, I love Knot, by Botega Veneta. Also, Hermes Elixir des Merveilles. April 26, 2021 at 2:34pm Reply

      • Andrea: Oh I love the original EdM, I will look around to try the Elixir, thanks! And also the Knot, I only tried the first Bottega. Thanks for the tips! April 28, 2021 at 6:23am Reply

    • Terry: Andrea, Sylvaine Delacourte has a new orange blossom collection. I have tried her musk and vanilla collections. I am just about to order the samples for her orange blossom fragrances. I do love her scents…long lasting and lovely! I am addicted to her fragrances! She gives her collection such interesting little twists! I hope this helps in your search, Andrea. April 27, 2021 at 11:21am Reply

      • Andrea: Thank you for the suggestion! I checked and my local store carries them, I will definitely order some samples, sounds like an interesting collection! April 28, 2021 at 6:21am Reply

    • irem: What about 24, Faubourg by Hermes, definitely built on orange blossom but miles and miles away from a citrus cologne. I love how it is “perfumey” (i.e., does not smell like a natural single ingredient, but it is an abstract composition) and therefore gives an almost old-fashioned vibe. April 28, 2021 at 11:00am Reply

  • Danelle: I recently purchased my last quantities of old favorites, and it’s time to move on – LOL! My daily wear is usually Vent Vert by Balmain or Ma Griffe by Carven. I’d like to stay in the green chypre family for the next round of sampling. I don’t like sillage. 😉 Recommendations? April 26, 2021 at 11:21am Reply

    • AR: I’d like to recommend Chanel 31 rue Cambon. April 26, 2021 at 12:36pm Reply

      • Nina Z: That’s a very beautiful chypre so worth trying, but I wouldn’t call it a green chypre. April 26, 2021 at 4:26pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Danelle: Maybe you would like Jean-Louis Scherrer and Jacomo Silences. April 26, 2021 at 2:19pm Reply

    • Karina: Chanel 19 or Mitsouko April 26, 2021 at 3:11pm Reply

      • Karina: Also, maybe Iris Poudre from Frederic Malle? April 26, 2021 at 3:28pm Reply

    • Nina Z: The perfumes you’re currently wearing are old classics! And famous for good reasons. I’m afraid it’s really hard to come up with a list of modern green chypres, though. Possibly because their out of fashion right now or maybe because of ingredient restrictions? Rogue Perfumery has one called Chypre-Siam that has its fans and there’s one from another Indie perfumer that I can’t remember just now but maybe it will come to me later.

      I recently tried Lady Day by Maria Candida Gentile and it was kind of amazing, a very, very green gardenia scent. But it’s not really a chypre just that strong green combined with gardenia.

      Victoria has this: https://boisdejasmin.com/2020/08/new-style-chypre-perfumes.html April 26, 2021 at 4:38pm Reply

      • Nina Z: they’re, not their–duh April 26, 2021 at 4:38pm Reply

      • Nina Z: I still haven’t remembered the other green chypre I’ve tried recently, but I did find out about this one: Chypre Mousse by L Oriza Legrand. April 27, 2021 at 1:48pm Reply

        • Sebastian: Chypre Mousse is very nice, but although it is called “chypre” it barely fits into what we understand by this category nowadays. It is very green, but also very herbal and earthy, heavy on fennel, mint, pine and especially angelica. Indeed it is a scent I love, but not at all anything like those classics Danielle has mentioned.

          Chypre Siam I find, let’s say, unsophisticated. If you’re after something with a lemongrass note, try Grey Stone Castle (from The World in Scents) which embodies classiness and sophistication and perhaps might be classified as chypre.

          A wonderful green chypre in classic style is Odalisque, mentioned in the lily of the valley topic. As is the Scherrer which Aurora recommended. The latter also has the advantage of not only being one of the best chypres I know, but also being inexpensive.

          A modern, non-IFRA compliant green narcissus chypre with old-fashioned oakmoss is Miguel Matous’ Club Majestic. Just the right measure of animalic notes and sharpness. I love that one. Totally seventies, although it’s supposed to evoke the twenties, but I wasn’t around back then. You’ve got to like narcissus, of course, but here it is not at all heavy-handed.

          A modern take on green chypre is presented by Young Hearts (Bruno Acampora), a very fresh, very green and very foresty scent (think boreal forest). It has won an Arts & Olfaction Award and in fact was also created by Matous. Matous is just great at making perfumes that almost go over the top, but then don’t. They somehow manage to keep a balance, but also keep you on your toes. Quite exciting.

          Even better, in my opinion, than those two, softer, a little powdery and totally convincing is Meleg’s Civet Cat Chypre, although it is not so green and made with real civet. Although this is harvested in an animal-friendly way, this will put some people off.

          If you’re looking for some charming, simple, innocent, happy, refreshing very green scent that includes a bit of citrus and grass and herbs and lavender and patchouli and oakmoss, so might be considered as related to the chypre family, there’s Ealing Green by 4711 Tuesdays.

          End of run-through of some of my current favorites.

