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 and what book you are reading. I’m reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah.
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, flea market in Paris.
175 Comments
Patricia: Currently wearing Shalimar EDT, bought in the mid-90s, and reading a book on decluttering, as we’re (meant to be) moving house. I have a question, though. I’m tempted by Egoiste, but I already have Calligraphy Rose. Are they different enough to make it worthwhile? August 23, 2021 at 9:36am
a: Hi Patricia: To me they smell different, what is special to me is the sandalwood drydown of Egoïste while Calligraphy rose is more ambery. August 23, 2021 at 2:38pm
Patricia: Many thanks. 🙂 August 30, 2021 at 10:31am
Sebastian: They smell very different to me, too. Egoiste is much spicier, with all that cinnamon, the dry-down is mainly sandalwood and vanilla. Calligraphy Rose is smoky and fluffy. August 23, 2021 at 5:26pm
Patricia: Many thanks. August 30, 2021 at 10:32am
Emily: I’m wearing Autumn Vibes by Replica
& reading “Nana” by Émile Zola. 🍁🥂🪞 September 3, 2021 at 1:24am
Susan: Morning!
I just ordered a sample of Eau de Soir by Sisley. Has anyone tried this and what are your thoughts?
I wear Gyspy Water which I love but want something with more sillage and makes more of a statement.
Thank you! August 23, 2021 at 9:49am
Rhinda: Hello Susan
I have worn Eau du Soir for a long time. It is my “elegant” perfume that always brings positive complements from men, women, and children.
Victoria would explain it much better but the chypre notes are so beautiful and the florals are soothing yet mysterious to my way of thinking. I can truly say I love the beauty of this perfume. I hope you take the chance to love it. August 23, 2021 at 10:25am
Susan: Thank you – I am so excited to try it now. It sounds right up my alley! August 23, 2021 at 10:36am
Aurora: Hi Susan: Tocca Colette reminds me a bit of Gipsy water, it lasts longer than GW on me. August 23, 2021 at 2:42pm
Susan: oooo, that is my one complaint about GW. I will definitely try the Tocca. Thank you so much! August 23, 2021 at 3:09pm
Tamasin: I always try Eau de Soir on in Duty Free, it’s the only one I am ever tempted to spray!
I am wearing Nawab of Oudh by Ormonde Jayne and reading 40 Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.. August 24, 2021 at 4:09am
perstare: Good day everyone!
There are so many Iris fragrances more suitable for women than men with their overly lipsticky or saturated powdery notes. In my unending quest for the penultimate men’s Iris fragrance I’ve discovered Dior Homme Intense which for me is the gold standard. Prada l’homme and its flanker Prada l’homme Intense are noteworthy.
However, does anyone know of a NICHE Iris fragrance that would be considered masculine or at least unisex? I’ve tried Maison Creveli’s Iris Malakhan, but while it is a beautiful scent I found the green note not to my liking.
You suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you! August 23, 2021 at 10:26am
Karina: You could try Gallivant Bukhara or Masque Milano L‘Attesa. Both of those have no trace of overly feminine lipstick or powderiness in my view. Althoug I have never tried the ones you mention, so… no ideas how they would compare. August 23, 2021 at 11:14am
perstare: I actually tried “L’Atessa” recently and was unmoved though it has received wide acclaim. I’ll give Gallivant’s “Bukhara” a try. Thanks, Karina, for your suggestions. August 23, 2021 at 10:43pm
Ina: Iris Silver Mist is my favorite iris, rooty and buttery without a trace of lipstick. I also recommend Naomi Goodsir Iris Cendre or Aedes Iris Nazarena for iris with incense. For something sweeter, try Orris Noir from Ormonde Jayne which has iris and woods, the woody notes almost smell like oud to me.
Mainstream iris: I find Prada Iris Cedre to be unisex, but there is definite powdery note. Van Cleef Bois d’Iris has been compared to Dior Homme, I find it too sweet, but you may like it. Bvlgari Au The Bleu is an interesting combination of iris, lavender and shiso. The iris is powdery and by the same nose as the Prada Infusions. August 23, 2021 at 2:02pm
Caroline: Seconding Iris Cendre. August 23, 2021 at 3:59pm
Jeanne: I third that! A wonderful find for me in 2021! October 2, 2021 at 11:40am
Sebastian: Thank you for that listing of Iris perfumes!
Anyone able to get their hands on any quantity of Iris Nazarena should do so, as according to Persolaise Aedes de Venustas has been closed down. August 23, 2021 at 5:35pm
perstare: Ina, that’s quite a list and hopefully I will find my signature Iris after I tried them.
I understand that sales of Serge Lutens fragrances have been discontinued in the United States. August 23, 2021 at 10:51pm
Nina Z: Le Cri de la Lumière from Parfum d’Empire doesn’t have lipstick or powdery notes. Perfume critic Luca Turin gave it 5 stars in his recent book and said how many compliments he got wearing it. August 23, 2021 at 2:10pm
perstare: I’ve gotten so many fine suggestions in my quest for the “perfect” Iris scent so will be curious to see why Luca Turin gave this 5 stars.
Thanks Nina. August 23, 2021 at 10:55pm
Aurora: Hello Perstare: Also l’Artisan Parfumeur Bucoliques de Provence is unisex. August 23, 2021 at 2:52pm
perstare: I tried L’Artisan’s “Bucoliques…” at Saks and thought it overly feminine. Appreciate the help, Aurora. August 23, 2021 at 10:58pm
Pete: I’m not sure if this one is still around but Iris Nazarena by Aedes de Venustas is an iris that I always receive compliments on August 24, 2021 at 3:08am
Tamasin: Ormonde Jayne’s are all gender free and I would say the most masculine is the new one Evernia (I was travel spray size of it and my husband used it all up over the summer) August 24, 2021 at 4:11am
Old Herbaceous: Hi! In addition to the suggestions above, you might like Laboratorio Olfattivo’s Nirmal. Very carroty, rooty Iris, very unisex. August 24, 2021 at 6:26am
perstare: A total of 11 suggestions will keep me busy for awhile.
