Our February “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is now open. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations, and of course, share your discoveries.
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, my sampler of different traditional Ukrainian stitches, which is taking me forever to do, but whenever I find time for it, I enjoy it very much.
441 Comments
Connie: What are your favorite ‘symphonic’ perfumes? That change over time and have different facets that all flow together to create a greater whole? February 13, 2017 at 7:59am
Nora Szekely: Hi Connie,
Interesting question. I tried a lot of scents where either I disliked the top notes or found the drydown too bland.
Angel by Thierry Mugler starts with a startling sharp blend of top notes (that after some usage can become addictive) then the gourmand drydown is like a caress after a slap.
Tubereuse criminelle by Serge Lutens : I feel that the top notes have so much eucalyptus and menthol that they can cure a cold but the drydown is mellow and sweet. February 13, 2017 at 8:13am
Surbhi: I have not been able to go beyond top notes for tuberose criminelle. February 13, 2017 at 8:56am
CC: Not my favourite scent but Guerlain’s Samsara always surprises me by seeming to be at least three different – but very congenial – perfumes. The drydown on cashmere sweaters the morning after really is something else. February 13, 2017 at 8:15am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Connie! interesting. I love the name ”symphonic perfumes’..perfumes in which no specific note is dominant and persistent. Such perfumes are to my nose:
All the Guerlains. The old and the new ones (save the A. Allegoria’s of course), even the eaux de cologne.
Mille, Joy and Sublime de Patou
Acqua di Parma Profumo
Calèche
Dia
No 5
Femme
Altough I love very much the Lutens, no one of them I would call ”symphonic’.. what do you think? February 13, 2017 at 8:48am
SHMW: I am not exactly sure about the definition here but I immediately thought of Neela Vermeire’s Trayee. To me this is beautiful but it has no overwhelmingly consistent route through the various notes it contains. All the notes sing in harmony buton different wearings different notes shine … February 13, 2017 at 10:04am
Anais: Very interesting question! Some Lutens makes me think of Arabian fantasy, and I was thinking if any of it would fit Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade, but maybe not, probably Bois des Iles? Amouage?
I agree that most Guerlains would fit, and maybe also Chanel.
Now it makes me thinking what perfume would fit Vivaldi…. February 14, 2017 at 7:45am
Kari: Arabie and Scheherazade would make a great pairing! February 19, 2017 at 10:57pm
Gabriela: I love Samsara. I have the vintage and recently smelled the current version, not as good though.
You are right, every time I wear it I find something different, plus my husband loves it. February 13, 2017 at 12:31pm
Sylvia: I found Chamade to be symphonic. It changed like golden floral sunlight in the spring, shifting from morning to evening. February 13, 2017 at 1:51pm
Clair: What is it about vintage perfumes? Cleaning out our basement I discovered a few bottles of Chamade and Madame Rochas I had thought were lost or given away long ago, and although they are not my favorites, I sprayed away, and the complexity and the way in which the fragrance evolved throughout the day was so much more complex, nuanced and beautiful than so many contemporary fragrances. With many modern perfumes I experience a bright, often assertive burst of fragrance, to be replaced by a simplistic and often unrelated dry down once the initial burst subsides (wood, vanilla,
amber)
I think Amouage, Chanel, and some By Kilian’s are symphonic, which is probably related to the quality. I have been disappointed by a number of Guerlain reformulations though I hear the perfumes are still good if expensive. February 16, 2017 at 10:42am
Notturno7: Lucky you, Clair!! 😍What a great discovery. To find a few bottles of vintage Chamade and Madame Rochas, that’s so exciting to hear.
Yes, the old classics are amazing. It’s like a tasting a yummy few course meal instead of a cold,few days old pizza slice. February 19, 2017 at 4:57am
Aurora: I would say Lanvin Arpege in its vintage splendor tried to achieve this. February 13, 2017 at 6:22pm
Lydia: I love that term – symphonic perfumes. How perfect.
I tried Miss Dior from a vintage bottle – I’m guessing 1970s or 1980s – and it was extraordinary. The fragrance completely changed at least 3 or 4 times. I kept smelling my wrist and the story kept unfolding.
I’ve seen descriptions of really great perfumes as having a separate life, as though there is another person in the room with you, and it felt a little bit like that.
Then I went to Bloomingdales and smelled the current Miss Dior and was so astonished! They share a name, but nothing else. (No offence to any modern Miss Dior fans here. I think it’s common knowledge that it’s quite different from the original.)
I wish I could tell you of a perfume currently being produced which evolves in the same way, but I’m still looking.
I’m definitely going to look for Neela Vermeire’s Trayee, as per SHMW’s recommendation. February 14, 2017 at 12:37am
Adrian: It’s so great to see the term “symphonic perfume” being used! I have always envisioned Every Storm A Serenade by Imaginary Authors to be a perfect symphony, with two very different facets: http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Imaginary-Authors/Every-Storm-a-Serenade-34470.html
At first, the scent truly reminds me of a stormy rain on the coasts of England, with non-stop rain, breezing winds and broken spruce and eucalyptus twigs. But then, Every Storm A Serenade starts to fade, and only by then did I truly understand its name. The drydown evokes that after-the-rain feeling, with dewy grass, a hint of earthy vetiver and lots of calone; very refeshing and atmospheric.
On the whole, it is a skin scent, with very subtle performance. With if you take a close look (sniff, I should say), it really is a beautiful simphony. February 14, 2017 at 9:28am
Adrian: It’s so great to see the term “symphonic perfume” being used! I have always envisioned Every Storm A Serenade by Imaginary Authors to be a perfect symphony, with two very different facets: http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Imaginary-Authors/Every-Storm-a-Serenade-34470.html
At first, the scent truly reminds me of a stormy rain on the coasts of England, with non-stop rain, breezing winds and broken spruce and eucalyptus twigs. But then, Every Storm A Serenade starts to fade, and only by then did I truly understand its name. The drydown evokes that after-the-rain feeling, with dewy grass, a hint of earthy vetiver and lots of calone; very refeshing and atmospheric.
On the whole, it is a skin scent, with very subtle performance. With if you take a close look (or sniff, I should say), it really is a beautiful simphony. February 14, 2017 at 9:29am
Marie / Witness of Sense: Love the term symphonic perfumes <3
The Vero Profumo creations are quite symphonic, their development is like a storytelling. February 22, 2017 at 1:43am
Nora Szekely: Dear Victoria and perfume lovers,
Spring is coming slowly-slowly where I live. I like to put on perfumes suiting the warmer weather while I’m waiting for it to come, like Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDT or Stella Nude, a sheerer version the original rose scent by Stella McCartney.
Which are your favourite transmission scents? February 13, 2017 at 8:02am
CC: Diorissimo and Diptyque’s Mimosa candles. Both of them announce spring in a very grounded, earthy way. February 13, 2017 at 8:16am
Cornelia Blimber: In my black and golden Perfume Notebook I wrote down the comment of Morelle (on BdJ):
” I wear Bas de Soie in late winter and early in spring. It’s perfect for that time of the year, combining icy notes with spring flowers”. Beautifully said and so true! February 13, 2017 at 8:54am
Morelle: Cornelia, I feel deeply honoured. Thank you!
I was tempted to wear Bas de Soie today, but in the morning it was well below freezing point with a nasty wind, so the idea of ‘icy notes’ was not very appealing and I opted for something warm and cosy instead (Five O’clock aux Gingembre). But tomorrow it’s going to be mild and sunny so guess what will be my SOTD… February 15, 2017 at 4:46pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Cc,
I love Diorissimo a lot. It reminds me of my grandmother whose favourite flower was lily-of-the-valley. February 13, 2017 at 10:44am
CC: Hi Nora, yes it is so addictive! I expanded my obsession to looking for lily-of-the-valley bouquets and even dresses with the pattern. It’s a much-loved motif. February 13, 2017 at 8:51pm
Patricia: L’Eau d’Hiver by Frederic Malle and Guerlain’s Apres l’Ondee are two of my favorites for early spring.They seem to work well for those days when the sun is stronger, the days are long, but winter is still with us. February 13, 2017 at 10:22am
Patricia: *longer February 13, 2017 at 10:22am
Surbhi: Interesting. I am going to try them this year. I was away for long in winter this year. So I am still not annoyed with winter yet. Actually enjoying it. February 13, 2017 at 11:08am
CC: I agree, L’eau d’Hiver is lovely in Spring and Summer. February 14, 2017 at 1:18am
jodee: I’ll agree with Patricia– L’eau d’hiver and Après l’ondée are perfect for the transition from winter to spring. February 14, 2017 at 2:06pm
jodee: I also enjoy Chanel’s Beige for this time of year. February 14, 2017 at 2:07pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Patricia,
I own both of these and love them. I’ve vworn L’Eau d’Hiver in the winter and Apres l’Ondee in the summer but will try them in eraly spring. February 17, 2017 at 6:35am
Elena: I love Cartier Baiser Vole EDT. It just is the essence of wet, freshly cut lilies to me, which is just about exactly what I want in an early spring perfume. I just got Ostara, which as others have said, is just a perfect spring day in a bottle. February 13, 2017 at 12:28pm
Nina Z: Chamade is rich enough for winter but has the promise of spring in the hyacinth note. February 13, 2017 at 5:27pm
Aurora: Hi Nora: I find cold and a little melancholy violet perfumes appeal as a transition from winter into spring, SL Bois de Violette and Tom Ford Violet Blonde especially. February 13, 2017 at 6:11pm
Ninon: I agree with the recommendations for En Passant and L’eau d’Hiver. I also like CdG Zagorsk for this moment between seasons. February 14, 2017 at 1:44am
mendokuse: It varies from year to year for me, but this year I’ve been favoring Chanel La Pausa to take me from winter into spring. February 14, 2017 at 10:08am
kpaint: I just pulled out some transitioning-to-spring perfumes and am looking forward to wearing N°19 Poudré and Esprit d’Oscar.
I may be jumping the gun a bit as I usually wait until a few weeks later in the year to pull out the violets, but I’ve got Penhaligons Violetta and Atelier Sous le toit de Paris ready to go.
Seems like a good time for iris, so I’ve also got Yardley Iris and TDC Bois d’Iris out. I’ve been testing some jasmines and white florals this week, and the timing was perfect. They’re just what I’ve been needing when the weather is dreary but change is in the air. February 15, 2017 at 2:59am
Kari: I’m happy to hear someone else who likes No. 19 Poudree too. So far it’s the only Chanel I like (I can’t deal with the original no. 19-chilly iris is off-putting to my nose.) February 19, 2017 at 11:00pm
Marie / Witness of Sense: OMG I completely forgot about TDC Bois d’Iris! It is such a lovely scent, really a shame that it is discontinued. And Esprit d’Oscar makes an excellent transition perfume as well. February 22, 2017 at 1:46am
Trudy: I love Stella Nude (much more than Stella) and have a bottle that is pretty much empty in my lingerie drawer. I thought it was discontinued and I haven’t been able to find it in the past couple of years. Do you know if it is still being produced? Love Narcisso as well. February 19, 2017 at 9:51am
Marie / Witness of Sense: I second almost every mentioned scent. Parfums Delrae Wit and SL Un Lys make some terrific transmission scents as well (but so difficult to get hold on in Europe!) February 22, 2017 at 1:52am
Kirstyn: To me, spring always smells of lilacs. My mother had a lilac bush in our backyard that my brother and I trampled into a fort like shape. We would play pretend surrounded by the purple clusters of blossoms. If I am waiting for the warmer weather, I love Aerin’s Lilac Path. February 23, 2017 at 2:01pm
Karen A: I just pulled out a sample of Lys Mediterranee by Malle and it felt perfect for this transition in to springtime. It’s such a beautiful fragrance! February 26, 2017 at 7:26am
Surbhi: Last year I wore ostara a lot. I will probably do the same this year and la tulipe. February 13, 2017 at 9:00am
Nora Szekely: Thanks, Surbhi, Ostara is beautiful. February 13, 2017 at 10:42am
Notturno7: Hi Nora, I second Ostara and Après l’Ondée and I’d add Misia and Narcisso in a white cube bottle. February 19, 2017 at 4:43am
Ben: Scents are deeply personal, but… I’ve been trying for some time to find a scent that really gets to the core of a ‘Catholic church’ feel. Myrrh, Frankincense, but also a kind of gritty stone quality. I’ve tried CDG’s Avignon and Kyoto (great incense), T’s Incense Extreme and TV’s Incense Flash (great ‘gritty stone’ feel), and am waiting on an order of M’s Full Incense. But does anyone have any recommendations which I’ve missed out on? February 13, 2017 at 11:22am
Surbhi: trayee may be ? February 13, 2017 at 12:00pm
Ben: Thanks so much! How have I missed this one… February 13, 2017 at 12:47pm
Chin C.: Have you tried Cardinal? February 13, 2017 at 12:19pm
Ben: Yes! I knew there were a few I was forgetting. *Loved* Cardinal, and definitely one of the closest to what I’m looking for. February 13, 2017 at 12:46pm
Martha: I adore De Profundis by Serge Lutens. It has the qualities that I think you’re looking for. Here’s Victoria’s review, which I find to be spot on: https://boisdejasmin.com/2011/10/serge-lutens-de-profundis-perfume-review.html February 13, 2017 at 12:27pm
Ben: Well now, this looks absolutely enchanting! February 13, 2017 at 12:49pm
I Mer: Messe de minut is quite gritty I find, bit of a crypt thing. I think Victoria has a review in this blog. February 13, 2017 at 12:50pm
Ben: Thanks so much! I hadn’t heard of this one at all, and they do shower gels too! February 14, 2017 at 3:24am
DaveStPaul: Hi Ben,
I love this category, and I’m glad you’re getting Cardinal and Full Incense to try. One more to sample is Unum’s LAVS. I think it has the starkness one needs to really get that church feel — vs the “softness” that Cardinal and Avignon both have, though with them it’s nice.
Good luck. February 13, 2017 at 1:07pm
Mariann: Second the LAVS, its fantastic and I’m itching to get my hands on the Sauf line. Have you tried some of Oliver Durbanos line? February 13, 2017 at 9:18pm
DaveStPaul: You’re probably writing to Ben, but I hope you don’t mind if I jump in quickly: No, I haven’t. Do they have some incense-y ones you like? (My bank account is crying as I type this.) February 13, 2017 at 10:48pm
Mariann: I really like Black Tourmaline. February 14, 2017 at 9:33am
DaveStPaul: Cheers. =:o) February 14, 2017 at 9:47am
Ben: I haven’t, but these look fantastic! Thanks so much 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 3:29am
Ben: Thanks so much! Luckily, I have an untapped sample of LAVS knocking around here somewhere. Time to go rummage 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 3:25am
Sylvia: Ben have you tried Sauf’s incenses? They are pretty fabulous if you can wear incense! I believe the review I read said they were based on a Notre Dame organ. I tried some generous samples from surrender to chance and they were beautiful. Might be just what you’re looking for! February 13, 2017 at 2:06pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Ben!
I think Bois d’Encens (Armani Privé) is the catholic churche perfume. The problem is here: the price (± € 185).
Not insence, but solemn, reminding of a church office: Lutens Ambre Sultan (affordable). February 13, 2017 at 2:53pm
Cornelia Blimber: Sorry, incense! February 13, 2017 at 2:54pm
Ben: I *love* Sultan! And you’re right, quite a reverent, holy ambience to it. And I hear you on the Privé cost, but I’m getting a sample 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 3:28am
katherine x: Seconding Cornelia’s recommendation of Bois d’Encens. Victoria gave it 5 stars and I’m with her as well. https://boisdejasmin.com/2005/11/armani-prive-bois-d-encens-perfume-review.html February 16, 2017 at 1:43pm
Ben: Thank you! I haven’t, but I’ve had my eye on them recently. Such gorgeous bottles too! February 14, 2017 at 3:26am
Aurora: Ben: there is also Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant, my favorite frankincense perfume, discontinued but you could get a sample and keep an eye on eBay. February 13, 2017 at 5:25pm
Ben: Oh wow… this looks incredible. I’m committed to finding this one now 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 3:39am
Dobrila: “That gritty stone quality” … I might be totally off the mark here, but the first time I tried Maroussia by Slavia Zaitsev I instantly thought of my childhood in the Serbian Orthodox church. The fragrance was so cold, it made me think of the granite and the marble in church and the smell of charcoal and incense burning in the censer. There are of course other notes in the fragrance, but all I got was religion 🙂 February 13, 2017 at 6:54pm
Ben: You had me at ‘childhood in the Serbian Orthodox Church’ 🙂 Those are just the kind of feelings I’m looking for. Thanks so much! February 14, 2017 at 3:41am
limegreen: Discontinued but Tom Ford Sahara Noir is very heavy on the church incense
Also worth trying, Aedes de Venustas Copal Azul, though no gritty stone present
Good luck! February 13, 2017 at 11:53pm
Ben: Thank you! I shall keep my eye out for a Sahara, and will get a sample of Copal Azur 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 3:42am
limegreen: Someone told me that Sahara Noir took him back to being an altar boy so it’s worth a smell, even though it’s discontinued. Since you are on a quest of sorts, and I love these quests, you might have fun with Diptyque Eau Trois which is meant to evoke Greek Orthodox churches on the coast.
My latest favorite incense is Cogno-Scenti Hay Incense which is not heavy on church incense but a beautiful mingling of frankincense and hay absolute, with immortelle and vetiver. So more like “after” church. (It’s an indie perfumer and they have nice big 3ml sample sprays as well as 5 ml decants. Wish more perfume houses did this!) February 14, 2017 at 9:55am
Ben: Ooh, Diptyque are always great, and this will definitely go on the list 🙂
I’ll check out Cogno-Scenti too, and wholeheartedly agree on the smaller ranges/decants. There are some scents I love, but which only come in 100ml fb. So divine, but so pricey! 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 10:06am
Lydia: Hi, Ben.