          End of run-down of some of my favorite green scents. April 27, 2021 at 4:57pm Reply

          • Nina Z: Wonderful list of recommendations, Sebastian. I used to wear green chypres back in the day, including Ma Griffe, but it’s not a style I’m that interested in these days. So I’m glad you gave such a long and detailed reply. And I actually agree with you about Chypre Siam. But I have friends who love it so I thought I’d suggest it because everyone has different taste and with all the IFRA restrictions these days it’s hard to find an actual chypre with oakmoss in it. April 28, 2021 at 12:53pm Reply

    • Katya: I recently got a bunch of green samples from Bloom perfumery. Some might fit the bill:

      Lentisque by Phaedon Paris
      Mimosa Tanneron by Perris Monte Carlo
      Malachite Flower by Brocard (though they say it’s more of a fougere)

      I also enjoyed Aube Pashmina by Pierre Guillaume but the staying power on me just doesn’t justify it. April 27, 2021 at 5:27am Reply

    • Kris: You might like Eau de Jane by Jane Daly. She was inspired by your favorites. I think it’s very elegant, and definitely green. If you like your sample, you can put the cost of it towards a full bottle on her site. April 27, 2021 at 10:32am Reply

    • Patricia: I am low on Vent Vert too, but to ring the changes I wear Jacomo Silences, Scherrer I, Azurée and Alliage both by Estée Lauder, Bandit by Piguet, Givenchy III and even Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene. All worth a look, though possibly not all chypres. April 27, 2021 at 1:26pm Reply

    • Ninon: I love green floral chypres, but those two are sharp to my nose, so I’m not sure you will care for my recs. I prefer darker, softer chypres in general–Niki de St Phalle and Verte Pour Madame are my favorites, though I also love Givenchy III, Audace, and, of course, Miss Dior. April 28, 2021 at 9:08pm Reply

      • Nina: Niki de Saint Phalle and Givenchy III are wonderful suggestions. I’m not sure, though, whether they are generally available anymore. Still worth trying for sure! April 29, 2021 at 4:29pm Reply

    • Safran: Chanel Paris – Deauville is a nice green chypre without much sillage April 30, 2021 at 12:09pm Reply

    • Krysoberyl: Green Spell from Eris might be worth a sniff May 30, 2021 at 3:34am Reply

  • Nubia Roque: Hello I would like your comments about Estee Lauder‘s “Youth Dew” April 26, 2021 at 11:40am Reply

    • Tami: I think it may be one you need to try for yourself, as it seems both personal and polarizing. On me, it clung very unpleasantly, and for a couple days. It smelled fussy and dated on my skin. Mind you, I tend towards white florals and citruses… quite a different experience! However, others absolutely adore it and also seem to like it in its various formats (bath oil, body powder, etc)—and they’d describe it as more vintage, classic, perhaps even luxurious. Harkening back to more glamorous times, or of loved ones who wore it.

      Once you try it yourself (if you haven’t already), you will know for sure. But the key is, how do *you* feel wearing it? My guess is that if you love it, others will come to associate it with you in a positive manner. April 26, 2021 at 3:52pm Reply

      • Nubia Roque: Thank you for your answer, you are right, The choice of a perfume is very personal and with associated with our past experiences, memories etc. April 26, 2021 at 4:24pm Reply

      • D: Vaporocindro Eau de Parfum — January Scent Project smells like a lilac tree in a grassy backyard which has been soaked by an early spring rain.
        Zoologist Hummingbird is a gorgeous bouquet with lilacs dominating April 27, 2021 at 2:51pm Reply

        • D: Sorry the system repeated my lilac recommendations.

          As for Youth Dew, I remember sniffing my mother’s when I was quite little. was wondering if anyone had any comments on the contemporary formulation. April 27, 2021 at 2:56pm Reply

    • Patricia: I like it squirted in the bath and sprayed in the bags where I put clothes away out of season. I don’t often wear it as a perfume because it is SO long-lasting, it lasts for days and survives the shower. April 27, 2021 at 1:27pm Reply

      • Nubia Roque: Hi
        thank you for taking the time to answer this, there is a review of the fragance by the two guys from a channel called “Wafts from the Loft”
        The posting is called “vintage fragrance purchases“ and they praise it. Definitely an intriguing fragance. April 27, 2021 at 1:54pm Reply

        • Patricia: I think it’s great if you’re in the mood, but I’m never in the mood for it several days in a row. 🙂 April 27, 2021 at 3:15pm Reply

  • Joy: I read an article the other day that governmental agencies inbtj.g e US and EU are going to place more restrictions in fragrance components.
    Perhaps you are aware of the consequences, Victoria?

