Bois de Jasmin will return on Monday, December 22nd. Today we have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations. If you’ve asked for a recommendation before, we would love to hear how your search went and what you’ve discovered.
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
348 Comments
Heather: I have only ever been complimented in public on two fragrances. The first time was when I wore Exultat – Maria Candide Gentile and the second was with Chanel no. 5 Eau de parfum (new, not vintage). What is the common theme there – wondering? Those are both “large” and I do not wear them often. Wondering if there is a more discreet fragrance that shares common notes that I could wear daily? December 15, 2014 at 7:28am
Michaela: Chanel no 5 Eau Premiere, maybe? December 15, 2014 at 8:53am
Rebecca: I just acquired Eau Premiere and I really love it. Elegant but discrete enough for day wear even in Southern California. December 15, 2014 at 11:14am
angeldiva: Hi Heather,
I fully agree with the ladies above. I have smelled the different Chanel 5’s since the 1960’s when my beautiful mother wore it.
I recently got a sample of 5 eau Premiere at Macy’s , and am soooooo impressed. It smells and WEARS better than ever. What a miracle perfume. The aging aspect of the scent smelling like older woman is G-O-N-E.
It’s wonderful, and it would be easy for you to obtain a sample!
Good Luck!
P. December 15, 2014 at 6:29pm
Heather: Nope, not eau premiere…glad you all like it, but it’s not what I was wearing. Enjoy! December 18, 2014 at 6:48am
Heather: Whoops, clicked submit too early…I will revisit eau premiere for its daily wearability and see how it goes! December 18, 2014 at 6:50am
Reg: I received great recommendations last time for chypre fragrances and have been able to get my hands on samples from Bois 1920 Vento di Fiori and Chanel Cristalle EdT (recommended by Audrey) and Scherrer #1 (Alicia). Cristalle really works for me, it is a wonderful bright scent with a slight earthiness, classic but not old fashioned at all. I never would have guessed it was made in the 70’s. So I now found another Chanel I like, apart from 31 Rue Cambon which has been growing on me so much that I will have to get myself a full bottle at some point. If the Exclusifs just weren’t so expensive..
Yesterday I also received a sample of Roma Imperiale recommended by Lynley and Audrey which I will sample later today and let you know my thoughts. Thanks to you all. December 15, 2014 at 7:56am
Victoria: Sounds like your search went really well! Cristalle is one of my own favorites too, and yes, it’s so modern. Timeless, really. December 15, 2014 at 12:01pm
angeldiva: Hi Reg,
What does 31 Rue Cambon smell like?
Peace December 15, 2014 at 6:31pm
Mendokuse: This will sound odd. I love 31 Rue Cambon, and it’s actually the next perfume I plan on buying, but I plan to use it to scent the inside of my leather bags because I find it mixes beautifully with the smell of strong, buttery leather. On my skin it becomes an insupportable slick of syrupy sweetness, but the smell of it wafting out of a leather bag sends me into raptures. December 15, 2014 at 10:00pm
angeldiva: Brilliant!!! December 16, 2014 at 6:58pm
Michaela: Thank you very very much to everybody who made me aware of or recommended me Cuir de Lancome. I was lucky to find it, and now, after I wore it a lot lately, I feel it like ‘me’, like no other perfume I own. This one could easily be my signature perfume from autumn to spring, so versatile and easy to wear, yet so elegant and complex. It wears close to the skin, lasts all day long and always feels comfortable. December 15, 2014 at 8:02am
Victoria: Enjoy it! This is a memorable and elegant leather perfume. December 15, 2014 at 12:02pm
Malmaison: I love this and feel exactly the same! If I had to have only one perfume, Cuir de Lancôme would be it. December 15, 2014 at 4:52pm
Therése: So, for the last year or so I’ve been falling in love with deep dark rose perfumes and the Montale line of dark Oud scents. They are quite “loud” and a little difficult but I have enjoyed them a lot.
But now I feel a need to go in the opposite direction. Can you recommend skin scents? Something that feels like a warm second skin, smooth and sensual? December 15, 2014 at 8:03am
Reg: Have you tried Serge Lutens Clair de Musc? It comes to mind because I have just sampled it recently and was surprised by its soft modesty. December 15, 2014 at 8:09am
Michaela: Well said! That’s the feeling of Claire du Musc. December 15, 2014 at 8:21am
Michaela: Clair de Musc. sorry 🙂 December 17, 2014 at 4:01am
Therése: I haven’t tried it but I have read about it, it sounds like what I am looking for. I will try to get my hands on a sample. Thank you! December 15, 2014 at 8:30am
Mendokuse: Have you tried Dans Tes Bras? December 15, 2014 at 9:14pm
Therése: I havent’t tried Dans Tes Bras, I will add it to my list. Thank you! December 16, 2014 at 2:57am
angeldiva: I tried SANS DE BRAS in the 1970’s ! lol
P. December 16, 2014 at 7:00pm
Therése: 😀 December 17, 2014 at 2:39am
Michaela: Someone commented on Fragrantica that Al Haraiman Attar al Kaaba is similar to Montale Black Oud, minus the sweetness. I was thinking this is the same direction, but it stays very close to the skin (applied lightly). December 15, 2014 at 8:26am
Therése: That is a very interesting recommendation, I will check it out! December 15, 2014 at 9:28am
Lynley: Hermes Eau des Merveilles wears like a light warm skin scent on me, with it’s slight saltiness.
Parfums de Nicolai’s Vanille Tonka is a very light vanilla and i find it more skin scent than foody.
I also find that Guerlain L’Heure Bleue dries down to a beautiful cozy warmth December 15, 2014 at 11:01am
AnnieA: The Merveilles are close to the skin over all. Ambre de Merveilles is very cozy. December 15, 2014 at 5:39pm
Therése: Oh yes, the Merveilles are lovely. Thanks for reminding me! December 16, 2014 at 3:04am
spe: Daim blonde serge lutens December 15, 2014 at 11:28am
Danaki: I second that, though it is more of a winter skin scent. Mure et musc is nice and refreshing for warmer climes. December 15, 2014 at 3:06pm
Therése: Mure et musc is lovely! December 16, 2014 at 2:58am
angeldiva: Hi!
I concur! L’artisan Mure et Musk Extreme is so earthy and sweet. I’m wearing it now and can smell blackberry green stems more than fruity quality mentioned in reviews. I think that on a man this scent would be most attractive.
P. December 18, 2014 at 11:14pm
limegreen: My favorite skin scent for daylong wear is the Malle Dans tes Bras but in the body butter. The body butter has a high concentration of the perfume but is softer than the perfume, and I love both but find myself wearing the body butter more. It’s cozy and warm, and often lasts into the evening.
Malle’s Musc Ravageur body butter is softer than the perfume and definitely becomes a skin scent, more so than the perfume.
(Victoria has reviewed the Malle body butters but not the DTB or MR creams, just the perfumes.) December 15, 2014 at 12:16pm
Katy: I think Estée Lauder Sensuous Noir is lovely and cozy. I like Serge Lutens Gris Clair, a lavender softened wonderfully by tonka and warm musk. December 15, 2014 at 12:53pm
Therése: I sampled the Sensous Noir the other week and was very impressed, it’s very good. I haven’t tried Gris Clair, I will add it to my list! December 16, 2014 at 3:02am
Joy: I love Gris Clair. I just can’t get enough of it. I need to try other Serge Luten perfumes, but I have a hard time getting past Gris Clair it is so perfect for me! December 16, 2014 at 5:53pm
lila: Give L’Artisan Parfumeur Skin on Skin a go. It’s also very soft, low sillage and well, the name is very fitting. December 15, 2014 at 5:11pm
Tati: I’ve been on the same hunt for dark rose and oud that isn’t overwhelming. Try Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Lumiere Noire Femme and his original Oud. December 15, 2014 at 6:36pm
angeldiva: Hi Therese,
Like the other ladies I am a large Serge Lutens fan. You can contact thier website and politely request samples sent to you from France. They sent me: Ambre Sultan, Chergui and Cedre. I purchased a full bottle of the Ambre Sultan. Talk about senses! It’s smoky skin enhanced exotic wearability is quite an experience.
P. December 15, 2014 at 6:37pm
Therése: I had no idea you could request samples from SL. Thank you for letting me know! I will add Ambre Sultan to my (very long and ever growing) list of scents to try. December 16, 2014 at 4:20am
Rebecca: Ambre Sultan is my absolute favourite – it always makes me feel warmth in the darkest part of winter. I also get compliments every time I wear it. Sadly I’m in the southern hemisphere and it’s too hot for it but I love to take the cap off at sniff it – when I’m stressed it makes me feel calm. December 18, 2014 at 5:40am
Awfulknitter: Have you tried Autoportrait, from Olfactive Studio? I think the name says quite a lot: it smells like you, only better! It’s not a musky-powdery-clean skin scent, but it’s not dirty either: it has a transparent and radiant woodsy-resiny character that I find immensely pleasing. You might too! December 18, 2014 at 6:59am
Therése: It sounds really interesting! December 28, 2014 at 7:13am
Michael: I received a 100ml bottle of Estee Lauder Wood Mystique EDP yesterday as a Christmas present. I haven’t tested the fragrance but from the notes it sounds like a woody oriental that I would like –
Top: Rose Distilled, Peony, Pink Pepper
Heart: Rose de Mai Absolute from Grasse, Rose Infusion, Organic Egyptian Jasmine Absolute, Mimosa Provence Absolute, Orris Morocco, Ylang Ylang
Base: Patchouli Essence, Leather Essence, Indonesian Benzoin, Cedarwood SFE, Agar Wood, Raspberry
Does anyone have this perfume, or tested it before, and if yes what are your opinions?
Thanks in advance! December 15, 2014 at 8:05am
Victoria: I tried it briefly, and I thought that it was nicely done. It was created for the Middle Eastern market, I believe. December 15, 2014 at 12:03pm
Michael: Thanks Victoria, think I’m going to try it out at an Estee Lauder counter before I open my full bottle. December 16, 2014 at 7:55am
Michael: I managed to test it today and liked it very much. It’s as much a spicy/floral oriental as it is a woody oriental. I would describe it as having some common characteristics with Frederic Malle’s Portrait of a Lady and Ormonde Jayne’s Ta’if. It’s one of those wearable perfumes and just like Coco Noir, it doesn’t break any conventions but it is beautifully made. December 16, 2014 at 8:30pm
angeldiva: Michael,
I’ve never even heard of this! It sounds fab! Is it a man’s fragrance, a cologne?
P. December 15, 2014 at 6:41pm
Michael: According to Fragrantica, Wood Mystique is the first unisex fragrance by Estee Lauder and it was initially aimed at the Middle Eastern market. The fragrance is only available in EDP concentration. The nose behind the fragrance is Jacques Cavallier.
http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Est-e-Lauder/Wood-Mystique-13636.html December 16, 2014 at 8:05am
angeldiva: Thank-you! December 16, 2014 at 4:07pm
Connie: I’m interested in exploring some Arabian oils, does anyone have any favorites? I’m completely on board with rose, oud, saffron, incense, amber, etc. December 15, 2014 at 8:06am
Michaela: I have Al Haraiman’s Al Buraq and Attar al Kaaba. See Fragrantica, both are in the database. I love them both. They may be not the most expensive oils, but they feel very natural, rich, dark and charming. I feel rose, amber, musk and sandalwood (they list different notes for each other, includin oud, but that’s how I read them). I like Al Buraq a bit more because it has some sillage. Attar al Kaaba stays closer to the skin. I wear them year round. SOmetimes I like 2 drops very much in the heat of summer. December 15, 2014 at 8:18am
Michaela: Another one I tried is Al Haraiman Fakhrul Arab (also in Fragrantica database). If I smell it from the bottle, it feels like Lutens. Applied on the skin it is very different and for me it becomes a bit too ‘manly’, especially in cold weather. My mother likes it best, but it is gorgeous on her skin. Not on mine. December 15, 2014 at 8:31am
Gentiana: Did you try Afaaf or Attar al Quassoor (both Al Haramain) ? I have them and I am very happy with both. Not so happy with Dhan al Oudh al Combodi (Rasasi) – it is too much of barnyard for me…
Do you wish to swap samples – Attar al Quassoor (me to you) for Attar al Kaaba (you to me) 🙂 ?
Gentiana Brasov 🙂 December 15, 2014 at 10:31am
Michaela: I liked Affaf, also. Very nice rose, maybe more feminine. I didn’t buy it, because I can’t have them all 🙂
It would be nice, thank you, it’s easy from Bucuresti to Brasov.
Maybe Victoria would delete this comment after you write down my email, please: xxxxx December 15, 2014 at 10:46am
Katy: Connie, have you considered botanical oils? I have obtained great oils from Eden Botanicals out of Petaluma, California. I am in no way affliated with them, just a happy customer. I have ordered fabulous patchouli, lavender, vetiver, frankincense, Ylang-Ylang, Cistus and other goodies. These are all top quality and I just add a bit to unscented moisturizers or another carrier oil and put them on alone or layered with perfume to give things a bit of lift and projection when needed. They also send samples that you get to choose with orders over $50.00. Check it out! December 15, 2014 at 1:08pm
angeldiva: Hi Katy,
Your oils sound sensational. I am familiar with Petaluma, having visited a friend there. It’s in the wine country, and was the home of Charles Schultz. Also, the film ‘American Graffiti’ was filmed there.