Many thanks again. August 24, 2021 at 8:06am
Klaas: Hello Perstare, I’m going to add some more if you don’t mind 🙂
Iris Bleu Gris by Maître Parfumeur & Gantier is very, very nice and is marketed for men, though anyone could wear it, it’s so beautiful….
I also like Iris Ukiyoé (Hermès), but is pricey.
If ever you try the Cri de la Lumière, please report back, Parfum d’Empire always has such interesting, original and we’ll crafted fragrances!
31, Rue Cambon is supposed to be a beautiful iris fragrance as well, but I haven’t smelled it….
Good luck! August 24, 2021 at 2:49pm
Sebastian: Oh, 31 Rue Cambon is beautiful! But to me it is not an iris fragrance, the iris staying very much in the background. It’s sort of a chypre without oak moss, slightly citric at first, then rose and ylang-ylang, complemented with ambery-warmth (labdanum) and smoky-earthy-patchouli. A light and elegant scent. I love it. It is a perfect perfume. (Note: my remarks pertain to the now hard to find EdT version. The EdP is said to be somewhat disappointing in comparison by people who know both versions, which I do not.) August 24, 2021 at 3:35pm
Karina: Agreed – it is gorgeous as you say.
I think La Pause from the Chanel lineup is supposed to be an iris, but it didn’t ‘catch’ me. And of course Chanel 19! No one has suggested that yet but to it is definitely an iris and I would say unisex for sure. August 25, 2021 at 4:28am
Chris in Oakland: Hi there, a late comment to add that Bruno Fazzolari (FZOTIC) has a powerfully woody iris scent called Feu Secret. It’s much more raw-edged than the refined Dior Homme (though I haven’t tried Intense myself). August 30, 2021 at 11:02am
Emily: I loved l’air de Rien before Miller Harris reformulated the oakmoss component and now it smells too synthetic to me. Has anyone found
anything that smells similar? August 23, 2021 at 10:45am
Aurora: Hi Emily: The musk in Musc Ravageur reminds me of l’Air de Rien but the two perfumes are not identical. August 25, 2021 at 10:35am
Misha: Hi everyone,
Over the last few years, I have been looking for an ‘intense’ (I am afraid that I am really that person who wants to fill up the space with their scent), indolic jasmine perfume.
I have sampled, À la nuit by SL & own a few Aliens (original, Oud & Musk). Unfortunately, these don’t really fit what I want because they are either too clean or have other notes that seriously overshadow the jasmine.
Any recommendations welcome. August 23, 2021 at 10:52am
Emilie: Hello Misha, have you tried Jasmin de Pays by Perris Monte Carlo ? It smells pretty intense and indolic to me ! August 23, 2021 at 3:43pm
Misha: Thank you! This sounds like it could be a great fit & Bloom Perfumery in London (where I live) seem to stock it 🙂 August 23, 2021 at 5:00pm
Karina: Agreed about indolic and to me it smells like the ‘whole’ jasmine plant. To my nose it doesn’t really have much sillage though. It’a not a skin scent either, but less then A la nuit for example. August 25, 2021 at 5:02am
Caroline: Recommend Rogue Perfumery’s Jasmin Antique. August 23, 2021 at 4:04pm
Misha: Thank you for this suggestion. I have been really intrigued by Rogue Perfumery. Unfortunately, their perfumes are not available in the UK 🙁 August 23, 2021 at 5:02pm
Nina Z: I was going to recommend that one too! August 23, 2021 at 8:02pm
Sebastian: You will find strong Jasmine (coupled with rose) and really a LOT of perfectly integrated dirtiness in Papillon’s Salome. It is not a Jasmine soliflore, though, rather sort of neo-vintage chypre style. It WILL fill up space. Beautiful stuff. August 23, 2021 at 5:52pm
perstare: Try to get a decant of Bulgari Astrea. A beautiful intense but dirty jasmine sambac. It’s very pricey. It’s in their feminine line, but I love it. August 23, 2021 at 6:51pm
Nina Z: What about Sarrasins? I know you can order it in Europe but am not sure about the UK August 23, 2021 at 8:04pm
Sara: Misha, it is music to my ears to find someone else who appreciates the most bombastic of jasmine scents! I would highly recommend trying Rogue Perfumery’s Jasmin Antique. It is big, bold, indolic and quite animalic. (I find SL A La Nuit beautiful but too much like jasmine tea for my taste, and Sarrasins not jasmine-licious enough.) I also recommend Lust by Lush; it has a big cult following in the fragrance community so there are plenty of reviews—it’s a love or a hate. But Lust is also quite sweet and heavy on the thick base notes; while that jasmine opening shines I don’t know of anything that beats it. I also like Madagascan Jasmine by Gradiflora, which is a huge lush jasmine, but it is also quite green. Beautiful, but I have not yet decided it’s full bottle worthy for me. August 23, 2021 at 10:38pm
Nina Z: Dorin of Paris has two jasmine perfumes that are very indolic. I can’t decide it if love or hate the Fullah. I just waffle between OMG this is so gorgeous and ugh. August 25, 2021 at 10:57pm
Nina Z: See https://dorin.paris/en/ August 25, 2021 at 10:59pm
Hester: Amouge library collection opus 9 – couples leather with dirty indolic jasmin. A favorite of mine September 11, 2021 at 4:57pm
Laura: Hi,
Can you recommend a sweet, sensual perfume which does not follow the current trends of today’s mainstream? Thank you! August 23, 2021 at 1:40pm
Cristina M: Francesca Bianchi “sex and the sea neroli”. Sweet and interesting. August 23, 2021 at 2:49pm
Laura: Thank you! I will look at this scent, it seems interesting, although coconat is not my thing. I will ser how it behaves. August 25, 2021 at 12:17pm
Karina: Frederic Malle Music Ravageur is spicy and sensual. Hermes Hermessence Santal Massoia (although as all Hermessences, it has a light touch). I also think Francescha Bianchi might be a good house to check out for scents in that direction. August 25, 2021 at 5:19am
Laura: Thank you! Music Ravageur is on my list for a while, so I will certainly give it a try. Hermessence sounds intriguing as well. August 25, 2021 at 12:19pm
Aurora: Hi Laura: Also for an interesting take on the sweet note of chocolate you could sample Arquiste Anima Dulcis which Victoria recommended. Some Guerlain perfumes like Gourmand Coquin are sweet too as are the Kilians. August 25, 2021 at 10:45am
Laura: Thank you! They all seem interesting. Let’s sew where I can locate them. August 25, 2021 at 12:20pm