Have you tried Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s Cathedral? I got a bottle years ago and it was rich with incense and a powerful, evocative mustiness. I don’t remember any cold stone notes, but it did give me a vivid picture of an abandoned country church in a field, filled with weeds and damp, decayed books, and smoky myrrh. It’s one of my all-time favorite scents. February 14, 2017 at 12:53am
Ben: Wow, I haven’t come across this one at all before. Thanks so much! 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 3:48am
Ninon: You might try Oriza L. Legrand Relique d’Amour. February 14, 2017 at 1:46am
Ben: I literally *just* received a sample of this, absolutely adore it 🙂 Good call! February 14, 2017 at 3:43am
Nora Szekely: Hi Ben,
My favourite is Passage d’Enfer by L’Artisan. February 14, 2017 at 3:01am
Ben: Thank you! I’ve been looking at this for some time now, but will take the plunge 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 3:45am
mendokuse: If you’re interested in room fragrances, Cire Trudon makes a very catholic churchy candle and room spray called Spiritus Sancti! February 14, 2017 at 10:13am
Ben: Ooh, thanks so much! I’ve just learned of Armenian Paper too, so a lot to explore here 🙂 February 15, 2017 at 8:11am
Karen A: You have already got quite a few to sample, but will add to your list! (Apologies if any of these are repeats from others). Lutens’ La Myrrhe and Serge Noire (I know it gets really mixed reviews, but it is a beauty for me). For sampling, you will have to go through one of the decant sites.
Plus, Regina Harris – Frankincense Rose Maroc is amazing (not sure if it captures the gritty stone aspect, but is a beautiful, complex incense). And Geisha Noire – again, maybe not with the stone aspect). Both of these are or used to be available through Luckyscent for sampling. February 15, 2017 at 7:55am
Ben: Trust me, one can always do with more samples 🙂
Serge Noir was my introduction to scents, and *is* my signature scent. Absolutely love it! All my favourites seem to get quite mixed reviews. And I was rifling through old samples just the other day and found an *empty* SL Myrrh sample. I guess it all seeped away. But the empty sample bottle smells incredible, so I’m ordering another one now 🙂
I’ll be sure to check out the RH and GN too!
Love Lucky Scent. Such a great range. February 15, 2017 at 8:17am
Karen A: Wow, that’s really amazing about Serge Noire! Maybe it’s one of those scents that either really works or really doesn’t work on a person, I actually ordered a decant of it to see if maybe my sample (which came from SL) had been mislabeled or something after reading all the mixed reviews.
Not incense at all, but a rose that you might enjoy is Isparta by Perfumerie Generale. It’s different enough from all the rose/patchouli blends and has a very quiet elegance that could work well for a guy. And it should still be available on Luckysceny for sampling. Definitely worth $4 to try it. February 15, 2017 at 12:28pm
Ben: Thanks so much for the tip! One of the reviews on Fragrantica mentions its similiarity to Frapin’s Nevermore, which I *love* so count me in 🙂 February 17, 2017 at 6:41am
Ben: It’s got to be skin chemistry (physics), right? My signatures are Serge Noir and Rien, both polarising scents, so I’m gonna guess it’s me 🙂 February 17, 2017 at 6:47am
Megan Manning: Passage de Infer by L’artisan might work. To me it’s cold stone and incense, which I like. My husband gets a big dose of Lilly from it too, so keep that in mind. 🙂 February 16, 2017 at 11:00am
Ben: Duly noted 🙂 and thanks for the tip, it sounds gorgeous! February 17, 2017 at 6:45am
Irna Arale: Hello guys,
Could you recommend me which cologne to get from Roger & Gallet? I’ve tried Bois d’Orange and loving it, but I’d like to try something new, probably something floral and fresh.
My current rotations are Bvlgari Black, Stella by Stella McCartney, Chacarel Noa and Anais Anais, and Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle. I’m not into gourmand or sweet fragrance.
Thank you. ☺ February 13, 2017 at 11:26am
Chin C.: Fleur d’osmanthus! February 13, 2017 at 12:17pm
mj: I second that recommendation. Fleur d’Osmathus is a lovely floral. February 13, 2017 at 3:44pm
Tomate Farcie: I love Fleur de Figuier. The parfumeur is Francis Kurkdjian and is available in EdP as well February 13, 2017 at 4:35pm
maja: If you like Stella you might like R&G Rose. I myself like the Osmanthus one and Gingembre, too. February 14, 2017 at 5:25pm
maja: Your sampler looks great, Victoria. I was once knitting a shawl for 4 yrs and then my mom came to visit and finished it in one afternoon. 😀
My question would be – blasphemy, I know – does anyone layer Shalimar with other perfumes and, if yes, which ones? February 14, 2017 at 5:39pm
maja: Oh, my question ended up in a wrong place, I apologise. February 14, 2017 at 5:43pm
Notturno7: Sorry you got no replies, Maja. Maybe you can do the search on this blog for comments on layering because I’ve seen few comments from Victoria and others, including quotes from famous nose, I think JC Elena from house of Hermes.
My memory might be wrong but I think he mentioned layering even Shalimar.
And that is pretty funny about the scarf! Yes, moms can be pretty efficient 😉 February 16, 2017 at 2:52pm
Cornelia Blimber: JC Ellena: Shalimar + Pour l’Homme by Cacharel to make it more spicy
To underline the patchouli: Shalimar + Patchouly by Etro or Sta. Maria Novella
A French reader of Marie Claire: Shalimar deodorant+ L’Eau du Ciel (Goutal).
I never layered Shalimar, but if I wanted to do so, maybe I would experiment with soft leathers (Gomma by Etro , Daim Blond, Bottega Veneta?) or soft incenses like Dzonkha. Such experiments can be funny (or horrible)! February 16, 2017 at 5:18pm
maja: @Cornelia: Eau du Ciel sounds very interesting since I tend to discard leathers. A nice innocent floral over Shalimar – intriguing! – especially because the other day I layered Angel Muse and Champs Elysees (incredible, right?) and it was such a good idea. February 17, 2017 at 3:28am
maja: @notturno7: Thank you for your suggestions. I remember that post so I’ll look for it. I was just curious about possible combinations. And yes, moms are always efficient. 🙂 February 17, 2017 at 3:22am
Chin C.: I’m looking for a floral fragrance which is not rose, not white floral and not iris, and is not sweet. I adore green and woody scents. Looking forward to explore a new category! February 13, 2017 at 12:58pm
Neva: Hi Chin C, I can recommend a few lovely green scents:
Patricia de Nicolai – Weekend in Normandy
Clinique – Wrappings
Ulrich Lang – Apsu
The first two are more herbal green and Apsu is a soapy green.
I hope you’ll find something you’ll like among them. February 13, 2017 at 4:33pm
Tomate Farcie: Parfums DelRae Wit or Naomi Goodsir Iris Cendre February 13, 2017 at 4:37pm
Nina Z: Do you have any preferences for which type of floral you are looking for?
Guerlain Chamade is a gorgeous hyacinth fragrance with a green note. Definitely note sweet.
Another really interesting green/floral fragrance with a carnation note is Fleuiste by DSH Perfumes. Caron Bellodgia is a beautiful carnation-based floral (preferably vintage).
Another green/floral one I love is Guerlain Vetiver pour Elle, which is a vetiver and jasmine scent.n (Or is jasmine one of your white florals?)
Frederic Malle Fleur de Cassie is a spot on acacia fragrance (similar to mimosa). They also have a lilac fragrance En Passant.
No doubt I will think of more as the day goes on 😉 February 13, 2017 at 5:36pm
Mer: I think you should try something with carnation 🙂 February 13, 2017 at 5:37pm
Chin C.: What are good carnation fragrances that I should sample? February 14, 2017 at 9:33am
Mer: Oh, I am not knowledgeable enough to answer your question, but thought you might want to explore since it is so different from the florals you mentioned. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be a trendy note at the moment.
You can use the dropdown up on the top right here in the blog to navigate by note and select carnation. There’s also this post about the note itself with many fragrances listed: https://boisdejasmin.com/2005/06/note_of_the_wee_3.html February 14, 2017 at 3:20pm
limegreen: Oeillet Bengale by Aedes de Venustas is a beautiful carnation not too sweet February 18, 2017 at 8:13am
Notturno7: Hi Chin C, I love vintage Bellogia extrait that I got this winter. It is an amazing carnation scent.
Victoria created many reviews on this blog and you can search ‘by note’ as there’s a list of perfumes with carnations. Hope this helps your search 😊 February 19, 2017 at 4:34am
Natalie T: Wilde by Jardins d’Ecrivains is a fun one. Very different. Grape + carnation. February 22, 2017 at 9:06pm
CC: Hi Chin C, have you tried Ô de Lancôme? It’s a no-holds-barred green, you can almost taste it. Very spritzy and uplifting. February 13, 2017 at 8:53pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Chin C.,
I second Une Fleur de Cassie, En passant and also recommend Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle. To my nose it is rather green. February 14, 2017 at 3:05am
kpaint: Atelier Colognes Trèfle Pur, Balenciaga Paris, Bottega Profumiera Mon Jardin, Cartier Baiser Volé EDP, Hermès Muguet Porcelaine, Kenzo Parfum d’Ete, Serge Lutens Nuit de Cellophane, and Tauer Perfumes Carillon pour un Ange might be worth looking into.
If you’re looking for something both green and woody, though, you might just want to go straight to the vetivers. February 15, 2017 at 3:10am
hajusuuri: Hiram Green Arbole Arbole February 18, 2017 at 8:54pm
Lily: My favorite fragrances are Heavenly by Victoria Secret and A Thousand Wishes by Bath and Body Works. I enjoy scents with musk and I am hoping to transition my signature scent to something more mature. I am a young adult and looking for a scent that doesn’t stay too close to the skin with a decent spillage but isn’t too powerful for school. I’m at a point in my life where I am trying to reinvent myself and gain more confidence so I would like a sexy scent that is less than $120 February 13, 2017 at 1:50pm
Lily: Decent sillage* February 13, 2017 at 1:51pm
mj: Have you tried Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker? Here Victoria’s review
https://boisdejasmin.com/house/sarah-jessica-parker
I personally prefer Lovely to Narciso for Her, I found it very easy to wear. February 13, 2017 at 3:48pm
Lily: I have not tried either but I will definitely look into them. Thanks so much. February 13, 2017 at 4:29pm
Fanny: Hi! I was going to suggest Narciso Rodriguez in the Edt as it is supposedly muskier, and many times I look for sexy fragrances online/forums/reviews, they mention musky scents. It is close to skin scent but with other notes around it will differentiate.
Now I own the For Her in Edt (muskier and slightly milder?) and Edp, I love both. They are however a bit strong, with a good sillage. Maybe it’s boring, since it’s popular/common?
I have read that some ppl are bothered by the NR For her, it’s too strong or cloying, and I’ve seen people suggest instead the Narciso Rodriguez For Her Intense ( I haven’t smelled it but thought I’d mention a possible alternative).
And another alternative for an easier to wear alternative was the aforementioned Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely. I recently bought this for that reason exactly, and it’s nice, very feminine. However I am beginning to suspect I am anosmic to some muscs (all these perfumes are musky), so this onefell kind of flat on my. So, I suggest you try or order samples and test in school, ask people to “smell you” haha, and see what results you get;)
One thing though about Lovely, I personally didn’t find it sexy, but it is mentioned may times as an alternative to the other white musks (NR For her for example) so, it’s worth a try, everyone has different ideas of what is sexy.
You said you wanted to reinvent yourself? What do you see in your head when you think of a confident, young woman? Powerful or sexually confident? Is it a floral or a sweet scent this woman would wear? Perhaps a woody fragrance even… do you veer towards masculine/woody fragrances? Perhaps trying something woody as opposed to what you normally wear (VS) will get you that sexy confidence – my point is try and think of references to this new re-invented self, and see what you yourself could reference to those qualities, in terms of scent. it may help convince you of what scent/notes fits with this image. I find perfume very evocative. Google all the suggestions you get and read the reviews, Bois de Jasmin paints very good images of perfumes as do others. Or use the tags on this website, there is one called “Seduction” I think. Then go and sample-sample-sample!
Sorry for this mile long reply… and it’s not over;)
Additional mentions of what many perfume vbloggers/commenters suggest are sexy perfumes are for example Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur, also google Carnal Flower, Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger… Keep in mind that any perfume you might try that feels bombastic/too heavy, can be managed into a smaller, more alluring waft/sillage, if you spray lower on the body. Like behind your knees, or on your back/on your stomach. Instead of higher pulse points (wrists, inside of elbow, back of neck or chest, these). So don’t be afraid of strong perfumes, jsut spray wisely, and focus on what frag notes seem sexy and “new you” to you.
Good luck, Lily! February 13, 2017 at 5:30pm
Surbhi: Music ravageur is great but it’s one of the perfumes that does really funny things with different skins and body chemistry. So give it a good try before investing. it comes out as clove and warm comfort on me. But I have smelled it as all musky or even acidly on others February 15, 2017 at 9:42am
Aurora: Also you could try Cacharel Noa, a light musk with a coffee note, and affordable and Serge Lutens Clair de Musc (out of your price range but you could sample and if you like it keep an eye open for good deals at the online discounters). February 13, 2017 at 5:36pm
madtowngirl: Late to the party here, but I thought I’d chime in with my humble opinion. You’ve gotten some excellent suggestions and I would second trying Narciso Rodriguez for her EDT ( the original in the black bottle), it’s very affordable and nice. Also the Serge Lutens Clair de Musc.
Frederic Malle’s Musc Ravageur is the best imo and is available in travel 10 ml sizes which would work with your budget. Good luck! February 15, 2017 at 9:36am
SilverMoon: hi Lily, it is fun to think how you can change an image of yourself with help of your perfume choice. Here are some suggestions that I think meet your specifications. Loulou, Tommy Girl, Sikkim Girls (from Lush), Obsession (much cheaper than Musc Ravageur, but of a similar style), or try one of the Etat Libre de Orange range. They have some unusual perfumes at a reasonable price and you would stand out from the crowd/your classmates. I think the fun is in experimenting. February 17, 2017 at 4:43pm
Tati: I immediately thought of Chanel 19 Poudre for you. The regular 19 has a reputation for being confident, albeit cold, but the musk in Poudre makes it softer, sexier. Elegant sillage, perfect for school, and the right price point. February 17, 2017 at 5:11pm
Kirstyn: I will add another voice suggesting that you try the Narciso Rodriguez for Her. I am a high school teacher, and I think that the scent is perfect. It’s got a nostalgic feel for the 90’s/2000’s that is happening right now in fashion. Plus, it is a good balance of sexy and clean smelling. You’ll smell unique and feel great. Good luck! February 23, 2017 at 2:12pm
Sylvia: Experienced perfumistas- what are your favorite Rose perfumes? I just tried SL- La Fille Berlin. I really love the opening and the heart- I guess it’s a Rose /violet perfume? I also enjoyed Rosine Zeste and Rose Cut was ok – except I found the aldehydes irritating and the dry down was a little boring on me.
I don’t like aldehydes. I can’t wear incense or heavy Amber.
Would I like FM-Lipstick Rose?
What should I try next. February 13, 2017 at 1:59pm
Figuier: Hi there,
I love the rich rose in By Kilian Rose Oud. But I also like light roses such as Diptyque’s Eau Rose. I guess it depends what kind of rose experience you’re looking for? Another one I like is Paris edt, which is *big* and classic – but maybe too sparkly for you if you don’t like aldehydes? FM Lipstick Rose is gorgeous too, but not ask dark as La Fille de Berlin. It’s just perfect. February 13, 2017 at 3:34pm
Sylvia: Thank you for the rec.s!
I love the complexity and how rich La Fille Berlin is!
I haven’t been able to wear any of the Tauers.
I like Rich- Rose centric-and I’d like long lasting. February 13, 2017 at 4:58pm
SHMW: Rose gold by Ormonde Jayne. Wonderful Tai’f rose, for me it has intense sherbet rose notes balanced with carnation absolute too. It is backed by beautiful real sandalwood. Very long lasting. February 14, 2017 at 8:45am
Gabriela: I haver Just discovered Rose Velours, Van Cleef &Arpels, such a gorgeous rose.
I much prefer Une Rose by FM than Lipstick rose.. February 13, 2017 at 4:53pm
Sylvia: Thank you Gabriela! I’ll look at the FM site and their Une Rose. February 13, 2017 at 6:33pm
Nina Z: How rosy do you want your rose? I tried so many looking for my perfect rose.
In the end, my very rose is Guerlain Nahema (I was lucky to find PdT from the 80s), and I really don’t want to wear anything else. For darker roses, I like Lyric Woman and L’Arte di Gucci.
If you like Serge Lutens, you should also try Sa Majeste La Rose, which is brighter rose than the one you tried.
You might not like Lipstick Rose, and it’s not a real rose smell–more like makeup (as it is intended to be) with violet.
Can you say more about the type of rose you are looking for? February 13, 2017 at 5:43pm
Sylvia: Hi Nina!,
Thank you for asking and for your suggestions!
For roses- I really like the La Fille Berlin and wish the opening lasted longer because it’s such a lovely jammy rose! But I may end up thinking it’s pretty enough to spray some on my clothes to keep that stage around!
I don’t usually like the smell of makeup or lipstick- so thank you for warning me about Lipstick Rose. 🙂
I cannot wear incense heavy fragrances or Amber heavy fragrances.
-I like Santal Majescule -SL- I love the opening Rose / Sandalwood smell- wish that lasted and stayed rosier! I layer roses on with that to keep it more Rose-centric. I haven’t smelled any other Serge Luten’s fragrances yet.
-I can’t wear OJ Taif- the rose is beautiful but gets too sweet on my skin and the dry down gets sour and chemical smelling.
– I like Sonoma Scent Studio Rose Volupte- very wine- ish dark rose. It gets a bit musty.
-SSS Velvet Rose is beautiful and lasts and has a good good dry down. I wouldn’t mind some more development but I love the drydown!
– Dawn Spenser Horowitz American Beauty was pretty but too thin on me, disappeared fast and not dark enough.
– Andy Tauers Une Rose, Phi Kandahar and Rose Flash were horrible on me-nuclear strength disasters. They turned too sour and had a scratchy Amber.
I Don’t know why the SL LFBerlin doesn’t smell like a bad Amber on me ( it’s in the notes) but it doesn’t.
– I really like Rosine Zeste Une Rose for summer-but it only lasts on my clothing. It only lasts for about an hour on my skin.