    Thank you. April 26, 2021 at 1:29pm Reply

    • Nina Z: There was an excellent article in the Washington Post about this. I imagine it will be hard to predict the exact fall out from this, whether perfumes you love will be reformulated or even discontinued. But it does make me think that if you’re on the fence about buying something you love, you should do it now. The article prompted me to buy Sweet Redemption (refill bottle) because it looks to me like it’s on the way out…. April 26, 2021 at 4:24pm Reply

      • Joy: Thank you! Yes, I had read the article in the Washington Post. You also answered my underlying question, should I purchase now? April 26, 2021 at 5:52pm Reply

        • Patricia: I think the answer is always to buy it now. I have a whole box of ‘backups’, unopened, of my favourite fragrances and I’m glad of it, as they do keep reformulating stuff and also many of my faves seem to get discontinued. April 27, 2021 at 1:29pm Reply

  • John: Hello everyone,

    I have a very specific question based on a recent experience with the 1970’s ‘reference’ aromatic fougère, Azzaro Pour Homme. As spring came around, I went looking for a fern and bought a new bottle of this, having sampled various vintages of it in the past; though reformulation of this fragrance (which originally relied heavily on oakmoss) is a common lament among fans, I enjoyed the current version. Despite its reputation as embodying the ‘macho’ 1970’s, I found it characterful but surprisingly good humoured and easy to wear – old school, certainly, but more ‘well-groomed’ (Brycream, Barbasol, Pinaud Clubman aftershave, fennel toothpaste) than ‘powerhouse’. The initial citrus and lavender notes are a bit sharp, but this is offset by an herbal freshness (basil, carraway, sage and fennel) that create a brisk tonic sensation that stops just short of medicinal. The greatest pleasure for me is in Azzaro’s long drydown, in which vetiver (sheer but a little rooty), orris and cedar merge with synthetic moss, musks and a mellow patchouli… The key to this fragrance from start to finish is star anise, which adds a sweet-savory ouzo-like twist that is instantly recognizable and settles wonderfully into the skin as time goes by. I was pleased to find that the new version, though a little lighter than some I have sampled, was actually more well-balanced than bottles I tried a few years ago, mostly due to a creamier tonka effect in the base that helped to smooth out that characteristic soapiness found in so many ‘barbershop’ or ‘wet-shaver’ fragrances. I thought I had found a regular friend. Unfortunately, it appears that I am allergic to something in this composition and cannot wear it for consecutive days without headaches and other problems.

    I am wondering if anyone can think of a comparable fragrance to replace Azzaro in my heart. The usual suspects mentioned are Aramis Tuscany and YSL Rive Gauche pour Homme…I have tried both and find them agreeable, but both are sadly now discontinued (the former just recently) and I want this relationship to have a future. While I know a lot about older fougères, I am not really up to speed on some newer niche explorations of the genre such as TF Bour de Jour, MFK Masculine Pluriel or Fougère Nobile 1942… My ideal would be made with good materials, but inexpensive enough to justify as part of a weekly work-scent rotation (in which Guerlain Vétiver, Caron Pour Un Homme and Habit Rouge are the mainstays.) Reading posts on sites like Fragrantica or Basenotes helps a little, but I find that a lot of reviews for niche perfumes address themselves to the more connoisseurial perspective of one who might have a large collection in which the fragrance in question would serve as much as a reference as an experience. I am looking for something more personal, a comment on the liveability of the fragrance (think of worn-in friendliness and companionability – sophisticated but also just comfort food to be enjoyed in quantity, like risotto with pancetta and black pepper) rather than an analysis of a wine that is swirled over the palate than spat into a bucket, so to speak. Your perspective is appreciated! April 26, 2021 at 1:33pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi John: Maybe the classic Geoffrey Beene Bowling Green would suit you. I buy it every year for my brother. It is very affordable but certainly doesn’t smell cheap. For winter if you like incensy, piney sweet, l’Occitane Eau des Baux is very good, I’ve also heard good things about Versace The Dreamer, another classic but haven’t tried it. April 27, 2021 at 12:55pm Reply

      • Patricia: The Dreamer is beautiful but they’ve apparently reformulated it and now it lasts about 10 minutes. Thank heavens, I have multiple 5ml bottles that I decanted – the original version is a fabulous, warm fougère with powerhouse longevity. April 27, 2021 at 1:37pm Reply

        • Aurora: Thank you for the update, Patricia,that’s a pity. April 27, 2021 at 4:05pm Reply

          • John: I purchased a small bottle of The Dreamer a few years ago at a discounter and really did enjoy it a lot — kind of a dryer-sheets-meet-punchbowl-tobacco character that was charming and comforting in an unabashedly synthetic way — not an easy feat to pull off! Very 21st century. I found performance with that bottle (maybe 2017?) quite good, but something in it irritated me (sadly, it appears I have a lot of fragrance material sensitivities) so I passed it on to my son. Caron’s and Guerlain’s perfumes seem to be among the few with which I have no issues at all. April 27, 2021 at 10:09pm Reply

      • John: Hi Aurora,

        Thanks for mentioning Bowling Green. I recall the adds as a teenager in the mid-80’s (I think it won a FIFI award at the time) and was always curious about it. I now read reviews noting a Drakkar Noir-esque aspect to it, which interests me because, though I enjoy the smell of Drakkar, I’ve never seen it as my kind of thing. I will keep an eye out for it. I enjoy Eau Des Baux a lot, but it is one of my son’s favourites, so I d not want to tread on his territory — great suggestion though! April 27, 2021 at 10:05pm Reply