David: I’m a guy who has always worn fragrances with notes of leather or wood. Now that I am older, in my 50s, I want to turn every table in my life. I don’t care about gender norms anymore. I was just wondering if you had any floral fragrances that you think would be interesting on a guy. I recently tried Une Voix Noire by SL and loved it. I think I love indolic fragrances, but any suggestion I’d be happy to hear. August 23, 2021 at 3:04pm
Courant: Try Arpege EDP. Very indolic, very inexpensive August 23, 2021 at 5:45pm
David: Thank you for the suggestion about Arpege. Actually, my mom gave me an unopened bottle of Arpege (maybe from the 50s?) I will try it for sure. August 24, 2021 at 11:26am
Karina: 😳 an unopened bottle from the 50‘s? Lucky man! August 25, 2021 at 6:31am
OnWingsofSaffron: Hi David, I too am a man, and rather partial to Arpège. However, it‘s no easy perfume! For one, it begins with an excessive aldehyde, and by that I mean the old fashioned hairdresser smell. Wait half an hour before leaving the house. Then, it has a faintly matronly suggestion, which is something to do with associations. Why do I like it, you ask? The drydown is sublime: the creamiest sandelwood scent, lingering forever. Try it on a less busy day! August 26, 2021 at 2:18am
David: Thank you so much for the information about Arpège. I love sandalwood so I am very excited to open the old bottle of Arpège my mom gave me. Thank you again! September 3, 2021 at 10:47am
OnWingsofSaffron: It was my pleasure! September 3, 2021 at 3:01pm
Sebastian: Here I go again: Try Odalisque by Parfums de Nicolai. Wonderful green chypre, lily of the valley and jasmine, just enough indole to keep up interest.
Almost any classical chypre originally marketed to women is fine for a man. Try Mitsouko!
In a totally different vein (heavier stuff), if you like indole, you’ll probably also like other white flowers. Louanges profanes for example has got orange flower, hawthorn and lily. I also love Lys Mediterranee, a lightly aquatic green lily fragrance.
Then if you want to go floral, why not go rosy? I love rose perfumes. Anything coupled with a bit (or a lot) of spice or incense is perfect on a man. I especially like Note di Profumum Meraviglia, Amouage Rose Incense (very incensey, but also very soft and fluffy), and Amouage Lyric Woman (the extrait is pure luxury!)
Ah, flowers… August 23, 2021 at 6:10pm
Nina Z: Lyric Woman is a great suggestion. August 23, 2021 at 8:09pm
David: Thank you so much for the suggestions. I have only tried New York from Pafums de Nicolai, and I loved it. I am sure Odalisque will be beautiful. I am going to order a sample. Note di Profumum Meraviglia also appeals to me. Thank you! August 24, 2021 at 11:32am
Klaas: Hello David, I can only applaud your decision to chuck gender norms out of the window. They are arbitrary, oppressive, harmful and stifling……..though shedding them takes courage!
You might want to add a sample of Neroli Intense and Cap Neroli (both De Nicolai) to your order….they are just gorgeous, and neroli is a great floral note to play with as it combines indolic with freshness.
Mitsouko is another great suggestion. So is Shalimar……. August 24, 2021 at 3:02pm
David: Hi Klaas! Thank you for your message! At my age, I just want to shed everything that is stifling and harmful….no time for that anymore. I will definitely experiment with neroli scents. I had thought that neroli wasn’t for me, but that was years ago when I though that. Things can change. September 3, 2021 at 10:51am
Hilly: Meraviglia is a gorgeous resinous incense/pepper. If you are sampling that line and looking for an indolic floral, try Sogno d’Amore. It’s a creamy, spiced white lily scent with huge sillage August 29, 2021 at 5:54am
Nina Z: The male perfume collectors I know wear whatever they want, including bold florals like Carnal Flower, an amazing tuberose scent. So I say go for it. Do you have any particular floral notes that you love? August 23, 2021 at 8:07pm
Nina Z: You might want to check out the floral fragrances from Serge Lutens, the two rose scents, the two jasmine, scents, the tuberose, the lily, etc. August 23, 2021 at 8:11pm
David: Thank you, Nina! I am definitely going to explore more from Serge Lutens. I have heard many good things about his Tubereuse Criminelle.
Gardenia perfumes interest me very much. I admit that’s partially because of Billie Holiday. August 24, 2021 at 11:37am
Nina Z: Gardenia is a hard one because real gardenia essence is too expensive to use in perfumes (though Mandy Aftel/Aftelier has a natural one that is very beautiful called Cuir Gardenia). I will try to think of a few that are pretty good modern gardenias and come back later. There actually is a perfume called Lady Day from Maria Candida Gentile. It’s very unusual and probably doesn’t smell like Billie Holiday, but I like it a lot. It’s very green with a large amount of galbanum. It only has three notes: gardenia, galbanum, and sandalwood. August 25, 2021 at 10:26pm
David: Hi Nina! Thank you for the suggestions. Lady Day from Maria Candida Gentile sounds very intriguing. And I am definitely saving my pennies for Mandy Aftel’s Cuir Gardenia (everything on her website store looks so good!) September 3, 2021 at 10:53am
perstare: David, it’s about 8 months since I’ve discovered the joys of niche fragrances. It’s a fun road. And I’ve found myself drawn to many “feminine” fragrances which now have become known as unisex. Tiziani Terenzi’s “Dionisio” is an animalic jasmine with a comforting vanillic base with which I have a love and hate relationship. Bulgari’s “Astrea” is a powerful beast of indolic jasmine. Initio’s “Psychedelic Love” with its floral notes of ylang-ylang, rose, heliotrope and hedione is strangely addictive. Initio’s “Atomic Rose” with rose and jasmine might work as well though it lacks any animalic note. Should you try any of the aforementioned let us know what you think. Enjoy! August 23, 2021 at 11:29pm
David: Bulgari’s Astrea really sounds like what I am looking for! I have also heard good things about Initio. Thank you very much! August 24, 2021 at 11:39am
Sebastian: Be warned, though: I find Astrea very sweet! August 24, 2021 at 12:38pm
Karina: Hello David, you‘ve already got some great suggestions. A few more from me: if you enjoy leather and wood you could look for perfumes that integrate those options perhaps in a softer way or along with other notes: Hermes Caleche, Galop, Cuir d‘Ange for leather. Or Diptyque Philosykos for woody notes with plenty of greenery and fig. Or a softer Sandalwood / Cedarwod like Diptyque Tam Dao. Or Sandalwood Temple from Sana Jardin.