May I tell everyone about a perfumer I found? Located in Old Albuquerque, New Mexico they are called PERFUMES OF THE DESERT. They do mail order, and the prices are quite low. I purchased a 1/2 oz. bottle of Midnight Cereus. It’s one of the rarest blooms in the world. Just one night per year. This company has been collecting flowers to make perfume for dogs years.
This scent is so rare I have nothing to compare it to. It smells like the desert. It’s sweet, and exotic, clean. And, it smells the a neon blue electric sign.
They have other scents like SAGE, and then they blend scents. I was just so tired of the pricing of perfumes like MOJAVE GHOST. I was glad to find this humble little company.
P. December 15, 2014 at 7:12pm
Gentiana: thank you! excuse me for any inconvenience about the message above.
I still am looking for the ultimate 🙂 rose perfume and for the ultimate 🙂 🙂 chocolate perfume.
I had two more projects: amber and Iris.
As amber, I finally chose Ambre Sultan, and I am very happy with it.
As Iris… I took Iris from Odori. It is a very warm, cozy iris, but the strong blast of star anise ruins the best part of it…. I am kind of sensitive to anise, lavender and a few other spices and aromatic herbs, and I have the feeling my skin amplifies them, to the limit of supportability. So I still search THE Iris…. 🙂
Concerning the rose perfume- I am dizzy as there too much I like/ love and am still undecided.
Chocolate – I loved Molinard’s Fleur de Chocolat, sadly discontinued.
Other chocolates are very volatile or ozonic/ chemical (Profumo) or too milky (PG Musc Maori)
Could you give me an advice? (or two? or three?) December 16, 2014 at 10:48am
Michaela: Ambre Sultan is gorgeous! Enjoy it!
I know not many perfumes. I only have Silences for iris, and Tocade and perfume arabian oils for rose. December 17, 2014 at 3:23am
Michaela: Gentiana, you can use my email if you wish, no problem. December 17, 2014 at 3:24am
Gentiana: thank you, I wasn’t in house for a few days 🙂 December 19, 2014 at 9:03am
limegreen: Hi Connie — I have Al Haramain Oudi which has four of the notes you listed: oud, rose, saffron (and usual suspects amber, patchouli). It starts out mild and grows, and sticks around (watch out for leather jackets).
I agree with Michaela — not pricey but have a nice resinous feel. My 15 ml bottle will last forever. 🙂 December 16, 2014 at 2:01pm
Heather H: Hello everyone,
I am looking for a light floral fragrance to wear during my pregnancy. Yes this is my third pregnancy, and I am finished with first trimester . I will spray lightly on my tee shirts.
Thanks,
Heather December 15, 2014 at 8:07am
rosarita: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist edt is a pretty jasmine scent that’s light, it would be nice on a tee shirt! Congratulations 🙂 December 15, 2014 at 8:14am
Heather H: Thank you for your recommendation. I will try it. December 15, 2014 at 11:20am
Lynley: Delrae Wit
Parfum d’Empire Osmanthus Interdite
Hermes Osmanthe Yunnan (floral tea)
Kerosene Pretty Machine
Tommi Sooni Passarelle
Guerlain Apres l’Ondee
Roger & Gallet’s line are inexpensive and light
Jo Malone (pretty much all)
The new L’occitane one- cant remember its name…
Bvlgari pour femme
Histoires de Parfums female range- George Sand/Colette/Eugenie de Montijo December 15, 2014 at 10:28am
Heather H: Thank you for the list. I think wit sounds perfect ! December 15, 2014 at 11:21am
Lynley: Youre welcome 🙂 Wit is at the top of the list because i think it is perfect- its beautiful! December 15, 2014 at 8:42pm
limegreen: A friend of mine wore Jo Malone Wild Bluebell (very soft floral) during her pregnancy. December 15, 2014 at 12:00pm
Victoria: Congratulations, Heather!! These are wonderful news. 🙂
As for a light floral perfume, what about Annick Goutal Eau de Camille, Duel, Chevrefeuille or Neroli (except I don’t remember which one of these might be on the way to be discontinued)
Or it sounds obvious, but Petit Guerlain is such a charming perfume. It was created by Olivia Giacobetti, and it has a blend of soft floral, musky and wheat-like notes. December 15, 2014 at 12:06pm
Heather H: Thank you Victoria:) I love Annick Goutal, and I can’t wait to try these perfumes. I miss perfume so much after a few months of fasting. December 15, 2014 at 12:35pm
limegreen: I don’t know what your budget or likes/dislikes are, but I’m obsessed with the new Aerin Lilac Path. It’s as pretty a pure lilac as I’ve smelled and while it has nice longevity, it is light in sillage. December 15, 2014 at 2:45pm
Heather H: I love lilac. I will try it. Thank you. December 15, 2014 at 5:27pm
Mendokuse: If you love lilac and are looking for a light floral, En Passant might just be the ticket. December 15, 2014 at 9:17pm
Hamamelis: Maybe Yves Rocher’s Tendre Jasmin? Very soft, fresh and tender jasmin, with slight mimosa and coconut notes to my nose….and then once your baby is born you can splash out on something much more expensive to celebrate! December 15, 2014 at 4:08pm
Heather H: Thank you I will check it out. December 15, 2014 at 5:28pm
anastasia: Congratulations!!!!
I second the Yves Rocher and they always have 50% off. Comme une Evidence is also nice, the nose behind it is Annick Menardo.
Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom, French Lavender & Honey, and Country Chic are some of the nicer scents that aren’t sickly sweet and the fragrance mist stays on your clothes. Very reasonably priced.
The lotions have insane big sillage! December 15, 2014 at 7:49pm
angeldiva: Hi Victoria,
Thank-you for turning me on to Le Chevrefeuille!!! :):):) Oh! What a scent! I only have samples, but I am working hard to make this my signature scent. Sometimes a woman just wants to SPRAY and spray -amen! I can’t get this effect from my samples, and you need to saturate this perfume as recommended by BdJ.
So, break out your hankies: I purchased a partial bottle on ebay. It smelled faintly of hairspray! I have never smelled a perfume turned bad, it made me angry. I got a refund, but just can’t find a deal on this scent, yet. Awards season is staring in Los Angeles, and I want to wear this on the red carpet- by Spray- not splash! 🙁 Maybe, Im getting spoiled.
Le Chevrefueille- I call it ,”MY CHEVY FUEL!!!” Just wished it was priced like chevy fuel! lol
P. December 16, 2014 at 7:41pm
Bastet: Congratulations on your pregnancy! Maybe one or more of my favorite soft florals will work for you:
Balmain Ivoire (new version)
Cacharel Noa
Chanel No. 5 EP
Chloe Love Chloe
Guerlain AA Lys Soleia
L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons and Mimosa pour Moi
Oscar de la Renta Esprit d’Oscar
Prada Infusion d’Iris (EDP or absolue) December 15, 2014 at 12:45pm
Heather H: Thank you for your suggestions. You guys are giving me many choices . Yah! December 15, 2014 at 5:30pm
Reg: I think Mimosaique by Parfums de Nicolai is unobtrusive and pleasant. December 15, 2014 at 1:48pm
Polinia: Spring flowers by Creed is a delicate and pleasant perfume. December 15, 2014 at 5:05pm
AnnieA: Congratulations! Jour d’Hermès is pretty — Hermès in general does well in the pretty&light department. December 15, 2014 at 5:30pm
angeldiva: Hi Heather,
Congratulations on the pregnancy! I’m going to recommend:
Creed Fleurissime
It was a Royal Appointment Perfume. Formulated by Creed at the request of Prince Renier for the wedding day of Grace Kelly. It’s a white woody floral. So beautiful to wear. I’ve also heard it described as, “Class In A Bottle.” lol
It is the most expensive perfume I have ever purchased, but, if you are clever with O.co you can get it at about 60% off retail.
I paid $113. US
Once I forgot it was in my glove compartment during one of the hottest weeks of the year! What can I say? I’m under a lot of stress! But, it still smells like Heaven.
🙂
Peace December 15, 2014 at 7:22pm
Karen: Wait, what is O.co?? That price is crazy! December 15, 2014 at 9:02pm
angeldiva: Hi Karen,
O.CO is Overstock.com
Before getting excited be sure they ship to your country, or work with an American. The selection of perfumes new and RARE is mind-blowing. The prices change from day to day because these are overstocked items. The price I paid for Fluerissime worked like this:
*I joined the O rewards club (very little investment) This means FREE SHIPPING ALWAYS
Also, they are in Utah so (HELLO) no sales tax.
Then you get 5% credit for every US dollar you spend.
And, that’s how I got that price. Believe me I don’t buy Creed perfume all year! lol
On Monday Gucci Envy was $44. US for 1oz..
The BdJ tribe has gushed so much about the discontinued Gucci Envy that I bought a sample at The Perfumed Court.
Well, you ladies are free to buy all the Gucci Envy stock they have because the scent was just too shrill on my skin.
Enjoy!!!!
Peace
P.S. I think I need to start a perfume locator website service. But, until then I’m happy to help all of my BdJ tribe! 🙂 December 16, 2014 at 4:23pm
angeldiva: Oh, I also applied a coupon. 8% up to 20% but, 20% is RARE. Once you join the coupons arrive in your email. *******If a coupon does not apply to a perfume- just wait. Another coupon will apply. You just need to make sure the perfume does not sell out first. Let me know how you all do, OK?
Peace December 16, 2014 at 4:28pm
Karen: Wow! Well thank you for opening a door to even more perfumes for me to purchase!! I was getting a little frustrated as my wish list increases with each batch of samples I get. So I am off to do more investigating! Thank youthankyouthankyou!! December 16, 2014 at 5:46pm
angeldiva: TIS THE SEASON!!!
🙂 December 16, 2014 at 7:21pm
Heather H: Thanks Angeldiva,
This perfume sounds lovely. I can’t wait to try it at the Neiman’s counter. December 15, 2014 at 9:21pm
Heather: Ophelia by Heeley. It’s soooooo pretty! December 18, 2014 at 6:58am
Heather H: I just wanted to thank everyone for their recommendations and also to let everyone know the perfume I chose. If you become pregnant yourself or know someone who is pregnant maybe these choices will work for you. I have to say with my first pregnancy I couldn’t wear any perfume,but with this one I can. I spray lightly on clothes.
These beautiful,light floral perfumes worked: Apres l’Ondee, La Chasse aux Papillons, Annick Goutal Le Chevrefeuille and Rose Splendide, and Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan .
These are all lovely perfumes,but I bought a bottle of Annick Goutal Le Chevrefeuille.You just can’t beat the charm and romance of Annick Goutal. Her perfumes make me feel special. My husband bought me Rose Splendide for Christmas:)
Merry Christmas Everyone! December 21, 2014 at 10:54am
Victoria: What a lovely choice! Wear it in good health. 🙂 December 22, 2014 at 8:34am
Julie: Hello- I am trying to help a friend of mine explore the world of perfume…Insolence by Guerlain comes to mind as sweet but lovely, L’ Instant Perfume too. I noticed My Insolence too?. I haven’t sampled any and many places do NOT offer samples or have them on hand. I love the sound of these as described. Anyone have a comment? Thank you for your reply 🙂 December 15, 2014 at 9:15am
Victoria: I like all of those. L’Instant is a beautiful perfume. What about Idylle? It’s also pretty and it wears really well. December 15, 2014 at 12:07pm
Julie: Thank you Victoria that was the one I was leaning towards for her and found the body lotion to layer it with for a gift…:) She is a good friend! December 15, 2014 at 4:08pm
Julie: L’Instant EDP it is…maybe I’ll buy two Guerlain perfumes 🙂 How can you go wrong! December 15, 2014 at 4:17pm
angeldiva: Julie,
L’instant EDT is $39.99US on Overstock.com today. And, as a member there is a 15% coupon that is good until tomorrow at 10pm California time.
Peace December 16, 2014 at 4:37pm
angeldiva: 1.7 ounce spray bottle December 16, 2014 at 4:38pm
Jessica: This website has encouraged me to start trying new perfumes. And I’m very much beginner in this fragrance world. I’ve been complemented a few times on Lalique’s Perles de Lalique, and I also like cashmere mist as something lighter. My latest splurge was Rose de Petra by SHL 777. A really very complex and interesting floral.