    • Patricia: If you like Pour un Homme, Caron’s 3eme Homme is also very beautiful. I actually bought it for myself but it doesn’t suit me, but I LOVE it on my husband so much that he rarely wears anything else now. And do try Beene’s Grey Flannel (on your skin, not on a smelling strip, as it doesn’t ‘bloom’). It is rather an addictive fragrance, I find. Also, think about crossing the aisle and heading for the women’s orientals such as Feminité du Bois or any of the Serge Lutens’ unisex fragrances. Knize Ten is a great leather that’s been going since the 20s and is a wonderful, classy, classic fragrance. April 27, 2021 at 1:36pm Reply

      • John: Thanks Patricia, I own and admire Le Troisieme Homme, and wear it often in the winter for some reason — I think because of the warmth of its strong clove note. I wore Grey Flannel in the 1980’s as a teenager and, while the new version has some very recognizable aspects of it (notable some lovely notes in the opening like petitgrain, narcissus, iris…), the more linear, musky base base, lacking oakmoss, really changes the scent for me. Ordinarily I really tend to sidestep the whole ‘vintage vs. reformulation’ debate, I have trouble with this one, but do acknowledge that it is very unique! Perhaps I’m just trying to preserve some sliver of my adolescence in ideal terms? It certainly remains addictive. Ironically (given how many claim reformulations to be poorer in performance), the older bottling of Grey Flannel was actually not nearly as powerful as the very intensive newer version (I owned a 2018 splash bottle for awhile and a drop or two was sufficient for the day!)

        I’d love to get my hands on a sample of Knize Ten, and will try to order one soon — thanks for reminding me. April 27, 2021 at 10:02pm Reply

        • Patricia: Knize Ten comes in 15ml bottles, so you could get one of those as a test and decant into a sprayer. 🙂 Yatagan is another Caron that’s not been mucked about, though too masculine for me and a little uncomplicated. I also love Chambre Noire and Ombre Indigo by Olfactive Studio but they are a bit top-loaded. I would definitely work your way through the Serge Lutens if you can get them – Fumerie Turque, Cuir Mauresque, Cédre, etc – all great frags. April 28, 2021 at 7:42am Reply

          • John: Hi Patricia, thank you for these further suggestions! I own and admire Yatagan, but only seem to wear it in the depth of winter (when I really notice the appearance of a beautiful frankincense type of note) and the height of summer (when it reminds me of the Mojave desert and Russian sage)… While I find that it evolves on my skin, I think know what you mean about a lack of complexity, in my case, in the long, long drydown that feels mostly like animalic musks to me. I will try to seek out a small amount of Knize Ten if I can! As for Lutens, you can find them at the Sephora in Vancouver, Canada (I live on an island not far away), but I’m not sure, alas, how soon I will get there with things as they are. Armchair sampling for me right now…Tough because I’ve almost only ever found things that truly move me when sampling in person — maybe there is something in that? April 28, 2021 at 12:17pm Reply

            • Patricia: I think our relationship with scent is complicated. I think of myself as not caring about bottle design, for instance, but I now regret not getting Aramis Calligraphy in the wooden-capped bottle because I have Calligraphy Rose and Calligraphy Saffron in that bottle design and I’d like all three to line up. 😉 So perhaps I care a leetle beet…. If you like frankincense, Tauer’s L’Air du Desert Marocain might be worth a try, or Artisan’s Timbuktu – I wear both of these a lot, and Artisan’s Al Oudh too. April 28, 2021 at 12:58pm Reply

            • Charlotte: Hi John, I just saw your comment about ‘an island not far away’ from Vancouver, and wondered which one you were referring to? I grew up on Denman Island but have lived overseas for about 10 years now. Missing home a lot as I wasn’t able to get back for my usual visit last year.

              Anyway nice to ‘meet’ a fellow west-coast perfume lover! April 30, 2021 at 2:14am Reply

        • limegreen: I second Patricia’s recommendations to try Knize Ten and while you are at it, Knize Ten Golden Edition. I love Lutens Cuir Mauresque, but haven’t tried the new Grande Ciette formulation.
          Good luck on your quest! April 28, 2021 at 10:01am Reply

          • Patricia: How does the Golden Edition differ from the original? April 28, 2021 at 1:05pm Reply

            • limegreen: Touch of floral! Edges closer to leather florals like Dior Cuir Cannage and Cuir Mauresque but still has that Knize Ten leather. April 28, 2021 at 8:49pm Reply

    • Sebastian: Are you sure about Tuscany being discontinued? It still is all over the internet. But even if it is, how long do you want this relationship to last? At 60 euros per 100 ml you should be able to get a lifetime supply of it now, if you need it. (Vintage bottles go for four times the price.)

      Under the name of Etruscan, this was one of the very first scents that I wore back in the days. Perhaps I should buy myself a bottle once again. I always liked this a lot. Manly stuff, made me feel grown up. I remember it as perfectly wearable, not tiresome, no powerhouse, but lively.