Also check out the options in Frederic Malle‘s lineup. Carnal Flower has been mentioned already (one of my favourites tuberoses), but you could also try Une Rose or Portrait of a Lady. Also Guerlain‘s Nahema comes to mind for rose.
Enjoy the journey! August 24, 2021 at 4:18am
Sebastian: Hermes Caleche is a good suggestion! It has flowers and woods and a very fine leather note indeed, not rough but still outdoorsy, soft but real, not that pseudo-suede note that you find in so many modern perfumes. August 24, 2021 at 5:35am
David: Hi Karina! Thank you for the suggestion about Sandalwood Temple from Sana Jardin. I have been following Sana Jardin’s Instagram page for a while, and I have been intrigued. I am going to search for a sample. August 24, 2021 at 11:42am
Karina: Great! They also have some florals in their lineup, I think a rose and a jasmin. The one I appreciate most from the house is Tiger by her side which revolves around patchouli. August 25, 2021 at 6:25am
katherine x: Hi David, Carnal Flower (Frederic Malle) and Gardenia Petale (Van Cleef and Arpels Extraordinaire Collection) might fit the bill. Another is the Neroli by Le Labo – all are sensual, sort of animalic by my nose. August 28, 2021 at 5:22pm
David: Hi Katherine! Gardenia Petale sounds wonderful. I visited the Van Cleef and Arpels counter at Bergdorf Goodman’s a few years ago, and never have I met a friendlier sales associate. I want to go back just to talk to her. September 3, 2021 at 10:57am
Jamie: Hi there. This is my first time posting here. 42 year old male , but I have youthful and eclectic tastes. David’s post inspired me. I too want to tip over the table. My staple frags have always been in the vein of Habit Rouge, Fahrenheit, Black Afgano you get the idea. There are some less rowdy frags I love and wear. CDG2, Bulgari Black, Lombre Dans leau. These ones I will never tire of. But what are some light/clean/ fresh fragrances for me to try? ( the thought of leaving the house smelling like melon/seaside /cool water makes me break out in a sweat.) Live in New Zealand, so not much access to boutique/niche perfumes. Everyone on here gives great suggestions. September 18, 2021 at 1:13am
Victoria: Have you tried Lalique Encre Noire? It’s not a light, watery perfume, but it’s still balanced well between richness like your favorites and brightness/saltiness of vetiver. September 18, 2021 at 8:41am
Jamie: Thats spooky. Encre noir has been on my radar for a while. I am a big fan of vetiver. But have been hesitant to blind buy. I am going to take a chance on it. How could I go wrong. It is only $50 for 100mls and it gets alot if praise. Thanks for the recommendation Victoria September 18, 2021 at 7:37pm
Kathleen: I just received Buly’s Miel d’Angleterre (English Honey) in the mail. It is so beautiful and smells so natural – honey, light wood, a little creamy, some moss and a few musky flowers, and a river in the distance. It reminds me more of Shenandoah than of England 🙂 The scent is constant but nothing about it is heavy or intrusive. I’ve always struggled with the idea of a “signature scent” because I like trying new things, but this, I could wear every day.
Now if only I could find a gigantic new novel to dive into! Something immersive like The Crimson Petal and the White, Ferrante’s Neapolitan books, Vanity Fair, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell…etc. I’ve never read Lord of the Rings, maybe it’s time! August 23, 2021 at 7:38pm
Karina: You have made me curious about Miel d Anglaterre! I don’t think I’ve smelled a dud in Buly’s lineup so far. They are all well crafted.
Shogun is a big immersive novel. Also Anna Karenina. The Lord of the Rings is classic of course, but if you are going to read it start with the Hobbit (much friendlier and the pre-story). For other immersive stories try Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series or the Terry Pratchett books. My personal favourites for the Terry Pratchett are The Watch books, the Tiffany Aching books and the the Witches, there is an online “reading order” guide if you google it. August 24, 2021 at 5:08am
Karen A: One Hundred Years of Solitude maybe? I used to read it every summer. Everything appeared slightly different while I was reading it. August 24, 2021 at 9:23am
David: One of my friend rereads One Hundred Years of Solitude every year. I’ve read it once, and I know I need to read it again to have it seal into me. September 3, 2021 at 11:03am
Nina Z: I read Shogun back when it first came out and could not put it down. I still vividly remember it. Also I loved Jonathan Strange. Her new one is really intriguing and immersive, though short.
I had the same immersive experience with the very long Baroque trilogy by Neal Stephenson, which is historical fiction, and is a wild ride across the world that includes real people, such as important scientists and thinkers of the age, and fictional characters, from the lowest to highest classes. August 24, 2021 at 10:44am
Ewan: Try: A Cardinal of the Medici by Mrs Hicks Beach. It is immersive. You can check it out online, but I would buy the physical book. I , fortunately, came across a second-hand copy, but it has been reprinted. August 25, 2021 at 2:51am
Sebastian: For immersion, I feel that nothing beats Dickens and Dostoyevsky. August 25, 2021 at 3:12am
Cornelia Blimber: Nothing beats Dickens….You are absolutely right!!
I read at the moment lots of Victorian novels, but really, Dickens is the best. ‘
Wilkie Collins is very good as well. I read The Woman in White, The Moonstone, Aurora Floyd.
Armadale, No Name. Addictive!
Middlemarch by George Eliot is also a wonderful book.
If you read French, I recommend Balzac. Or, if you can find it, Eugene Sue.
