Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is now open. You can this space to find fragrance recommendations, to share your discoveries and favorite scents, and to ask any questions about scents, aromas and flavors.
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
254 Comments
Melanie: Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could recommend something that would be similar to Chanel’s Sycomore in its edt version. I have tried the edp, however, it doesn’t have the same depth to me.
Many thanks in advance,
Melanie February 26, 2018 at 9:54am
AC: I’ve heard a lot of comparisons between Sycomore EDT and Lalique’s Encre Noire Pour Homme. Victoria wrote a glowing review of it on Bois de Jasmin too: https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/11/lalique-encre-noire-perfume-review.html February 26, 2018 at 11:14am
Melanie: Thank you! I think that I have found an on-line source for it here. I won’t touch what I have left of Sycomore now, but feel incomplete without it. I’ll give Encre noire a try! February 26, 2018 at 12:04pm
AC: I hope it works out! February 26, 2018 at 5:15pm
Theresa: I have both Sycomore & Encre Noire and find them similar. I bought Sycomore first, and only bought Encre Noire after I found it online for a fraction of the price. I find it very acceptable, and will probably not replace my bottle of Sycomore when I’ve finished it (which should be years yet since I have the gigantic bottle!) February 27, 2018 at 2:33pm
Melanie: This is great to know, Theresa! I wish that I had been smart and got the 200 ml, not the 75 ml. No matter, it sounds like Encre noire will be the replacement. Cheers! February 27, 2018 at 5:08pm
Katya: I was looking forward to this thread for two weeks!
Okay so I had a chance to try Mediterranean Honeysuckle by Aerin and I was surprised how much I loved it. (What is with me and expensive perfumes?) I really enjoy it but I cannot justify the price tag (same story as ever). Can anyone recommend similar scents? I hear Jardin sur le Nil by Hermes is a close one but the olfatory lineup stumps me. February 26, 2018 at 9:55am
Leslie: I’m going to tag along on this question. Can anyone recommend a good honeysuckle perfume? February 26, 2018 at 11:40am
kpaint: I don’t think this is a honeysuckle perfume per se, but Maria Candida Gentile Hanbury made me think of honeysuckle (or something similar.) It’s a very natural-smelling springy floral. February 26, 2018 at 12:20pm
Carlisle: Annick Goutal’s Le Chèvrefeuille is a very pretty honeysuckle scent. February 26, 2018 at 12:28pm
Melissa Rosen: I love it, but only lasts a New York minute March 2, 2018 at 10:29am
tomatefarcie: I didn’t check out the notes but you might try Annick Goutal’s Le Chevrefeuille and Eau de Camille. February 26, 2018 at 12:31pm
Malmaison: Jeffrey Dame’s Honeysuckle perfume (Dame Perfumery) is an utter delight, the truest honeysuckle I’ve ever smelt. It’s not the longest lasting for sure, but smells just gorgeous while it’s there. February 26, 2018 at 11:44pm
Mia: Hi honeysucklers, if I may :). I do not remember the price range but Zoologist’s Hummingbird is a gorgeous honeysuckle! And it is available also in 10 ml bottles to really give it a decent try. March 1, 2018 at 2:37pm
Ashley: Hi all! I love Roja Dove- Lily but am not prepared to pay the high price tag (maybe one day). I love lily notes and used to wear Cartier Baiser Vole when I was younger but don’t want something as powdery. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! February 26, 2018 at 10:09am
Caroline: DelRae’s Amoureuse–if you’re in the U.S., Beautyhabit has it (not sure if they offer samples, but I think they do). February 26, 2018 at 10:34am
Ashley: Thanks Caroline! I’ll definitely give it a try February 26, 2018 at 11:11am
Trudy: Also maybe Tocca Giulietta? I got a lot of lily in this and I think it is moderately priced. Easily found at Sephora, etc. But be sure to test spray first. Make sure it’s a spray as I find the rollerballs don’t seem to smell the same as the spray. You can probably get a sample of both Amoureuse and Giulietta at Beautyhabit. Enjoy your search! February 26, 2018 at 2:07pm
Trudy: Also, wait for the dry down with Giulietta. That’s where the lily is. February 26, 2018 at 2:10pm
Ashley: Yes I do like Giuletta, great rec! February 26, 2018 at 2:41pm
Elisa: Lilies are my favorite flower and Donna Karan Gold is my favorite lily. February 26, 2018 at 3:14pm
Kayliz: I find Lancome‘s Jasmin Marzipanes surprisingly close to lilies, and Roja Doce‘s Lily surprisingly close to Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia:) February 26, 2018 at 7:41pm
Kayliz: – Roja Dove‘s Lily – February 26, 2018 at 7:41pm
Ashley: I love lilies and obsessed with tuberose so I will have to try that. Other obsession is iris, but that’s on an unrelated note. Thanks! February 26, 2018 at 9:56pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Lys Méditerranée by Frédéric Malle perhaps? It‘s not powdery but overwhelmingly, photorealisticly lilies! Not cheap though, mind you. February 27, 2018 at 11:25am
Ashley: Oh yes, I will need to revisit. Frederic Malle is worth it 🙂 February 27, 2018 at 12:27pm
Katya: Lush has a lily fragrance called “Death and Decay” and it smells exactly how it sounds like. Think the stems of a bouquet of flowers after you haven’t changed their water for a while. Or when you finally empty the vase. I know it sounds totally unappealing, and yet I had a bottle and wore it a lot, so there you go. I’m not making a good job of describing it but it is fairly affordable so maybe worth trying the solid perfume version?