      Another aromatic, somewhat fougery perfume with fennel and aniseed in the barbershop style, also very masculine in a classic way, is Pegwell Bay by Haeckels. It doesn’t have nay of the ambery or teathery notes, though, so if you’re looking for something like Azzarro not only in character but also in actual smell, that’s not it. But I do love it. Absolutely OK for daily wear, uplifting. April 27, 2021 at 5:26pm Reply

      • Sebastian: that should read “any of the amber or leather notes” April 27, 2021 at 5:28pm Reply

      • John: Thanks for these recommendations! I’ve never heard of Pegwell Bay but will look for it. There is talk on Fragrantica of Tuscany being discontinued, which may have itself sparked a huge rise in prices. After reading your email, I looked on EBay for even newer bottles and they were at ridiculously inflated prices…About three summers ago, I purchased a 100ml bottle of Tuscany from a chain drugstore that sells discount bottles of designer brands for $20 CDN; I traded it for a bottle of Paco Rabanne (for which I have a soft spot) but I guess if I still had it I could cash in! April 27, 2021 at 9:52pm Reply

    • John: Thanks for these suggestions everyone! The two fragrances that I have decided to investigate for now are Hermès Bel Ami Vetiver and the new Rochas Moustache Eau de Parfum…I’m particularly curious about the second one, as it strays a little outside of the range of barbershop-esque things I usually like — will report back. April 27, 2021 at 10:12pm Reply

  • Matty: Currently, I’m loving Guerlain’s Elixir Charnel Gourmand Coquin. Warm & slightly spicey, scents of cacao, chocolate, vanilla and rum. Not overly sweet, very soothing. You can get decants from Surrender to Chance.com April 26, 2021 at 2:07pm Reply

    • Aurora: it sounds delicious. April 27, 2021 at 4:07pm Reply

  • Paul: Hi – I’m looking for a men’s cologne. My current favorite is Givenchy Vetyver. I recently started using a beard oil by Way of Will (25) that has Black Spruce, Black Pepper, and Bergamot in it. I don’t know if it would work in a cologne, but I really like that combination. If anyone knows of anything similar…

    Paul April 26, 2021 at 6:44pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Paul: Guerlain Heritage has these notes, it exists in both EDT and EDP. April 27, 2021 at 1:01pm Reply

      • Paul: Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve tried most things by Guerlain, but not Heritage. I’ll check it out. April 28, 2021 at 5:43pm Reply

  • Asta: Looking at Victoria’s lovely photo of apple blossoms, I’m reminded of how much I love that springtime smell.

    Can anyone recommend a fragrance with prominent apple blossom note? I don’t think its showcased in modern perfumery much… TIA April 26, 2021 at 8:58pm Reply

    • Charlotte: Hi Asta, L’Occitane does a yearly edition of a cherry blossom fragrance, and there are many featuring lime/linden blossom, such as L’AP La Chasse aux Papillons and L’ete en Douce (although personally I’m not a fan of the latter).

      I’m not aware of any featuring apple blossom; I wonder if this is because it’s a less fragrant tree? Does seem like a fragrance based on apple blossom would be lovely though! April 30, 2021 at 2:34am Reply

  • DeDe: I’d love recommendations for a creamy lemon + floral fragrance. I’m also interested in perfumes with a ginger note. April 26, 2021 at 9:05pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi DeDe: You might like Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier. April 27, 2021 at 1:08pm Reply

      • Patricia: I second Fleurs de Citronnier – dismissed by Turin as meh, I actually like it better than Fleurs d’Oranger, where the cumin soils the notes. Fleurs de Citronnier is a delicious fluffy primrose-coloured angora sweater of a fragrance. April 27, 2021 at 1:39pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Un Crime Exotique by Parfumerie Generale is a spicy perfume that is quite gingery. It has a “gingerbread” note in it. It’s more of a gourmand scent, though not terribly sweet. I quite like it.

      Although it didn’t work on my skin, you could try Zeste de Gingembre from Heeley. It’s more of a citrusy ginger scent. April 27, 2021 at 1:18pm Reply

    • Patricia: Also, for ginger notes, you could try Serge Lutens’ Five O’Clock au Gingembre, which has a lovely, fresh ginger note up top, followed by pains d’épice notes. April 27, 2021 at 1:40pm Reply

    • limegreen: The Different Company Bergamote is more about ginger than bergamote (so I was disappointed!) but you might try it. It’s a Jean-Claude Ellena fragrance but does last.
      Lutens has issued Fleurs de Citronnier as a l’eau (in a clear white square bottle) and it’s more of a cologne and not as creamy as the original one recommended by others here. I really feel like I’m smelling lemon blossoms on the tree with the original one. April 28, 2021 at 10:10am Reply

    • Charlotte: Hi Dede, for ginger notes I love Like This by ELD’O in partnership with the actress Tilda Swinton. It’s creamy, sweet, spicy and smells like a gingery pumpkin pie 🙂 I also like Hermes’ Twilly which is a fresher take on ginger, with a bit of bite. Both fragrances are well-reviewed on this site.

      For a lesser-known option, Malabah by Penhaligon’s has both ginger and lemon blended with tea, and although I haven’t smelled it recently I remember it being quite pretty and refreshing, like a glass of iced tea but warmer, if that makes sense! April 30, 2021 at 2:23am Reply

  • Lily: Hi everyone!

    I love Theo Fennell Scent and all things skanky. It has been discontinued. I’ve found Salome, but I’m wondering what else you might recommend?