– Stella by Stella McCartny is beautiful but only lasts on my clothing. I like it a lot but could stand for it to be stronger and more of a jammy Rose.
– not a rose – but, I love the dry down in Hermes Ambre Des Merivilles – it’s warm and vanilla coziness. The Amber isn’t a problem in that one- and again-I don’t know why.
🙂 February 13, 2017 at 6:26pm
Surbhi: don’t spray le fille on clothes. It stains pretty bad 🙂 February 13, 2017 at 7:31pm
Surbhi: I didn’t even know le fille had amber. Never came out as amber on me. I am not a fan of amber. I love le fille.
JA malone has a rose with oud in black bottle. I can’t seem to recall the name right now. Very pretty.
Also, YSl majestic rose. This one I might get as a present for myself.
Byredo’s rose of no man’s land is also pretty.
I can’t justify the price of the creed but if you just want to smell it… Creed’s flour de rose bulgari. Its rose rose rose !! February 13, 2017 at 7:45pm
Karen A: Jo Mallone fragrance is Velvet Rose and Oud – it’s stunning! February 14, 2017 at 2:41pm
Surbhi: I am re-visiting my rose perfumes and I want to add one more to it. I have a post from you listing all your favorites. Knowing we have a lot of common rose ones I will be using that as my starting point. Any new rose you have added to your collection recently? February 14, 2017 at 10:13pm
Karen A: Hmmmm, I am not sure if they are new to the list, but here are a few that I may either not have had at the time, or forgotten to list! Limegreen sent me decants of two wonderful roses, Miller Harris Rose Noir and Armani Prive Rose d’Arabie.
After quite a while (maybe a few years!!) of smelling my empty sample bottle, I bought a decant of Pafumerie Generale’s Isparta. It has wonderful lasting power, yet is not overwhelming when you put it on. Not sure if the roses actually come from Isparta, but it is a wonderful addition to the dark rose genre.
Also, have you tried any of Stephane Humbert Lucas 777’s? Rose de Petra and Khol de Bahrein (maybe not a rose-centric fragrance, but listing it anyway) are both complex, very well made perfumes. Plus, his prices have actually gone down on Luckyscent!
For all of my roses, honestly my default is always La Fille, unless I am wanting something darker. But it is really fun playing around and seeing which feels right when I am craving a rose! What about you? Any new treasures? February 15, 2017 at 7:49am
Sylvia: Thank you Karen! February 14, 2017 at 10:14pm
Sylvia: Thank you Surbhi! February 14, 2017 at 9:58pm
Notturno7: Hi Sylvia, two roses I get compliments on are La Fille and Hermes Galop. Galop is different, less powerful but very elegant and just as gorgeous. Victoria reviewed it.
Good luck 😊 February 16, 2017 at 3:01pm
Syl ia: Thank you for recommending those! February 17, 2017 at 1:50pm
Sarah: I would recommend Hermes Rose Amazone. It’s mesmerizing! February 13, 2017 at 6:18pm
Sylvia: Thank you Sarah! I’ll look at that one. February 13, 2017 at 6:27pm
Ninon: I am admittedly not a rose soliflore person, but love Une Rose de Kandahar. February 14, 2017 at 1:37am
Lydia: Hi, Sylvia.
Red Roses cologne by Jo Malone. (I haven’t worn it in a few years, but the note in my perfume notebook says, “So strongly rose, it’s almost gothic.” – so it might be worth trying.)
I Profumi di Firenze’s Rosa di Damasco was quite a rich rose scent last time I tried it.
Malle’s Un Rose is my favorite in the “dry rose” category (I found Fille de Berlin to be quite dry as well, so maybe it would be a good match.)
Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier used to have some really lush roses – Rose Opulente and Rose Muskissime, in particular. They weren’t just rose, though, although rose was the centerpiece.
(Sorry to keep qualifying everything with, “used to be” and “last time I tried it.” I’m returning from a long perfume hiatus.) February 14, 2017 at 1:57am
Sylvia: Thank you Lydia! February 14, 2017 at 9:57pm
aurora: One of the roses I like best is Guerlain Nahema and like you I have a favourite Rosine the cinnamon rose Majalis. February 14, 2017 at 7:49am
Sylvia: Thank you Aurora! February 14, 2017 at 9:58pm
Lynley: Maybe also
Calligraphy Rose
MFK a la rose
Acqua de Parma Rosa Nobile
Profumum Rosa Mundi February 14, 2017 at 8:54am
Sylvia: Those sound interesting- thank you Lynley! February 14, 2017 at 9:59pm
limegreen: Second the Une Rose recommendations! I love the body butter.
Don’t know if it’s still around but Annick Goutal Rose Absolue is a beautiful combo of many roses, no other notes in the drydown, just roses.
Le Labo Rose 31 is atypical for a rose but I love it, it’s a peppery rose, not jammy but you might try it. February 14, 2017 at 10:10am
Sylvia: Ive been looking at the Annick Goutal- it sounds lovely. thank you Limegreen! February 14, 2017 at 10:01pm
Kelly: I have Tom Ford’s Noir de Noir and I love it. It’s a dark, woody, creamy rose.
I also like Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose. It’s not niche or anything, but I find it rich and well done. February 14, 2017 at 5:02pm
Sylvia: Kelly- I have and like the Nirvana Rose. It doesn’t last as long as I’d like but for the price it’s pretty good!
I’ll check out the Tom Ford- thanks! February 14, 2017 at 10:02pm
kpaint: You might also like Tom Ford Cafe Rose. Guerlain Rose Nacrée du Desert might be right up your alley, too – and YSL Paris, perhaps. The Marnis might work for you, too. February 15, 2017 at 3:21am
Surbhi: I liked noir de noir too. It’s not cloy, sweet rose. Very modern and classy. Doesn’t feel old style powdery rose February 14, 2017 at 10:16pm
mendokuse: Roses to try:
Bvlgari Pour Femme (rich, heady, very feminine)
L’Artisan Parfumeur Voleur de Roses (dark, plummy rose, skip if you don’t like patchouli)
Frédéric Malle Une Rose (deep, dry, velvety rose)
Serve Lutens Sa Majesté La Rose (another deep rose, but not as dry or liquorice-dark as Une Rose)
(FM Lipstick Rose has a candy sweetness that gives me a headache, as much as I’ve tried to like it.)
Bvlgari Rose Essentielle (bright, jammy rose)
YSL Paris (bright, fruit violet rose) February 14, 2017 at 6:57pm
Sylvia: Wow- what a great list mendokuse! I will take a look at those.
Paris sounds like I might like it but the lipstick rose sounds too sweet. I appreciate all the feedback, everyone! February 14, 2017 at 10:08pm
Clair: Have you ever tried Oha by Teo Cabanel? Unlike Alahine, by the same house and which is very popular (though it doesn’t work for me at all, too much dry wood & amber) Oha doesn’t get a lot of love, but is nonetheless a favorite of mine and I often receive unexpected compliments when I wear it. It is characterized as as a Rose Chypre, and my experience is that it has a fresh green rose aspect, with just enough citrus for lift and a hint of spice (cardamom) which is never woody or dry. The ingredients are of a very high quality and the parfum is especially beautiful. Tauer Rose Delight body oil, though not a perfume, is wonderful for layering. It is the only Tauer fragrance I’ve tried that works for me, and it has a similar fresh/herbal rose quality with a dark twist. I also love Amouge Lyric, By Kilian Rose Oud, and Frau Tonis Rose de France No. 39. February 16, 2017 at 11:39am
SilverMoon: Others have already made tons of suggestions, many of which I second (especially Velvet Rose and Oud, FM Une Rose, Nahema). One rose that I love is Paestum Rose. Something a bit different and really beautiful too. February 17, 2017 at 4:53pm
Sylviathank: Thank you Silvermoom. I will look at that too. Sounds great from the notes I read. February 17, 2017 at 5:46pm
hajusuuri: Aftelier Wild Roses EDP – it was love at first sniff for me
Portrait of a Lady February 18, 2017 at 8:59pm
Sylvia: Thank you for the rec Hajusuuri. I’ll go look up the review of Wild Roses now. I appreciate all the feed back. February 18, 2017 at 10:40pm
Kari: One other I would add to your list is Menditerrosa Le Mat. It’s a spiced, woody, Rose and geranium fragrance and was my big splurge of the year courtesy of gift cards-I kept returning to my fragrance shop that stocked it to sanple the perfume. February 19, 2017 at 11:07pm
Kari: Echoing the recommendations for Papillon Tobacco Rose and also Portrait of a Lady, and Le Labo Rose 31. I really like Tauer Une Rose Chypree, though I see that isn’t a fragrance house that works well for you. February 19, 2017 at 11:11pm
kayliz: Lipstick Rose is for me more of a violet than a rose. Similar but more squarely between rose and violet would be Misia, one of the Chanel exclusives, though I have no idea what the new version (EdP) is like.
I love Fille de Berlin and in general tend towards darker, denser roses and away from lighter, sheer ones. These are my faves:
La Fille de Berlin
Tobacco Rose by Papillon
Galop d’Hermes
Mohur by Neela Vermeire
I’d love to be able to wear Lyric by Amouage, which I think is gorgeous on a smelling strip but goes acrid on me.
If you do like fresh, bright roses, it’s worth trying Paul Smith Rose. February 13, 2017 at 3:25pm
AndreaR: Isn’t Mohur lovely? Adding Rossy de Palma for a quirky rose. February 13, 2017 at 4:46pm
Sylvia: Thank you AndreaR- I will add Rosy to the list! 🙂 I don’t want to even try Mohur or Lyric. I’m afraid I’ll like one of them and it’s more than I want to spend. February 13, 2017 at 6:31pm
Sylvia: Thank you Kayliz! I’m making a note of those. February 13, 2017 at 6:28pm
Tati: Wonderful rose recommendations! I’ve been writing the ones down I haven’t gotten to yet. I’m also in the Une Rose camp, rather than Lipstick Rose. Got a bottle for my Valentine present. Love Voleur de Roses also. My go-to perfume is Fille de Berlin, although it’s a little too violet at times. Some of my favorite dark roses that haven’t been mentioned: Lubin Black Jade, MFK Lumiere Noire, and Histories de Parfum Rosam. February 17, 2017 at 6:16pm
Sylvia: Tati you’re right-Its going to be great fun trying all of these! Thank you for the ones you added.
I really appreciate all of the feed back. Thank you everyone! February 18, 2017 at 10:44pm
JeanM: Hello – I am looking for 2 recommendations. First and foremost is a replacement for my all time favorite – Mystere. I am on my last bottle and the prices of bottles on eBay are higher than I would like to pay. My second request is for a perfume that evokes the essence of Bermuda. I will be traveling there soon and always like to find a special bottle for each place I travel so I always have special fragrance memory of my travels. Thank you! February 13, 2017 at 3:37pm
aurora: Hello Jean: I’ve never smelled Mystere and I feel your pain about a replacement, check out Fragrantica, enter Mystere and check out the this perfume reminds me of section.
For your 2nd section: Have you ever tried Cacharel Eden? In its tropical weirdness it might suit Bermuda. February 14, 2017 at 7:56am
JeanM: Hello Aurora, I’ve never tried Cacharel Eden but I’ll check it out. Mystere was launched by Rochas in 1978 I believe and it’s a mysterious blend of woods, florals & musk. Hadn’t thought to check Fragrantica so I’ll check that out as well. Thank you! February 14, 2017 at 12:44pm
Sylvia: JeanM my tropical / vacation memory perfumes are Guerlain’s Terracotta La Perfume and Estee’s Private Collection
Tuberose Gardenia. Both are beautiful in the humidity! February 14, 2017 at 10:13pm
JeanM: Thank you Sylvia. I, too, love both Guerlain’s Terra-cotta and Estee Lauder’s Tuberose Gardenia. February 15, 2017 at 11:24am
Surbhi: For No 2. Carnal flower. It just smells way different in hot tropical weather than anywhere else. Very very expensive but does come in a 10 ml bottle of you just want it as a holiday perfume. February 14, 2017 at 10:19pm
JeanM: Thank you Surbhi. I’m not familiar with Carnal flower and I’ll look for it to sample. February 15, 2017 at 11:25am
Karen A: Hummingbird by Zoologist is a complex beautiful white floral that would work well in the warm climate. But, as a cautionary note – I took Carnal Flower and some other florals with me on a trip to St. Croix and the mosquitos just loved me (more than they normally do, which is a lot!). Recounting my miseries later, Limegreen suggested wearing citrus fragrances that would be uplifting and act as a mosquito deterrent.
As much as I love heady florals such as CF, next time I go to a hot or tropical place it will be colognes and/or vetiver based fragrances in my bag! (vetiver also acts as a bug deterrent)
So, my suggestion is to wear a white floral at home to evoke the memories of Bermuda and go with a cologne or vetiver when you are there. February 16, 2017 at 6:20am
JeanM: Great suggestion Karen. I hadn’t thought about the downside of wearing florals and turning myself into a mosquito magnet. I’ll start sampling something with citrus / vetiver. Thank you! February 16, 2017 at 11:19am
Karen A: Believe me, as a person that apparently has a built in mosquito magnet, I will never make that mistake again! Save the florals if you know you will be indoors, but otherwise it’s a great opportunity to explore colognes! February 16, 2017 at 1:10pm
Figuier: This isn’t a specific perfume-related comment: I just wanted to say how much I like your sampler, Victoria – so colourful & eclectic 🙂 February 13, 2017 at 3:38pm
AndreaR: I love your sampler as well. So cheerful. February 13, 2017 at 4:53pm
Lydia: I was looking for a place to comment on the sampler, too. So bright and lovely! February 14, 2017 at 2:06am
Karen A: Beautiful work Victoria! February 16, 2017 at 6:20am
mj: I have a question out of curiosity. I use an Yves Rocher shampoo with may-tree (aubèpine) inside. It’s not anything out of the ordinary, but I love the scent, it smells like freshly cut lilacs…. I don’t know if this smell is the way May-tree flowers smell and if there’s any perfume out there with such note. Does anyone know?
I’d like to add that I love your sampler Victoria. February 13, 2017 at 3:52pm
Cornelia Blimber: Lovely lilacs: En Passant, F. Malle. February 13, 2017 at 4:02pm
mj: F.Malle is on my bucket list of “perfume houses I’d like to try”. Very difficult to find in Spain…
He used to write a columm for Allure magazine that I enjoyed a lot. February 13, 2017 at 4:05pm
Gabriela: Hi, I live in Barcelona, you can find FM in Regia or Madrid… February 13, 2017 at 4:55pm
mj: Gracias Gabriela!
Hace mucho que no voy por Regia, ahora tengo una excusa 😉 February 13, 2017 at 5:33pm
Gabriela: Pues tienen todo! Creed, Amouage, Lutens… pregunta por Meritxell, es un encanto esta vendedora! Dile que vas de mi parte.
Por cierto, conoces a algún grupo de perfumistas en Barcelona? February 14, 2017 at 3:49am
mj: Gracias por la información. Amouge no me dice nada, estuve en la tienda que tienen en el duty de Dubai y nada me emocionó.
En Barcelona no conozco grupos perfumistas…. locos por los cosméticos conozco un ciento, pero por los perfumes debo de ser yo la única…. February 14, 2017 at 6:47am
CC: Oh thanks for that! I actually found the articles from allure online, will be excited to read them! All of F Malle’s perfumes are wonderful, definitely worth a purchase. You can buy them online from Paris and get samples as well. February 13, 2017 at 8:57pm
mj: Thanks CC
Gabrielas has told me that Regia, maybe the most interesting perfume shop in Barcelona, carries the Malle line. I will take a look over there! February 14, 2017 at 6:48am
Susan: Have you visited The Vanity perfume shop in Barcelona? It is located in Hotel Arts and has a wonderful collection. My favourite is the Giulieta Capuleti line and PureDistance. February 14, 2017 at 5:53pm
aurora: It must be a reconstituted fragrance, I don’t think there it can be extracted., so you must be right that it smells of lilac: you might try Trussardi My Scent I discovered it recently and like it very much + it’s not very expensive. February 14, 2017 at 8:01am
mj: Thanks Aurora! I’ll look for it! February 14, 2017 at 9:35am
Fanny: Hello all!
I have been reading the reviews and your comments here for many moths, as well as other places and I finally timed it right to get in on the “Recommend me a perfume”.
I need help. I just recently posted a reply to Lily above on suggestions for a sexy confident perfume. The thing is it’s kind of what I myself wanted to ask you. See I have been reading and searching for many different category-perfumes. I cannot tell you how helpful it has been to read all your feedback on Bois de Jasmin’s reviews. Thanks to you I feel confident when I buy fragrances and excited beyond belief. All the men and women here know so much! I know almost nothing, but I make up for it with my enthusiasm. I think;)
Ok, ok, now my question is, out of the below (that I mostly own thanks to the inspiring/enabling/perfumista community) which do you think are sexy, as in seductive and will get you compliments from others?
I know there are so many articles and reviews on this topic. I’ve read many of them and bought many of the suggested frags… but I still want your opinion/recommendations. What do you think will make a man take notice and make him want to come closer to you;))))) Haha…
Out of these, which do you think are the sexiest/most seductive (please specify if Edt or Edp, when possible;)
Serge Lutens
Tuberose Criminelle
Fleur de Orangers
Clair De Musc
Ambre Sultan
Chergui
La Fille de Berlin
Other SL frag that is sexier? Suggestions?
Rochas Femme
What about Andy Tauer’s fragrances? I’ve heard they can be difficult/strong but also heard wearers of his fragrances get very much attention from their SO’s thanks to Tauer… Which ones, if any, do you recommend then?
Narciso Rodriguez For her both Edt and Edp
Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Edp
Kenzo Amour Edp
Ormonde Jayne Tolu Edp
Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur
Carnal Flower
Alaia Paris Edp
Chanel no 19 Edp or Edt? The new formulations only
Perfumerie Generale Eau de Circe Edp
Mona di Orio Vanille Edp
Lolita Lempicka Lolita Edp
Dior Addict Edp
Vero di Profumo Edp or other concentration?