A note about Lush, though – I’ve tried their fragrances before, and I can say, while I liked testing them out, whenever I got a bottle (even a tiny one) and started wearing them regularly, I quickly got sick of them. Not sure whether it’s my sense of smell (which is pretty poor at best) or something about the fragrances (quirky at first, screechy and annoying with prolonged exposure) but it’s probably a line that needs to be tested over time. March 2, 2018 at 1:33pm
Maria: Hi Victoria and all the readers!
I have two questions for you. My first question is about solid perfumes. I love the idea of a perfume in a beautiful and vintage box. I also travel a lot and this could be a good option for me. I love perfumes that stays close to skin (strong perfumes make me cough), I like iris, mimosa, rose and fresh woods. I really dislike tuberose, patchouli and gourmand smells. I’ve been searching recently on the internet for a solid perfume close to my tastes, but all I’ve found is Pacifica solid perfumes and an indie brand called Perfume for Strange Women. I’ve already tried Persian Rose from Pacifica, I like it but it is not a favorite. Does anyone have tried something from Perfume for Strange Women? I’m not really attracted by their aesthetics, I’m too minimalist for their neo-victorian style, but I would like to know if someone have tried their creations. If not, what solid perfume would you suggest me? To give you an idea, right now I’m also wearing Mimosa pour moi, Après l’ondée and Eau d’hiver. For a long time I’ve wear Chanel 19 and Infusion d’iris, but I can’t stand them anymore.
My second question is a techical one. I’ve always loved the smell of Johnssons baby lotion (the one that comes in a rose bottle). I would like to know what kind of materials compose this smell.
Thanks a lot for your answers. Nice and happy day from Québec! February 26, 2018 at 10:20am
Eva Syndram: Hi Maria, I might have an idea concerning your first question about solid perfumes. The wonderful French Niche-Brand Diptyque has four of their fragrances as solid versions and the packagings are stunningly modern as well as perfect for travelling. 24 Boulevard Saint Germain might be too much (yes, there is a slight hint of Tuberose) for you. Why don’t you give Ombre dans L’Eau (Shadow on the water) a chance? A clear “garden” fragrance, with Black Current, Rose and Black Current leaves. Sounds perfect for spring, doesn’t it? All the best from Vienna, Austria! February 26, 2018 at 10:44am
Maria: Hi Eva! You’re right, l’Ombre dans l’eau could be a nice option, and I’ve just seen that the price is not too high. I have an EdT decant, I’ll give it a try. Thank you and I would love one day to visit Vienna!! February 26, 2018 at 5:09pm
CristinaM: Hello Maria
I have l ombre dans L eau solid and I love it
I keep it in my make-up kit for frangrance emergencies and it’s comforting and deep with a fresh spring note
Totally recommend it! February 28, 2018 at 2:04am
AC: I have not tried any for Strange Women scents, so unfortunately can’t comment there…
but…do you like any of the Le Labo fragrances, like Iris 39 and Rose 31? They are more solid-bodied scents, lacking the translucency of some of the scents you listed, but they are available as solid perfumes in minimalist pewter metal cases, and you can buy refills for them. February 26, 2018 at 11:07am
Maria: Thank you AC! I’ve never tried Le Labo fragances. They say Iris 39 has patchouli as a core note, so I doubt it would be a good option. But you’re right their metal cases are just the kind of objects I love! February 26, 2018 at 5:12pm
Hayley: You could also try Santal 33. It is immensely popular to the point of being almost cliche, but it shares some of the airiness that is so attractive in Apres l’Ondee, l’Eau d’Hiver, etc.. which are also some of my favorites 🙂 February 27, 2018 at 8:12am
Maria: Thank yoi! I’ll give it a try! February 27, 2018 at 9:04am
Anna: Have you tried the solid perfumes from Sabé Masson? They come in a big chapstick tube and are very well made. The women behind the house is Isabelle Masson-Mandonnaud, who also founded Sephora.