    Thank you. April 27, 2021 at 1:31am Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Lily:for the dirty cumin of Theo Fennel and Salomé you could try Eau d’Hermes , for dirty musk with cumin Serge Lutens Muscs Koublai Khan and another dirty musc would be Miller-Harris l’Air de rien and even Fédéric Malle Musc Ravageur. April 28, 2021 at 11:40am Reply

      • Sebastian: Oh, yes, as an avowed lover of Salome I also love Koublai Khan. However, in comparison it is more temperate, less extroverted. Animalic, almost too sweet, dry-powdery and precious. The only thing that stops me getting a bottle is the price. April 28, 2021 at 4:14pm Reply

        • Aurora: Hoping an affordable bottle will come your way, Sebastian, it happened to me recently for a perfume I had wanted since 2012! April 28, 2021 at 5:22pm Reply

  • Katya: Has anybody tried the new Jo Malone Elderflower Cordial? I recently got a small shower gel from Molton Brown with their holiday elderflower scent and I loved it, but I can’t find it anymore and I really liked the scent. Any good elderflower recs also very welcome. April 27, 2021 at 5:29am Reply

  • Merylam: I have also considered me a pretty floral type of person (en passant, JM orange blossom, AG la violette,…FK amirs femme etc). But I picked up Tom Ford’s Lost cherry and have worn it non-stop during the wintermonths. Now I would like a sort of springy version of this perfume for the warmer months, and also some perfumes that aren’t dupes, but in the same genre/that project the same atmosphere just to have some variety. Any suggestions? Cheers April 27, 2021 at 9:27am Reply

    • faubel: I haven’t smelled Lost Cherry yet, but based on the notes and reviews, maybe La Petite Robe Noire EDT? I checked availability and it’s abundant on eBay. It’s light and pretty, but still interesting.

      Also, if you want something fairly sweet but not heavy or dense, Chantal Thomass EDP Original is a gem. Kind of Lolita Lempicka vibes, a bit of powder, maybe licorice. It’s confusing to find it, but the big fragrance discount sites have it, and it’s the Original–not Gold, Pink, or EDT. May 14, 2021 at 8:20am Reply

  • LORENA: Hi, I am looking for an iris perfume similar to L’Attessa , Hiris or even Infusion d’Iris.
    Thank you,Lo April 27, 2021 at 9:37am Reply

    • D: I really don’t think you can beat Infusion d’Iris if you are looking for an Iris soliflore.
      Chanel No 19 is a “little black dress” of a perfume, absolutely perfect for every occasion and understated but extraordinary.
      L’Heure Blue is also an Iris perfume; it perfectly captures that last half of twilight; a little sad but extraordinarily beautiful. April 27, 2021 at 3:39pm Reply

    • Karina: Hello Lorena,

      I also love both of D’s recommendations, although neither bears any resemblance to Hiris whatsoever. I don’t know L’Attessa or Infusion, but do know Hiris. Somehow Hiris makes we want to recommend Passage DEnfer to you, even though it is not an iris! (Same style, same perfumer)

      Adding to D’s recommendation, I would also add Iris Poudre, which is a bit like if Chanel no 5 released a No5 Iris version.

      More in the vain of Hiris to me is Diptyque’s Fleur de Peau, although I can’t say it particularly took my fancy.

      A really interesting take on Iris is Gallivant Bukhara, that one was love at first spritz to me. April 27, 2021 at 4:13pm Reply

    • Nina Z: My iris loving friends are all in love with Le Cri De La Lumiere, which Luca Turin gave five stars in his latest perfume book. April 27, 2021 at 5:51pm Reply

    • Eudora: Hello Lorena, your list made me think that you would like Bulgary The bleu…it is violet and iris. It is lovely. May 2, 2021 at 5:24pm Reply

  • Julia: Looking for a linden or lime blossom scent. I have Annette Neuffer’s Sonnet 18 and really like it, but it doesn’t last on me. Any ideas? April 27, 2021 at 8:06pm Reply

    • Karina: Hello Julia – yes! Love Linden!

      Astier de Villate Grand Chalet – Linden (with Mimosa) Very spring like. The mimosa is quite prominent, so you have to like that too. As I love both notes this is a strong recommend from me.

      Frau Tonis Parfum Linde Berlin – a straight up Linden (Berlin is famous for its linden trees and the scent of linde on the streets in summer). You can also get via Harry Lehman (select the Linde scent or go by the same nr on Frau Tonis) for half the price and double the quantity without the packaging. Not my favourite, find it a bit to cloying and prefer…

      …Acca Kappa Tilleul which is a lovely linden scent and just fresh enough

      Jacques Fath Lilas Exquis for a linden with a green and local twist (works surprisingly well with lilac). I’ve found myself turning my sample of this one more of than I would have thought.

      Heeley L’Amandiere – another one that sneaks linden in with something else, this time with an almond tree. The linde is prominent enough for me to justify recommending it as a linden scent. To me a good spring / summer scent. Although I have heard it recommended by many as all year scent because of the almond note.

      If I were pressed to pick a favourite of those *today* it would be grand chalet. And then Tilleul.