I am currently reading Anton Reiser by Karl Philipp Moritz. Very dark, but interesting. (in German.) August 26, 2021 at 9:20am
Victoria: Middlemarch is excellent. August 27, 2021 at 2:42am
Cornelia Blimber: Yes, it is!
Sorry: Aurora Floyd is by Elizabeth Braddon, not Wilkie Collins. I read so many Victorian novels these days, one after the other, so there was some confusing in my mind. Elizabeth Braddon is a good author as well. August 27, 2021 at 4:04am
John: I’m not usually a fiction person, but there are one or two novels I can think of that were especially immersive for me. A newer one was The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt…kind of a Dickensian bildungsroman that moves along very quickly if you get plot-hungry, but contains many lovingly rendered textures if you can bring yourself to linger. On a completely different note, I tend to find Haruki Murakami’s novels strangely immersive regardless of length, though often disquietingly so. I think his best is the Wind Up Bird Chronicle (which includes one passage involving a well that is so immersive you practically have to take the day off work.) I also enjoyed Kafka By the Shore, but it is an acquired taste and I’d sooner start with the other. His IQ 84 is much, much longer but not as good as either of the two I mentioned.
I would absolutely second Gabríel Garcia-Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude (Love in the Time of Cholera, though shorter, is also unbeatable.) Alvaro Mutis, a friend of Marquez’s is, IMO, an underrated gem of an authour…his collection of nine novellas about the same character, collected as The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll, read collectively, are hauntingly immersive and diverting. Good luck! August 26, 2021 at 1:16pm
Eudora: Dear John, strangely immersive! How much I enjoyed those two books. You inspired me to re-read them. I re-read recently my first Murakami, Tokyo Blues, and I found it strangely not immersive. August 27, 2021 at 11:39am
Patricia: Kathleen,
I jut finished The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova…twisty, windy, beautifully written. A page turner October 26, 2021 at 5:34pm
Patricia: Sorry…”just”
Am wearing Lipstick Rose October 26, 2021 at 5:35pm
Victoria: I wore the original Estee Lauder Aliage for years. The newer version is not the same and I’ve never found any fragrance quite like it. I enjoy wearing Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil now. Chanel Bel Respiro captures a similar mood and is wonderful from the bottle, but not on me. August 23, 2021 at 10:33pm
Nina Z: It should be pretty easy to vintage Aliage since it was so common and not expensive. Have you tried looking for it online? August 25, 2021 at 10:27pm
Ewan: Wearing ‘Iris Cendre’ by Naomi Goodsir on a wet, drizzly day. It has a warm , fairly long-lasting dry-down that complements the weather, seen through the window of a tram.
Reading’ The Juice of Life’ – Prof. P. Camporesi August 24, 2021 at 4:21am
Dorothee: I am loving “ Lost Alice” by masque Milano. In the weird uncertain times, and rainy summer weather this year it seems to offer a warm cozy comfort that I really enjoy. I’m reading the Phillip Pullman dust series, and sniffing my lost Alice while enjoying a cup of milky earl grey. August 24, 2021 at 8:48am
Sebastian: I am so looking forward to the publication of the third volume of The Book of Dust! August 24, 2021 at 12:45pm
Muireann: Hello all, I am in the process of deciding on a gift for a much-loved but very fussy middle aged lady with impeccable taste. She loved Escale a Parati from Dior’s Cruise Collection, which seems to be discontinued. She doesn’t like the portofino or pondichery iterations however. It’s a radiant green citrus cologne with mint, grounded by soft spicy and woody base notes. Any and all suggestions welcome! Thanks 🙂 August 24, 2021 at 11:53am
Karina: Well in that direction you could try O de Lancôme, Herba Fresca, Cristalle. There are many great citrus Cologne options in the Atelier Cologne lineup, my favourites being Bergamote Soleil and Pomelo Paradis, while I think Clementine California has the popular vote. Also ‘Cologne’ from Aqua di Parma or other options from that house. Acqua di Parma uses the same in Parfumeur as Dior’s in house Parfumeur so, perhaps you would find a good fit in that lineup. I also recommend the Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura that is out as a limited edition now. August 25, 2021 at 6:39am
Muireann: Thanks so much for your help Karina, much to discover here! August 25, 2021 at 1:01pm
Chris in Oakland: Hi Muireann, she might also like Etat Libre d’Orange’s “You or someone like you”–it is a refreshing, minty scent with a soft and slightly sweet musk base. Not exactly feminine but definitely unisex. August 30, 2021 at 11:21am
Muireann: Thanks for your suggestion Chris, I haven’t smelled this one, but based on your description, it sounds like a worthy contender! August 30, 2021 at 8:57pm
Ana Christina: Hello there, would you recommend me something similar to Bvlgari pour Femme? It seems to have been discontinued and the closest i got from was with Guerlain Meteorites. Any other recommendations? Thanks! August 24, 2021 at 1:05pm
Aurora: Hi Ana Christina: I sampled Pour Femme recently for the first time and it reminded me of Après l’Ondée quite a bit for some reason. Also maybe if you haven’t already you could check Fragrantica page on Pour Femme and check their ‘this perfume reminds me of’ listings. August 25, 2021 at 11:35am
Ali H: I’m looking for a simple honeysuckle fragrance Any ideas please? August 25, 2021 at 7:09am
Sebastian: Some perfumes with honeysuckle were recommended in this space last March. August 25, 2021 at 7:30am
Emilie: I’ve been wearing Diorissimo over the past few months and i am curious about the other classics from the Dior line such as Diorama or Diorling : have anyone tried them in their current formulation ? Are they worth wile ? Thanks ! August 25, 2021 at 2:02pm
Aurora: Hello Emilie: I am familiar with Diorling a light leather floral I enjoy, also Diorama is very unique with a caraway note, not for me; Diorella is great but for that one and Dioressence vintage versions are best I think August 26, 2021 at 2:11pm
Emilie: Hello Aurora, i eventually went to the Dior counter and tried Diorling and Diorama : i agree with you on the caraway note in Diorama, i found it off puting, but i loved Diorling and ended up buying a full bottle ! It will be perfect for fall. This got me interested in leather perfumes for women : if i like Diorling, what other perfumes with leather do you think i might enjoy ? September 4, 2021 at 8:56am
Aurora: Hello Emilie: So sorry for seeing your comment rather late, thank you so much for reporting back. So pleased about Diorling, I find it really elegant. For more leather you could next go to the Hermes counter and try their leather Kelly Calèche, do sample both EDT and EDP, and Cuir d’Ange (pricey)and the Niche brand Memo has many leathers to try (Irish, African, French, Russian…etc), I haven’t tried them but heard good things about them. There is also a light leather I love, it’s Arquiste Infanta en flor, a sweet leather, but you must like orange blossom for that one. Good luck in your exploration. September 16, 2021 at 11:56am
Ava: I would love to hear about people’s favorite orange blossom, neroli, and jasmine favorites for fall. My staples are Grand Neroli and Terracotta but I’d love something new. I love white florals and woody floral musk scents and am looking for a new day scent.