Do you have any other fragrances which might be appropriate for someone beginning their fragrance journey? December 15, 2014 at 9:20am
Lynley: Rose Petra is beautiful and it seems you’re already beyond ‘starter’ level with this choice 🙂
Have you tried the decant sites: Surrender to Chance or The Perfumed Court? Decants are a great way of exploring and they usually have themed selections too for inspiration. December 15, 2014 at 11:08am
Polinia: Hi, half a year ago I was a starter myself. L’Artisan is a very good choice to start with. And timeless classics as well. 5* perfumes list on this site can be very helpful. Good luck with your journey! December 15, 2014 at 5:10pm
Mendokuse: Exploring the Frédéric Malle line when I started researching perfumes made my world explode. Relative to most other well-established perfume brands, they have a smaller and more controlled selection, so it’s less confusing and time-consuming to navigate on top of being guaranteed to reward you with the discovery of something you’ll love. December 15, 2014 at 9:27pm
Tijana: Hi, can someone please recommend a replacement / dupe for the now discontinued L’Instant Magic Elixir from Guerlain? Or a place where I still might be able to find this one to buy (I checked key online sites and stores – no luck). Thanks! December 15, 2014 at 9:27am
Victoria: I liked it very much, and when I heard that it was discontinued, I was disappointed. I’m not sure of anything similar, but if you like powdery perfumes and almond like notes, what about Kenzo Amour or Love Chloe. They are both much less sweet than Guerlain, though. The new Shalimar Souffle (or Souffle de Shalimar, I’m sorry I don’t remember the name exactly) is not identical, but its character is also soft, powdery and enveloping. December 15, 2014 at 12:10pm
Tijana: Thank you al!!!! December 22, 2014 at 9:19am
monkeytoe: Here are a couple of scents that I think have a similar feel, but are certainly not dupes (definitely sample before you buy) by Parfumerie Generale Felanilla 21 and Ilang Ivohibe 15. They are not twins or even close siblings, but cousins with the same outlook and similar personalities, if that makes sense. December 16, 2014 at 4:00pm
Indigo: I don’t know whether this is helpful or frustrating, but allbeauty website is selling this in the UK at the moment for under £50… December 17, 2014 at 5:04am
Indigo: Sorry, I meant to specify, they are selling l’Instant Magic! December 17, 2014 at 5:05am
neo: Hi everyone,
I have been buying all manner of sundry perfumes all my life only to realise later they are too light, or don’t do anything for me and so forth. So now I really want to buy on recommendation.
he one I got recently, after reading about it here, is Knot and although it seems fresh and lovely, I am in warm goa –where I am for usually six months a year–and nothing seems to last on the skin here!!
So 1. I really want strong, long lasting scents. 2. I love citrusy, mixed with some floral or oriental maybe. One of my favs is allure sensuelle, I keep hovering around chanel fraiche on airport counters but feel it’s too expensive, I had a bottle of ninfeo mio by A Goutal which I did like. I have two more of A Goutal–ombre something and cherie both of which I don’t like–so also I would like to know what is it about them that I don’t like?:-)
Also, I got the sandalwood soap after victoria wrote about it here–and it’s so strong you can just keep it in the bathroom and it scents it up! I love it.
I love the scent of sandalwood as well–and have a small bottle of sw essential oil which I intend to combine with couple of other essential oils to make a perfume oil–so any suggestion of what goes with sandalwood would be very welcome and that can then become my evening perfume oil maybe..I also have Mogra essential oil–I think it’s a kind of jasmine no?
Last q–how many sprays approx should be adequate here.
ok thanks in advance for all help..happy holidays and warm regards
Neo December 15, 2014 at 9:33am
Michaela: Hello,
You can loook for sandalwood essential oil combos ideas here: http://www.soap-making-essentials.com/sandalwood-essential-oil.html.
If you want to make your own perfume oil, make sure you use only essential oils which are safe for the skin, and make sure you dilute them enough in a long lasting and smell-free carrier oil. I prefer jojoba oil as a carrier. It lasts and lasts, it’s always liquid and it has no scent. The only pretty nice perfume oil I made: pink grapefruit e/o (1 part), geranium (Bourbon) e/o (0.4 parts) and patchouli (0.4 parts) diluted in jojoba oil. December 15, 2014 at 10:21am
angeldiva: Wow! Michael!
This sounds fab!!!!
P. December 16, 2014 at 4:40pm
Lynley: Have you tried the Hermes Jardin series? I find they all hold up longevity-wise to heat and humidity, and all work in the heat as beautiful refreshing scents. December 15, 2014 at 10:35am
spe: Mandragore goutal December 15, 2014 at 11:30am
Joy: Estee Lauder perfumes are very enduring. I often use Knowing which is a rose chypre fragrance. I have to apply it carefully so that it is not overpowering. Victoria included it in a revue of rose fragrances this summer. December 15, 2014 at 6:42pm
limegreen: Living in humid climate here, too. I’ve found some of the Nicolai perfumes to be have longevity and nice sillage, without breaking the bank: Odalisque and Le Temps du Fete.
I didn’t care for the pear in Petite Cherie.
Have you tried Goutal’s Grand Amour? (Of course with the new company, don’t know about sillage.) December 15, 2014 at 7:54pm
Annette: Hi, try Andy Tauer’s Orange Star. Citrusy and oriental plus veeery long lasting:) December 16, 2014 at 9:14am
Aurora: Hi Neo Hermes Jardin series has already been recommended and I second that; there is also Voyage d’Hermes which has beautiful spicy notes, cardamom among them, it wears light and stays close to the body but its longevity is excellent: 8h or so on my skin during the hard days of summer. All the best in your search. December 16, 2014 at 2:46pm
monkeytoe: Heat and humidity (I live in Miami, Florida) are the enemies of endurance for fragrances. The combo can make scents bloom on skin, but really wreck longevity. Have you tried putting a spray on some of your clothing–that is the best way that I have found for scent to last in the sub-tropics. December 16, 2014 at 4:03pm
angeldiva: Hi Neo,
I enjoyed your post. If you like sandalwood -you may enjoy:
Dyptique TAM DAO
I got a $4.US sample at Luckyscents
Peace December 16, 2014 at 5:11pm
Heather: Hi Neo,
Check out Sonoma Scent Studio, from Sonoma California. Long lasting, very well made and if you like sandalwood, Champagne de Bois is spectacular. It lasts forever! The quality is very high for the price which is quite reasonable. It’s a favorite! Also ambre noir…. December 18, 2014 at 7:04am
Mara: I highly recommend “L’Habit Rouge” of Guerlain, especially the eau de toilette and l’eau editions that richly capture the joyful, festive, uplifting atmosphere of the season, a scent that is sophisticated and classy.
Also:
Marrakesh by Robert Piguet, a luxurious oriental, incense classic: deep, cosmopolitan, exotic, unique.
ENJOY! December 15, 2014 at 9:41am
Mara: PS: the CORRECT name of Robert Piguet’s perfume is “CASBAH” and is inspired by the city of Marrakech!
(apologies for the inconvenience!) December 15, 2014 at 9:46am
Rebecca: Could someone remind me of a fragrance, reviewed here I believe, that very closely resembles Feminite du Bois? I know I saw it somewhere and it is driving me crazy. December 15, 2014 at 11:16am
George: There was a discussion of Plum Japonais in the comments section of the Fleur de Chine review- is that what you were thinking of? December 15, 2014 at 11:55am
Bastet: Maybe you are thinking of the Serge Lutens variations on FdB, such as Bois en Violette and Bois et Fruits. December 15, 2014 at 12:49pm
Rebecca: Darn. I don’t think it was either of those. I wish I would learn that my memory is dreadful and start writing these things down when I see them. Thank for your help though, George and Bastet (love that name!). December 15, 2014 at 1:24pm
George: Is it Dolce Vita? December 15, 2014 at 3:03pm
George: (or L’agent) December 15, 2014 at 5:41pm
Hamamelis: Was it Genie des Bois by Keiko Mecheri? December 15, 2014 at 4:00pm
angeldiva: Hi Hamamelis!
I just received 2 samples of Kieko Mecheri at Scentbar:
SEDONA BLUE
CANYON DREAMS
both are very, very beautiful. She is such an important perfumer, wish her items were reviewed here.
Peace December 16, 2014 at 5:00pm
kayliz: Was it Dolce Vita by Dior? I find that very like Feminite du Bois — perhaps not so rich, more radiant, but still very similar. December 15, 2014 at 3:54pm
kayliz: Oops, sorry, just seen George suggested it!
Hope that’s the one — I’m all too familiar with the feeling of just not being able to put your finger on something. December 15, 2014 at 3:56pm
limegreen: Like George, I thought it was Plum Japonais and Fleur de Chine where the subject came up. You could go the Search box (upper righthand corner) and then you’ll get all the references to Feminite du Bois on BdJ, not just reviews. 🙂 December 15, 2014 at 7:35pm
Rebecca: Hmm… Maybe it was Dolce Vita (I knew it was something that I don’t own and was curious about and this fits that description). Thank you all for your kind input. December 15, 2014 at 10:46pm
Malmaison: I don’t know whether it was reviewed here but Miller et Bertaux Parfum Trouvé is often said (and I agree!) to be very similar to Feminité du Bois. December 15, 2014 at 11:45pm
spe: Your opinions, please, on which soliflore you might associate with which physical type (petite, medium, tall).
rose
orange blossom
lily of the valley
jasmine
tuberose
gardenia
iris
thank you! December 15, 2014 at 11:35am
AnnieA: It would seem the only correlate I have is that tuberose & gardenia are for the more Amazonian amongst us. December 15, 2014 at 5:33pm
Hannah: I think of personified flowers all the time, but it is hard to say just based on physical height. But just based on very generalized associations, I would say: orange blossom and lily of the valley=petite, rose and iris=medium, jasmine, tuberose, gardenia=tall.
That said, you might be surprised how many “amazonian” figures are in reality very petite (being 5’0″, I keep a mental record of everyone who is supposedly under 5’3″).
May I ask why you’re asking? Just curiosity? December 15, 2014 at 6:18pm
Karen: Dolly Parton, 5′ and I’d never classify her as petite! December 15, 2014 at 7:51pm
angeldiva: Dolly Parton wears a perfume by Mary Kay Cosmetics. The scent was actually discontinued, but, her fans send her bottles. Is that just the sweetest thing ever?
P. December 16, 2014 at 6:08pm
Karen: Well Dolly Parton seems pretty darn sweet, so it’s no surprise her fans would do that! December 16, 2014 at 7:09pm
spe: Well, I’ve been playing with dabs of soliflore while wearing both Caleche and 31 RC, to modify these two beauties according to my mood , weather, and the occasion. Sort of like the middle eastern approach where they layer for their own personal effect. I’m just trying to gauge the opinions of you all to see what combinations might be most expected or unexpected based on how I look. It seems kind of silly as I write it out, but your viewpoints are important to me in this matter! I’m 5’2, thin to medium build, dark eyes, brunette hair with (grown out) blonde highlights, relatively sharp facial features (eastern Europe like). I don’t know whether to play up a strong personality or whether to contrast with it, so that’s why I’m asking, so I can try the various combinations! Thank you for your response! December 15, 2014 at 7:52pm
anastasia: Do both! I look Eastern European too but I’m Mediterranean. Also petite and I tend to wear perfume more to suit my hidden personality first and sometimes my mood. I’ll wear Bvlgari Black with a ultra feminine dress just because! I love when I smell something on someone that I would have never expected them to wear..it gives me another facet of their personality. December 15, 2014 at 8:07pm
spe: That is a beautiful example! The contrast with Black would be memorable and almost “haunting”. Definitely unexpected! December 15, 2014 at 9:15pm
Hannah: I don’t think it seems silly, I was just wondering if you wanted to know for a project of some kind.
I don’t think perfume taste and appearance are strongly correlated, but in terms of what would be “expected” I think rose or lily of the valley. Least expected would be tuberose. Just according to me. December 15, 2014 at 8:11pm
spe: Thank you, Hannah. So far, the tuberose combo has received the most compliments, so the unexpected route appears to be the most attention grabbing, as intimated by both you and Anastasia. The combo I’m most comfortable with is the iris combo. The rose combo is the most difficult for me to try out. Not sure why.
Karen – I probably should have phrased it as “slight”, “average”, and “voluptuous”, or something like that as you wisely state, the issue of physical presence doesn’t always correlate with height! December 15, 2014 at 9:24pm
Mendokuse: I think everyone has different moods, and the impression you give is more dependent on that than your physical appearance. One day, you might be in a marvelous mood and perceived by others as warm and vivacious, another day you might feel Heathcliff-esque and come off as dark and brooding. You should pick your perfume based on the feeling of the moment and let it carry you through the day – you’ll always pull it off if you have the confidence to carry it. December 15, 2014 at 9:35pm
spe: That’s helpful- so would you match the mood or contrast with it? December 15, 2014 at 10:05pm
spe: Sorry – forgot to specify. Would you classify as follows?:
rose – demure
lily of valley-vivacious
orange blossom – coy
jasmine-sensuous
iris-quiet/brooding
tuberose-flirtatious
gardenia- young
?? December 15, 2014 at 10:11pm
Mendokuse: My feeling for a flower will really depend on my mood, but if I had to give a classification or definition, it might be these:
tuberose – generous
rose – strong
jasmine – lazy
lily – alert but calm
Beyond that, I don’t have much else, haha. December 15, 2014 at 10:20pm
anastasia: match my mood or if you want to change it…if I’m feeling down I need to wear something more comforting or uplifting Trust yourself and your feelings and go with it. December 15, 2014 at 10:57pm
anastasia: 0h if I had to personify the rose I wouldn’t see it as demure I think its one of the most beautiful fragrant flowers out there….but its petals are also so delicate so if you’re not careful it’s thorns will hurt you. Handle the rose with gentle care and she’ll allow you to get up close and personal. I think the rose would be a woman that you admire its beauty from afar she’s strong(thorns) but vulnerable, a fire that comes from within. nothing demure about her she has a smoldering passion but like the astrological sign of Cancer the crab she protects herself so she doesn’t get hurt. She is the saint and the sinner. that’s what a rose means to me December 15, 2014 at 11:05pm
Hannah: I think it depends on the type of rose. December 15, 2014 at 11:40pm
Joy: I agree! A rose such as Goutal’s Rose Splendide is light and almost effervescent. L’Ombre dans L”eau by Diptique is dark, mysterious, and sometimes a bit bitter. I would not qualify then as demure at all. December 16, 2014 at 6:02pm
Mendokuse: Match it. And it evolves differently throughout the day. For example, I rarely wear Portrait of a Lady, but occasionally I will feel very dark and morose, and PoaL will feel just right (it might be the smokiness that makes me feel that way). However, I might cheer up later in the day, and PoaL will still fit because now I’m enjoying the brocade-like richness of it lingering on my clothing like the sun after the storm. However, if I’m feeling morose but depressed, I might reach for a cheerful scent that picks me up and carries me through the day – so matching the mood can provide as much contrast as a contrary choice. 🙂 December 15, 2014 at 10:16pm
spe: Thank you – it’s helpful to read about your approaches to the choice of fragrance and how it works through your day and through a solid wearing. Anastasia, your poetic explanation of rose has made me reconsider! I’ll wear Fleurs de Bulgarie tomorrow! December 16, 2014 at 2:14am
Karen: Anastasia, wonderful evocative (and spot on to me, with my far too numerous roses) writing on roses! I think we all frequently hold on to linear ideas of what flower fragrances evoke, forgetting their complexity which is compounded by so many things (where harvested, species/variety). Add each of our own connections to a scent and what memories are brought forth when we smell something. December 16, 2014 at 6:12pm
anastasia: spe & karen thank you so much! My thoughts on the rose were more from their physical appearance & their scent As Joy and Hannah mentioned I never thought of how it comes across it various perfumes..spe hope you enjoyed wearing the Fleurs de Bulgarie! December 18, 2014 at 6:51pm
Liisa: Hello everyone! First time poster here. I’ve been reading the blog for a while now and it’s VERY informative. It’s helped me a lot to define what type fragrances I like. I don’t speak the lingo properly so please forgive me any boo boos 🙂
When I was younger I loved Versace Blonde and Shiseido Feminite de Bois although it felt too ‘thin’ so I mixed it with Chanel Coco. I also had a thing for Angel. Ahem.