      Other lindens generally recommended but that I have not tried: April Aromatics April 28, 2021 at 3:10am Reply

      • Julia: Thank you so much! Am trying the Acca Kappa, the Fath, and have enquired of Astier de Villatte if they ship to Canada. April 28, 2021 at 11:30am Reply

      • Sebastian: I am confused here. By Acca Kappa I can find only Tilia Cordata. However, there are several scents called “Tilleul” but not by Acca Kappa, for example by Le Galion and Bernard Laget. The latter in particular is said to be a very authentic and beautiful linden soliflore (I haven’t yet tried it myself). April 28, 2021 at 4:26pm Reply

        • Julia: Alas, Laget does not ship to Canada. Will investigate Le Galion… thank you! April 28, 2021 at 5:11pm Reply

          • limegreen: Le Galion Tilleul is just okay, not as refined as L’Amandiere. I have a 10 ml of it (TG Le Galion does small sizes) and it’s plenty. Of the new Le Galion soliflore releases I love Lily of the Valley best. April 29, 2021 at 9:30am Reply

        • Karina: Apologies – it is Tilia Cordata i meant. April 29, 2021 at 1:35am Reply

    • limegreen: Second Heeley L’Amandiere!
      Jo Malone released “from the vault” French Lime Blossom which was from the original line created by Jo Malone the person. It packs a punch. April 28, 2021 at 10:13am Reply

      • Julia: Because of your recommendation and that of Karina, have ordered a FB of the Heeley– I’m sure it will be wonderful. Thank you! April 28, 2021 at 11:31am Reply

        • Karina: 🙈 Now I’m nervous and hope you like it!!

          And I also think it’s worth trying the Jo Malone. To my nose it’s not as linden-y as some of the others. It has a beautiful different sort of soapy quality to it too – soapy in the best possible way (not lily of the valley like). April 28, 2021 at 12:10pm Reply

        • limegreen: I’m like Karina, a little nervous! I love L’Amandiere though and don’t think it can “offend” anyone.
          The Jo Malone is soapy, well put, Karina! And soapy in a nice way. April 28, 2021 at 8:53pm Reply

      • Julia: Trying the Jo Malone, too! April 28, 2021 at 11:43am Reply

    • Charlotte: Hi Julia, I just mentioned a couple of lindens in my response to Asta (see above!). To elaborate, La Chasse by L’artisan was one of the first fragrances I bought as I started exploring perfumery; recently rediscovered it and it really is very pretty. Victoria is a big fan too! April 30, 2021 at 2:45am Reply

  • Ninon: I’m still looking for a complex, maybe difficult lily (not LOOV). I love Lys Mediterranee, but it’s so gentle in its wateriness. Baiser Vole, DK Gold, and Passage D’Enfer did not fit the bill…I’m sorry to have missed out on Fleurs et Flammes. I have not looked at TF’s offerings as I have yet to find a perfume from that house works on my skin, though I’m happy to be proven wrong. April 28, 2021 at 9:48pm Reply

    • Hilly: Sogno d’Amore by Re Profumo is the best rendition of an oriental lily I have found. Definitely not a soliflore or a photo-realistic scent but to me it captures the heady/creamy/spicy feelings of the flower very well. April 29, 2021 at 6:00am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Ninon: There is also Serge Lutens Un Lys, a majestic lily but it might be too expensive, and La Vierge de Fer, more affordable, feuity, lily and pear. One lily I adore is Parfumerie Générale/Pierre Guillaume Louanges Profanes but you have to like incense for this one but very different from Passage d’enfer. April 29, 2021 at 12:11pm Reply

      • Sebastian: Un Lys is majestic, but would you also say it is “complex, maybe difficult”?

        I second the recommendation for Louanges Profanes. If you don’t like Lys Mediterranee on account of its watery softness, this is quite the opposite: warm, creamy, thick white flowers, perfect for a sunny spring day when the hawthorn is blooming. This stuff packs a punch, while I don’t find it overwhelming or too incensy. April 29, 2021 at 12:49pm Reply

        • Aurora: Sebastian: It’s a grand perfume to me, so maybe a bit difficult, yes.

          So glad you like Louanges, your description is spot-on. April 29, 2021 at 2:04pm Reply

      • Karina: Louanges Profanes Sounds very interesting. Might seek out a sample of that one! April 30, 2021 at 2:29pm Reply

      • Silvermoon: Hi Aurora,
        Oh the PG Louanges Profanes sounds ver intriguing. I love Lys Med, so an opposite style lily could be very good too.

        The Sogno d’Amore that Hilly mentions sounds very interesting too. I only have Ekstasis from Re Profumo. I bought it last time I was in Milan – but sadly the days of work related travel are gone! May 1, 2021 at 9:33am Reply

    • Aurora: *fruity not feuity. April 29, 2021 at 12:13pm Reply

  • Akshada: There is an Indian Artisanal brand called Isak Fragrances. They used to make perfumes for the Mughal courts and in the last few years, they started to create and sell their perfumes to the public as well. I got their discovery set of 9 perfumes which I think was a very good idea by them. I was surprised at the amount of variation present in them. None resemble today’s gourmand or very sweet vibes. I also love the names they gave to their perfumes, very poetic. I loved their 5th and Always, bought a full bottle of Edge of Dreams and will buy a full bottle of Love Song. I’ve found they must use more perfume oil than the western perfumery as it lasts more than most perfumes in my collection. April 30, 2021 at 1:54am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hi Akshada,