I also wanted to share a surprising recent find – the EDP of Rose Pompon by Goutal.
While I have not been taken by any of the recent Goutal releases in the past few years, this was just too beautiful to resist. I tried the EDT when it came out – undeniably nice, but way too commercial and safe and frankly, boring for me.
The EDP, however, is gorgeous: super tart juicy grapefruit, a light but sultry jammy rose, violet, and vanilla. Great sillage and monster longevity. I highly recommend if anyone has been looking for a high quality and versatile rose scent. While I’ve never been a rose lover, I have already grabbed a 100ml backup! It’s thaaat good. I’d love to read a review on it, Victoria, if you are curious about the fragrance!
Also, I’m always happy to hear about tea scents people are loving! An all-time favorite note of mine. August 25, 2021 at 4:58pm
Nina Z: From Parfums de Nicolai, try Neroli Intense and Cap Neroli. The Neroli Intense is more floral with some orange blossom, too, and the Cap Neroli is more citrusy. I also love orange blossom but right now my favorite orange blossom fragrances have been discontinued. Of course, you could try Serge Lutens Fleur d’Oranger. For jasmine, look above in the comments to see a lot of jasmine recommendations. If you want a lighter jasmine with some citrus, try California Reverie. August 25, 2021 at 10:34pm
Aurora: Hello Ava: I enjoy Lush Orange Blossom, Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger Neroli Blanc (discontinued but the intense is still available although too sweet for me) Floris Chypress I like very much too, Jo Malone Orange Blossom is a classic, simple but good, Diptyque l’Eau de Neroli is light starts fresh but with a beeswax note so you have to like a honeyed scent, Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli is fresh and bracing, and I heard good things about Memo Sintra. Well I guess like you I really like neroli and orange blossom. August 27, 2021 at 4:32am
katherinex: Neroli 36 by Le Labo is a wonderful scent – I would describe it as both lightly animalic and floral. Great sillage and longevity for me. August 28, 2021 at 5:30pm
Sebastian: In June, Wafts from the Loft reviewed Bianchi’s Luxe, Calme, Volupté, and in so doing also performed Duparc’s L’Invitation au voyage. This song is a setting of the poem by Baudelaire, from which the quote “Luxe, Calme, et Volupté” is taken.
Which leads me to my question: Do you know other perfumes named after quotations from poetry, theater, opera, art song etc.? (I’m specifically NOT interested in anything named after popular songs, as on this list: https://perfumesociety.org/10-perfumes-songs-inspired/)
I will not require strict quotation, but allow plays on words. As in, for example, Gaultier’s “Fleur du Mâle”.
The only other contribution I can make off the top of my head is Beaufort’s “Fathom V” (quotation from The Tempest).
I hope this is going to be fun. August 25, 2021 at 5:45pm
Sebastian: Slight corrections: The review I referred to was in July, not June.
Here are a few more contributions:
“De Profundis” (Serge Lutens) is named after Oscar Wilde’s letter from prison to Lord Alfred Douglas.
“Arbole, Arbole” (Hiram Green) is named after a poem by Federico Garcia Lorca.
A search on Fragrantica turns up a producer called “Shakespeare Perfumes”. All their perfumes are named after a play by the Bard. August 25, 2021 at 6:13pm
OnWingsofSaffron: BTW, there‘s a Serenade for 16 instruments by Werner Henze called L’heure bleue! August 26, 2021 at 7:28am
OnWingsofSaffron: Music for a while by Frédéric Malle? It‘s a question. Isn‘t that from Shakespeare or Dryden? I think it‘ in some Purcell aria, no? August 26, 2021 at 2:35am
Sebastian: Thanks! I’ve looked it up on Wikipedia: “it is the second of four movements from his incidental music (Z 583) to Oedipus, a version of Sophocles’ play by John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee, published in 1679”
Here’s the verse from which the quotation is taken: “Music for a while
Shall all your cares beguile.” August 26, 2021 at 3:04am
OnWingsofSaffron: I absolutely adore Purcell! I think his aria „When I am Laid in Earth“ fom Dido & Aeneas belongs to the greatest arias for soprano/ mezzo/alto! I especially love the version with Tatiana Troyanos (her first recording of the role). August 26, 2021 at 7:11am
John: Completely agree with you about “When I am Laid in Earth”! I took an introduction to music class with a professor who had written her dissertation on the structure of Purcell’s fugues…she had discovered one day while looking at a score over lunch that on at least one occasion he had inverted his subject to arrive at a counter-subject. So interesting! August 26, 2021 at 12:57pm
Sebastian: I am currently in Utrecht at the Festival Oude Muziek (Festival of Early Muziek). Yesterday, there was a dance performance by Michèle Anne de Mey, produced together with film maker Jaco van Dormael, having as subject her coming to grips with a near-death experience she underwent in 2016 as a consequence of hypothermia. Very moving to watch, and quite extraordinary. Part of it was supported by “When I am laid in earth”, which occurred several times in the performance, beautifully sung by soprano Deborah Cachet, and also in an instrumental version with Lambert Colson on cornetto replacing the human voice.