https://en.sabemasson.com/ February 26, 2018 at 11:08am
Maria: Thank You Anna!! They sound really nice! February 26, 2018 at 5:13pm
Kathryn: Hi Maria, in addition to the very good suggestion of Diptyque I think Estee Lauder do solid versions of some of their line up in special editions at Christmas, or on their website perhaps, so there might be something you like. My love of Johnston’s baby lotion lead me to original Shalimar eventually, many years ago, though it may seem almost disrespectful to this magnificent perfume to compare the two. If you dislike powdery perfumes however, you may not like this option. I read, after many years of wearing Shalimar that there was a link, in the way that products sometimes base their choice of scent on a very popular perfume or trend in perfumes. I don’t know if this is true about Johnston’s and Shalimar 🙂 February 26, 2018 at 11:37am
Maria: Thank you Kathryn! I’ve never tought about the relationship between Shalimar and Johnsons baby body lotion, but I use to love Shalimar when I was in my twenties (almost twenty years ago :-)). I still admire it, but I can’t wear it anymore. And you’re right with Le Labo prices, it would never be a good option for a solid perfume blind buy!! February 26, 2018 at 5:17pm
Kathryn: Me again Maria, just thought , I think Le Labo also do solid perfumes, though take a deep breath before you look at their prices! 🙂 February 26, 2018 at 11:44am
briony: Hi Maria, I also love the scent of Johnson’s baby lotion. I think Lorenzo Villoresi’s Teint de Neige smells a lot like it or perhaps more like the baby powder as it’s very powdery. I’ve always been told that’s a vanilla perfume, but I’ve just looked it up and it has notes of rose, jasmin, ylang ylang and tonka bean amongst others, with heliotrope and musk in the base. It also comes in a very pretty solid perfume. February 27, 2018 at 7:22am
Maria: Hi Briony! I always have some Teint de neige soaps, that I love, but I’ve always found the Edp too present. I will check the solid perfum. I didn’t know it exists😊 February 27, 2018 at 9:07am
Mough: Hi!
I am also a lover of Johnson’s Baby powder and oil. Is the lotion similar? If so, I think Habanita by Molinard smells exactly like it. And that the essence of Habanita, and thus to my nose, is vanilla and vetiver (what Luca Turin said in his Guide) Also Baby Powdery are Amouage Gold Man and Enslaved by Roja Dove, both outrageously priced. If you’re looking for Johnson’s Baby scent, in a perfume, do try Hananita. February 27, 2018 at 3:44pm
Maria: Thank you Mough! I’ll give a try to Habanita. Amouage and Roja Dove are too expensive for me, but if one day I have the chance, I will try them for sure! February 27, 2018 at 5:44pm
Ninon: No direct experience, but I’ve been interested in Roxana Illuminated Perfumes for a long time, and she has many solid options. March 3, 2018 at 12:37pm
Maria: Thank you Ninon! That sounds quite interesting! March 4, 2018 at 6:45pm
Anne: Hello,
Have you tried the Dyptique Solid perfume? They come in a stunning black nacre box. I love the eau rose solid perfume and you might enjoy it too. February 26, 2018 at 10:43am
Maria: Thank you Anne!! I haven’t seen the solid version of Eau rose in their website, but I’ll revisit L’ombre rose, maybe it is a good option :-). February 26, 2018 at 5:20pm
Geraldine Ethen: When I first began to explore the world of perfumes, I was captivated by L’Eau d’Isse by Issey Miyake. I have yet to read a mention of this line on Bois de Jasmin. Does this perfume, which I still like even after having added a number of other wonderful perfumes to my collection, not rate? February 26, 2018 at 10:57am
Leslie: I used to wear it! February 26, 2018 at 11:42am
tomatefarcie: Do a custom search on Grain de Musc blog. She considers it a French contemporary classic. Also has some posts on the plus and negative sides. Sales are strong. As long as it’s made I’ll always have a bottle in my collection. February 26, 2018 at 1:44pm
Melissa Rosen: I just bought a rollerball of it yesterday at Macy’s! $28 March 2, 2018 at 10:32am
Anna: I need your help! I tried Eau du Soir from Sisley the last week. I sprayed it on my wrist and on a paper blotter and really liked it.