      Very interesting to hear about Isak perfumes in India. I checked their website, but get the impression it’s only available in India. The discovery boxes seem like a good introduction. May 1, 2021 at 9:01am Reply

      • Akshada: I asked them, they do ship internationally! May 1, 2021 at 11:03am Reply

        • Sebastian: Depends on the country. For example, they do not ship to Germany, as you’ll find out trying to check out. May 1, 2021 at 4:04pm Reply

  • Emilie: Hello ! After wearing Mistouko and l’Heure Bleue edt last fall and Nahema this winter (which is different but shares the Guerlinade dry-down that i love so much), i am now looking for a perfume that smells like spring, but that also has great sillage and tenacity, like the afore mentionned guerlains. I enjoy floral scents with a hint of green, but i find that such « fresh floral » perfumes often lack tenacity. Thanks in advance for your advice ! May 1, 2021 at 1:42am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Hi Emilie,
      L’Heure Bleue and Nahema are among my top favourite perfumes, so I thought I could suggest some others that I enjoy wearing. Just thought of a few tenacious florals: Tuberose Gardenia (Estee Lauder), Songes (Goutal), Tihota (indult), Fracas (Piguet), Fleur Burlesque (Vilhelm Perfumerie), Flowerhead (Byredo). Not sure if these are options that might appeal or maybe you know them already. May 1, 2021 at 9:11am Reply

      • Emilie: Thanks a lot for your recommendations. I just ordered a sample of Fleur Burlesque ! And I am curious about Estee Lauder’s Tuberose Gardenia : is it similar in some way to the original Private Collection (which i own but find somewhat too green and bitter for my taste) ? May 1, 2021 at 3:21pm Reply

        • Silvermoon: I don’t think of Tuberose Gardenia as green or bitter. It’s a very creamy warm burst of white flowers, with sometimes gardenia and sometimes tuberose dominating (in a good way), but also other white flowers like jasmine, neroli and orange blossom. It also lasts well, seemingly wafting around you during the day. It also works nicely on warm summer evenings. May 1, 2021 at 3:46pm Reply

          • Emilie: Sounds great ! I will give it a try. May 2, 2021 at 9:28am Reply

          • Aurora: Hello Silvermoon: I think you are located in the UK? If yes, I can offer you a sample, it would be a pleasure, I have a big bottle. If interested leave a message below asking Victoria to arrange contact between us.

            I miss traveling too. May 2, 2021 at 1:03pm Reply

            • Silvermoon: Hello Aurora! Oh this is very kind and sweet of you. Yes, I live in Yorkshire. Yes, I would love to accept a sample of Louanges Profanes. Thank you!

              Hello Victoria, I am unsure how this works, but yes please share my email details with Aurora. I am happy for her to have mine so she can contact me. May 3, 2021 at 9:24am Reply

          • Aurora: It is about Louanges Profanes, I answered to the wrong comment. May 2, 2021 at 1:23pm Reply

    • Sebastian: A love of Guerlain, green florals, and spring spells Chamade to me. For added tenacity the extrait. May 1, 2021 at 3:58pm Reply

      • Emilie: Being a Guerlain aficionado i thought i would love Chamade, but it smells a little musty to me. Maybe the hyacinth note ? However i only tried it on paper or clothing, maybe on skin i would appreciate it better. May 2, 2021 at 9:33am Reply

  • Yvonne: Hello,
    Many, many years ago I bought a little romantic vintage bottle of ‘Huile Parfumée’ from E. Coudrey (50 ml). On the bottle it does not specify which fragrance it is. But I think it must be the Ambre et Vanilla scent which is available on the internet in a different kind of bottle of 100 ml. I know very little of perfume so I can not describe my preferences but I do know that I like this scent. Looking at the other fragrances (for example Givrine, Caramel Blanc) and looking at the design of the bottles, I am very curious about this brand.
    May I ask if you know the brand and if so, which of the fragrances you could advice. Or, is there another brand that comes to you mind? To describe my preference I find it very difficult because it seems like a lot of different things, but I will try anyway: sweet (but not bubblegum sweet), woody, complex, not your typical flowery scent I mean. Ages ago I bought Féminité du bois from Serge Lutens (then for Shiseido) and found it very unique.
    I also like Aqua di Parma Magnolia Nobile and Mirto di Panarea to give you an idea of what I like.
    This time I would like to be able to buy a perfume that I like for less than €100,00, if that is possible these days.
    I have came across Design by Paul Sebastian, White Tea from Elizabeth Arden, Mauboussin Pour Femme and My Burberry Black that all seem interesting when reading the description on the internet, but I have no idea if I will really like the scent, not being able to smell it myself first.
    I am very sorry about this long message – obviously I am not a perfume connoisseur; May 6, 2021 at 11:28am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Yvonne: E. Coudray is such a good brand imo, I have Jacinthe et Rose and love to wear it in spring. Ambre et Vanille oil is still made and it’s less than $100. May 8, 2021 at 3:31am Reply

      • Yvonne: Thank you, Aurora, I will look for the Jacinthe et Rose – I am curious to know how it smells! May 9, 2021 at 4:06am Reply

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