I think the festival publishes a stream of the performance, however, at the moment there seems to be only a one-minute trailer on YouTube. If youÄ’re interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Jqs_RmAyc August 30, 2021 at 12:31pm
Aurora: Hi Sebastian: There is Nishana A hundred Silent Ways taken from the poet Rumi. August 26, 2021 at 2:15pm
Sebastian: That’s a nice one! I found the line:
“I closed my mouth and spoke to you in a hundred silent ways.”
So very beautiful. August 26, 2021 at 3:57pm
Aurora: *Nishane sorry August 26, 2021 at 2:16pm
Sebastian: Here’s an obscure one: Maria Barcenilla “Under the orange tree”, refers to the poem “Sous l’oranger” by Léon Guillot de Saix (1895 – 1964). The first line reads: “Ton image que mon cœur garde”. The poem was set to music by Reynaldo Hahn. The setting was found posthumously by his son in 1954, a performance can be heard on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6758yEbWxTIH2NuyiIIc2S?si=c6707567ad7e4898 There is also a painting of the same name from 1889 by the French painter Berthe Morisot (1841 – 1895).
From Maria Barcenilla there is also something called “The Perfume Garden”. That could have been turned into a reference to erotic literature (“The Perfumed Garden” by Nefzawi), but unfortunately wasn’t. A missed chance!
The internet is a wonderful place. So many connections! August 26, 2021 at 4:28pm
Sebastian: A friend suggested “Apple Blossom” (there are several perfumes of that name, e g. by Helena Rubinstein or The Body Shop), quoting Yeats “Tall and noble but with face and bosom / Delicate in colour as apple blossom.”
This must be rejected on the grounds that a) the rhyme is bad and b) it’s trite and c) it’s obviously just coincidence. But nice try.
I am really enjoying this. Please say stop if I’m boring you. I do realize it’s off-topic in this forum. August 26, 2021 at 4:43pm
Janet: Portrait of a Lady, the novel by Henry James. There is a perfume of the same name by Frederic Malle. August 28, 2021 at 7:04pm
Cornelia Blimber: Portrait of a Lady is also a poem by T.S. Eliot. August 29, 2021 at 4:46am
Chris in Oakland: Oriza L. Legrand have an interesting scent called “Rêve d’Ossian,” sort of a soft, woodsy incense with vanilla. I read that some epic poems in the voice of a Celtic hero named Ossian were “collected” and published in the 18th century, but probably actually written by a Scottish poet at that time…
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossian August 30, 2021 at 11:30am
Nina Z: I am reading “Breasts and Eggs,” a Japanese novel that is very intriguing so far–very quirky and tackling some unusual topics about the female body. And I’m finally trying California Reverie, which Victoria has given a positive review of. It’s a light and lovely jasmine with some citrusy notes that is very wearable. I can’t make up my mind weather or not to buy it, though. August 25, 2021 at 10:29pm
Michele Brown: I have a beautiful, deep blue eyed, blonde granddaughter who loves the smell
of freesia. I would love a recommendation for a Perfume with that scent. She is very artistic and paints in oils and various mediums, cuts hair, does make up…you get the picture. Could you help me. August 26, 2021 at 7:03pm
Sebastian: “Fresia” by Santa Maria Novella is a possibility. Basically a fresia soliflore, delicate and green turning creamy. August 27, 2021 at 4:32am
Michele Brown: Thank you Sebastian, after reading the ingredients toFreesia by Santa Maria Novella, I think she would like that perfume. Michele September 1, 2021 at 5:08pm
Nina Z: Ofresia from Diptyque is another possibility. August 27, 2021 at 10:11pm
Silke: I am looking for a woody scent of middle or dark brown character. Not one of the ‘modern’ fresh ones with too much Iso-E, Ambroxan or Cashmeran. I have in mind a civilized scent which reminds of antique furniture, perhaps even with a bit of furniture polish or wax. There might be a bit of leather or pipe tobacco, too. I dont’t like too much sweetness, animality, smoke or fatty-creamy ‘sandalwood’ substitutes. Thank you! August 27, 2021 at 7:39am
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe ”Bois d’ Armenie” is the right one for you! (Guerlain).
Or maybe ”Bois des Iles” (Chanel)
Or Chergui Lutens ..could be a little bit too sweet..
Or Pour Homme, Van Cleef & Arpels. I wear that one a lot myself. Reminds me of the pipe tobacco my grand father used to smoke. August 27, 2021 at 8:52am
Silke: Dear Cornelia,
thank you for the fast and interesting answer!
Yes, it may be useful to look more at classical perfume houses or old-school male scents like ‘Pour Homme’. I remember thatSerge Lutens has a whole ‘Bois de…’ line – coul be fitting, too.
Good that you reminded me oft this! August 27, 2021 at 9:18am
Sebastian: Perhaps Gucci pour homme? August 27, 2021 at 10:47am
Silke: The first or the second one? Thank you! August 27, 2021 at 4:30pm
Sebastian: The first. The second would be one of the “fresh ones”, which you said you don’t like. August 27, 2021 at 4:34pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Hi Silke, perhaps „Timbuktu“ by L’Artisan Parfumeur? August 27, 2021 at 3:08pm
Silke: Thank you! Yes, this might be a good idea. Until now I didn’t get along well with Duchaufour’s perfumes, but you never know 😉 August 27, 2021 at 4:34pm
Karina: Tam Dao edt? It’s a sandalwood – cedarwood, but not too creamy in my view. There is also 10 corso como, that brings the spice rack along. Or Radio Bombay with some added freshness from green coconut. I would agree with Timbuktu as a suggestion. You could also try Dzing! which veers off in a different direction but has that wonderful crisp dryness about it that I also get from woody scents. August 29, 2021 at 7:27am
Silke: Dear Karina,
thanks a lot for your helpful tipps 😉 I considered already Tam Dao, this will be my next test then… But the other ones sound interesting, too! August 29, 2021 at 2:58pm
Eudora: Hello all, body oils call.
I am enjoying Weleda rose body oil. I recommend it to everyone who loves red roses…& oils. It is very good, my skin is shining all day. I also love Nuxe oil. Any recommendations?