L’Artisan Sevile l’aube
Traversee du Bosphore
Caligna
Prada Candy Edp
Vivienne Westwood Boudoir
I’m sorry for this lengthy post. But I am a newbie fragrance enthusiast and feel like I’m just buying things almost willy nilly at this point, anything that sounds good or interesting enough gets on my try-and-then-buy list.
I would love to hear what you men and women think of the above, or other, sexy fragrances, what do you think would be a come-hither-hit? What do you yourselves get turned on to, I mean, it’s so personal… I was just hoping for some feedback, if you feel comfortable sharing something that intimate, of course…
Any help/feedback is very, very welcome. Sorry again for taking up so much space here. Ok, enough, I’m hitting “Submit” now *feeling almost nervous* February 13, 2017 at 5:54pm
Ben: As a man, I do find myself noticing when someone is wearing Ambre Sultan, even if I do wear it myself sometimes. The same goes for *most* but not all SLs (from your list, definitely La Fille and Chergui). Musc Ravageur and pretty much any Mona di Orio (including Vanille) are also great.
But… the scent that *always* gets my attention in that way is FM’s Portrait of a Lady. More than that, it’s one that I identify straight away, rather than my usual ‘Now wait a minute… I know that one…’ Something about it cuts straight through to me (in a good way). It’s feminine, exciting, familiar, attractive, and classy, and pulls it all off with a breathtaking confidence.
That doesn’t mean that this is universal, of course, so much of this is subjective and associative. But I’ll always turn my head if I can smell someone wearing it.
I think I’m talking EDPs here too, but could be wrong. February 14, 2017 at 9:50am
Tiamaria: I love Portrait of a Lady too Ben but it’s the one perfume I wear that my partner objects to. It’s just the initial hour that he doesn’t like so I’m careful with my timing when I wear it! His favourite is Shalimar but I think that’s mostly because he thinks it smells like surf board wax. There’s nothing sexier to a surfer than the smell of a waxed board! February 14, 2017 at 2:08pm
Ben: It’s so subjective, isn’t it? I’m a huge Rien fan, so I know all too well about having to take other people into consideration 🙂
If he likes Shalimar it might be fun to go through the range to see if you can find another one that both of you like. February 14, 2017 at 2:48pm
Fanny: Thank you, Ben.
I was happy to hear from a man’s perspective. And I am intrigued by the FM Portrait of a Lady. I want to smell this, it got me curious;)
And like you said it isn’t a universal thing, it’s so subjective.
There are a lot of posts about what is a sexy fragrance. And I love to see what a wide range of suggestions people come up with. Sometimes it is what they themselves find sexy and sometimes it’s what their partner finds sexy. But I normally don’t see the fragrances I mentioned in those posts – or at least not all of them, haha. I guess I just wanted some feedback from _here_ .
So, thanks for that. February 14, 2017 at 5:02pm
Karen A: You’ve asked a question I think every perfume company asks when developing a new fragrance! What makes a person feel confident and/or sexy is so personal. Of your list, I will say that La Fille de Berlin, Carnal Flower and Tubereuse Crimeinelle (for me after the initial menthol blast) work and are my most complimented fragrances.
But…..some people have very strong reactions and even allergies to certain notes. So if you have a certain person in mind for wanting a perfume to draw them in closer, ask them about memories or favorite foods, places etc. Then find fragrances that capture an element of that.
If you are asking more in a general way, with only yourself in mind – wear what you equate with confidence/sexiness. After all, confidence really is the ultimate sexiness.
Get small samples or decants of the ones you’ve listed and play around – see how people react and see how you react. Before purchasing a full bottle of anything, try out your samples lots. I have passed on so many bottles of perfumes that I initially loved, including several on your list – that just ended up really not working at all.
And weather can play a huge part, too! Musc Ravageuer may work beautifully on you in the late fall but late spring may be a different story! Same with a strong amber, such as Ambre Sultan.
Think of what you equate with confidence and sexiness – then try to match up those ideas/images to perfumes. Even just starting with how they are marketed can be helpful.
And adding on to Ben’s comment, some perfumes may hold really beautiful memories and that gets somehow projected when you wear that fragrance.
Not sure if this really answers your question or not, but it truly got me thinking about perfumes and why we wear them! February 14, 2017 at 10:21am
Fanny: Hi, Karen.
I felt a bit silly and shy asking this actually, because like you said it is what most companies try to sell us with. And when they print the campaings it’s always some sexy element to it, to draw you in.
I am still figuring out if Fille de Berlin works for me. Like I mentioned I am new to this wonderful fragrance world and have some difficulties placing notes and making the “right” connections…
The FdB is the first Rose smell that I liked. But in my head I always think of my grandmother’s roses – she grew so many different ones – or her perfume. And then I can’t see how rose is “me” it still “belongs” to my grandmother, in some weird way.
So this is what pretty much all of you say, that it is very subjective and personal.
It’s funny but I replied to a post before I submitted my own, on almost the same topic. And I also told her, Lily, to sample lots and get feedback from people around her;)))
I am doing that now, I brought a little bag with me with all my samples and I am testing things out at work now, haha. See what peoples reactions are. I’m excited.
Normally, at work I’ve worn something super simple, this old bottle of Molecule 02. And I swear, people follow me. Two of my colleagues have demanded to know the name and went and bought it for themselves shortly after. Others have bought them for their gf/wives… It is fascinating to me, since I cannot smell it on myself! Some times of the day I can pick it up from a colleague of mine though. Which is nice, ’cause she smells great;)))))
But to me it’s not a sexy scent, just a head turner and definitely gets me compliments at least twice a day, everyday.
So, what you mentioned about “what makes a person feel confident or sexy” is partly to get noticed, in my case. Though it also makes me a bit shy, when so many notice, haha. Still I don’t equate it with sexiness.
To me it has to have this snuggly quality, getting noticed is fine, but do you want to just kind of put your nose in the crook of my neck and staythere for a while? 😀
And I always thought sexy is “skin” but then many of those skin scents will have musk play a big role, or that would be the “skin-but-better-note” from what I understand. And the thing with musk is that I am beginnign to suspect I’m anosmic to some of them. Which I’ve read is normal. But it bums me out.
Muscs Koublah Khan (SL), the motehr of alll musks? I only sense sharp notes, nothing sweaty and ripe. So, I gotta be numb to the musc in that one. Same with Kiehl’s Musk edp.
I’m usnure about NR For HEr since ther’s so many other things going on there I don’t know if I can smell the musk – I don’t know what musk smells like(!)
But then yesterday I was so pleasantly surprised to notice SL’s Clair de Musc, a white musk. At first I thought nothing of it. About an hour or so later I felt high, it was soooo lovely to smell, and I got it, it was “skin” but better. Like having stepped out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warmed up towel. My eyes rolled to the back of my head. Ooooh-la-la… I get almost the same with Kenzo Amour and definitely Ormonde Jayne Tolu, though they aren’t musk scents, just more-of-everything-warm-vanilla-and-snuggly/cosy, imo. Whereas Cdm was beautiful, it felt more neutral or clean and innocent. Which can be sexy to, but not in a bombshell kind of way. Sexiness can be so many things though. And what you smell on yourself or others is only one part of it.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I am very happy to hear from you and will keep in mind what you said, all the tips you gave;)))) February 14, 2017 at 5:34pm
Karen A: If you want all out sexy, I totally forgot to mention Civet by Zoologist. It made several Best Of lists, and there are some really funny reviews of it floating around. At eaumg, (another) Victoria said something like its the woman she wished she was. Zoologist is a small, truly indie brand in Canada. They ship to the US, but I saw recently they are now carried by Luckyscent.
If you’d like some samples/decants, I am more than happy to share – if you are in the US, otherwise shipping isn’t really doable for me. As others have noted, samples seem to multiply in the night! If you’d rather just work with Luckyscent or one of the decant sites, please give Civet a try along with others – but, it only takes a small small amount! It is quite potent.
In a question above, I mentioned Jo Mallone’s Velvet Rose and Oud, it’s really a beautiful, elegant version of the Rose/Oud combo that may be a few steps away from your memories of your grandmother’s roses.
If you cannot detect musk, maybe try adding a smidgen of one of the less expensive musks such as from the Body Shop or Jovan’s as a layering component and see how that works to change the other fragrance.
You can email me at:
karenlovesroses at yahoo dot com. February 14, 2017 at 5:48pm
Fanny: Hi again Karen!
Thanks to you guys I am ordering samples of FM Portrait of a Lady, Musc Ravageur, Carnal Flower and Tubereuse Crimeinelle and now for sure the Civet by Zoologist – and I am googling the reviews on that one, I want to read more about it:)
Oh, this makes me so hapoy and eager, I love the chase of the perfumes! I feel inspired.
Thanks for the offer of sampling Civet, but I live in a Nordic winter wonderland far, far away from you. I will look into Luckyscent as you suggested instead.
About rose scents. Well, this was interesting, as both you and previously Ben here suggested rose scents. And it’s the one floral I have yet been able to enjoy personally.
Now I am getting strong recommendations for rose scents, and your email adress karenlovesroses – it’s a sign!
I will continue tracking down rose scents, perhaps among your suggestions I’ll find one. Or I’ll simply be able to fall in love with Fille de Berlin, with time. It’s strange how time can change something like what you reference a scent to or how it makes you feel.
I’ve had this experience with other fragrances I couldn’t bear at first, then much later revisit and fall head over heals for. Or the other way around, which is a bummer. (Or maybe all change is good, it brings new experiences, I’ll try not to e pessimistic;)
Alright, I’m off to google Civet and the roses.
I will let you know what I think after I get my samples, it might take a week or two for shipping here though, but I promise I’ll let you know;)
Thanks again, you’re so very nice for helping me here.
Take care!
Kindly,
Fanny February 14, 2017 at 7:11pm
Kari: Yes, Civet is amazing!
To me, Papillon Salome is incredibly sexy. It also confirmed that I really, really like cumin done WELL. It feels like what I imagine a retro, old fashioned in a good way perfume would have been like. No apologies, full bodied, super long lasting. It doesn’t read skanky, more glamorous without being squeaky clean or polished.
More recently, SJP’s Stash has become a favorite. On me it’s musky without being musty; sweet but not sugary; gentle waves of spices (ginger, patchouli, pepper); earthy sage and vertiver. It has medium sillage but feels like a natural fit on my skin. whereas some perfumes are aspirational (who I wish I was, who I am on my best day, what I’m trying on for size), Stash seemed to fit me right now when I first tried it. February 19, 2017 at 11:59pm
Kari: Another one I would add is En Voyage Zelda (also by Shelley Waddington, who composed Civet for Zoologist.) February 20, 2017 at 12:04am
Fanny Akritidis: Hi!
Glad to hear more recommendations for Civet, I’m definitley sampling that one.
The others I’ve never heard of but I looked them up. Sad to read that Papillon won’t ship outside of UK but I found samples from the US Perfumedcourt at least, I’ll add that to my upcoming order – yaaaay!
I’ll read up a bit more about the En Voyage Zelda – seemed a bit expensive…
Sometimes I think perfumes can be very expensive, but other times I won’t even blink if I fall in love with something, though the price is high. I felt that En voyage Zelda was expensive, but I might change my mind if I smell a sample… maybe.
Anyway, I’m very grateful for these great recommendations on cumin-y scents. Cumin seems to be in many of the frags considered sexy. So, I am very happy to hear which ones are being loved by others. Thank you.
Kindly,
Fanny February 22, 2017 at 7:49pm
Fanny Akritidis: Out of curiosity, how do you tackle this predicament, when you aleeady have a lot of bottles, and find another one you must have?
I mean, right now I’m buying 100 ml botltles, but there’s no way I could use them all up in time before the recommended shelf life is up. In theory. I mean, maybe there is no shelf life for perfumes, i read many times that people have holy grail perfumes from the 80’s and such.
I’m still new to perfume world, so I don’t know what size to buy, what if they cahnge the formulation? I feel compelled to buy the biggest size, haha.
And then price… I mean, sometimes they’re quite expensive and I buy them anyway. But why? It’s not like I don’t have another trillion samples and full bottles at home. I feel like it takes up a lot of head space at the moment, cause I’m so new to this and feel stressed about accumulating many fragrances for some strange reason, eery new tip is on my to-sample-list… ugh.
By the way, I forgot to mention I really want to try SJP’s Stash. i’ve read great things about it, and now you’re also recommending it. Another scent sign for me to find that one.It’s not available yet in my country.
Ok, well, thanks for your input and take care!
Kind regards,
Fanny February 22, 2017 at 7:57pm
Fanny: Oh, and I will absolutley try that, with finding “single notes”/simply musk scents, see what happens and if I can detect them, point them out, see the change if I layer them with other fragrances. Excellent idea!
I found Jovan Musk edc and Musk oil, is one preferrabel to the other in your/anyone’s experience? There’s also a Jovan White Musk oil and edc…they’re so cheap I might get both;) Aaaand the Body Shop one. I want to teach my nose/brain “Musk”.
/Fanny February 14, 2017 at 8:40pm
Fanny: So, apparently there are versions to the Body Shops’ Musks. Black Musk, Red Musk, White musk and edt or edp.
Is there one that you think the Musk is better/nicer/more prominent or just more popular over another? Which one do you/others recommend?
/Fanny February 14, 2017 at 8:44pm
Karen A: No recommendations, if possible maybe try a few and see which works best on you. And if none do, just move on to another discovery! And yes, read many of the reviews on Civet – one was really like a mini-movie scene – about being in a bed drinking espressos, will have to hunt around for it as it was just soooo perfect! I will add Hummingbird as a beautiful white floral from Zoologist as worth trying on your quest. If nothing else, perfume sampling and exploration is just so fun! February 16, 2017 at 6:26am
Fanny: Ok, thanks. I will just try as much as possible:) February 16, 2017 at 6:45pm
Clair: I have to chime in here as another good source for musk skin scents are the essential oils from Bodytime which you can find online (Originally “The Body Shop”, but they sold their name to the English company in the 80’s for a tidy sum….but I digress) Their musk essential oils are very nice and have been very popular for years, plus their musk is used as a component in many of their very popular and enduring scents (Rain, China Rain, China Musk, and many more). But the other important reason for mentioning these as examples of musk is that, at least in my recollection, they have a creamier, close to skin aspect, unlike the musk notes in many contemporary perfumes which often have a harsh, astringent, “clean laundry” (detergent) scent that many have now come to identify as musk. February 16, 2017 at 12:25pm
Fanny: Hi Clair and thanks for your recommendations. I will absolutley look those up!
I like that they appear creamier and closer to “real skin” scent rather than sharp.
As I mentioned earlier I believe I am anosmic to many musks, but the one I actually did get was a white musk (Serge Lutens’ Clair de Musk – hey, what a fun coincidence with your name!) and that one to me felt a bit creamy, and soft. I loved it, it was amazing to me. Also, I was so happy and grateful to be smelling anything like skin at all – I detected “Musk” for the first time in a fragrance:)))) Go, me!
Alright, so I’ve put your suggestions on my list. Am looking forward to sampling all my new Musks and I’ll get back to you after I’ve tried them.
Take care!
Kindly,
Fanny February 16, 2017 at 6:56pm
kpaint: This rings so many bells for me. I think I used their products when I lived in SF in the late 80s/early 90s. February 17, 2017 at 4:52pm
Clair: Ha-ha,
That would be the time. They had very nice shops in San Francisco, Berkeley and several other Bay Area locations (my home until 12 years ago). But Rain, China Rain, China Lily and many others all with their creamy musk base had a cult following. They sold Body Lotions and custom-scented them. I received so many complements wearing those lotions! I keep thinking of revisiting them: ) February 18, 2017 at 12:30am
Kari: The creamy, skin-clingy, slightly milky-but-not sour effect is what i enjoy about musk, too. February 20, 2017 at 12:03am
limegreen: Fanny
Do have Kiehls there?
The original musk is terrific, and the musk lotion is very affordable and great for layering
It also comes in oil and fragrance but I just use the lotion February 19, 2017 at 11:35am
Fanny Akritidis: Hi!
Yes, I do have Kiehl’s here and I actually purchased their Musk fragrance. But I think they have reformulated it. You mentioned the “original” and I’ve read that it’s been changed, to the one that’s in stores nowadays. The one I bought.
But it’s still a musk, and that’s why I bought it, so I could figure out what it is(!) However I’ve had problems with musks and this one was no different. Maybe I just don’t “get it”, what they’re supposed to smell like. As I mentioned earlierI tried Muscs Koublah Khan (SL), the mother of alll musks? I only sense really heavy/heady sharp notes, nothing sweaty and ripe, imo. So, I gotta be numb to the musc in that one. Same with Kiehl’s Musk edp.
But maybe in the lotion formula I might get a better understanding or just a different molecule for my nose to sense the musk.
I will try that. Thanks, it’s a good tip;)
Do you have any experience witht their lotion personally? I’m wondering about longevity.
Kindly,
Fanny February 22, 2017 at 7:31pm
limegreen: Hi Fanny,
Late response but I do have the Kiehls musk body lotion, and it is surprisingly long lasting without being overwhelming.
It’s great for layering with whatever perfume I feel like giving a bit of hefty musk to. The lotion is Kiehls quality so it also moisturizes.
Enjoy! February 26, 2017 at 10:07am
Fanny: Ok, how cool! Thanks for the tip, I’m gonna go test the lotion next time I pass the Kiehl’s counter downtown:)
Kindly,
Fanny March 2, 2017 at 2:11pm
Karen A: Fanny, this is in response to your comment above about buying/bottle size/cost etc,( cause the thread will get too thin if I reply to it). My suggestion is to stay clear of larger bottles as 100ml ones are huge!
It’s so easy to start accumulating perfumes, and unless you have a good storage area to rotate ones you aren’t wearing right then – season, taking a break – they can change over time.
Decants really are a great way of exploring whether or not you want to spend the money on a full bottle. And I am so happy that various houses offer smaller bottles, especially the 10ml like Frederic Malle and Zoologosit. It gives you a chance to decide which ones you lovelovelove.
A while ago, I made a new rule for myself that I could not buy a new bottle unless I had emptied or given away something. This has forced me to use up, or share, many of the multitude of samples I have.