When I came home I looked it up in “Perfumes: The A-Z guide” and Luca Turin gave it a very bad review. 🙁
I wonder if you have any suggestions that are similar to Eau du Soir, but better. I liked that it felt like something an upscale French lady would wear.
I will go back and try it again and if I still like it I will buy a bottle regardless of Mr Turin’s review, but I would love some suggestions for something similar. February 26, 2018 at 11:42am
Leslie: If you like it, why care about someone’s review? Go for it! February 26, 2018 at 11:45am
Maria: I second Leslie!! If you like it, go for it, Turin is not always right 🙂 February 26, 2018 at 12:53pm
Severine: Wear whatever your heart desires. Don’t place so much value on reviews. Turin also rates Creed frags very badly, with their rose being a long favorite of mine. Turin waxes poetic about Caldey Island Lavender, which I find common if not mediocre.
Use your own nose. February 26, 2018 at 3:47pm
Anna: Absolutely, I will, if I still like it next time I try it. But when perfume experts say no it’s usually a good idea to get some other suggestions for similar perfumes so I can try some more and see what I think. February 26, 2018 at 1:44pm
Em: I too absolutely believe you should please yourself. I also think it’s valuable to hear the opinions of experts, so you can understand their reasoning (if any!) and perhaps expand your own knowledge by figuring out where you differ from them, and why.
This applies to all matters of taste–literature, food, film art.
Of course there is no discussion possible in relation to Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door. There’s just no excuse for it. February 26, 2018 at 1:59pm
Anna: Now I need to go and try Red Door! 🙂 February 28, 2018 at 2:07pm
Potimarron: Turin and Sanchez don’t like my “me” scent either (Boudoir, one star, “sickening but not without interest”). It did make me re-examine it, and while I concede that the top notes are a bit sweet and strident, I still love the dry-down (which is the reason I wear scent). I don’t agree with all the scents that T&S like, and they dislike a number that I’ve worn and loved. I’m unlikely to meet them, and nobody else complains about my perfume, so I’ll continue to please myself as far as scent goes.
I haven’t tried Eau du Soir, but if you love it then carry right on. If it’s a strong scent and you’re concerned about innocent bystanders, try it on your wrist and ask someone whose opinion you value (partner or trusted friend), but really I’d say the only person who has to love your fragrance is you. You’re closest to it, after all 😉 February 26, 2018 at 1:19pm
Malmaison: I love Boudoir! No shame. February 26, 2018 at 11:47pm
Anna: I too love Boudoir! Mr Turin apparently isn’t always right. February 28, 2018 at 2:10pm
Mj: For me Eau de Soir is very similar to JL Scherrer. I like the Scherrer better, though February 26, 2018 at 1:43pm
Anna: I haven’t tried Scherrer but will try to find a decant. Thank you! February 28, 2018 at 2:11pm
carole macleod: Anna, Have you tried Givenchy III? It’s green, like, Eau de Soir. It’s so lovely and it is similar, in my mind. but like the others have said: if eau de Soir is your scent I really think that’s the end of it:) I like lots of things Luca Turin hates. I think you should wear what you like. Temper the application, if it has huge sillage. March 1, 2018 at 9:18am
Notturno7: Anna , what are other perfumes you like? Or other notes you like in perfumes?
Do you like green, chypre perfumes?