Thanks. August 27, 2021 at 11:49am
Aurora: Hi Eudora: Jurlique rose body oil is really good now you make me want to try the Weleda😃 August 27, 2021 at 6:49pm
Eudora: Dear Aurora, actually I remember that I read about Weleda being a dupe or substitute for more expensive and luxurious Jurlique. In Weleda’s oil, if I remember well, jojoba oil comes first and then the 🌹. Anyway I love it, smells divine and it is so effective. 🔝 Thanks for the recommendation. August 28, 2021 at 9:07am
Karina: I’ve been enjoying L’Or Bio body oils from Melvita and have been itching to buy one of the Buly body oils. I love their rose scent and they have a rose body oil… August 29, 2021 at 10:31am
Eudora: Dear Karina, I almost forgot to thank you. I put those in my radar! Thanks! August 30, 2021 at 4:51pm
Anna: I’ve been searching for an incense perfume that does not contain rose or too much floral. I love the incense notes in Avignon, but I’m not crazy about the long chamomile finish. A woody base, with earthy patchouli would be ideal. Any thoughts or suggestions? August 27, 2021 at 4:55pm
Aurora: Hello Anna: Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant has no floral at all but no patchouli, also check Lubin Akkad, this one has patchouli. August 27, 2021 at 7:56pm
Anna: Thank you, Aurora, I’ll check them out! August 28, 2021 at 12:51am
Karina: Timbuktu, Bois d Encens or Kyoto spring to mind 🙂 August 29, 2021 at 11:52am
Anna: Karina, thank you, I’ll check them out! August 29, 2021 at 12:23pm
Morelle: I have noticed that currently there are plenty of special offers for Clinique Aromatics Elixir (in Germany). Does this mean that it is being discontinued?! August 27, 2021 at 7:38pm
Eudora: Hello Morelle, I don’t know if it is being discontinued though I don’t think so. What a lot of people tell all the time is that the current formulation is not very good and not what is used to be. Are you familiar with it? August 28, 2021 at 8:35am
Ellen: I finally ran out of what I’ve come to think of as my “signature scent”: Marc Jacobs Original Woman. I’m looking for a replacement! I’ve found the other Marc Jacobs scents a little too “girly” for my tastes, though I do love jasmine and gardenia when they’re done right! August 29, 2021 at 3:59pm
Aurora: Hello Ellen: Jo Loves Gardenia is a good imo gardenia jasmine as is Van Cleef and Arpels Gardenia Petale, very delicate. There was also Elie Saab Essence No. 2 Gardenia but I think it’s discontinued. For tuberose with gardenia there is Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage EDP (you could try the no tuberose U M d’O EDT it too has gardenia) and Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. August 30, 2021 at 9:25pm
Ellen: Thank you so much for your reply Aurora! After perusing this blog (and a few others,) I came across Rogue Perfumery by Manuel Cross and decided to try out a sample set! I think maybe it’s time for me to try something new. I’m especially looking forward to trying the Jasmin Antique, will report back. 🙂 August 30, 2021 at 11:34pm
Aurora: Such a good idea to try a sample set and explore. O yes, if you have a chance let us know what you end up going for. August 30, 2021 at 11:57pm
Amanda: I fell in love with Gucci Rush as a teenager and I still love the way it smells on me. But now that I’m in my mid-30s, I associate the scent with my adolescence and I don’t feel “grownup” when I wear it. Can anyone recommend something similar that might strike me as more sophisticated or mature? Of the fragrances I’ve sampled recently, I’ve enjoyed Aftelier Palimpsest, Mancera Roses Vanille, and Byron Mula Mula, but none feel exactly right for a signature scent, and particularly wrong in warm weather. Thanks in advance for your recommendations! August 31, 2021 at 2:46am
MaryAnn Hardy: Every once in awhile my heart longs for an ’80’s fragrance, Perry Ellis. When I discovered it, on a shelf in one of the big discount stores I loved the bottle and tried the scent…and had to have it. I wore it until I could find it no more. I wore it through grad school and into my first career. and then it was just gone for good. SURELY there is a fragrance that is similar to it: earthy, spicy, lingering…. And yet I haven’t found it. There was a time, when I could catch it’s village and speak quietly to the woman wearing it: “You’re wearing Perry Ellis aren’t you? You smell divine!” (smile). In spite of the many letters I’ve written to the company, it hasn’t been re-issued. 🙁 IS THERE A FRAGRANCE that is like Perry Ellis?? September 13, 2021 at 8:04pm
Aurora: Hello MaryAnn: This thread seems to have gone quiet so this is to invite you to re-post your request in the new thread at the end of this month. I assume it is the Perry Ellis from 1985 😃. September 16, 2021 at 12:30pm
Jamie: Hi there. This is my first time posting here. 42 year old male , but I have youthful and eclectic tastes. David’s post inspired me. I too want to tip over the table. My staple frags have always been in the vein of Habit Rouge, Fahrenheit, Black Afgano you get the idea. There are some less rowdy frags I love and wear. CDG2, Bulgari Black, Lombre Dans leau. These ones I will never tire of. But what are some light/clean/ fresh fragrances for me to try? ( the thought of leaving the house smelling like melon/seaside /cool water makes me break out in a sweat.) Live in New Zealand, so not much access to boutique/niche perfumes. Everyone on here gives great suggestions. 7 September 18, 2021 at 2:22am
Aurora: Hi Jamie: This is to invite you to re-post your request in the new Recommend me a perfume, you will get answers this way. September 21, 2021 at 2:41am
Jamie: Thanks Aurora. I just did that. I hope you are having a sweet smelling day! September 21, 2021 at 9:15pm
Jamie: Also my current recommendations are ‘books’ if you want something light and side-splittingly funny, Role models by John waters.(which aslo has a chapter about his favorite Authors)And more serious ‘in youth is pleasure ‘ by Denton Welch. A fast read but not for the easily offended. And films I have enjoyed recently ‘Savage grace’ starring Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne. About the Bakelite Plastic family and their twisted dynamics and downfall. And ‘Safe’ also starring Julianne Moore. About a suburban housewife who’s surroundings mysteriously start making her sick.
Also my scent of the day is Untitled No.8 by Brent Leonesio. I am at home so I can wear this feral musk bomb without offending the general public. September 19, 2021 at 12:42am