I’m currently sampling FM Portrait of a Lady, by Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy and AC Trefle Pur. They all seem to share the same base note (amber/patchouli?) with Coco although they all approach it from different angles. I especially like the chypre side of Trefle Pur. It feels a bit more ‘grown up’ somehow.
I’d like to know of more affordable (40-80EUR) comparable scents to try. I was thinking of getting another bottle of Coco (I went through two bottles of it years ago) as I’ve really fallen for PoaT but I can’t afford to start a relationship with it.
So basically I’d like ideas for a good thick chypre, a good sweet-ish oriental and a tuberose. Creaminess and ‘thickness’ seem to be quite important in those.
Thanks in advance 🙂 December 15, 2014 at 11:43am
limegreen: Hi Liisa — Since one does not need very much POAL, would you consider getting it in a travel size? The Malle boutiques and the website have started selling single 10 ml sizes! I looked it up and it’s 44 euros for POAL (they are all different prices).
(I don’t need much Musc Ravageur or Une Fleur de Cassie, so I’m planning on getting the 10 ml singles of these myself.) December 15, 2014 at 12:07pm
Liisa: Thanks for the tip. I checked the site – good thing they offer smaller sizes there! December 15, 2014 at 1:11pm
Mendokuse: It might be rather off your beaten path, but you should consider giving Chanel Égoïste (not Égoïste Platinum) a try. It’s a men’s perfume, but it works wonderfully on women, and I wear it often in the cooler months. December 15, 2014 at 9:40pm
anastasia: Ohhhhh i loved Egoiste we only have Platinum in Canada nowhere near as good as Egoiste such a great unisex scent! December 15, 2014 at 10:10pm
Aurora: Hi Lisa what about the current Opium it is still opulent like Coco, although less than in the past; it’s a well made fragrance and won’t break the bank. December 16, 2014 at 4:55am
Aurora: Liisa, not Lisa, sorry December 16, 2014 at 7:44am
Hamamelis: A good thick chypre in that price range maybe Aromatics Elixer, or EL Knowing. A good sweetish orange blossom based oriental Roberto Cavalli, by the same name, the box has a leopard print and a small turquoise band. A very affordable and thick tuberose Carolina Herrera, by the same name, in a box with spots, heavy sillage though! All of these can be found quite cheaply online. December 16, 2014 at 5:51am
spe: Well maybe Michael kors for thick tuberose, Caron parfum Sacre for a thick sweet spice/incense. Amouage jubilation 25 for a thick chypre, maybe you would like Ormonde Jayne perfumes? They are”thick”, to my nose. I have worn Coco since it first arrived and it’s difficult to suggest an alternative. Poal seems drier and airier than Coco. More lush might be something in the serge lutens line or Tom ford. December 16, 2014 at 7:49am
Liisa: Aurora – now worries a double i isn’t that common 🙂
Thank you all for the suggestions! Off to the perfume counter I go . . . December 16, 2014 at 2:50pm
Terry Jorgenson: I have a general perfume question. When perfume people talk about structure, are they talking about the perfumer artfully assembling or are they talking about the scent having discernible structure when you smell it? Can anyone give me an example of a structural experience with perfume? December 15, 2014 at 1:33pm
anastasia: Hi Terry I’m a newbie myself but found this link for you:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2011/01/fragrance-pyramid-and-perfume-notes-myth-and-reality.html
Hopefully someone can come along and give you a condensed version if you don’t feel like reading! December 15, 2014 at 10:08pm
Terry Jorgenson: thank you! December 17, 2014 at 6:48am
Joy: I would be interested in suggestions for shampoos/conditioners that were not the typical heavy, artificial fragrances that I find in our U. S. drug stores. I really dislike the heavy, overly sweet fragrance that they leave in the hair overpowering my perfume. I sometimes can purchase Davines which is Italian, but it is more difficult to find. Are there neutral fragrant shampoos and conditioners that one could add a drop or two of perfume? December 15, 2014 at 6:47pm
Karen: Just shop at an organic store or store that carries organic products, and get an unscented line. There are tons of options. December 15, 2014 at 7:53pm
limegreen: Hi Joy! Whole Foods has their own line called 365, all kinds of products, and the body care products come with unscented options.
(I use their unscented body lotion and add a few drops of perfume.)
I use Shikai hair products, you could add your own fragrance to some of their shampoos. Available at WF, or any natural grocer, even online retailers that sell supplements/vitamins will carry Shikai. December 15, 2014 at 8:01pm
Joy: Great suggestions all. I have a Whole Foods about five minutes from my house. I have also ordered from Paula’s Choice, but forgot that she has hair products. I like the suggestion of the Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde also. It sounds pleasant. December 16, 2014 at 6:05pm
Maggie: Paula’s Choice makes an excellent unscented shampoo and conditioner, very reasonably priced as well. December 15, 2014 at 10:12pm
Melinda: Seconding Maggie’s recommendation for the Paula’s Choice shampoo & conditioner. They are great. December 15, 2014 at 11:12pm
The Blue Squid: Hello Joy. I hear you regarding sickly sweet hair products that clash unpleasantly with our carefully chosen perfumes. If you have fake blonde hair like me, it might be worth trying Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde shampoo and conditioner. To my nose, it is a pleasant light green floral, that reminds me of L’Amandiere by Heeley. By the way, this is a compliment to the shampoo, not an insult to L’Amandiere.. December 16, 2014 at 6:15am
anastasia: hi there newcomer here… hoping I can get some help finding my new signature scent. For the last few years was wearing Hypnotic Poison. On my skin it was not sweet but more musky smelling with a hint of vanilla very very sexy scent. However i have found with Dior perfumes now that the longevity on my skin is not what it was and Hypnotic Poison is now super sweet on me and I’m lucky if the scent stays longer than 20 minutes. Lolita Lempicka although a gourmand it’s not cloying or sweet on me but very dark and seductive. Gucci Eau de Parfum (the brown juice now discontinued from 2002 i think) again spicy and sexy.
Coco Chanel LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! Its definitely a front runner in my quest….I’ve tried Shalimar and it dries down to baby powder on me Tom Ford Black Orchid smells good on paper not on me same with Cartier La Panthere… Mitsouko how i wanted to love you but it reminds me of Femme Rochas (beautiful scent=not on my skin). Coco Noir on paper smells divine but on my skin it is very citrusy!!!
Soooo what I’m looking for is something sexy, yet dark and seductive a bombshell perfume with lotsa sillage….was thinking maybe Kenzo jungle elephant but don’t want to do a blind buy Many thanks in advance!
Oh my budget the most I would spend is the price of Coco Chanel but if the lasting power is there I would consider spending more(not Frederic Malle $$$$ can not afford that!) December 15, 2014 at 7:02pm
limegreen: Have you tried the sillage monster, Angel? December 15, 2014 at 7:42pm
anastasia: Hi Limegreen, yuppers tried Angel and on me
it’ s like Chopards Casmir, very sweet and suffocating.
That being said, I followed the sillage once all over the grocery store to find out where this divine scent was coming from and lo and behold it was a 70 year old woman wearing Angel and wearing it very very well!!
thanks for the suggestion! December 15, 2014 at 8:00pm
limegreen: Hi Anastasia — Don’t know if you can sample it, but since you mentioned Shalimar, which does not work on my skin either, you might give diptyque Eau Lente a try. (Diptyque counters in dept stores are usually very generous with samples.) It has that same vibe as Shalimar but works on my skin. It’s long lasting (on me) and if I’m not careful with the amount, trails a sillage. It does not cost more than Chanel. This is a nice time of year to try it! 🙂
You might spend more and get the Chanel lotion to layer with the perfume and that would make it last all day. (Since you love the fragrance so much.) December 15, 2014 at 8:14pm
anastasia: limegreen Yes I actually tried the classics at the Guerlain boutique here today, just to step out of my comfort zone…tried nahema, mitsouko, shalimar and l’heure blue…all beautiful scents…
I took a look at the notes of the Eau Lente and it looks like something i might like. I think here in Toronto available at the higher end dept. store similar to Saks or Neiman Marcus…I’ll give it a shot and let you know! Thanks for the suggestion! December 15, 2014 at 9:36pm
limegreen: Anastasia — How did you like L’Heure Bleue? I smelled briefly on a testing strip but not on skin, it smelled really sweet to me. Many Guerlains do not work for me. December 16, 2014 at 2:06pm
limegreen: I only ask because you and I seem to have similar skin responses.
Have you tried the new TF Velvet Orchid? It’s quite nice, it worked better on my skin than Black Orchid, not sure about price. December 16, 2014 at 2:43pm
anastasia: Hi limegreen I have a sample somewhere will definitly try along with Eau Lente…I’m going to have a busy holiday season with all these new scents to try! Thank you! December 18, 2014 at 7:03pm
anastasia: Hi Limegreen, ok so I wasn’t the only one…I had one spray EDP on my inner elbow it’s a very beautiful perfume but on me it stayed very light & luminous and sweet. I’m sure on the right person this would be amazing! Many Guerlains do not work for me either but Samsara works nicely have you tried it? I would still try it on your skin, Coco Noir smelled so good on paper so good but on my skin I was a walking grapefruit!! December 18, 2014 at 6:58pm
limegreen: Thanks, Anastasia, for the vote on Samsara! I have been thinking about it because it’s one that gets a lot of love on perfume blogs but I never ventured to try it. Sandalwood is like patchouli on my skin, maybe not as bad, but smells musty to me. But it’s more than a sandalwood perfume, so I will try it the next time I’m in a dept store. Thanks for the suggestion!
The only Guerlains that really work on my skin are the “lighter” ones, Herba Fresca, Apres L’Ondee. December 18, 2014 at 11:20pm
angeldiva: Hi Limegreen,
Sillage Monster- hilarious!!! lol :):):)
Peace December 17, 2014 at 8:05pm
limegreen: Can’t take credit for it — I’m pretty sure Angel is often referred this way! 🙂 December 18, 2014 at 11:23pm
angeldiva: Oh Limie-
You’re the best!
P. December 19, 2014 at 5:09am
Fogdew: I absolutely adore Coco too! But I HATED Kenzo Jungle Elephant. I was going to buy it blindly and Im so glad I found a tester on a store before!
I recently bought Samsara which I like, but no other compares to Coco Im afraid…
Ps Coco noir simply disappeared on my skin, I was going to buy it and took some time on the store and it was lucky because after 2 mins it simply turned to water. December 15, 2014 at 7:49pm
zari: Samsara is just heart meltingly beautiful, so comforting and sexy. 🙂 December 15, 2014 at 9:39pm
anastasia: Fogdew it seems we have the same taste in perfume. I just bought Samsara this weekend at a vintage store the EDT in the goldcase for $60 (Also bought Bvlgari Black and Chopard Madness). Good to hear your opinion on Jungle because sometimes I get perfume stupid and do blind buys!
Did Coco Noir smell citrusy on you too? December 15, 2014 at 9:41pm
angeldiva: Hi Fogdew,
So sorry about your experience with Kenzo Jungle Elephant. I just received my sample from Perfume Court yesterday because I could buy this for a song at my wholesaler.
Well, I didn’t hate it… It has an amazing scent benefit after the first few minutes ( that opening can be harsh.) It smells like rain soaked wet gardening soil !!! It’s also spicy and exotic. There may be just too many orchestrations of notes for this to be popular.
It conjures the glamour of the early 1980’s Los Angeles for me. I’d wear it to a warm outdoor event wearing a floral dress.