I tried EdS and it didn’t work for me. On my skin it smelled like some spa lotion, refreshing but not memorable. February 26, 2018 at 3:21pm
Anna: I like green perfumes and chypres in general. No 19 is one of my favourite perfumes. February 28, 2018 at 2:12pm
Eva Syndram: Dear Anna! I am loving and wearing Eau du Soir from Sisley since about 25 years. In fact it is my favorite perfume. I do know Luca’s comment about it and that he recommends Givenchy III instead. My advice: follow your own noses desires. February 27, 2018 at 6:37am
Anna: I can really understand how Eau du Soir can be a signature scent, it was quite striking! I will try Givenchy III too and see what I think. Thank you! February 28, 2018 at 2:14pm
Safran: Hi Anna,
the first Paloma Picasso (mon parfum) is very similar to Eau du Soir imo.
But nevertheless, I’d also say, wear what makes you happy!
Cheers
Safran February 27, 2018 at 8:05am
sandra: HI Anna, I second Paloma Picasso as well, I own a FB and find it similar..and much cheaper to boot online. Give it a try! February 28, 2018 at 8:59am
Anna: I had that one in the 80’s and loved it then, but can’t really remember what it was like. (I was about 15.) Maybe that’s why I fell so hard for Eau de Soir now? I will have to get a sample of Mon Parfum. Thank you! February 28, 2018 at 2:15pm
Aurora: I agree with everything that’s been said, don’t pay too much attention to LT. In fact I have not read his book for this reason, I don’t want my instincts about my favorites to be altered. I read only Victoria’s reviews. February 27, 2018 at 12:38pm
Anna: Victoria’s reviews are always so helpful, I use this blog as my perfume dictionary. Sadly, Eau du Soir is not reviewed here, I would love to hear Victoria’s take on it. February 28, 2018 at 2:16pm
Notturno7: I would also say, wear what you love no matter the review.
And actually that’s what Turin guide says, too!!
I love Luca and Tania’s book. In fact, I bought both editions of The Guide and my girlfriends borrow them occasionally.
I already had a great collection, thanks to my Mom but because of The Guide, I found Black, Habit Rouge, Private Collection, Fracas and many more that I love! ❤️
It’s not easy to do what they did because with these ratings, some of us will find our favorite perfumes not rated as we’d think. 🤔 But it’s ok. If you love it, wear it for yourself!
Both Luca and Tania love chypres, too.
Luca gives 5 star reviews to some of the same chypres and woody green fragrances as Victoria.
Bandit gets a 5 star review from Luca (and V)and that’s a pretty intense chypre!
My nose has to get brave to experience Bandit yet 😉, it seemed so intense the only time I tried it!
Tania actually mentions in the book that if she had to take one perfume and stay with it, it would be vintage Jolie Madame.
I bought a vintage JM and it smells very green and ‘leathery’ to me with a lovely violet note.
I like it a lot. Victoria gave it a 5 star review for the vintage version.
Anna, you mentioned liking No 19. I love it, too. The perfume is sublime.
I second Paloma Picasso.
I found vintage Miss Dior for $40 on Ebay, blind purchase thanks to Victoria’s rave review and it’s a chypre I’m now crazy about.
31 Rue Cambon and Private Collection, both great chypres, both Turin and Victoria give it a 5 star review.
I love my vintage Cabochard, (cheap recent find on ebay, again ).
And I love this blog and all of you guys are great ❤️
Thanks for sharing, all of you!! March 1, 2018 at 7:13am
spe: Please don’t put anyone’s opinion over your own experience. There is something about Eau de Soir that speaks to you and suits you.
If you look over the guide, LT grabs many great feminine perfumes, gives them a medium or low rating, then claims they would make a wonderful perfume for the men. Anything that isn’t sweet and cloying. And TS despised green fragrances, particularly green chypres. So please, consider the context of these opinions and enjoy being “an upscale French lady.” February 28, 2018 at 9:54am
Anna: I haven’t read that many reviews in the book yet, but if Mr Turin dislikes green chypres, that would explain it. No need to seek his advice if he dislikes my favourite perfume families.
I will go back and try Eau du Soir again, thank you all for your wonderful advice and encouragement! February 28, 2018 at 2:18pm
spe: TS seemed to dislike green fragrances. LT wanted as many non-sweet, non-gourmand fragrances as possible to be reassigned to the men’s fragrance aisle. February 28, 2018 at 10:13pm
Victoria: Tania likes many green perfumes, and so does Luca. I don’t read him as wanting to “reassign” perfumes to different genders, but rather as inspiring people to experiment and try perfumes from the different families and from different sides of the fragrance aisle. Kudos, I say. March 1, 2018 at 9:11am
Ann: I second EL Private Collection.