And this is completely a stretch, but a friend recommended a book a while ago, The Artist’s Way, which deals with addressing creativity blocks. But it got me thinking about how I spend my money and what, if anything, am I buying that isn’t supporting my creative work (weaving primarily, but also sewing and spinning) and am I honoring myself and my work with my purchases.
I know that’s all waaaay more than you asked about, but your question is a really good one that got me thinking! (Short answer, more decants and small bottles have allowed me to explore lines/notes I never would have tried. Also, I’ve been the lucky recipient of decants passed on by BdJ readers, which in turn has spurred on my sharing). February 26, 2017 at 7:56am
Fanny: Oh, thank you so much for sharing this, it helps hearing hwo another lover of perfume thinks when buying/sampling/getting their hands on a new/old fragrance.
I feel somehow stress when I read a good review or comment about a fragrance, my stress comes from the fact that they sometimes reformulate them down the line. And so, it’s safer to buy the big bottles to make sure I have a supply for the future… haha! kinda crazy. but i realised thsi is what I do many times when I buy things. i think of the future “I’ll wear this after I finish my studies and get a new fancy job” or “I’ll put this in my future dream house – already decorating in my head”…
So, the real stress of buying now, saving for later is probably something else. But I’ve gotten better, I keep saying to myself taht there will always be something pretty of fantastic out there no matter the time, future or present, so better to just wait until you actually need something and not buy right now for some dreamy future… I’m getting better, I tell myself this;)
Anyway. I can’t believe it but when you mentioned that book “The Artist’s way” man! I have it! I bought it years and years ago and never finished it, can’t even remeber it anymore. but I bet it’s just full of creative ways of thinking and philosophies that are applicable to many things in life, practical and otherwise. So, thanks for reminding me of that.
Recently a colleague of mine and I were talking at work about Marie Kondo’s books (“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”) on organizing the home and what to buy and get rid of to simplify life and “cleanse” in a way… I think. And so my colleague told me something from the book, like, you should only get tings that bring you joy, or something. And I felt that really is a great tip also, to help me at least in the way I accumulate material things, thinking of buying or not buying and not being wasteful but mindful as a consumer. It’s not just about joy, but about uncluttering life and not just having stuff around you that don’t really bring any good energy into your life… Now, I’m getting way off base:)
Ok, well, thanks anyway, for sharing your insightful tips, it was very much appreciated.
Take care, Karen March 2, 2017 at 2:09pm
Karen A: You are very welcome Fanny! I’ve come to realize that there will always be creative perfumers making gorgeous fragrances. And for me, it is fun having more smaller bottles/decants to wear/explore/play with. However, if La Fille de Berlin or Chamade extrait were to be reformulated, I would be really tempted to buy another bottle! Seems that many people have found inspiration from The Artist’s Way! March 8, 2017 at 6:15am
limegreen: Have to chime in on Zoologist, thank you soooo much for introducing the line to me, Karen! I loved the Nightingale sample you sent me and so I ordered a Civet sample as well. Really really special line.
Absolutely love the illustrations, too. February 18, 2017 at 1:34pm
Karen A: You are welcome! You have definitely broadened my perfume horizons, so I’m happy to have found this! February 21, 2017 at 9:33am
mendokuse: I think any of these would work, whether EdP or EdT. The only thing I would avoid is a shrill perfume, which definitely would cut down on a sexy vibe.
However, I think what makes a fragrance truly sexy is not the fragrance itself but the way you wear it, and therefore the truly important thing about picking the perfume you wear is how it makes you feel, because that feeling is what will be projected outwardly in the end. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day! February 14, 2017 at 10:26am
Fanny: Hi, Mendokuse and happy valentines day to you too!
Thanks for your reply and you are right about shrill perfumes in this case.
Another poster, Tiamaria, mentioned that with FM’s Portrait of a Lady, it was too much for her partner in the beginning. Sometimes I find many perfumes openings to be shrill or bombastic, but like Tiamaria said, you can try to time it right, so the person who will smell you (haha) won’t be subjected to that part of the perfume.
And what you said next about wearing what will boost the way I feel, is also very true. I think that is how I mostly will decide what to wear, when I’m in a seductive mood;))
Of course if I find that my partner likes a particular fragrance then I would treat him to it on occasion, so long as it doesn’t ruin my own vibe;)
Sometimes it can be nice to wear what a partner likes too, but it is very personal and that is the beauty of fragrance, it can really get to you. Like another poster, Ben, said that one particular perfume “cuts straight through to me” and that is magic.
Thank you for your comments. I feel a bit more confident in how to pick these fragrances out for myself.
I hope you have a good valentines day
/Fanny February 14, 2017 at 5:50pm
Lydia: Hi Fanny,
There was a guest post on Bois de Jasmin back in February 2013 called, “Perfume and Dating: Searching for Love Potion.” You might find some good recommendations for “sexy” perfumes in the comments section. February 14, 2017 at 7:11pm
Lydia: P.S. The main post is helpful, too, and you can’t beat the inspiration of the opening photo of Lauren Bacall looking sultry. 😉 February 14, 2017 at 7:13pm
Fanny: I’ve completely missed this one when I googled “sexy perfumes” months before now… grrr.
But thank you for bringing it to my attention. This is perfect for me! I’m reading it right away – you’re a gem;)
Kindly,
Fanny
I February 14, 2017 at 8:01pm
Lydia: Hi Fanny.
My pleasure!
BTW, have you read Denyse Beaulieu’s The Perfume Lover? It’s a wonderful exploration of the sensuality of perfume, as well as the creation of an actual scent. February 18, 2017 at 12:41pm
Fanny Akritidis: No, I haven’t read it, but thanks to you I will now, haha. I can’t wait to read it:) It sounds really interesting and right up my ally at this moment in my perfume discovery.
Thank you again for the tips, Lydia.
Be well.
Kindest,
Fanny February 18, 2017 at 5:02pm
kpaint: I say try everything on your list, if for no other reason than that they’re all exceptional perfumes. As “newbie fragrance enthusiast” smell as much as you can. You’ll discover lots of perfumes that turn you on – and that’s more seductive than any accoutrement. February 15, 2017 at 3:28am
Fanny: Hi, and thank you for the tip.
I will smell all the things;) Promise. It really is so fun, and I’ve started taking notes, but they’re not very helpful since I’m not fluent yet in perfumista lingo. But I’m getting better.
And as a newbie one must indeed smell as much as posible, I am really trying to trian my nose/brain now to identify Musk or see what it brings/changes to a fragrance.
I suspect I am ansmic to some muscs… But I had good luck with the white musk in Serge Lutens’ Clair de Musc.
And another poster mentioned trying Jovan Musk and The Body Shop Musk. I see they have different versions though, edp, edc, oils etc. Any recommendations on a good musk?
Thank you for your reply, and support!
Kindly,
Fanny February 15, 2017 at 5:36am
Karen A: Most of my perfume notes read like Homer Simpson commenting on donuts, Yummmmm or simply Nope, not for me. I’m in awe of those who create spreadsheets and detailed writings. February 16, 2017 at 6:29am
Fanny: Haha, alright. Well, I did that to begin with but I got so confused re-reading my notes, they were too bland/weird for me to revisit when I needed to make up my mind of buy vs no-buy. So, I started writing more about each scent i tried, “pretending” I was a perfumista with a fantastic nose;) It kinda helps me at least make up my mind if I’m buyig or not.
Maybe I still don’t get the full spectrum of what I’m smelling, but if I buy it then I can figure it out as I live with it and smelll it over time.
But I liked your Homer-Simpson analogy – made me laugh:))))) February 16, 2017 at 6:50pm
Kari: Would Homer ever have a “nope!” Doughnut? 😉 February 20, 2017 at 12:05am
Fanny: Hahaha, not likely:) March 2, 2017 at 2:44pm
Marie / Witness of Sense: As mentioned above, everyone has a different reaction to smell. Also, your skin chemistry might go nicely with a scent but the same perfume might smell off on me. So I think you’re doing it right when randomely trying new scents, just continue buying samples and you’ll eventually find out which notes play nicely with your skin and make you feel good and which scents feel odd.
I say a scent is sexy when it compliments the person wearing it 🙂 February 22, 2017 at 2:12am
Fanny Akritidis: Hi, and thanks for reminding me of that, it’s so true. Both how a scent will affect me and how different scents will affect the wearer and the others who smell it on me.
It’s experienced from so many points of view/smell;)
I will keep trying different scents for me and indirectly on others, haha. Just two days ago a colleague noticed and complimented me a lot on my wearing the Narciso Rodriguez EDT layered with Molecule 02.
I’ve been usnure if that fragrance (NR) was just annoying and sharp on me, but in the right dosage (less is more;) and layered like that it was very nice for me personally and apparently others. He even came closer to sniff me!
Haha:DDD
Anyway, thank you for your comment.
Kindly,
Fanny February 22, 2017 at 7:25pm
Sofie: Hi Fanny, I’m catching up on posts hence my late reply… I got really thrown a bit, with your question. ‘Sexy? Why do you want to smell sexy?’ 😀 I’ve gotten to a point that I wear perfume just for me, and it’s such a personal thing, an intimate conversation if you want I couldn’t care less if others are attracted to it. Don’t get me wrong, I get it. You want to get noticed and in a favourable way. You want people to get drawn in. And also, being new, everything’s so overwhelming, where to start?, what smells ‘good’?, what is universally liked?. But the only thing to do is smell, smell, smell and read. After a while you will start to get more confidence in yourself and your likes.
Getting back on topic, after some thinking, I feel sexiest in Chanel Cuir de Russie (leather, albeit gorgeous I don’t think most people would put this in their ‘sexy’ category) and Chanel Coromandel. But the other day, when my husband mentioned he liked my perfume and snuggled close, I was wearing Kenzo Flower. Clean, fresh, soft… yes. Sexy…no.
And I tested heaps of fumes on him, but the ones I think are sexy on him, he doesn’t like.
So there…
A snippet I read on Now Smell This the other day: some researchers now think you pick out perfumes thst actually echo or resemble your own bodyscent or feromones. Conclusion for me? Wear what you like with confidence :-).
Good luck on you journey, by the sounds of it, you’ve made some beautiful discoveries already. February 26, 2017 at 5:52am
Fanny: Hi Sofie!
Thanks for replying.
You’re right I did want to to find out what fragrances of the ones I mentioned were “sexy” in other people’s/perfumer-lovers’ opinion or experiences.
Sexy to me is inviting, alluring, hypnotising, intriguing, you just want to know more or get more of someone/something. Like being under a spell. Or casting a spell;) But sometimes sexy is false, more like a trick or illusion.
Like I said in my original post and many others as well as you have said, it si very personal “what is sexy” to me and you and others, it can even wary from time to time, day of the year etc. So, yeah, the thing that will draw someone in isn’t “a thing” but “many things” a combination. And wearing perfume for yourself is great, I do that too sometimes. but I would think twice if my SOTD was a bit too much, whatever, too heavy, strong, too sweet, I don’t know. I am still mindful of what I spray – thinking of others. But definitley I wear perfume according to the mood I am in or want to put myself in. Just like when I dress for the day, colors, style, it is a very transforming experience for me, just like choosing what music I play in the morning as I get ready for work.
Sometimes it’s just for me, sometimes I dress/scent myself/choose music for an occassion or to get into some kind of zone, some kind of energy – haha.
It is funny though how others will react to the kind of energy you’re in. It might translate to others or render a different response altogether.
I did turn to you guys here to get approval, I guess, to know like you said “what is universally liked”. But there isn’t one answer to that. I am glad that many commented favorably on some of the frags on my list, and I have added many other fragrances to sample. I will continue to “smell, smell, smell and read…”
The Chanel Ruisse is on my list too, since earlier. Glad to hear it’s a favorite of yours:)
I do feel slightly insecure when it comes to smell, it’s sensitive. People never want to smell bad, like have BO, first and foremost. But also if I put something on that I thoguht smelled interesting or amazing i’d be so bumed ad embarrassed, to be honest, if someone said it smelled bad or something else negative. That’s just how I work.
I wish and I belive that with time I’ll gain more confidence in the fragrance world and not think too much about what others might think. I mean, my own nose is untrained and it takes time to start liking and appreciating some scents. Some you hate at first and come to love later.
So, if someone would think what I wore wasn’t as awesome as I thought, it could jsut be that their nose is untrained to appreciate the fantastic notes in the complicated perfume I’d scented myself in that day:DDDD
I will try and be more brave like you, and not worry so much about pleasing other people’s noses;)
I liked hearing that we pick out scents that resemble our own bodyscents. It is very personal, not just consciously but unconsciously too. Very cool.
It’s almost as if I know what I’m doing then – when picking out scents- on some primal level at least. Haha:)
I will work on developing my smelling sense and choose things more intuitively then.
Thanks again for your reply. Be well
//Fanny March 2, 2017 at 2:43pm
Ninon: Hello,
This is a rephrasing of a question I posted on MUA. I am looking for an elegant, aristocratic fragrance that is nonetheless “modernized” and not overly aldehydic. I am exploring Puredistance’s and Grossmith’s offerings, but would love other recommendations. Thanks so much! February 14, 2017 at 1:34am
Ben: Have you tried Legrand’s range? I’m working my way through them at the moment, and they very much have a ‘one foot in the past, one foot in the now’ quality to me. February 14, 2017 at 9:51am
Ninon: Haha, I recommended it to you above, but I have not found anything in the line that works on my skin yet! I am eager to try Heliotrope Blanc, but I don’t imagine that that will have the kind of structure I’m looking for in this genre. February 14, 2017 at 7:46pm
Ben: Doh! 🙂 It’s a tricky genre. Have you tried any Mona di Orio’s? I haven’t been through the entire range, but they have a deep, rich complexity that might achieve that effect. If there’s one that has notes you like I’d recommend trying a sample 🙂 February 15, 2017 at 2:22am
Ninon: I only know her vetiver and tuberose fragrances, but am eager to test the others. Thanks so much! February 15, 2017 at 12:16pm
Nina Z: Check out the Chanel Exclusives line. In particular, try 31 Rue Cambon, an elegant modern chypre. But generally that entire line is pretty elegant. February 14, 2017 at 2:36pm
Ninon: Thank you! Bois des Iles Parfum is among my very favorites. I have a sample of 31 Rue Cambon edt that I try every few months, but I struggle with the aldehydes. Perhaps I’ll try applying it more lightly. Thanks again! February 14, 2017 at 7:48pm
Nina Z: Maybe try the new EdP? It’s not so sparkly (I like sparkly but I guess you don’t). February 16, 2017 at 11:58am
Ninon: An excellent suggestion, thank you! February 18, 2017 at 3:27pm
kpaint: Elegant and aristocratic immediately brings ELdO Putain de Palaces to mind (despite the name and the intent clearly being quite the opposite of that 😉 )
Funny – I just searched for “elegant” in my perfume diary (it’s in excel) and everything I’ve described using that term are major aldehyde bombs. LOL. I guess I can’t be of much help! February 15, 2017 at 3:35am
Ninon: Thank you! Putin de Palaces is new to me. I love that your perfume records include descriptions–mine is just a list of like/dislike/neutral. February 15, 2017 at 12:17pm
George: Iris Poudre or L’eau d’Hiver fit that description to my mind. February 15, 2017 at 5:42am
Ninon: Thank you! I do love L’eau d’Hiver and Iris Poudre is on my list to try. February 15, 2017 at 12:18pm
Marie / Witness of Sense: Second Iris Poudre! February 22, 2017 at 2:14am
aurora: Hi Ninon: Neela Vermeire perfumes say aristocratic to me unfortunately after sampling them: Trayee, Mohur especially good. They’re expensive though but might be worth sampling. February 15, 2017 at 7:38am
Ninon: Thank you! I actually just received a sample of Trayee. I was really intrigued by Mohur, since I love Une Rose de Kandahar, but unfortunately all I get is rose, without any of the gourmand/spice/resinous elements. February 15, 2017 at 12:15pm
Ninon: To update, I might be falling in love with Puredistane Antonia…my poor wallet! February 15, 2017 at 12:19pm
Karen A: Dior’s Cuir Cannage evokes elegant and aristocratic, if you want to try a leather. February 16, 2017 at 6:31am
Ninon: Thank you, I will definitely sample this. February 18, 2017 at 3:26pm
Therése: Chanel Cuir de Russie always screams “elegance” to me. February 17, 2017 at 4:21am
Ninon: You are right. I generally eschew leathers, but CdR is indeed lovely. February 18, 2017 at 3:26pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Ninon,
I also love scents that exude elegance and on some days I like to create the atmosphere of a “dowager princess holding audience” around me.
I second Cuir de Russie by Chanel and L’eau d’Hiver by Frederic Malle.
Coco extrait by Chanel is a lush, elegant, spicy scent. Cristalle and No. 19 are also elegant, understated beauties.
1000 EDP by Jean Patou is a beautiful warm perfume
Hedonist by Viktoria Minya
Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle : I use the body butter mostly, it’s pricey but lasts for a few months and the scent is strong, unique and aristocratic
Bottega Veneta EDP to me is is the epitome of a well-bred leather
Almost all scents I tried from Amouage are elegant, I love most Honour, Memoir and Jubilation 25 (which reminds me of vintage Mitsouko)
Teint de Neige by Lorenzo Villoresi is a powdery white floral scent.
To me, aristocratic means effortlessly chic and put together while one cannot always put a finger on what is causing this effect. To my nose, A la rose by Francis Kurkdjian gives this feeling, at first it seems an ordinary rose scent but it is so easygoing and agreeable that I cannot stop smelling my wrist when wearing it.
For cheaper alternatives I recommend Truth or Dare by Madonna, a tuberose scent
Shalimar Parfum Initial (discontinued but still available in many stores), a powdery iris scent. February 17, 2017 at 7:29am
Alte: “…some days I like to create the atmosphere of a ‘dowager princess holding audience’ around me.”
😀 Thanks for making me smile this Saturday morning! I am the same way sometimes so thank you for the recommendations.