I was also intrigued by the colorful box and BEAUTIFUL bottle. But, alas, it will not be a bottled purchase for me either. Victoria really likes it. It may work better in a European setting.
Peace December 16, 2014 at 6:48pm
Michaela: It works fantastic in the cold, it warms rainy late autumn days and fits perfectly with snow. At least, for me. I adore spices. Your idea with the floral dress in the summer night is beautiful, it probably goes very well. It’s a love or hate perfume, it should never be a blind buy. I can totally understand Fogdew. I love Jungle, I have a full bottle, but I wouldn’t wear it as a signature perfume. December 17, 2014 at 4:25am
zari: Hi Anastasia,
It sounds like we like similar scents based on the ones you’ve named. Have you tried L’Agent by Agent Provocateur? I think you’ll like it. I just recently purchased it online via fragrance net for a pretty good price. I’ve been wearing it alongside Coco, Shalimar EDP, and Colette so far this winter. Hope you like it! December 15, 2014 at 9:36pm
zari: and P.S. I love Gucci EDP circa earlier 2000s (whatever it was before Amber) too and very disappointed its no longer available. December 15, 2014 at 9:38pm
anastasia: Hi Zari Is L’agent discontinued and only available online? The notes sound really sensual!
Colette by Tocca? If so the notes also look like something I might like…I live next to a Sephora so i’m always there grabbing samples…I think I’ve sampled the entire Serge Lutens Line…I’ve now moved on to L’artisan perfumer and Atelier Cologne… : )
I know Gucci’s brown juice was something so different and spicy i had the full bottle now just a small vial…
Thank you for suggestions! December 15, 2014 at 9:53pm
zari: Hi! I hope you see this – no it’s not discontinued. I purchased mine from fragrance net but I think you can find it at dept stores too.
Also, yes, Collette by Tocca! December 18, 2014 at 12:23pm
anastasia: Thank you Zari, we have the store L’agent de provacawhatever here and they do carry the perfumes. hopefully can snag some samples too! December 18, 2014 at 7:05pm
Nina Z: Coromandel by Chanel, which now, thank goodness, comes in a smaller bottle so is more affordable. December 16, 2014 at 11:17am
anastasia: Hi Nina, Thanks for the recommendation. How do you find its longevity and sillage for the EDT version? December 18, 2014 at 7:07pm
Di: TO me Fracas is the ultimate bombshell scent.
It is available in Department stores, who should have a tester bottle. Madonna’s first perfume was a sparliker version of it.
Kenzo Elephant has a wonderful dry down and a very strong last ciniimon note which hovers above it. To my mind, it is better as “I want to do something different today” then a “signature scent”
If you like Mitsouko, but somethng richer, you might want to try the other Guerlain classics. Shalimar was the first of the Vanilla sexy perfumes. L’Heure Blie is my favorite.
Whatever scent you buy, you might want to consider getting an unscented body lotion (a few at the local drug store will be good) and put it on your skin before apply perfume. The perfume will be abosrbed in the lotion and last longer December 17, 2014 at 9:12am
anastasia: Di is it only available at higher end department stores? I’ve been dying to smell this and bandit! Here in Toronto our Department store The Bay doesn’t carry it..havn’t checked Holt Renfrew. I liked Mitsouko but on my skin it reminded me of Femme Rochas (blind buy-had to smell a classic) shalimar on my skin dried down and smelled very similar to Chantilly (another blind buy)
I think I may have to order a sample of Jungle just to try though. Thanks for the tip with the lotion! December 18, 2014 at 7:12pm
Fogdew: Ps anastacia I really like Carolina Herrera the one with the polka dots. It has huge sillage and lasts a lot on skin and its divine… Its the only Carolina Herrera I like, but boy, I really love it. December 15, 2014 at 8:11pm
cj: Hello! I’m looking for a soft dry hay fragrance – something that evokes the scent of sun-baked grass – reminiscent of sweetgrass. Somewhat of a skin scent with a subtle dry sweetness. I’ve recently finished a decant of Parfumerie Generale’s Bois Blonde, which I love, but I’d like to find something a bit gentler and drier, maybe without the galbanum? I’d be grateful for any suggestions. Thank you! December 15, 2014 at 9:48pm
Malmaison: Serge Lutens Chergui ? Lovely sweet hay with a slight hint of tobacco, very wearable. December 15, 2014 at 11:48pm
cj: That sounds lovely! Thanks for the suggestion! December 16, 2014 at 9:06pm
Bastet: Fleur du Male by Gualtier is an orange blossom fragrance with a very noticeable hay note. Its marketed for men but many women (including me) love and wear it. Crazy bottle but it smells great. December 16, 2014 at 9:08am
Bastet: Oh, I also like Truth by CK (I have the women’s version) – maybe more grass than hay but still great. December 16, 2014 at 9:09am
cj: I’ve been loving orange blossom lately too, so this sounds great. I’m thankful for the tip, because I probably never would have tried it with that silly bottle! December 16, 2014 at 9:11pm
Annette: Dear fragrant people, here I am again reporting on my Scotland-themed-perfume quest. I am happy to announce that I have finally found my Holy Grail, and that is Bitter Rose, Broken Spear from D S & Durga. The opening is wild, conjuring up in my imagination riders on horseback hurrying along a dusty track on some important mission. But the heart of the perfume is so wonderfully sad and nostalgic (I see the same riders entering an old wooden chapel, full of withering flowers; the riders sit in pews and ponder on the fate of their beloved Scotland).
Well, maybe I have allowed my imagination too much freedom, but this is for me Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond in a nutshell: wild and tragic at the same time.
I am now saving to buy the fragrance for my birthday in February. Oh, the joy of anticipation!
I am so grateful to all you lovely people who offered your suggestions and recommendations, especially to George, who first came up with the idea of D S & Durga (and who, by the way, is my hero, because he offered to go and test a fragrance for me and then described it here). Thank you!
Of course, if you have any other suggestions for perfumes that you somehow associate with Scotland, I will be very happy to read them. Thank you again, you guys are wonderful! 🙂 December 16, 2014 at 7:37am
Therése: What a lovely description of a perfume! I haven’t had the oppurtunity to test the D.S & Durga line, but I will say this: they are experts at evocative perfume names. Who wouldn’t be curious about a perfume called Bitter Rose, Broken Spear? December 16, 2014 at 7:53am
Annette: Exactly. This name is genius. But they also have a fragrance called Burning Barbershop. The image it conjures up plus the lovely alliteration! Please, visit their website, it is gorgeous. December 16, 2014 at 8:30am
Therése: It’s a great website! And Siberian Snow sounds interesting … 🙂 December 16, 2014 at 9:23am
Michaela: Thank you for recommending their website. Loved it! These people are geniuses. December 16, 2014 at 10:07am
Michaela: …and enjoy your perfume! The name (at least) is fantastic 🙂 December 16, 2014 at 10:13am
Annette: I am afraid so 🙂 Because my admiration is going to be quite costly. Apart from Bitter Rose, Broken Spear, I would so love to buy Spirit of the Glen and Isle Ryder. Hmmm… Can I give up buying food and live on perfume alone? December 16, 2014 at 10:20am
Karen: Gorgeous wonderful web site! Now I, too, am very curious about a couple of their fragrances! December 16, 2014 at 6:15pm
limegreen: Some time ago I read a funny (but understandable) blog comment about eating at McDonalds (or some such burger place) and staying in a low budget hotel in Paris but delighting over precious niche perfume purchases. December 18, 2014 at 9:00am
Annette: Ha, people after my own heart 🙂 December 18, 2014 at 1:23pm
Hamamelis: Hi Annette,
Great that you have found your Scotland/Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond scent! But please keep eating 😉 December 16, 2014 at 10:36am
Annette: Hamamelis, I promise to chew on the rose and the spear (albeit bitter and broken respectively) 🙂 December 16, 2014 at 11:02am
Hamamelis: Maybe you would do better on Haggis! December 16, 2014 at 11:14am
Annette: Splendid idea! But then I would need generous tumblers of Scotch to wash it down… 🙂 December 16, 2014 at 11:26am
angeldiva: Annette,
I can highly recommend GLENMORANGIE neat with a water back. It has a note of oranges, a beautiful color and aftertaste.
I drink very seldom, but after a few sips of this scotch, I don’t have a care in the world…
Peace December 16, 2014 at 6:26pm
angeldiva: Hi Annette!
Your entry is just so interesting. I need to check out this website. Congratulations on finding what you want!
P. December 16, 2014 at 6:33pm
Wendyr: Hello everyone. Hopeless perfume lover looking for a warm, amber floral, notes of incense/leather fine too! Something to wrap myself up in on a cold winter night. Love classics. Guerlain and AG my favorites. Not too sweet, just lush and enveloping. Thank you in advance for your help. Thinking about SL Cedre? December 16, 2014 at 8:19am
Bastet: My favorite amber is Sonoma Scent Studio Ambre Noir, a wonderful rich rosey amber. Stella is another lighter amber and rose. YSL Cinema is also great (amber and mimosa). December 16, 2014 at 9:13am
Wendyr: Thank you. I will look at those. I forgot about Stella, wore that a very long time ago:) December 16, 2014 at 9:20am
Hamamelis: Hi Wendyr, I wrap myself up in l’Ambre des Merveilles, and today, a very wet grey December day, in Cuir de Lancome, lovely leather and depending on where you live still available on line. And as you love AG, maybe Sables?
Hope you will find your winter warmer! December 16, 2014 at 10:22am
Wendyr: Thank you, looks like I will be ordering some decants! December 16, 2014 at 10:26am
Hamamelis: I thought of another one Wendyr, that I drained and loved a sample of: OJ’s Tolu. And for a cheap suggestion in case necessary: Pacifica Spanish Amber. December 16, 2014 at 11:06am
Awfulknitter: I liked Tolu very much too. To me, it somehow smells ‘golden’, warm and radiant. If the perfume is too expensive, you could try the body lotion: I have found all the Ormond Jayne ones that I’ve tried to be very good quality, long lasting, and with a high concentration of the fragrance. December 18, 2014 at 6:50am
Nina Z: Second Ormonde Jayne Tolu, which is a beautiful amber that is not too sickly sweet (which some ambers are for me). December 16, 2014 at 11:18am
Aurora: Hi Wendyr: Some very good ambers have been mentioned already but some beautiful leathers would be Kelly Caleche d’Hermes or Bottega Veneta and especially its eau legere, delicate and very comforting, it really wraps you in threads of silk. December 16, 2014 at 3:03pm
Alicia: While it won’t scratch the ‘floral’ itch — I have to say Serge Luten’s Amber Sultan is deliciously warm and enveloping. Frankly, I can’t really get enough of it! Since I added it to my collection it is what I have been reaching for consistently. San Francisco weather and Amber Sultan are a perfect combination! December 16, 2014 at 3:06pm
Wendyr: Thank you everyone for all the suggestions:). December 16, 2014 at 3:13pm
angeldiva: Hi Wedyr,
You may enjoy:
Balmain Ambre Gris
It smells wonderful, and is a fraction of the cost of the other perfumes mentioned.
P. December 16, 2014 at 11:33pm
Tomate Farcie: I love Histoire de Parfums Ambre 114, you can buy 14 ml bottle which is great! December 17, 2014 at 2:45pm
Julia S.: Dear kind people — I was very sad when I learned that Aveda has discontinued Yatra, as I was down to my last few drops before I could secure another bottle. Do you have any suggestions for a Yatra-like scent? [BTW, I do tend to purchase the more medium-priced fragrances, not super high-end.] Many thanks! December 16, 2014 at 12:01pm
Aurora: Hi Julia: I’m not familiar with Yatra but so sorry to hear your signature scent is discontinued. I’m not sure if I am on the right track but as Aveda is specialist of ‘natural’ perfumes you could browse the very natural and affordable Pacifica line (eau de toilette, solid perfumes and candles) I especially like their candles and their Spanish amber is mentioned everywhere in perfumeland at the moment
Another natural line, Liz Earle, has got 3 botanical essences: one herby, woody, earthy, one floral oriental and finally the one I have No1, a very uplifting citrus chypre. The exact reverse of Pacifica is they are never mentioned on blogs (well until now) but are really well made (97% natural) long lasting, if you are in the UK available at Boots or worldwide from Liz Earle website. Good luck with your search! December 16, 2014 at 1:14pm
Joy: Aveda has discontinued so many of my favorite fragrances over the years. I loved several of the Chakra fragrances, but they no longer have those at all. I have given up choosing fragrance from Aveda. December 16, 2014 at 6:08pm
angeldiva: Joy,
I read your post and I feel your pain… Avedas JOSHUA TREE use to make me feel like THE DESERT MOTHER EARTH!!! lol When they’re gone it’s so sad… Hope you find a reasonable facsimile!
Peace December 16, 2014 at 6:29pm
Hamamelis: Hi Julia, coincedentally I came across Yatra in the Luca Turin guide (looking for something else) and he suggests Yatra being a hippie version of Aromatics Elixer (which I happen to wear today and love) and a less floral version of Aesop’s Marrakech, which was reintroduced this year as Marrakech Intense (available online). Both are medium priced fragrances. Hope this helps to replace your beloved Yatra in some way! December 18, 2014 at 6:55am
Indigo: Hello all. I came to you for help back in the summer, looking for a bright-dark, hot-cold scent. I received many kind recommendations and I can report that I have spent the summer and autumn testing, acquiring, giving away… And I have made some progress!