I completely understand what you mean about reviews affecting your opinion – how couldn’t they? I’m sure if you keep reading and testing, it will be put into a more balanced perspective.
I really enjoy the Turin & Sanchez books – but of course they are completely subjective. What I like about them is that they are so ridiculously out there subjective , they don’t pretend not to be – very enjoyable reading. March 1, 2018 at 8:42am
Trudy: I’ve been sampling new fragrance for spring/summer and would love suggestions. As a rule I gravitate toward white florals (A la Nuit, Beyond Love by Killian, etc.) but I think I’m craving something with a “green” note. Not sure if that is the correct term. This past fall and winter, I’ve gone back to an old fave Her by Narcisso in the black bottle and it’s lovely but now that I sense spring coming, I want something sparkly and fresh. Last summer I bought two of Flores Mediterraneas eau de toilettes that I still like and will wear a lot….Wild Rose (beautiful and I am not a rose person but this is wonderfully fresh) and Verbena & Orange Blossom (nice but ultra, ultra light). Many years ago I wore Cabotine and I liked it’s sharpness and crispness. That’s where I’m getting the “green” reference. I tried loving Channel 5 L’eau and even bought a FB but it just doesn’t work on me. Also on a side note, my mom use to wear a perfume by Elizabeth Arden called Cabriole. I loved it and wore it myself as a teenager but can’t find mention of it anywhere so I don’t even know what the notes were. Not sure if it would live up to it’s memory but I remain curious. Does anyone remember? Is there something like it today? I love the Recommend Me posts:) February 26, 2018 at 12:27pm
Neva: Hi Trudy, I remember Cabriole. I have tried it long ago, probably more than thirty years ago, and remember the style of it because it was the type of perfume I liked too. I could not recommend anything similar but two perfumes crossed my mind when you described your sparkly and fresh scent – one is Truth by Calvin Klein and the other is Wrappings by Clinique. Both are true beauties and maybe you already know them. February 26, 2018 at 4:00pm
Trudy: Thank you for your comment. It truly was a lovely fragrance. I will look around for Wrappings and Truth. February 26, 2018 at 8:48pm
Ashley: I love Hermes Un Jardin En Mediterranee, very green, grassy, but also floral. I am also a huge fan of white florals and although this is not quite one of those, the fig and floral (not necessarily white) aspects make this a lovely spring and summer scent. February 26, 2018 at 10:03pm
Eva Syndram: Dear Trudy, wonderfully green, but each of them it’s own cup of tea: Sisley, Eau de Campagne; Heeley, L’Amandière; Chanel Cristalle; Ulrich Lang New York, Apsu; Kilian Asian Tales Bamboo Harmony; Calyx, Calyx; Balmain, Vent Vert; Lorenzo Villoresi, Yerbamate; Bulgari, Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert; and I’m sure there will be a wonderfull green one in Les Éditions de Parfumes Frédéric Malle. Enjoy… February 27, 2018 at 6:51am
Michael: My guess is that the “green one” from Frederic Malle would be Une Rose? February 28, 2018 at 9:38am
spe: I second Calyx.
The first blast is strong, but it dries down softer. February 28, 2018 at 10:00am
Theresa: I don’t know Cabriole, but have you tried Chamade? it is a lovely scent for spring – or indeed, any time of year! it always makes me smile! February 27, 2018 at 2:41pm
Mia: Papillon Dryad, Dusita Le Sillage Blanc – which are quite identical, Dryad being more affordable and great. Very green but with a hint of florals. March 1, 2018 at 2:47pm
Marian: I have been retired for 10 years now and cannot afford expensive perfume any more !!!!