I tried Cristalle EDP and despite the glowing reviews from everybody else, I just couldn’t stand it. I don’t know why but it was just wretched on me. I’m going to add Francis Kurkdjian to my list of must-tries. I’ve heard so many good things about that house. I’m especially curious about Oud Satin Mood and also now, A La Rose. February 18, 2017 at 1:36pm
Ninon: Thank you, this is an exquisite list. I still haven’t sniffed anything by Jean Patou…do you recommend vintage 1000? February 18, 2017 at 3:24pm
Cybele: Hermes Galop, FM Fleur de Cassie February 18, 2017 at 6:12pm
Cybele: very elegant is Vetiver Pour Elle if you can still find it and if you like vetiver February 18, 2017 at 6:22pm
Ninon: I will search out Vetiver Pour Elle! February 20, 2017 at 12:56am
SilverMoon: Maybe you could try the Dior Collection Privée range (e.g. Grand Bal is certainly very classically elegant, but depends on your taste of course). Similarly the Chanel Exclusifs might fit the bill. They are often mentioned here. I think Bois des Iles is beautifully elegant. Sadly but not unexpectedly, they are all quite expensive. Also how about one from the J’Adore range or Malle’s Portrait of a Lady? February 19, 2017 at 4:31am
Ninon: Thank you for your thoughtful reply! I just ordered a sample of Bois d’Argent, but, no, I have not explored that range yet. Bois des Iles extrait is my favorite from the Chanel Exclusifs, though I have not tried many of the new edp’s. I enjoyed PoAL when I sampled it years ago, but it didn’t really feel like ‘me.’ Sorry to be so fussy! This search is opening up the world of green chypres to me…I think I’m likely to find what I’m looking for in that genre. February 20, 2017 at 1:02am
Sofie: Hi Ninon, excellent suggestions already. Chanel N19 Poudre? And I know it’s supposedly the epitomy of aldehidic elegance, but to me on a good day it’s just the most heartbrakingly beautiful soft incense that feels very aristocratic (why do I all of a sudden have the Aristocats from Disney in mind?).
Also, Rose du Nacrée Desert. Incensy rose. Or rosy incense…
Maybe powders and incense that’s not too harsh? February 26, 2017 at 6:07am
Willa: Hi all, i have a slightly unusual question… I travel a lot and usually carry only hand luggage. Therefore, any recommendations for events that come in small/light flacons/containers and still smell amazing? Getting a bit tired of Jo Malone… thanks 🙂 February 14, 2017 at 2:16am
Willa: Events should be scents of course! Oh autocorrect, you always trick me! February 14, 2017 at 2:19am
Nora Szekely: Hi Willa,
Frederic Malle has 10 ml-s size of all his scents and also by Kilian.
I love Yves Rocher’s Comme une evidence, it is 15 ml I think, they also have many of their offerings in smaller size.
However, I recently traveled to India for a longer stay. I do not like to put my perfume in my checked-in luggage but fortunately there was no objection at either airport against my 50 ml Carnal Flower that I placed in a re-sealable transparent bag. I think, the international limit is 100 ml-s per bottle and in total 1 L but it may depend on the airline/country.
I also like Chanel’s purse sprays but even carry samples of my stronger scents as I may use them even for 4-5 days (some companies offer 2-3 ml spray samples). February 14, 2017 at 3:15am
mendokuse: My favorite fragrances to travel with are the Frédéric Malle 10ml bottles, but I also use the little sample spray vials I receive at stores when traveling – most of these can be popped open, so I can fill them to the brim before leaving, and one will usually last me a week at least on its own. February 14, 2017 at 10:18am
Surbhi: Thanks for the tip. I didn’t know they pop open. I would rather travel with 4-5 mini ones. February 14, 2017 at 2:10pm
Willa: Thank you, that is an excellent tip, I’ll definitely try that! February 15, 2017 at 12:22pm
DaveStPaul: Hi Willa,
Parfums de Nicolai makes many of her fragrances in a 30ml bottle. The “eau fraiche” series are especially nice for travelling: uplifting, chic. I like L’eau Mixte, but they’re all interesting. Cheers. February 14, 2017 at 12:17pm
Nina Z: You don’t need to restrict yourself to perfumes that come in travel sizes. Buy some 10 or 5 ml spray bottles, and you can decant from your full sized bottles to make your own travel bottles of your favorite fragrances. That’s what many of us do when we travel.
But I will say that Ormond Jayne has 10 ml travel sizes. And if you’re at all interested in DSH Perfumes, those come in a huge range of sizes. I like the 3 ml mini bottles for travel. February 14, 2017 at 2:40pm
kpaint: I always travel with decants and samples. If you want to take your favorites with you, you could always decant them yourself – and they’ll be much lighter and take up less space than even small 15-30 ml bottles. February 14, 2017 at 2:53pm
Fanny: Hello Willa!
I travel every month for work and this is what I do. I have bought several of these nifty little 5ml travel sprays with me (the company claims 5 ml is about 65 sprays).
They’re from a brand called Travalo, google it or check Travalo dot com. They come in many colors and cool designs.
The bottom of these little bottles have some kind of hole, and so on your perfume bottle you simply lift away the “hat” where the spray comes from, and you see the little white thing where the fragrance pumps out of. Then you put the Travalo on top and pump it up and down, so all the fragrance juice gets “sucked into” the Travalo. It’s hard to explain but it’s so clever. i love these bottles, I have a gazillion of them;)
It means I don’t have to open my perfume bottles, I just put the Travalo on top of the fragrance and pump away.
And that’s how I solve my fragrance-and-travel dilemma every month.
Hope you find a solution that works for you.
/Fanny February 14, 2017 at 6:00pm
kpaint: Wait – so you take the sprayer off a perfume bottle then put the travalo right on the tubing? I had no idea that’s how they worked. That IS brilliant. I’ll have to pick some up. Thanks! February 15, 2017 at 3:39am
Willa: Now that’s just genius! Thanks for the tip, I’m going to get some of those!! February 15, 2017 at 1:52pm
Fanny: @ Willa and @ kpaint: yes and yes, brilliant, genius – get them;)
I must say, out of the 20 or so I’ve bought I’ve had no problems except with one, that leaked a little bit from the bottom hole. But all the others have been fine.
And now there are some other functional designs I haven’t tried yet, worth to check out. I think one of them you can rinse out now as well–?
I love them and always carry them with me when I travel or one to have in my bag (SOTD). February 15, 2017 at 4:40pm
George: Hermes do sets of four scents in 15ml sizes. you choose whichever scents you want from the hermessence range, or from the designer range. You can order online. Alternatively, if you are in London, you can get the sets made up for you in House of Fraser Oxford Street. You might also be able to get them made up for you in the boutique stores, but- I admit- I never ventured inside one! February 15, 2017 at 5:40am
Willa: Thanks George, I looked at that option and it’s on my wish list but it’s a little expensive so will have to until I have room in my perfume budget 🙂 February 15, 2017 at 12:25pm
Marie / Witness of Sense: I love the small bottles of Histoires de Parfums, I think they are 14 or 15 ml and quite affordable as well 🙂 February 22, 2017 at 2:18am
aurora: Dear all: I was wondering what perfumes with liqueur notes you would recommend? I am already familiar 2 with whisky scents A Men Pure Malt and L’AP Skin on Skin but would like to enlarge to other spirits. Many thanks in advance for any ideas. February 14, 2017 at 8:28am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Aurora! Idole de Lubin has an initial note of pure rum. The drydown is a very pleasant soft suède.
Noir Epices F. Malle to my nose is pure Grand Marnier, but that’s just me I suppose. February 14, 2017 at 9:22am
Aurora: Thank you so much, Cornelia. Oh, rum, wonderful, now I have 2 reasons to get hold of Idole as Victoria recommended it too for its toasted cumin note (it seems I can tolerate fragrances with this note while straight cumin is still not my friend). Noir Epices: Pur Grand Marnier sounds excellent, I love baking with it, especially, I will get a sample.
Also I want to relay that of my two whisky scents I find Skin on Skin the best as it is drier. It lasts well for a l’Artisan too. February 14, 2017 at 12:31pm
Cornelia Blimber: Please let us know what you think of Idole! there is a realistic smell of rum in the initial phase. When I tested it, I hesitated to go into the tramway rightaway…maybe they would take me for an alcoholic rumdrinker (very good quality of rum, of course). It’s a very intriguing perfume. The refined leathery drydown comes like a beautiful surprise.
There is no Grand Marnier in Noir Epices, but to my nose that perfume smells like Grand Marnier. February 14, 2017 at 3:09pm
George: Not only Idole, but also Korrigan from the Lubin range has an alcohol note (whiskey), and it’s a very delicious scent). Also Yohji Homme, for rum, and maybe Arabie with its rum raisin vibe. Try Angeliques sous La Pluie for a gin sensation. Also, both Lubin and Penhaligons have a gin themed fragrance (neither of which I have tried). Also look at Thierry Wasser’s work: her seems to like a drink note in his work- one of the men’s Guerlains has a mojito note that I have tried (guerlain Homme L’eau) and also L’homme Ideal had an amaretto accord. February 14, 2017 at 6:23pm
George: Oh and Le Voleur de Roses by LAP has a boozy opening. February 14, 2017 at 6:30pm
Aurora: Thanks a million George, what a great list and I haven’t tried these. I have been curious about l’Homme Ideal, amaretto sounds great, so does mojito In fact everything you list appeals and it gives me lots to go on, liqueur in perfume is a new quest for me. February 15, 2017 at 3:39am
limegreen: For mojito, I love Berdoues Grand Cru cologne, Selva do Brazil.
Maison Martin Margiela Jazz Club has a lot of rum. February 17, 2017 at 10:06am
Aurora: Thank you so much limegreen, Jazz Club seems to get a lot of interest. February 20, 2017 at 6:22pm
Lily: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Bourbon is a boozy vanilla. Not a specific liquor or liqueur, more like vanilla extract, but it does have that definite alcohol edge.
I finally tried Penhaligon’s Elixir after seeing a reviewer compare it to scotch. While I don’t get that per se, it is a GREAT accompaniment to a drink (and or a cigar) Bc it has a dry complexity, a little smoke and wood and incense, but is sheer enough to seem like it could be vapors from the glass next to you.
I have also sprayed the Jazz Club (whatever brand does the “scene recreation” scents at Sephora) and found it too brawny (manly) for me. It it also had a lovely liquor note. Run? Whiskey? Can’t remember what they said it was supposed to be.
Those are all the ones I have encountered so far in my scent journeys! Good luck! February 15, 2017 at 10:15am
aurora: Terrific, thank you Lily! I’ll definitely try Penhaligons Elixir as it is easy to do here in the UK, the other two might be a little more difficult to access. It’s wonderful the forum we have here, I’d never known about all these choices. February 16, 2017 at 5:51am
Aurora: Noted, thank so much, will make a trip to central London and look for Jazz Club. February 19, 2017 at 2:41pm
Notturno7: Hi Aurora,
I like a light rum note, or maybe I’m
imagining it,haha, in Une Voix Noire that I just got. It has a deep gardenia and tobacco note and it stays close to the skin if I dab it on. It’s lovely. February 16, 2017 at 10:08pm
aurora: Notturno: So nice of you to alert me to Une Voix Noire, and rum is I think the liqueur smell I like best. February 17, 2017 at 5:51am
Tati: My favorite liqueur note perfumes are Ambre Russe (vodka it says, though vodka doesn’t smell, does it? Anyway, it’s boozy when you first spray) and L’Artisan Havana Vanilla (rum). February 17, 2017 at 9:30pm
Aurora: Thank you very much Tati for these 2 recs, rum and vanilla sound a winning combination. February 19, 2017 at 2:53pm
hajusuuri: By Kilian Single Malt February 18, 2017 at 9:13pm
Aurora: Many thanks Hajusuuri! February 19, 2017 at 2:55pm
Sofie: Hmmm, not quite right, but Bulgari Black always makes me think of rum soaked raisins in the drydown… (off to find my bottle now) February 26, 2017 at 6:11am
Adrian: Hi guys,
One of my best discoveries recently was Vert Des Bois by Tom Ford: http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Tom-Ford/Vert-des-Bois-40089.html .
I would definitely recommend this to anyone out there who is looking for an outstanding woody green scents! On my skin, VdB gives a strong Mediterranean vibe, with its dark greenness coming from a harmonious blend of olive, cypress, lentisque, patchouli and poplar gum. It is for me very nostalgic and thought-provoking. Definitely worth trying! February 14, 2017 at 8:32am
Mariann: I recently moved to Chile and am now far from niche and most higher end department store scents as well! So I was wondering if you could recommend some easy to find scents.
I asked this on Nst but haven’t been able to find recommendations like Cartier :(. Its basically duty free with heavy focus on spanish/latin american scents plus one Hermes boutique. Some of my favorite notes are incense (eg Passage d’Enfer), orange blossom (Seville), mimosa (Fleur de Cassie) and I generally like most things from Hermes except roses. Any tips, highly appreciated! February 14, 2017 at 9:49am
limegreen: Do you like the Jardin series from Hermes? In this series, I love Sur le Nil ( slight tomato vine note that I love). The latest Eau de Neroli Dore is a beautiful orange blossom/neroli with saffron. Ellena’s last exit Hermes fragrance, very fitting. February 14, 2017 at 10:19am
Mariann: thanks limegreen haven’t tried those yet will do! February 15, 2017 at 5:45am
Aurora: Hello Mariann: The Spanish brand Loewe has a line of fragrances, it’s good quality. I used to like the first one they made called simply Loewe but I haven’t tried again in a long time so it may be changed. February 15, 2017 at 3:52am
Mariann: I have to check if they’re here dont know the brand at all! Thanks February 15, 2017 at 5:46am
Floragal: Hello! I’d like to add a perfume to my collection that is almond centered but not too sweet or too strong on the almonds. Perhaps with florals as well?
Would appreciate any ideas. Thank you! February 14, 2017 at 9:33pm
aurora: Hello Floragal: I can recommend two fragrances I own with almond notes: Caron Farnesiana with its almondy mimosa and it has the advantage that while gourmand it is not sweet and Acqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia an orangey almond that I find very delicious and don’t find too sweet as the citrus mainly oranges balances it out but my tolerance may be higher than yours. 2 I have seen quoted for almondy effects but don’t own: Heeley L’Amandiere and Frederic Malle L’Eau d’Hiver where the heliotrope gives an almond effect, I sampled it but it seemed to disappear quite quickly maybe it wasn’t fair on the fragrance to try it with other scents, I’m not sure. February 15, 2017 at 5:52am
Floragal: Thank you, aurora!
The Caron sounds really lovely. I think I’ll make an effort to try this one. The Acqua di Parma has been mentioned before for the almond note and it should be easy enough to try here in nyc.
I had the L ‘Eau d’Hiver but it ended up not working for me. I think I swapped it with someone else. I prefer the real almond vs. heliotrope. February 15, 2017 at 11:23am
Aurora: Oh I hope you will like Farnesiana, it’s not talked up much but I believe Victoria is a fan. Acqua di Parma is also very popular here (in the UK).
Good luck! February 15, 2017 at 2:32pm
Tiamaria: Pure eVe from The Different Company has almond note. February 15, 2017 at 2:13pm
Floragal: Thank you for this suggestion! February 15, 2017 at 6:35pm
limegreen: Second Aurora’s recommendation for the Heeley, it is gorgeous. Barneys carries the line. February 17, 2017 at 9:52am
Floragal: Thanks, limegreen! I can easily enough stop by Barneys to try. I’m not very familiar with this brand, but maybe this will be my entry perfume. February 18, 2017 at 12:04pm
limegreen: L’Amandiere is almond tree kind of almond, with linden blossom, so not almond-centric in a gourmand sense, but definitely evokes the loveliness of almond and florals. It’s soft but long-lasting on me, quite a beautiful fragrance.
If you are smelling the Heeley line, do check out Cuir Pleine Fleur, one of my favorites. It’s iris with a grassy hay note, and lightly floral. How to describe.
(If I lived near a Barneys I would spend all my free time there!) February 18, 2017 at 1:18pm
limegreen: that’s “hard” to describe (not how!).
Hope you have fun with your quest, floragal! February 18, 2017 at 1:21pm
Floragal: That sounds just like the type of almond scent I’m looking for. Can’t wait to try it! February 18, 2017 at 1:41pm
SilverMoon: Limegreen, even though it is definitely not almond, Floragal’s question made me think of CPF., so pleased to see you make the link too.
I’m testing out Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleur this afternoon. It’s the second time round. Floragal, I agree with Limegreen that it is really worth trying – soft suede/well behaved leather, quite prominent hay note and light floral in the background. Just sniffing my wrist. February 19, 2017 at 10:56am
limegreen: Haha, Forgot to mention the suede leather! Thanks, Silvermoon!
It is more of an iris for me, though I found CPF as part of a leather quest. 🙂
Patricia has a great review of CPF in her fun column about perfumes for horse riding. February 19, 2017 at 11:45am
limegreen: Horseback riding, that is. February 19, 2017 at 11:47am
SilverMoon: Yes, I still remember the post that Patricia wrote some time ago. I enjoyed it because I used to ride a lot when younger and still find stables one of the most lovely smelling places. So it was great to read about her perfume choices and to imagine setting them among horses. I didn’t remember she had listed CPF.
By the way, horse riding sounds right here! 😀 February 19, 2017 at 1:21pm
limegreen: SilverMoon — Loving the smell of stables sounds like something Smell Bent would create! (They came out with paint thinner smell or something, with the Artist Studio fragrance.)
I remember CPF because I love it and was struck by Patricia’s horse enjoying the hay note, or something like that! I had not paid much attention to the hay note until reading her review! February 19, 2017 at 7:29pm
Lizbee: HI Floragal,
Have you tried Profumum Roma Confetto? It’s really beautiful and long-lasting. February 18, 2017 at 11:35am
Floragal: I’ve not tried this one and what I’ve read it seems awfully sweet. Definitely worth a try, however! Thanks! February 18, 2017 at 12:03pm
Cecilia: Dear Victoria and perfume lovers,
during one of my recent trips to my favourite niche boutique, I’ve discovered the new Voyages en Orient collection by Comptoir Sud Pacifique and I was wondering if someone has tried them.
I know that the company has lowered their stadards during the years and now is not one of the best…but the new line (made after the CO change in 2015) seems promising enough.
What do you think?