I really enjoy Nuit Etoilée as a fresh scent (although it has short sillage, sadly) and I love the cold rose in POAL and Santal Majuscule. Whilst these are pretty good evening scents, and the AG is great for hot weather, I am lacking something for everyday wear.
Can you think of anything that would fit in this wardrobe?
(I have also learnt that I love most woods, cocoa, rose, iris, violet, ambergris, pepper, cardamom, but I don’t like white florals or hay). Thanks again in advance! December 16, 2014 at 5:22pm
Michaela: Have you tried Cartier Declaration? I find it very good for daily wear. Very good longevity, also. See Victoria’s review here: http:/boisdejasmin.com/2006/02/declaration_by_.html December 17, 2014 at 4:34am
Indigo: Thanks, I’ll check this out – I don’t know the Cartier perfumes much. December 17, 2014 at 5:06am
Tati: Dear Perfumistas. Please help! My first perfume love was Must de Cartier back in the 80’s (EDP and EPT) and I’m still looking for a good replacement. I love orientals but also want something a little more modern. So far a favorite is Histoire de Parfum 1969, but it is not quite as elegant. Suggestions greatly appreciated. December 16, 2014 at 6:37pm
angeldiva: Hi Tati,
Must de Cartier is available on Overstock .com
A 3.3 oz EDT unused tester sells for $44.95US , today. There is also a 15% coupon for members.
I wish I knew of something similar to recommend. I couldn’t tell from your post if you were still looking for this perfume.
Good Luck,
Peace December 16, 2014 at 6:57pm
Tati: Hi Angeldiva, Thanks for your reply. The new Must is not like the vintage so I want to branch out to another oriental/amber/floral/spice. December 17, 2014 at 10:13pm
angeldiva: Hi Tati!
Yes, I seem to remember other ladies making this distinction with reformulated Cartier. I have no experience with Cartier, but have lately noticed many, many entries on ebay for the original Cartier So Pretty.
I have another suggestion for you. I wore this in high school ( boy, did I have sophisticated tastes) and recently was reunited with it via Overstock.com.
Guy La Roche Jai Ose
…just might tick your scent boxes, and you can get amazingly low prices on it…
Peace December 17, 2014 at 11:00pm
Sofie: Hi everyone, a question mainly for the Dutch and Flemish under you. I love the smell of Zwitsal babyproducts (the yellow bottles, I think only found in the Netherlands and Belgium). Does anyone know what that smell is? And of course someone will say it’s straight up orange flower or something and I will feel very silly :-). Thanks in advance! December 16, 2014 at 8:16pm
Cornelia Blimber: I know what you mean, I use Zwitsal Baby soap. Good for your skin and nice sweet smell. Could it be some mimosa or heliotrope and vanilla? December 21, 2014 at 4:55pm
Sofie: Hi Cornelia, thank you for your input. I’m not familiar with heliotrope or mimosa, so I will try to get to know them. May 29, 2015 at 3:14am
Meredith: Hello!
I too am a long time reader that could desperately use some much needed advice.
I am looking for that rare (or perhaps, nonexistent…) find: something warm yet fresh, pretty yet complex, long lasting yet not too loud.
I tend to like spicy florals in general, but nothing too sweet or heady. I prefer niche to department store finds (although I do enjoy the new musky ‘Narciso’ by Narciso Rodriquez, and both the floral ‘Tuberose Angelica’ and fresh ‘Oud & Bergamot’ by Jo Malone), and while less expensive is always better, I am willing to pay for something truly wonderful.
Top Favorites include:
– Acqua di Biella ‘Janca’ (LOVE, but doesn’t last)
– Annick Goutal ‘Heure Exquise’ & ‘Le Chevrefeuille’
– Atelier Cologne ‘Mistral Patchouli’
– Carthusia ‘Fiori di Capri’
– Hermes ‘Eau des Merveilles’
– Houbigant ‘Orangers en Fleurs’
– Ormonde Jayne ‘Champaca’
– Penhaligon’s ‘Vaara’
– The Different Company ‘Ailleurs en Fleurs’
– Yosh ‘Whiteflowers’
Any and all suggestions would be so very much appreciated it!! Thank you in advance 🙂 December 17, 2014 at 4:42am
Hamamelis: Hi Meredith, I love some of your top favorites (Orangers en Fleurs, Champaca, Eau des Merveilles) so I will suggest one of my top favorites that I think fits your wishes: Chanel 5 Eau Premiere, warm, fresh, pretty, complex, long lasting and not too loud! December 17, 2014 at 7:55am
Meredith: Thank you Hamamelis! I’ve been meaning to try that one, now I can’t wait to! December 17, 2014 at 9:59am
Hamamelis: Please let us know how you get on with it! December 17, 2014 at 12:00pm
limegreen: Hi Meredith — I like spicy florals, too, and don’t care for too sweet. I don’t mind heady in some cases (Carnal Flower).
Though it carries a high price tag, how have you tried Tom Ford Shanghai Lily? It seems to fit your “list” and I don’t find it loud (but I watch the amount I spray, easy to do with my sample!). It is pretty and complex:
BdJ review:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/07/tom-ford-atelier-dorient-shanghai-lily-perfume-review.html
Have you tested Malle, Eau de Magnolia? It’s fresh, and then warmish, and lovely spikes of spice, and long lasting, a little more than skin scent (all day on me), definitely pretty without being loud. I spritz my hair and I get to enjoy it without invading work space. I’ve been wearing it into cooler temps so I don’t see it as only a summer scent.
(The OJ Champaca and JM Cologne Intense fragrances you mentioned are still a pretty penny — as you said, I would spend another $20 and get Eau de Magnolia. The smallest size at 10 ml is great.)
BdJ review:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2014/05/frederic-malle-eau-de-magnolia-perfume-review.html December 17, 2014 at 1:22pm
limegreen: Hi Meredith — I like spicy not sweet florals, too. Have you tested Tom Ford Shanghai Lily (though it’s really pricey) but it’s very pretty and complex and if you watch the amount you spray, not loud. I’ve gotten a lot of mileage out of my sample and it last the day.
the BdJ review:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/07/tom-ford-atelier-dorient-shanghai-lily-perfume-review.html
Another one is the Malle Eau de Magnolia, and it starts fresh and then warmish, and has spikes of spice. Really pretty and on me it lasts the day. I spritz my hair/back of my neck and I enjoy it without invading anyone’s space at work I have been wearing it into the cooler temps (not super cold). (It’s also not that much more than some of the ones you listed, and more longevity than JM Oud/Bergamot and Tuberose Angelica. The 10 ml option is also available now.)
BdJ review:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2014/05/frederic-malle-eau-de-magnolia-perfume-review.html December 17, 2014 at 1:58pm
limegreen: Sorry about the double post — I got an error message so I started again. (Victoria, can you delete one of the posts?) December 17, 2014 at 2:01pm
Meredith: Hi limegreen!
I totally and completely forgot about FM’s Eau de Magnolia. I’d tried it when it first came out, and if memory serves, really really liked it… but for some reason it fell off my radar. I’ll have to go and give it another sniff this weekend. As you said, it may not work for this cold winter we’re having, but perhaps I can start getting some use out of it come spring!
As for Tom Ford Shanghai Lily, I am not familiar with that one at all. I’ve yet to bond with a TF, but I do love lily (primarily SL Un Lys) so I shall certainly give this a try, too.
Thank you for the recommendations! December 17, 2014 at 5:22pm
limegreen: Hi Meredith — lucky you, you have access to Malle perfumes nearby! If you’ve never given it a test, try Noir Epices, too, it’s more spicy than floral (and no vanilla sweetness, thank goodness) and long lasting without loudness. It develops nicely, so the initial blast of spice does mellow. (I think Lys Mediterranee is really pretty, but not as complex as some other Malles.)
One of your favorites — Houbigant ‘Orangers en Fleurs — when I tested this, it was so much like Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger to me, w/o the cumin. But the cumin stage is fleeting on me, so it’s not an issue. Would FdO be too loud for you? December 17, 2014 at 6:35pm
Meredith: Hello again limegreen!
I know, I am very lucky 😉 But on the other hand, I think having access to so many wonderful fragrances means I buy far more than I should…
I actually really like FdO, but I too agree that it’s very similar to the Houbigant OenF and I already have that. FdO was a bit “loud”, not an everyday scent for me but still something I’d wear for a special night out, and surprisingly, the cumin note didn’t bother me at all (although I detest the same note in Tom Ford’s Santal Blush on my skin).
As for Lys Mediterranee, I agree again, it is very pretty. I do enjoy it, but I tend to prefer Serge Lutens Un Lys so that’s my go to lily for now. I’ve never tried Noir Epices, somehow I’ve managed to over look that one too!, but I do like spicy so I’ll absolutely give it a go.
Have you tried Atelier Cologne Mistral Patchouli or Acqua di Biella Janca? They are my personal everyday “spicy” favorites — MP starts off very anise-forward, but the dry down is unparalleled in my opinion, and while Janca runs a tad floral and watery (although not aquatic, there is zero calone), it’s tamarind note is fantastic.
Thanks again for another great recommendation!! December 17, 2014 at 8:36pm
limegreen: Hi Meredith — I have FdO and really like it, wish I could find Un Lys! I’ve recently discovered Le Labo Lys 41 and find it really pretty, it’s something I want to try again in warmer weather.
I have the Atelier sampler set so I did try the Mistral Patchouli a little bit. It did not stick with me, probably because patchouli can be a problem note for my skin. I’m going to look up Janca, never heard of it so thank you for the recommendation! The tamarind note sounds wonderful! December 17, 2014 at 9:46pm
Mendokuse: How about Dior Eau Sauvage? It’s warm/fresh, pretty/complex, and surprisingly long lasting. Edmond Roudnitska does the kind of combination you describe to perfection – you could check out his other scents. December 17, 2014 at 2:29pm
Meredith: Mendokuse, thank you for the suggestion!
I’d always thought that Eau Sauvage was only for the boys (how narrow-minded of me, I know!), but based on your description, I will definitely give it a try. I really appreciate both Diorella and Diorissimo, so I can only imagine I’ll like this E. Roudnitska creation too! December 17, 2014 at 5:28pm
Tati: Another great one to try if you are going down this road is Parfum de Therese from Malle, created by Roudnitska. I was just gifted with a large bottle, and it is unlike any perfume I’ve ever tried before. It is definitely complex, with fruit (not sweet, don’t let that put you off) and leather. Long lasting too. December 17, 2014 at 10:54pm
Mendokuse: Le Parfum de Thérèse is one of my absolute all-time favorites (an intelligent, multi-dimensional fragrance if there ever was one), and I second Tati’s suggestion, but on the downside, it is fairly expensive. I would definitely say it’s worth it, but you might want to actually try it before you buy because the melon/mandarin on the verge of decay turns some people off. Eau Sauvage, however, is a good bang for the buck if you don’t want to spend too much money. December 18, 2014 at 12:29am
angeldiva: Hi Meredith,
I have a long winded answer for you, so forgive my gushing about this fragrance recommendation.
I just received 7 decants from the Perfume Court, and the the L’artisan Perfume Box of 10 scents.
Reading Bdj has turned me on to our own rich history of American perfumes, so I’ve been sampling those. I always thought I preferred French perfumes. But, there are always exceptions aren’t there?
I haven’t tried all of the L’artisans, yet. But, do you know that the absolute winner ( already ordered a bottle) in an American scent.
Clinique Wrappings
Yes, I used to be too much of a perfume snob to even try this. It’s really a world class perfume with an amazing development in the silage. I have read Victorias comments about this , but can’t seem to locate them to reference here.
This seasonally released perfume is mean’t to remind us of the holidays. But, on my skin it does so much more.
I smell the faintest suggestion of a fir tree, then stacks of freshly cleaned laundry. It also smells like I’m standing at the shore of a lake in the sunshine, and I can breathe in the moss.
It also reminds me of pies being baked in the kitchen, and YES! wrapping paper.
Too wonderful.
P. December 17, 2014 at 8:27pm
angeldiva: ***There is a special on the Clinique website. 15% off first time buyers. So, for $43. US I will receive: the Wrappings Perfume
Wrappings Body Lotion
1 Lip Stain (dark berry colored)
& 3 lip glosses
🙂
and, thank-you, Victoria for turning me on to this perfume! December 17, 2014 at 8:34pm
Meredith: Hi angeldiva!
I’ve actually never even heard of Clinique Wrappings! But if smells like you described, I’ll definitely have try it! I’ll hunt around and see where if I can find a tester — if not, I’ll add it on to my next sample order.
Thank you! December 17, 2014 at 8:46pm
angeldiva: Hi!
Here in Los Angeles testers are not available because it’s only sold in stores around the holidays.
I was thrilled to find a $4. decant at The Perfume Court.
Enjoy! December 17, 2014 at 10:22pm
angeldiva: Hi Meredith,
I found the review of Clinique Wrappings here on BDJ. It’s under, “CULT PERFUMES.” Boy, is THAT gratifying. This smells erotic on my skin. I never cared for YOUTH DEW, but I’m becoming a fan of WRAPPING in the way that women devote themselves to Youth Dew ( even Madonna!.)