I have been buying small roller ball perfume oils instead. Has anyone else bought these oils. ? February 26, 2018 at 12:36pm
Aurora: Hello Marian: I use some oil roller balls too, from Al Aramain a good quality company from Dubai widely available online and not expensive at all? Do you know it? I have for eg their chocomusk, a gourmand chocolate and vanilla, very popular but they have plenty of other oils, Al Rehab is another co. I can recommend, both often come up with dupes of other perfumes, in oil (attar). Also keep an eye on eBay, some offerings are not expensive, I was answering Trudy above about Cabriole which I bought for a few pounds, other vintage perfumes that smell like new is Worth Je Reviens, I feel very elegant when I wear it and it is so affordable as is Gres Cabochard and also Chanel No 5 is so plentiful here in the UK that it’s not expensive. Start with the fragrances you know and love. Try your luck when you see an affordable bottle, what I do is decide a low budget in advance that way I bid only once and if it turns out a vintage fragrance is less than perfect you’re not too disappointed, only on two occasions I got bottles that were turned and was able to return one of them, sorry for this long comment, I hope you will end up having a collection of loved scents. February 26, 2018 at 3:07pm
Marian: Hi aurora
I buy my oils from Perfume Parlour. Very reasonable prices. Quick delivery. Huge selection. I have built up a very nice collection of perfumes I couldn’t possibly afford. February 26, 2018 at 3:20pm
Aurora: Thank you Marian! Perfume Parlour is new to me, off to look them up. February 26, 2018 at 3:44pm
Marian: Hi aurora
Hope you find something you like at PP.
I enter the name of the company first in the search box e.g. Guerlain. This will show all the perfumes PP make. Sometimes it’s easier to put in a specific perfume. In fact earlier today I was looking for Si. I couldn’t remember who did it. It was actually OOS, but you can go on the waiting list and they send you an E Mail when it’s back IS. Of course you have to register on their website to order.
Hope this helps/good reviews as well. February 26, 2018 at 3:57pm
Aurora: Thank you so much for your advice. Yes, I was reading reviews just now and indeed they are good. Some perfumes are definitely too crazy expensive, so I’m very grateful for your discovery. February 26, 2018 at 4:10pm
Marian: I’ve been buying the 3ml oils for a couple of years. I’ve got lots of them. Also lots in my wish list and lots in OOS list. They are so cheap I can’t resist !!! Have you found any you may consider buying ? February 26, 2018 at 4:36pm
Aurora: Hi Marian: Indeed, I spent some time looking at PP yesterday evening. I searched Tom Ford Sahara Noir because I like it but find too potent sometimes, and PP makes a version of it. I will certainly order it. I will let you know my impressions when I get it :). Hope you will soon get the Si version you wanted. February 27, 2018 at 1:57pm
Marian: Hi Aurora. I had to smile to myself at ” I spent some time looking at PP”. I can easily get carried away with lists of perfumes/ makers to see if PP do them. I had abit of a splurge and bought some Tom Ford and Guerllain. I’ve got Sahara Noir. I also look at expensive perfume makers e.g. Clive Christian…Bond No9……Sospiro, just to name but a few!!!! I’ve got pages of PP perfumes in my wish list to buy soon. Have you bought anything else? Did you buy the oil? Let me know if you like your purchases. February 27, 2018 at 3:37pm
Tara C: Oilperfumery makes some nice dup oils as well. March 2, 2018 at 1:08am
Marian: Hi Tara C
Thank you for the suggestion of OIlperfumery. I looked at their website, they are based in Canada and I’m in the UK. They seem to do a very good range.
Marian March 2, 2018 at 1:55am
tomatefarcie: maybe Chanel 19, Balmain Vent Vert, Vero Profumo Mito, Guerlain Chamade, Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau, Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman, Parfumerie General Papyrus de Ciane, Monsillage Eau de Celeri, Parfums DelRae Wit, Annick Goutal Eau de Camille. These are all over the place but hopefully some research fun! February 26, 2018 at 12:55pm
Trudy: Thank you for all the great suggestions! February 26, 2018 at 8:43pm
Aurora: Hello Trudy: I have a bottle of Elizabeth Arden Cabriole, got it for a song on eBay here in the UK, my bottle still smells very fresh, in my head I call it the original fruity floral, it is lighthearted like its name (somersault), with a lovely drydown, it’s listed on Fragrantica, look it up. It’s perfect for summer and I hope you can get a bottle too. Your mother has very good taste imo :). Also for a green fragrance I can recommend Silences by Jacomo, it is the greenest scent I own. February 26, 2018 at 1:57pm
Trudy: Thank you for the info on Cabriole. I did go to Fragrantica and read about the notes, etc. I will check out ebay. So glad someone remembers and likes it as much as I remember liking it. February 26, 2018 at 8:45pm
Severine: Hey people, I am mourning the demise of Jo Malone Saffron Intense (which wasn’t intense, but still a soliflore saffron.) Any ideas how I could replace it? February 26, 2018 at 3:52pm
OnWingsofSaffron: I still have to find a soliflor saffron! Never come across one. You might have to go for an attar. Safran troublant by L‘artisan parfumeur is pretty but nothing really mighty saffron! February 27, 2018 at 11:31am
Severine: Dear Victoria,
I am curious to learn the subliminal olfactory connection between Proust and No.22, or between Proust’s Recherché and any other scent.