Thank you,
Cecilia February 15, 2017 at 8:41am
Jamie: Hi all! It’s warming a bit here in LA, so I already have the beach on my mind. I’m wearing Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt (which I love!) but it reminds me of a cold winter day, not warm and sunny. Any ideas for a citrus-salty scent? My favorite citrus is Guerlain’s Pamplelune. I’m not a fan of sweet/gourmands/vanillas. Thank you in advance! February 15, 2017 at 1:25pm
DaveStPaul: Hi Jamie,
Maybe Thirdman’s EAU MODERNE. I tried it after Victoria gave it a nice review here on BdJ, and I ended up getting a full bottle. Bergamot and a “salty iris’ — very nice, warm, and uplifting. It’s also simple, which is perfect for hurried days, though it could feel too modern compared to a Guerlain. Anyway, worth a try! Good luck. February 15, 2017 at 2:31pm
kpaint: You could dabble in the various Sels (salt): Sel Marin (Heeley), Sel Vetiver (The Different Company), Fleurs de Sel (Miller Harris), etc. February 17, 2017 at 5:06pm
Tati: What about Hermes Eau de Mervielles? It’s got the woody, salty, and citrus scent. It’s also elegant and fairly light. February 17, 2017 at 9:55pm
kayliz: That sounds like a job for Azemour Les Orangers by Parfum d’Empire. February 15, 2017 at 2:24pm
kekasmais: Flowers and incense, perhaps? De Profundis is my go-to, but I’d like to fill this particular niche with a little more variety. Something about the two together seems so apropos to the days of winter slowly melting into spring.
And if you don’t mind helping a poor soul who’s seriously pining for summertime adventures in the woods, any recommendations for deep, mossy forest-y scents (perfume or otherwise! I’ve recently discovered the joys of incense), I’d be terribly grateful.
As a post-note, what were your favorite reads this winter so far? February 15, 2017 at 3:24pm
Karen A: Lutens’ Fille en Anguilles is the perfect forest scent.
Favorite read was The Snow Child, truly remarkable book that I found a few days before Andy did the post on fairy tales. The book, the post and all the comments made for a magical escape from cold, windy weather. February 16, 2017 at 6:37am
Kari: Seconding Fille en aiguilles! The pine is beautiful.
Imaginary Authors Cape Heartache isn’t super mossy, but smells VERY much like a Pacific Northwest forest. February 20, 2017 at 12:10am
Mariann: The new ones from Tom Ford (vert d’encens) might be worth a try? February 16, 2017 at 12:24pm
Aurora: And I always add Nuit Etoilee EDP to Fille en Aiguilles as they have similarities. US perfumistas usually add Sonoma Scent Studio Forest Walk too (I’m in the UK so never tried it). February 16, 2017 at 12:44pm
Tati: My favorite flowers and incense scents are Passage d’Enfer (lilies) and Dzongkha (iris).
I’ve been wearing CDG Kyoto a lot, incense and woods. February 17, 2017 at 10:19pm
Ninon: I love deep mossy forest scents! My favorite is Nasomatto Absinth. February 20, 2017 at 1:03am
Melissa: Hey everbody! I’ve been following Victorias blog for a while now, but I haven’t really gotten into the perfume world until now. I have to say it is a bit overwhelming.
I saw someone doing this in one of the last recommendation posts, so I’m just going to list a few notes that I know I like:
– all kinds of citrus
– leather and woodsy notes
– spices, especially cinnamon and cardamom
– marine notes, driftwood, rain
As far as florals go, I#m pretty much open to everything. Seeing as my grandma used to have a flower shop when I was a kid, I would love if anyone could recommend a fragrance that smells just like that. But I’m also looking for recommendations based on the other notes I like.
My collection so far is tiny and includes Narciso Rodriguez for her, Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay and English Pear and Freesia.
Perfume houses I am really intrigued by are Atelier Cologne,Annick Goutal, Diptyque, Nicolai, Serge Lutens and Frederic Malle.
I hope you can recommend something for an absolute newbie and thanks to everyone in advance 🙂 February 16, 2017 at 6:34am
Mariann: How about JMalone Wood, Sage and Sea Salt, it has marine notes & some driftwood and a bit of musk. For cardamom, Epice Marine (Hermessence) might be worth a try since it combines it with marine notes. But not everyone likes it. For a milky version, Olfactive Studios Lumiere Blanche is just lovely. February 16, 2017 at 12:23pm
Aurora: Hello: Also Hermes Voyage is lovely for cardamom lovers, perhaps also Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom
For cinnamon Hermes Ambre Narguile and Burberry London for men is a greatcinnamon and spices (thank you to Lily who made me discover it in this very forum), Diptyque l’Eau. You might want to try Hermes Eau des Merveilles and Elixir des Merveilles for citrus + salty vibe, Atelier Cologne Grand Neroli and Goutal Eau d’Hadrien for citrus. For floral you might explore the Goutal soliflores: Neroli for orange blossom, La Violette for violet, Chevrefeuille for honeysuckle and for multiflowers Grand Amour and Heure Exquise. February 16, 2017 at 1:32pm
Lydia: Hi Melissa.
Diptyque’s Eau Lente might be a good one for you. It’s a incense scent with cinnamon and what are described as “Indian spices.” (To me, it smells like beautiful, expensive Japanese incense.)
Unfortunately, it’s not as available as some of the other Diptyque fragrances, but the Diptyque online store does carry it.
For leather, although I know this isn’t one of the brands you mentioned, you might want to try Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s Pandora. It smells to me like a soft vintage leather fragrance with dry wood notes. I’m not normally a leather fragrance fan, but I’m finding this very wearable. February 16, 2017 at 10:01pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Melissa,
Welcome to the perfumista rabbit hole 😉
My suggestions :
citrusy – Orange Sanguine by Atelier and Mandragore by Annick Goutal
leather and woods – Cuir de Lancome, Cuir de Russie by Chanel, Santal Majuscule by Serge Lutens, Pure Oud and Rose Oud by Kilian
spices- Sacrebleu by Nicolai, Coco extrait by Chanel, Noir Epices by Frederic Malle, Arabie by Serge Lutens
rain (with florals) : En Passant by Frederic Malle, Apres l’Ondee by Guerlain, Rose Splendide by Annick Goutal, l’Ombre Dans l’Eau by Diptyque February 17, 2017 at 6:50am
limegreen: Hi Melissa,
Jo Loves No. 42 The Flower Shop was meant to recreate the smell of a florist, with cut stems everywhere, and the smell of al kinds of flowers. February 19, 2017 at 7:31pm
Kari Painter: I would recommend Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger, Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom, and while it’s expensive, Le Mat by Mendittorosa is a gorgeous spiced oriental floral. February 20, 2017 at 12:15am
Eudora: First, thanks to Victoria, and perfumistas, because this blog is amazing. Second, I would love to hear about a retro powdery perfume…any idea? Thanks. February 16, 2017 at 6:38am
Clair: Mm. I’d be interested in this category as well. February 16, 2017 at 12:37pm
Aurora: Hello Eudora and Clair: powdery retro perfumes: Guerlain l’Heure Bleue, Oscar de la Renta Esprit d’Oscar (possibly discontinued but I still see plenty online), Chanel Misia, Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, Terry de Gunzburg Ombre Mercure, Kenzo Flower and the Italian brand l’Erbolario Iris is supposed to smell like Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige (I never tried this one) for a fraction of the price. February 16, 2017 at 1:47pm
Eudora: Thanks Aurora, tomorrow I will try L’Heure Bleue and I am going to check about that Italian brand…first time I know about it. Also, I am thinking in a powdery iris and a powdery rose. Any idea? Thanks again. February 16, 2017 at 5:03pm
Aurora: Hi Eudora: for powdery rose I would say Misia, it has violet in the opening and then it’s all rose on my skin, quite gorgeous. I realize I forgot to mention other powdery ones, Etat Libre d’Orange Putain des Palaces and Frederic Malle Iris Poudre – this last I think is way too expensive for what it is, a good powdery perfume doesn’t need to cost so much but according to the name it could be a contender for your powdery iris so you might want to just sample. Good luck with l’Heure Bleue. February 16, 2017 at 5:43pm
Eudora: I finished recently Prada’s Infusion Iris, for me quite retro and powdery, but fell in love with Hermes Hiris which I found gorgeous. I cannot find Missia in my place but you ( almost) cannot go wrong with Chanel. Violet and rose and powder and Chanel! I must find Misia! Guerlains I know are Mitsouko and Chamade and I find them so elegant and classy. L’Heure Bleue sounds great! Thanks again. February 16, 2017 at 6:33pm
Clair: Hi Eudora,
I think we like many similar fragrances. It’s fUnny, I very recently rediscovered Prada Infusion d’ Iris (I’ve been going through it very slowly for years and am almost on empty) and I recently purchased the absolu version (discontinued but still online at a great price) which at I first found disappointing, because it is less floral and powdery, more pure rooty iris, but it is a great skin scent, and after the initial shock I came to appreciate both and they are wonderful together. I find it necessary to acclimate to some fragrances, and it’s strangely challenging. This is the case with both Prada’s. Initially the Iris gave me headaches: now I consider it a comfort scent. Get a few sample decants of L’Heure Bleue, the edt, EDP and parfum, each with a different nuance or emphasis. I had to acclimate to this one as well, now I just wish it were more affordable. Now I will have to find a Misia sample. Maybe eBay? Have you tried Chanel Bois des Iles. It is more of an Oriental, but very soft, sohphisticated and powdery in it’s own way. A tried and true favorite of mine. Enjoy the process. February 16, 2017 at 10:33pm
aurora: Clair and Eudora: I agree with you about Infusion d’Iris and the Absolue, yes they’re both 2 great powdery perfumes and the Absolue can still be found at great prices here in the UK we’d better stock up. Hope you can both sample Misia at some stage and thank you Clair for reminding me of Ombre Rose that I should revisit, I’ll try to get my paws on the parfum. February 17, 2017 at 7:45am
Eudora: Dear Aurora, thanks for all your recommendations. I’ll work on it! Love to found out new perfumes like Erbolario Iris. Very attractive, good price. Is it very sweet? Have You smelled Hermes Hiris? Seems to me, for your description, like Infusion Iris Absolue, which I am to smell asap. Thanks! So happy to hear about you all! February 17, 2017 at 10:16am
Aurora: Dear Eudora: You’re most welcome yours was such an interesting question. I find l’Erbolario quite powdery sweet on the spectrum but my tolerance is quite high, it’s a good ‘natural’ affordable line, we have a store here in London and it’s also available on Amazon. You know, I’m so grateful to you because I only sampled Hiris very briefly and now thanks to you I want to try it again as I usually find the all Hermes line of such good quality overall. It’s an absolute pleasure this discussion. I made a request too for liquor perfumes and will report in the next recommend me, don’t hesitate to do that too if you have a chance, I would love to hear your impressions and also Clair’s. February 17, 2017 at 1:15pm
Eudora: Oh L’Heure Bleue someday you will be mine.
I mean true love. February 17, 2017 at 6:50pm
Clair: Hi Eudora, and thank you Aurora. I love L’Heure Bleue…a discovery which sent me on a completely new olfactory path. Where I was surprised to discover that there are powdery perfumes I love. A bottle of LHB, the pure perfume is on my wish list! I have been wanting to try Misia, but the Chanel Exclusifs are, sadly, no longer available in the Portland area so it’s difficult to find samples : (
My daughter brought me a bottle of Teint de Neige from Europe, which I love, though I usually layer it with something floral as on it’s own I find the powder can be a bit overwhelming/cloying. I look forward to trying the others in your suggestions. Someone once mentioned Ombré Rose in the pure perfume (inexpensive, worth a try) which you might like to try, and I think it might qualify as retro. I like some of the Eris perfumes which have a retro vibe, especially Night Flower, but I’m not sure about an FB! I also love FM’s Iris Poudre: there is an initial blast of aldyhedes, but it is also powdery. I found it addictive and it layers beautifully. I went through the travel size in record time. February 16, 2017 at 10:12pm
Eudora: Dear Claire, thanks again. Trying HB is a must now. Can I ask you were can I find samples? It will be my first time. I am a long lover of parfume but only recently really passionate about this wonderful world. I am also interested in Ombre Rose, first time I hear about it and the price and reviews I read about it sounds like a winner to me. Bois des Illes is also a must try. Thank you so much.
Have you smelled Hermes Hiris? February 17, 2017 at 10:02am
Clair: Hi Eudora:
It is becoming more challenging to find Guerlain samples (I think, like Chanel they are exerting more control over their products) but you can still find samples of HB in several concentrations, as well as vintage samples at theperfumedcourt.com .
Surrender to Chance has many samples, but they no longer carry Chanel or Guerlain samples
Jean Charles Brosseau Ombre Rose is available online and is very reasonable. I haven’t actually tried it yet, though many have recommended as a powdery rose. I’ve heard that the pure perfume concentration is best. The black bottle is attractive, too. February 18, 2017 at 12:12am
Aurora: Hello Clair: Just to say a big thank you for drawing my attention to Ombre Rose. Like Eudora and you I love powdery perfumes. Another one powdery but quite green, a different genre, this one, is Chanel No 19 Poudre, I find it very versatile. February 17, 2017 at 12:53pm
Clair: Thank you for suggesting No 19 Poudre! I really look forward to trying new, or at least new to me, Chanel samples (Misia, No. 19 Poudre, Boy, L’eau). I have really come to appreciate Chanel, but mostly the classics and Les Exclusifs range. February 18, 2017 at 12:20am
Maria: Hi Aurora and Eudora!! I’ve just arrived from Italy, and as iris is one of my favorite notes, I’ve sampled both of them, l’Erbolario Iris and Villoresi Teint de neige. For me, they are not as similar. I didn’t like l’Erbolario Iris, I’ve found it really far from iris smell, and also kind of “cheap”. Teint de neige is a very powdery and nice parfum, with a good projection and a very retro aura. I’ve found it very similar to Iris Poudre de Frédéric Malle, but less dense. Another story are Erbolario Iris soaps and Villoresi Teint de neige soaps. They are both beautiful and classical, but the Erbolario one costs less than four euros, compared to 16 euros for Teint de neige! February 18, 2017 at 8:04am
Eudora: Dear Maria, perfect timing! That was my doubt about Erbolario Iris. Long time ago I wore L’Occitaine “Les quatre reines” and I loved it. But it is me or maybe they reformulated it but smell “cheap” now. It was retro and powdery too.
Thanks for sharing and welcome home. February 18, 2017 at 4:54pm
Aurora: Hope you had a wonderful trip. Many thanks for your take on l’Erbolario vs Teint de Neige. I loved your soap comparison as well. February 19, 2017 at 2:46pm
Lydia: Hi Eudora,
I just tried Oriza L. Legrand’s Marions-Nous and it’s one of the most retro powdery scents I’ve ever encountered. It reminds me a little of an old Patou scent. It has a strong powder-soap-rosewater drydown.
I love the vintage-looking packaging for the line. February 16, 2017 at 8:52pm
Eudora: Dear Lydia, Thanks for your recommendarion. New brand for me. I loved perfume all my life but since a few years ago, and thanks to Victoria, it is now a passion. Working on it! February 17, 2017 at 9:51am
Lydia: Eudora,
A book you might enjoy as companion to your explorations:
Coming to my Senses by Alyssa Harad
I hope your journey is filled with beautiful discoveries! February 18, 2017 at 12:38pm
Eudora: Very welcome! Thanks for all your recommendations! February 18, 2017 at 4:46pm
kpaint: Retro powdery: Molinard Habanita L’Esprit, Caron Parfum Sacré, Chanel No 5 extrait, Etat Libre d’Orange Bijou Romantique, Shalimar (most of the classic Guerlains, for that matter), Jean-Charles Brosseau Ombre Rose, Narciso Eau de Parfum, Van Cleef & Arpels Gardénia Pétale. February 17, 2017 at 5:22pm
Eudora: Thanks kpaint! More perfumes to discover! Claire also recommended Ombre Rose. Today I discovered L’Heure Bleue and was love at first smell. One day it will be mine. Samsara is my next try. Guerlain classics are gorgeous! Narciso edt is my in law fragance…Thanks! February 17, 2017 at 6:44pm
Tomasina: Firstly thank you to Victoria for such a lovely, lovely blog!! This lights up my day and informs my frequent trips to our small town perfume boutique.
I have a question which I would be very grateful for help with.
My all-time favourite perfume is Cartier Baiser Vole but it is the signature scent of a family member, and so I would like to find something else for her sake. Fragrances can be so personal. I am wondering if any of the lovely readers can please recommend me something similar.
To give some background, I am a beginner to perfume. I love the fresh, spicy green top notes and especially the warm, smooth dry down of baiser vole. It smells very realistically of lily to me and I love how unique the note is. I have tried la panthere but unfortunately something in the first few seconds smells like ‘pine bark’ mulch at a playground and puts me off. I recently tried aqua di Parma iris nobile (after reading the inspiring review by Victoria) and found the almost powdery floral dry down beautiful. I think it is the closest to the ‘feeling’, if not the actual scent, of baiser vole I have found.
Thank you in advance to any perfumistas with suggestions!
Tomasina February 18, 2017 at 1:54am
Cybele: I would keep my favourite perfume! If you love something you will hardly find a substitute. Just get an alternative for when you see your relative, maybe just some samples…Maybe you can still find Lili by Stella McCartner or try Jour d’Hermes February 18, 2017 at 6:20pm
Tomasina: Thank you Cybele! I actually love jour d’hermes too, especially how the white floral accord (is it gardenia?) seems to come out in warm weather! I will look for lily too! February 18, 2017 at 10:08pm
katherine x: Hi Tomasina,
Flanker of Baiser Vole – Baiser Vole Essence is similar but with an added strong sweet vanilla chord – warmer – not as wet and singularly floral. Frederic Malle’s lily – Lys mediteranee – is a beautiful watery lily plus beachy, but lovely nonetheless. February 18, 2017 at 9:17pm
Tomasina: Thank you Katherine! I will look for the essence, I haven’t tried it. I love the idea of a stronger vanilla because the dry down of baiser vole on collars and scarves is one of my favourite parts. I am so intrigued by the idea of lys mediteranee! The beaches notes sound amazing. I have tried a few of Jean Claude ellena’s creations with salty notes, vetiver tonka and elixir de merveilles and absolutely love them. February 18, 2017 at 10:14pm
katherine x: Oh – I know this sounds weird but Le Labo’s Jasmine also reminds me of Baiser Vole. February 18, 2017 at 9:18pm
Tourmaline: I couldn’t resist pitching in to recommend two things – not perfumes, but books about perfume: a non-fiction one that I heard about on the radio this morning, and a novel that I read recently.