The creator of this perfume also created Estee Lauders KNOWING. RIP>
P. December 20, 2014 at 9:38am
Tati: My favorite “office scents” are from Lutens: Daim Blond, apricot and leather, and Clair de Musc, powdery and delicate iris and musk. December 17, 2014 at 11:04pm
fra: Hello All, I read this website very often but this is the first time I post something… I’m looking for a skin scent, office friendly, sweet but not fruity. I’ve used Bottega Veneta (loved it), L’Ambre des Merveilles, Balenciaga Paris. Can anyone help me? 🙂
Thanks! 🙂 December 17, 2014 at 6:33am
Michaela: Cuir de Lancome, maybe? Elegant, slightly smoky leather with flowers. It wears very close to the skin and it is office-friendly. Not much sweetness, though. It lasts all day long. Except very hot summer days, it feels just perfect for any occasion. Probably it’s only available online.
See also Victoria’s article (if you don’t already know it): https://boisdejasmin.com/2012/01/building-perfume-wardrobe-guide-part-5-essentials.html December 17, 2014 at 7:40am
Hamamelis: I second Cuir de Lancome, and for something more soft and delicate, maybe OJ’s Champaca? Maybe Jour d’Hermes if you can get over the slightly grapefruity start of it? December 17, 2014 at 8:19am
Mendokuse: An iris might work really nicely for you, especially in an office. Off the top of my head, I’m thinking of Chanel 28 La Pausa, which is a transparent but buttery iris (or, you could say, a skin iris), not sweet but not bitter. Some people have a problem with longevity, but it lasts really gorgeously on clothing. December 17, 2014 at 2:01pm
AnnieA: Fra, since the perfumes listed by you and the helpful elves are so close to my own taste, I will simply add my other everyday favourites in case you like them too: EL White Jasmine Moss, Ferre by Ferre, SL Bas de Soie and the drugstore Adam Levine for Her. Happy sniffing… December 18, 2014 at 1:20pm
anastasia: A lady at my work wears Givenchy Amarige. It smells absolutely wonderful on her (I tried it on myself and not so much). Such a beautiful scent if it works for you. December 18, 2014 at 7:30pm
Nancy A.: These two (of late) are the newly created fragrances that for me emote strongly albeit they are different in composition, appeal for different reasons. It’s like you had me at first sniff!
C.Dior Private Collection: Cuir Cannage
Diptique: Essences Insensees December 17, 2014 at 1:01pm
limegreen: Nancy — I agree! I love the new diptyque, but could not spring for the FB (more than the usual diptyque fragrances) but did get the perfume solid and will dream about that pretty balloon pump! December 17, 2014 at 1:26pm
Victorira Elaine: I have just ordered Carven L’Eau De Toilette……reading reviews this one is more enjoying than the parfume. So I hope I like it and they are sending me a sample of the parfume so I may like the floral in that more. Is anyone using Carven? I have never heard of this before. December 17, 2014 at 3:28pm
angeldiva: Hi!
I love the history and glamour of the house of Carven. As the other devotees of Bdj can attest- I purchased a bottle of Ma Griffe from my wholesaler this year.
After reading so much about the perfume- this was an unsniffed purchase.
I can make this work in small doses if I layer it over Aesops Petitgrain body gel.
It’s a green scent, and VERY powdery. So … green + powder gets an effect on my skin of a recently shot rifle. LOL The current formulation is just so different and so dated from anything I would have imagined.
But, giving this as a gift to an older woman would really be a big hit.
P. December 17, 2014 at 10:32pm
angeldiva: Hi ! Two Questions:
>Has anyone tried: Houbigants Quelques Fluers
> Or the reformulation of:
Shocking by Schiapparelli
???
Thanks! December 17, 2014 at 11:26pm
AnnieA: And can anyone speak to whether the original Dita Von Teese smells like an updated QF? December 18, 2014 at 1:26pm
Hannah: I haven’t tried the original, but I’ve tried Rouge and Erotique and I found them to be very low quality. They’re really cheap–under 30euro (approx $40, more like $35 right now) for 40ml, and they smell cheap too. December 18, 2014 at 4:26pm
Awfulknitter: Last month (it seems like ages ago!) I asked for some recommendations to help guide me through the Serge Lutens Exclusifs and Guerlain.
Well, I came away with a bottle of Santal de Mysore. It came down to a choice between that and Boxeuses. I liked Boxeuses very much, and loved the soft, leathery dry-down, but the sweeter notes in the heart somehow put me in mind of a very chic, older lady who would probably scold me for being scruffy!
Santal de Mysore got me from the start with its rich woodiness – it first put me in mind of the peaty, smoky and spicy whiskies I like to drink! Having worn it more times, the spices are the dominant thing I perceive (turmeric, cumin, cloves, saffron), along with a nutty coconut facet. I can see why many people think of curry when they smell this!
For what it’s worth, the sales assistants in the SL were very helpful, and were happy to speak English (after I asked, in my terrible French, if they could speak English with me).
I was really a bit too tired to focus properly on more than a couple of Guerlain fragrances. I wasn’t particularly struck on Bois d’Armenie (there seemed to be a sour note), and I couldn’t really engage with Chamade (my inexperience, I suspect: as it’s very much in the genre of classical fragrances but without immediate standout features that would help me to distinguish it from others). I was quite taken with Arsène Lupin Voyou, as a possible fragrance for my husband, and would be interested in trying it again.
I did indulge myself in a Hiven en Russie candle, but haven’t lit it yet: I’m saving it to banish the post-Christmas blues! December 18, 2014 at 7:17am
AnnieA: How fun to hear your report back! I wouldn’t blame someone’s inexperience for not liking a perfume — sometimes taste just change, but your taste is your taste and you never have to like a perfume, be it ever so classic. Also, no one needs to be scolded by their perfume. Shameless flattery and words of encouragement, sure! December 18, 2014 at 1:25pm
angeldiva: Well said!!
P. December 18, 2014 at 10:48pm
Cornelia Blimber: Glad to hear that the sales assistents were friendly, and that you had such marvellous perfume experiences!
Nothing wrong with your taste. Your own nose is the only nose you have to live with.
Btw; Chamade is the only Guerlain I can’t wear. So you are not the only one disliking a classic! December 21, 2014 at 5:05pm
anastasia: This just a general perfume question. What is the best way to know the true scent that the perfumer created. Is it on paper, on cloth or something else? Do they take into consideration body chemistry? Is that even possible?
Thanks in advance! December 18, 2014 at 7:19pm
limegreen: That’s pretty deep, anastasia. Are you asking if we can get into a perfumer’s head? 🙂 I don’t think they care about our skin chemistry! (On the Frederic Malle website, Malle answers questions, and he definitely encourages everyone to try fragrances on skin.)
I think somewhere on BdJ Victoria has discussed this.
I noticed that some lines like Tom Ford and Frederic Malle have high quality thicker paper for their testing “strips” and these do seem to “hold” the fragrance in a way that a thin testing strip does not. The TF ones are business card sized but the Malle ones are huge, larger than 3″x 5″ index cards. And the Malle SA insists on doing the spraying, they must have the technique on covering as much of the card. And they wrap it in sealed mylar envelopes for you to take with you and I was stunned at how the fragrance on the cards developed and lasted, even after I got back from Paris. So there must be something about paper. December 18, 2014 at 11:45pm
anastasia: Hi Limegreen,
I guess I’ve started to appreciate perfume as an art in the same vein as painting or music etc. Kind of how a painter might have a “truth”of what his painting or lyrics means but each of us viewing the painting or listening to a song develop our own “truth”. The artists truth is the pure form and our interpretation or the way perfumes develop on our skin is the flanker I guess. Oh my, I’m going to have to hit a FM counter and see the SA in action! So I guess on paper is what the perfumer envisioned? I’m going to have to hunt for that BDJ article, Thank you! December 19, 2014 at 7:18pm
limegreen: anastasia — I’m a literature and poetry person myself and I think what you said can apply to the writer and poet in their artistic vision but lose control of how an audience will receive such a vision.
I’m enough of a perfume nerd to have watched some of the videos on the Malle website — Roucel discussing the inspiration for the “truffle” note in Une Rose was a real kick. I love Ropion’s perfumes but he was kind of boring in discussing his vision. They do seem to analyze everything but nothing about the skin chemistry of their “audience” comes up! (Re: Ropion — Some artists are better than others in verbally articulating their authorial intent. Jhumpa Lahiri is a transcendent writer but doesn’t really interview well and in the past, her book readings were disappointing because she would read and then leave, without doing a Q & A from the audience. She’s extremely shy, I think.) December 19, 2014 at 9:45pm
limegreen: Oops: Une Rose — Flechier (not Roucel)
Roucel’s discussion of Dans Tes Bras was also interesting, perhaps because I like it so much. 🙂 December 20, 2014 at 10:46am
Victoria: You might be interested in this article:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2008/04/skin-chemistry.html
Generally, it’s best to try on skin! December 21, 2014 at 7:38am
fra: Hi, Thank you so much for the suggestions! I will look for them! Hopefully will be able to find them in the south of Italy 😉 December 19, 2014 at 7:09am
Sarah: Hi,
I’m 2 months in to my perfume journey after discovering this blog in October via Olfactoria’s Travels. My favourite perfume discoveries so far are Joy, Coco, Eau du Soir, Coromandel, Tea for Two and Dune. Oh and SL Borneo though I have to be in the right mood! I’d love to hear of any recommendations anyone has of perfumes similar to these that aren’t too powdery 🙂 And if you’re reading Victoria, thanks so much for your wonderful, inspiring blog December 19, 2014 at 9:52am
angeldiva: Hi Sarah,
Wow! You have fab taste, newbie! 🙂
My recommendation:
Balmain Vent Vert
It’s a thrilling chypre. Bridgitte Bardot wears it. Also, in the original James Bond 007 books- it was the famous spies favorite perfume to smell on a woman. And, those Bond women looked like they smelled very good, indeed!
P. December 19, 2014 at 3:33pm
Sarah: Hi angeldiva thanks for the kind words and the recommendation. I love your description of Vent Vert it sounds so glamorous 🙂 I know it’s something of a legend so can’t wait to try it. I may try and find some vintage, do you know how it compares to the newest version? December 21, 2014 at 5:39pm
angeldiva: Hi Sara!
You can read Victorias comparison in REVIEWS. I haven’t had the pleasure of sniffing the original. But, enjoy the current formulation very much. Much appeal for the opposite sex in this classic perfume.
(Or same sex, doesn’t matter to me what folks prefer) . It just smells good.
P. December 22, 2014 at 3:05pm
Sarah: Thanks , I’m going to give the new version a try. December 22, 2014 at 4:36pm
Victoria: Welcome, Sarah! 🙂 Have you started exploring any of the combinations of rose and patchouli? Like Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin, Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady or Agent Provocateur? It might be a fun group of scents to try.
If you like Dune but want something fruitier, brighter, than I’d recommend Chanel Allure (EDT is the most citrusy version). December 21, 2014 at 7:35am
Sarah: Hi Victoria, thanks so much – I’m really excited at having a whole new field of perfumes to discover 🙂 . I’ve never worn rose but I’ve become more and more interested since reading your blog so can’t wait to get started on these recommendations. I’ll let you know how I get on 🙂 And I’ll definitely be testing Allure, I think it’s the only Chanel I haven’t tried. PS love your blog and your writing, I particularly enjoy the ‘Pleasures’ posts and these recommend me a perfume posts, everyone’s so knowledgeable! December 21, 2014 at 5:59pm
Victoria: Thank you so much for your feedback, and of course, for visiting. Hope to have more interesting features in the coming year. 🙂 December 22, 2014 at 8:32am
angeldiva: Good Morning!
My journey through the L’artisan Perfume Box continues. So far the frontrunners are More Et Musc Extreme, and Caligna. Caligna is the most feminine smelling on me, just very pleasant and easy to wear like an Annick Goutal.
But, my goodness I just had to wash one off my wrists:BATUCADA.
They were going for a Brazilian cocktail, but, on me this smells like rancid beach tar! Awful perfume.
I wish Tea For Two was in this box, I need to erase the memory of Batucada! lol
P. December 20, 2014 at 8:39am
Jackie: I’m with you on the Batucada, Angeldiva: a scrubber on me too! I’m curious what your other thoughts are. Not sure what’s in the set, but have you tried Nuit de Tuberose or Timbuktu? December 21, 2014 at 2:26am
Victoria: Same here. That one is really awful. December 21, 2014 at 7:32am
Reg: To be honest, I disliked he whole box. I don’t know yet what it is about L’Artisan scents that I don’t like, but I’m disheartened to try any more of them. December 22, 2014 at 8:55pm
Jackie: Hi Reg. What I find about L’Artisan is they don’t last on me! I adore Passage d’Enfer, but it seems like after two hours — poof — it’s gone! I have to keep squirting and it never quite seems to satisfy. Maybe I’m just insatiable when it comes to that scent! 🙂 Has anyone else experienced this? December 23, 2014 at 1:37am
angeldiva: Hi Jackie Hi V,
So amusing and gratifying to read your comments. Firstly, a BIG thanks to Victoria for the recommend. The Perfume Box was $20. US + tax and no shipping! I should have bought 5, but, can’t find stock anywhere, now… What an amazing way to test these perfumes.
Overall, I prefer Guerlain, Annick Goutal, and Chanel.