This morning’s ABC Radio National program, “Blueprint for Living”, had an interview with Australian novelist, Kate Grenville, about her first non-fiction book, “The Case Against Fragrance” (Text Publishing, 2017). Perfumes and other scented products cause Ms Grenville to suffer bad headaches. She describes a rare and expensive visit to the opera that was spoiled for her by the perfume of a woman in a nearby seat. As a perfume lover, I was sad to hear of Ms Grenville’s plight. I’m aware that the issue of sensitivity to fragrance and steps one can take to minimize distress to others has been discussed previously on Bois de Jasmin. The interview can be heard on the ABC website.
I have probably been guilty of annoying people with my fragrance many times, however I can recall only one occasion when someone actually told me that I was doing so. In about 1990, a much older female colleague with whom I shared an office quietly suggested that perhaps my fragrance was “a bit strong”. The culprit was “Ciara” (Ultima II/Revlon 1973), a very heavy oriental which I now regard as inappropriate for most workplaces. I look forward to reading “The Case Against Fragrance”.
The novel I want to recommend is one that I bought in 2009, stored away and forgot I had. Late last year I re-discovered it and read it with delight. It is “The Orange Trees of Versailles” by Annie Pietri. This short book was published in its original French in 2000 and then in an English translation in 2004. It is about a 14-year-old girl with an extraordinarily good sense of smell who works for the mistress of Louis XIV at the court of Versailles. Among other things, she is required to create new perfumes. Although the book is ostensibly for children, I didn’t find it the least bit juvenile, and I think that any adult who is interested in perfume would enjoy it. I checked and it is available on Amazon. You might enjoy it, Victoria, if you haven’t read it already! February 18, 2017 at 4:10am
Sofie: Interested to read both now, thanks Tourmaline! February 26, 2017 at 6:38am
Tourmaline: Hi Sofie,
I hope you enjoy them! February 27, 2017 at 12:40am
Alte: I just recently started to obsess over rose scents and am on the hunt for the perfect LIGHT ROSE perfume in time for Spring.
I’m okay with it being a bit sweet, gourmandy but not too much. But everything I’ve tried recently just smells so generic. Nice but really blah. I suppose it’s rather contradictory to desire a light rose that is also a bit unique. Those terms seem more fitting for darker roses like OJ’s Ta’if (which I love!).
I just purchased Acqua di Parma’s Acqua Nobile Rosa EDT, which I really love for its amazing opening of fresh citrusy-rose, but then it dries down quite spicy on me, which I don’t really like. The lasting power is also quite weak and everything is gone in just 2 hours. I read that the EDP version (Nobile Rosa) doesn’t have the same spiciness but I don’t think I can afford another $190 just to see!
I’ve also read a lot about SL’s La Fille de Berlin so that is next on my list. Meanwhile, what are you favourite light roses? (not spicy, not soapy, not too green, but also not too “old lady”?) February 18, 2017 at 1:17pm
Tomasina: Alte: a light rose is the ultimate quest in perfumery! Some ‘light’ roses to try:
Keiko mecheri- mogador (sweet/jammy)
Annick goutal- rose splendid (light and complex)
Stella McCartney- Stella
Tomasina February 18, 2017 at 3:47pm
Alte: Thank you so much! I haven’t tried any of those yet so I’ll definitely add them to my list. I see quite a lot of rose perfumes mentioned in the earlier comments but most of them are darker, heavier roses. February 18, 2017 at 9:12pm
Surbhi: You might want to Try sa majaste la rose by serge lutens. I love this one and le fille de Berlin is simply gorgeous! February 18, 2017 at 9:39pm
Surbhi: I received aqua di parma’s nobile Ross edpasa gift. It has no lasting power. 2 hours later neither I nor anyone can smell it. Tried it with moisturizer, oil etc. just won’t work. I really wanted to keep it as it smelled beautiful to start and was a gift from a very cherished friend and it was before I started having lots of perfumes. February 18, 2017 at 9:23pm
Surbhi: Nobile rosa EDP. February 18, 2017 at 9:24pm
Alte: Oh wow, that’s unfortunate that even the EDP lacks staying power. Thanks for letting me know. I’ve been sooo tempted to purchase it. February 18, 2017 at 9:31pm
katherine x: Hi Alte,
If you can get a sample – I would recommend Mohur – a creamy rose plus almond? Victoria has a review. It’s a wonderful scent. February 18, 2017 at 9:23pm
Alte: Thanks!! Added it to my list! Creamy rose plus almond sounds wonderful and Victoria’s review makes it sound even more divine. February 18, 2017 at 9:33pm
kayliz: Penhaligon’s Vaara is worth a try: a lighter version of Mohur. Les Parfums de Rosine have a large range of roses and a very reasonable samples deal (25 euros incl. shipping for 12 samples).
But your post immediately made me think of Rose Ikebana (in Hermes’ Hermessence range). It’s rose with a rhubarb twist: fresh, light and still unusual. February 19, 2017 at 5:38am
Alte: Thank you so much, kayliz!
Rose Ikebana has been on my to-try list for a while but Luckyscent is out of samples at the moment. I’m really tempted to splurge on Hermessence’s gift set option where one is able to select 4 different fragrances from the range. I just can’t decide which other 3 to choose! Maybe Ambre Narguilé, Osmanthe Yunnan, Vétiver Tonka? I do like vanilla, amber, sweet, tea, musk notes…Do you have any further recommendations?
I’ve also read a lot about Parfums de Rosine but like you mentioned, their range of roses is huge! I didn’t realize they offered samples at such a reasonable price. Looks like I’ll be doing some ordering today!
Thanks!! February 19, 2017 at 11:17am
limegreen: Osmanthe Yunnan! February 19, 2017 at 12:09pm
kayliz: Sorry i didnt get back to you, have been busy breaking my wrist:( At the risk of sounding entirely negative, I”m not v keen on the others. But am definitely in the minirity there, and the ones you mention have had excellent reviews here & elsewhere. Happy testing! February 21, 2017 at 12:38pm
Alte: Oh my goodness! :O So sorry to hear about your wrist! I’ve had my wrist broken as well so I know how painful (and inconvenient!) it can be. Hope you recover quickly! February 21, 2017 at 1:07pm
kayliz: Thank you! Am lucky it’s the left one and that it happened near a renowned trauma clinic (am on holiday in a skiing area). Glück im Unglück, fortune in misfortune, as Germans say:) February 21, 2017 at 1:35pm
aurora: So sorry to hear that Kayliz: now a prompt recovery I hope! February 22, 2017 at 7:51am
kayliz: Thank you! February 22, 2017 at 9:22am
Victoria: Yikes, Kay! Hope that you’re on the way to recovery. February 22, 2017 at 10:21am
kaylizõ: Thank you! Yes, am getting excellent care & medical attention here and feel very fortunate. February 23, 2017 at 1:16pm
Karen A: Lots of good suggestions, but….. I really have to chime in on the “old lady” reference (to those long-time BdJ followers, I really and truly am feeling like the “old lady” police!!). Cause, if by “old lady” you mean Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve, Yoko Ono or I dunno, me I’d say we are most likely wearing some beautiful fragrances. Please, if what you are after is an unsophisticated, uncomplicated simple rose, then that is what you are after.
Words matter – on all kinds of levels. BdJ is one of the few places online where people of all nationalities, genders, and ages feel welcome. Within the perfume community, certain descriptions have real negative connotations and “old lady” is one of them.
I know far to many women over the age of 70 who are far more gracious, sophisticated, well-dressed than I do any other age group. They also happen to wear some pretty darn rocking perfumes. And my guess? Many commenting on BdJ either are in that category or know women who are. Good luck on your search, there are many great roses to choose from. February 19, 2017 at 2:03pm
Surbhi: I might have been an offender of using that term here and there too. But I can tell you where it is coming from… I love rose perfumes and many other florals too. But my best friend would alway call them old lady perfume or grandma perfume as that’s what she remember her wearing. Maybe in that age they were only wearing floral perfumes? At somepoint I even stopped wearing florals because all my friends in school would say that its old lady or grandma perfume. Took me few years to realize that’s what I enjoy instead of cotton candy perfumes and all the flankers. I tried over 200 perfumes which are not “old lady” or “grand ma” perfumes but didn’t like any.
I don’t get upset with them as I think they just don’t know a good perfume and are just going with the trend. February 21, 2017 at 1:55pm
Victoria: Yes, you’re right, most people when they say “smells old lady” (or “old man”) mean old fashioned and sometimes also old fashioned and unpleasant. I think that what’s Karen is trying to say is that we should just say so instead of using the term. This topic comes up time and time, and the general consensus is that this term doesn’t come across positively, whatever one means by it.
My eighty year old grandmother is wearing Carnal Flower and Juicy Couture these days, by the way. February 21, 2017 at 2:11pm
Karen A: Your grandmother rocks! February 22, 2017 at 6:31am
kaylizõ: Great taste, your grandmother!
My mother is over 90 and wears Bois des Iles and Coup de Foudre along with her perennial No 5, with Epiphany by House of Matriarch soon to come.
Oh and: she’s booked a flight to come over and “take care of” me while my arm heals(!)
Btw, she’s occasionally guilty herself of referring to (disliked) perfumes, clothes etc. as being “old lady” 😉 February 24, 2017 at 2:45am
Karen A: Wow! Hats off to your grandmother, and I hope your wrist is healing nicely! February 26, 2017 at 8:02am
kayliz: Thank you! Feeling cautiously confident so far:) February 27, 2017 at 12:13pm
Karen A: Oops! Read your comment wrong, just saw its your mom coming to help you out. I’m sure having her nearby will help your healing and your spirits! February 27, 2017 at 1:35pm
Sofie: Makes you wonder if, in 50 years time, syrupy and cotton candy perfumes or sweet gourmands will be referred to as ‘old lady’ perfumes?
I think a lot of us have used the term before we got educated. I know I did. I also know it irks me now. We live, we learn, we get older, we rock all kind of fumes!! February 26, 2017 at 6:47am
Karen A: That’s so funny, Sofie! Yes, all the younger women will be wearing heavy, dark perfumes as an antidote to all those “old ladies” wearing sugary confections! February 26, 2017 at 8:04am
Sofie: Haaaah, we can dream Karen, we can dream!! Carnation will be the flower of the day and galbanum, incenses dry as a bone, aldehydes galore and sultry, broody perfumes rocked by everyone. No aquatic note or waterflower for anyone under 50!
Hehe…
On a more serious note, I actually do wonder how and what perfume will be worn in a couple of years… Time will tell :-). February 26, 2017 at 6:22pm
Karen A: It is a fun thought, wondering about the future and things like perfume. I’m sure back in the early 60’s, companies would never have imagined the rise of small, niche perfume companies (and their success). But there just always seem to be some scents that remain popular, rose being the one that jumps to my mind – with different twists on how it is interpreted. February 27, 2017 at 1:38pm
Cecilia: Dear Alte,
Hi! Have you tried the Chloè range? The signature perfume (the 2008 something, not the priginal one) smells delicious on me. Plus it lasts all day.
Roses de Chloè is a stunning green rose, and Diptyque eau de rose is like holding a real bouquet.
Other suggestions: Balenciaga Florabotanica and Serge Lutens Sa majeste la rose.
Or you can try the classic eau de rose, you should find it at your local pharmacy 🙂 February 19, 2017 at 4:35pm
Alte: Hi Celilia! Thanks for the suggestions. I have actually recently sampled Chloe EDP and Love Story EDP and found them but not as engaging as I’d hoped. Also, for some bizarre reason, Chloe EDP barely showed up on my skin! I could hardly smell it after 30min…I’ll add Roses de Chloè to my list! I haven’t tried that yet!
I’ve been meaning to try SL’s Sa Majeste La Rose for ages. I really need to get on that! I haven’t heard of Balenciaga’s Florabotanica so on the list that goes as well! Thanks! February 21, 2017 at 1:05pm
Kari Painter: Papillon Tobacco Rose would be worth trying. February 20, 2017 at 12:27am
Therése: I hope I am not too late for this.
I have been craving very mild and gentle scents lately, mostly ending up sniffing my hand gel, Hyalomiel from Féret, a mild but still sparkly honeyed rose (mostly honey). I confess to never having been interested in scents with prominent honey notes before, but it’s obviously time to change. Can anyone recommend a honey fragrance? February 20, 2017 at 7:46am
Victoria: I keep thinking of Penhaligon’s Ostara. Have you tried it? February 20, 2017 at 2:44pm
Therése: I haven’t tried it, but there is a shop in my small town that carries Penhaligon’s, I will see if they have it. Sounds sparkly 🙂 February 21, 2017 at 10:02am
Alte: I’ve been edging toward honey as well. On a recent trip to Paris, I picked up a bottle of Guerlain’s Mon Precieux Nectar. It’s heavenly golden sweetness. It’s a bit on the simple side but isn’t terribly boring either. It doesn’t last very long on my skin but that’s okay b/c I wanted something quite soft and light and honeyed and that checked all the marks. February 21, 2017 at 1:13pm
Therése Mellby: Oh, that sounds great. I will try to sample that, it sounds exactly like what I am yearning for. February 21, 2017 at 2:04pm
Marie / Witness of Sense: Chanel Beige is a mild floral scent but with a nice honey note. February 22, 2017 at 2:26am
Therése: Beige! Of course! How did I forget about that?Thank you for reminding me. February 22, 2017 at 2:51am
Surbhi: Does anyone know if mohur extract is discontinued? I don’t see it on the website. February 20, 2017 at 6:30pm
Surbhi: I found my favorite jasmine finally. It’s not a perfume though. I finally figured I like jasmine grandiflorum not jasmine sambac. Few drops in diffuser and I am in heaven. February 22, 2017 at 9:24pm
Victoria: That sounds wonderful! February 23, 2017 at 12:54am
Kaitlin: So much as changed and grown since I posted for the first time in this thread last month! I have a lovely stacker sorted into different scent families and my label-maker has gotten a workout! I’m loving exploring all of the suggestions made to me last time.
I have a few questions. I got a sample of the Tom Ford Neroli Portofino and love it. What other fragrances in that genre can I explore? (I read some of the suggestions in the review of it on BdJ so I’ll seek those out, too!)
Also, I love the Elizabeth and James Nirvana White – the scent of peonies reminds me of the beautiful white blooms on the two bushes in the front yard of my childhood home. Any other fragrances that incorporate peonies? Thanks in advance! February 23, 2017 at 2:54pm
Kaitlin: Also! I recently discovered that the scent of my Kindergarten teacher is L’eau D’issey. I swear she must have bathed in the stuff! I love the scent but I don’t want to wear it because it’s *too* like her. Any other fragrances that offer a similar appeal? I couldn’t even name the notes in it that I like – I just enjoy the overall scent. February 23, 2017 at 3:13pm
Lily: I have no suggestions to help with your hunt, as these are all unfamiliar to me except by reading. But if no one responds I recommend reposting the question when next month’s list goes up! February 25, 2017 at 7:02pm
Sofie: Hi Kaitlin,
I think Neroli Portofino has a flanker that carries a bit more heft than the original one. I preferred it, you might want to give that a sniff. You might want to explore some other colognes, there are many out there for less money… Aqua Di Parma, Guerlain colognes and Vetiver, Hermes has a nice cologne range especially Orange Vert, … February 26, 2017 at 6:56am
Alexa: Hello, I’m looking for a new signature scent appropriate for the office and daytime. I’m in my late 20s and I want something a little closer to the skin than my crisp go-to scents: Nina by Nina Ricci and Miss Dior Cherie (L’eau). I’m not a fan of perfumes that make me feel like a walking cupcake (e.g. an overdose of vanilla or coconut) and harsh rose scents make me sneeze and itch.
After trying a few random scents, the ones that linger in my mind are Michael Kors’ Wonderlust, Olympea and Viva la Juicy – but not because of their more strident top notes, only their lovely warm gourmand base!
What is that sweet milky note in the dry-down that makes me want to hug my own wrist? I thought it was the almond in Wonderlust, but am starting to think it is sandalwood that is common to all 3 perfumes. February 26, 2017 at 11:24am
Georgia: My husband and I disagree about scents. He loves Lauren by Ralph Lauren and swears it is the only one which really excites him. We are older, I’m 67. I wear perfume to please myself, it makes me feel beautiful. I would like to please him without activating too many romantic memories. I believe the sense of smell is most closely related to memory. I love Joy but wonder if you could help me identify another perfume which would please us both. I dislike rose, strong lavender and overly sweet perfume. March 22, 2017 at 10:23pm
Audrey: Hi, I’m 24, just graduated and about to start a new job. My mum always told me that I always dress like mature women (I always buy my clothings at Zara -Women section- since I was 12). Guess I just have an old soul and I like my perfume to express that, too.
I always go to work (hospital) with full face of makeup, nicely blowdried hair, timeless shirts/blouses, nice knee length skirts, chic Parisian ballet flats/loafers carrying structured handbags.
At work I usually have no time to retouch/reapply my perfume so I need a perfume that lasts long (at least 12 hours) and although I like strong scents, I don’t think my patients will appreciate that.
For reference, I really love floral scents, such as Dior Pure Poison. Especially white florals, because my favorite color is white. And I stay away from fragrances like YSL Opium. I grew up wearing Dior Addict EDT but I think it’s time I change it to a more mature/work-appropriate fragrance. Dior Addict doesn’t suit my personality well, and honestly I hate its pink bottle.
Do you have any recommendations for me? Because of my Mum, I’m used to niche fragrances but do not mind trying non-niche fragrances. I once used $20ish Bourjois perfume and I kinda like its scent on me, but the lasting power is not great so I can’t use it anymore. April 7, 2017 at 6:45am