I think L’artisan is overpriced in it’s bottled form. I wish I had kept notes on my samplings and sniffings. I loved Timbuktu, but…
Many of these fragrances have a really masculine herbal cheap cologne smell in the mix. I don’t do well with unisex perfumes. I tried Nuit de Tuberose last night, and it’s nice,but, has this same strange effect on my skin.
But, am happy to report that todays sample is the absolute best in box: SEVILLE A L’AUBE. Maybe it’s because I’m catholic, and my grandmother was castillian. This is a transformative, enchanting, uplifting scent experience. None of the weirdness of the others, and can’t imagine this on a man.
The review on Bdj is very explanatory, although I believe I would give this ***** 5 STARS!!
I’ll keep you posted ( 10 large vials are in the box)
ps
If you are a fan of TIMBUKTU, there is an AMAZING deal on O.co. It’s 3 1/2 oz. bottles marketed to men. Absinthe is the second, and the third translates into something like wild wolf. So, this is an example of my passing on the deal and saving my money for Annick Goutal Le Chevrefeuille!!! December 22, 2014 at 3:26pm
Jackie: Wow, Angeldiva, you make me want to run out and try Seville a L’Aub ASAP. What a strong recommendation! The review on BdJb is pretty encouraging too. 😉 Happily, one of the Sephoras here in Vancouver carries L’Artisan, and they’re so generous with their samples. I do love Timbuktu … and Absinthe. what is O.co? December 23, 2014 at 1:29am
angeldiva: Hi Jackie,
It’s been fun writing with you! O.co is Overstock.com- a website that sells over 5,550.
new and discontinued perfumes. I don’t know if they ship to Canada.
I’m becoming a perfume addict!
Re: The L’artisan Box – just tried the Premier Figuire. Maybe it’s the developing sophistication of my new Bois de Jasmine nose. But, I just smell more of this unisex herbal weirdness. I have just a few more to smell. It’s been fun! I don’t see myself investing in this brand. Call me old fashioned, but if I plunk down $130. +tax US …I want to actually be able to smell the scent. Not: scrub, gag, smell like a young dude in a disco,or ask myself,”Where is it?”
P. December 23, 2014 at 7:03pm
Jackie: It’s been fun chatting with you too, Angeldiva! 🙂 No, you do not want to smell like a dude at a disco! Is it vetiver that gives that men’s cologne feel? … Yes, I think Overstock does ship to Canada; never thought of them for perfume! Thanks for the tip. … Went and tried Seville L’Aube today while shopping with my mom. Like it, but LOVED the Al Oud my mom tried on! Bois de Jasmine is turning me into a perfume addict too!! It’s a strange addiction! December 24, 2014 at 2:17am
angeldiva: Merry Christmas Jackie,
Always great to hear from someone who appreciates my humor. 🙂 lol
What a great nose you have! I do think it’s the vetiver that irks me. It just smells so acidic. I didn’t know if anyone else picked up on the dude at the disco marketing. But, a unisex fragrance would have to potential to outsell a mens’ or women’s fragrance wouldn’t it?
So, my $20. L’artisan box investment is really a study in avoiding ( or hyper sniffing) perfumes marketed this way.
Sooooo happy that O.co ships to Canada – so
happy hunting. That’s so swell that you were able to test the Seville. The Al Oud wasn’t in the box. But, my next fragrance foray is to study the Oud history, and also find a great refined patchouly in a fine perfume.
Like a BdJ person wrote to me ,”There are worse addictions!” And, I get to correspond with people on a Christmas when I am alone.
Peace! December 24, 2014 at 8:34pm
Jackie: Ah, Angeldiva, i’m sorry you’re alone at Christmas; i hope you had a nice day despite that.
I’m very interested in the ouds at the moment myself. And patchouli! Was Patchouli Patch part of your L’Artisan set? It’s a nice one: to my nose, quite elegant — fresh and transparent. I look forward to hearing about the results of your search. December 26, 2014 at 11:48am
allgirlmafia: I am in love with Guerlain Cuir Beluga, but saddened by its price. Is there anything similar at a fraction of the cost? December 20, 2014 at 9:43am
allgirlmafia: Or perhaps a suggestion of a leather, heliotrope, vanilla scent… December 20, 2014 at 12:39pm
Victoria: Have you tried Parfum d’Empire Cuir Ottoman? It’s a sweet, powdery leather, and while I don’t remember the price off the top of my head, I think that it’s definitely less than Cuir Beluga.
If you’re after heliotrope, Etro’s one is very good. December 21, 2014 at 7:30am
AllGirlMafia: I haven’t tried either of those, but I certainly will! Thank you : ) December 21, 2014 at 3:40pm
Jackie: Hi all, I’m a newbie too. Victoria’s blog has opened up a whole new world for me. and I’m so grateful and so excited. I’ve been getting so much out of all the discussions on this “recommend me a perfume” thread, so I thought I might say what my absolute current loves are and see what else people might suggest as must-tries. I would be grateful for any suggestions! 🙂 What I’m not fussy about are fruity notes esp peachy or pomegranate or fig
and powdery sweetness or sweet vanilla. In fact one of the things that made me realize I’m more a spicy, incensey, oriental person (at least at this time of year) is that i usually like the dry-downs more than the opening of just about anything. My loves are eclectic, but maybe the more expert among you will see a common denominator that will help me focus. My first discovery has been Malle’s Noir Spices! And i’ve ordered full bottles of SL’s Chergui and Ambre Sultan. I also love Chanel Cuir de Russie and, in a different register, 28 La Pausa – want to drench myself in that! Tom Ford’s Oud Wood just about makes me want to cry as does Armani Prive’s Ecens Satin (I like Bois D’encens too, but could die for the Satin!), also like the Myrrh and the Amethyst in that line. I’ve also just discovered Chanel Coco!! Why have I never tried that before?! Love a big sillage like that! Any recommendations welcomed! Thank you in advance and happy holidays to all you lovely people. December 21, 2014 at 2:04am
Victoria: Jackie, have you tried Aedes Iris Nazarena or Oeillet Bengale? The first one is iris + incense and the other one is carnation + incense. Based on what you described, I think you might like them. They aren’t too sweet or too floral, but they have lots of incense and woody notes. December 21, 2014 at 7:29am
Jackie: Oooh, thank you, Victoria, those both sound heavenly! I read your review of Iris Nazarena and am especially intrigued by your description of the leather and woods melding with the iris, not to mention the incense! The “understated yet interesting ” sillage might make this a possible daytime option. Can’t wait to try!! Thanks again? 🙂 December 21, 2014 at 10:23am
Jackie: Victoria, do you know if Aedes is available in stores other than their own in NY? December 26, 2014 at 12:15pm
Victoria: Jackie, they sell at other places, but I can’t recall where else you can find them. Maybe, it’s worth emailing them directly? They must have a full distribution list on hand. December 26, 2014 at 1:04pm
Jackie: Thank you, Victoria. 🙂 December 27, 2014 at 1:40am
Maryjane Morris: I know this is such a general question, so in many ways it is harder to answer : I am “mature” (56) and seek an easy to wear, elegant scent for everyday wear, possibly with citrus and perhaps green top notes. Favourites have been Diorella (vintage), Caleche, No 5 EDT, vintage Fidji and the discontinued AG Eau de Camille. Thanks in advance xx December 21, 2014 at 5:42am
Victoria: Maryjane, what a fun question! This category of perfumes happens to be one of my personal favorites, so I’d recommend these ones: Chanel Cristalle EDT for more citrus and jasmine or EDP for more hyacinth and floral notes. Chanel No 19 Poudre for lots of soft, powdery musk, but also lots of citrus, iris and crisp green notes (it doesn’t smell like No 19, so it’s best to treat it as a separate perfume). Hermes Eau de Narcisse Bleu for a soft green with tea notes. Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa and maybe Azemour. L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons is another perfume I like. It’s sweeter than others, but it’s very pretty. December 21, 2014 at 7:26am
Maryjane Morris: Thank you so much for these wonderful ideas, Victoria! Off to try a couple of these today! xx December 21, 2014 at 5:26pm
angeldiva: Hi Maryjane,
Maybe Guerlain L’HEURE BLEUE?
I read so much about this perfume that I bought a sample from The Perfume Court. Well, this has got to be the most high-class, highbrow, swelligant perfume that I have personally ever sniffed! Really historical. I put some on last night and watches the old film THE WOMEN. Imagining their lives wearing this amazing scent. Maybe I would wear this to a meeting with my lawyers while wearing a camel colored cashmere twin set and large pearls. In certain social situations- this would be a TOOL for success. The thing is I’m a surfer from L.A. ! Lol
Although I’m only 3 years younger than yourself, I rarely stop to think weather a scent is age appropriate. I feel ,”IF IT SMELLS GOOD WEAR IT!” There are Bjd devotees who consider height, weight, ethnicity. Really fascinating ideas that hadn’t yet occurred to me.
Also, your AG Camille has many products for sale on ebay at the moment. But, I personally had to return an AG (purchased in good faith on ebay) that had gone bad… So, I would really check who you buy from.
🙂
P December 22, 2014 at 3:50pm
Maryjane Morris: Thanks for your input, Angeldiva! I wore L’Heure Bleue many years ago, and I might just go and revisit this one! Your description/context has me intrigued. I do not take myself seriously enough at times, and at 56, still feel too young and “inconsequential” to wear a truly sophisticated perfume 🙂 LOL Maybe LHB could help me with that attitudinal change? December 27, 2014 at 5:12am
Erry: I really like sandalwood scent. My first experience with sandalwood was through balinese sandalwood fan and bee and flower sandalwood soap. That experience has shaped my idea of an ideal sandalwood fragrances, which is quite specific. It should be a creamy, milky, soft but still pronounce sandalwood.
I have tried
– Tam Dao; the opening is too bracing. I tried it on more than one occassions and each time I had a different opinion.
– Champagne de Bois; very nice but the sandalwood is not really pronounced
– crabtree and evelyn; it’s more cedarwood than sandalwood
– TF Santal Blush; very good but not creamy enough
– Kenzo Jungle; I smell more cloves and cinnamon than sandalwood. I love it though
– Samsara; the closest to ideal sandalwood fragrance. I have few drops of edt left and I really treasure it. It is in a transparent bottle with a gold cap, I think it’s from the late 90’s. I love it a lot but I find it a bit too strong. One or two sprays of edt on my wrist is enough to fill my car with sandalwood smell.
Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you. December 22, 2014 at 4:56am
Victoria: How about Serge Lutens Santal Blanc, Santal de Mysore or Santal Majuscule? December 22, 2014 at 8:31am
Polinia: For me the best sandal is Secret Sucre by Molinard. It’s so milky and smooth, very pleasant gourmand sandal. In the opening a sweet nougat note, but then sandal comes and it’s pure joy.
Also good sandal is in Santal Carmine by Atelier Cologne but in cold weather it sounds too woody to me. December 24, 2014 at 4:09pm
Cheryl Anne Groth: I loved the original Hermès Amazone from the early ’80s. Does anyone have any recommendations for a fragrance that is similar to the original Amazone? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks! December 22, 2014 at 8:12am
Victoria: Unfortunately, there is nothing like that anymore. The reason Amazone doesn’t smell the same way is that the new regulations on the use of perfumery raw materials prohibit some key ingredients. All similar fragrances have been reformulated as well. December 22, 2014 at 8:39am
angeldiva: Hi Cheryl,
Don’t know if this will help you:
Hermes Amizone
3.4 OZ EDT
$198.99 US
Today, on: Overstock.com
P. December 22, 2014 at 3:56pm
Kathleen: I have fallen in love with Neela Vermiere’s Ashoka…..the scent is lovely on my skin and the quality of the ingredients is obvious. However, I find that the perfume fades too fast and it is a perfume of entirely personal pleasure. I am constantly sniffing my wrists (inhaling deeply) to get a whiff of it. My husband notices the smell only when we are snuggling – and he loves it, too. But no one else ever seems to pick up the scent – and like I said, even I have to really breathe deeply to get its wonderful whiff.
Does anyone have recommendations to a similar fragrance that may be just a bit stronger? Thank you! December 22, 2014 at 8:20am
Victoria: I really don’t know of anything similar, but I like L’Artisan Premier Figuier for a milky, green fig. Hermes Jardin en Mediterranee is very good, but it also doesn’t last well. And Elisa just reviewed a new fig from Carthusia, which sounds great. December 22, 2014 at 8:37am
Kathleen: Thanks, Victoria. I will sample these other fragrances. My Ashoka bottle is almost gone and I keep debating if I should get another or look for something similar that is slightly stronger. December 22, 2014 at 9:44pm
Sylvia: Fell in love with Terracotta (Guerlain ) this year! I can hardly believe how perfect this has turned out to be on my skin, in hot or cold weather. Does anyone know where a bottle can be bought in the US?! Or anyone that ships to the US?!!!!Sadly, it is unavailable here :(.
Thank you in advance and Merry Christmas, and Seasons Greetings to everyone!
Sylvia December 22, 2014 at 2:06pm
Victoria: Have you checked Ebay? I imagine the sellers there might have it. December 22, 2014 at 2:48pm
angeldiva: Dear Sylvia,
I feel your pain… I checked my wholesalers, and wasn’t successful.
But, the Geurlain website says that there is a 30th anniversary Terracota Parfum available.
I just can’t locate a price. I would email them. They won’t turn down your money!
Good Luck!
P. December 22, 2014 at 4:13pm