Severine. February 26, 2018 at 4:01pm
Emilie: Hello everyone,
I am looking for a perfume that smells like Easter lilies. Amaryllis belladonna is their botanical name and they are native to South Africa but they bloom everywhere in the Australian hills in the weeks around Easter. Not only are they the most cheerful shade of pink but they smell heavenly! Very different to other lilies, bolder, almost narcotic yet more sunny than seductive. I think they would be the perfect thing to wear for all the picnics and barbecues that round up the summer season over the Easter weekend here.
I would be very grateful if someone could help me find a perfume like this or if you have not smelled an Easter lily before I recommend you go find one. They are singular!
If I’m not able to find one I suppose I will just have to tuck a flower behind my ear or into a bun… they do make the most striking hair flowers anyway! February 26, 2018 at 4:37pm
Maria: Hi Emilie,
I’m sorry I can’t help you with your research on a perfum based on Easter lillies, but I find gorgeous your idea of puting a perfumed flower behind the ears or in a bun for picnics!! I certainly will do that this summer :-). February 26, 2018 at 8:16pm
Emilie: 🙂 Doing this always gives me a lift! Perhaps if we wear very scented flowers we won’t even need to wear perfumes on these occasions. February 26, 2018 at 8:40pm
Joy Erickson: I have been watching Victoria on PBS. I wonder if Victoria and her ladies in waiting would have worn fragrance. If so, what would it have been, lavender or rose oils? Or did they have real perfumes? I know the powders and rouges of the time were laced with lead. It was the Victorian Age and very conservative especially for women. February 26, 2018 at 5:03pm
Bela: Sounds like you’re thinking of Queen Elizabeth I. Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901. The British perfume house Floris was established in 1730. Guerlain in 1828, etc… Wealthy women wore real perfumes in those days. And lead was used in cosmetics during the reign of Elizabeth, when alabaster skin was highly prized, and later in the 18th century, but not in the 19th. February 26, 2018 at 6:22pm
Joy Erickson: Thank you for the clarification on the use of lead. I would love to have smelled some of those fragrances from that time. February 26, 2018 at 8:37pm
Severine: Victoria didn’t like loud perfume. It became associated with prostitutes. Oil based perfumes were used. Cologne was fragrance of choice. Penhaligon’s, Grossmith and Houbigant were the perfume houses.
Interesting topic to research. February 27, 2018 at 10:16am
Bela: They were three of the perfume houses, not ‘the’ perfume houses. There were others. Creed, for instance, and, in one of his letters from prison, in 1895, Oscar Wilde asked a friend to send him a bottle of his favourite Floris cologne. February 27, 2018 at 10:50am
Kayliz: Grossmith‘s Hasu-no-Hana and Phul-Nana are originally Victorian fragrances. Here‘s a bit of the history in an interview with the current owner:
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/news-features/TMG10054361/Grossmith-scent-by-descent.html
The story about the formula books rings true to me. Of course no one has an unspoilt version of the 1891 original, but I do know that the current version of Phul-Nana accurately reproduces the scent as it was in the late 1960s / early 1970s, several decades before Grossmith was revived. (Phul-Nana lived on then in the form of “cachous”, dainty little breath-freshener sweets. Much beloved of my grandmother, who was born in 1900:)) March 1, 2018 at 4:07am
Earl Gray: Hey everybody,
I’m after what I’m imagining as a ‘snuggly lavender’ – something cozy with musks/incense/suede/amber or the like, but built around a lavender note. Does this exist? I’m sure it’s out there somewhere, but I haven’t really come across a lavender that isn’t in the ‘fresh’ style. I’d like one that’s been well worn in. February 26, 2018 at 7:41pm
Maria: Hi Earl Gray! Have you tried Lavande et encens or Gris Clair, from Serge Lutens? Both of them features Lavender, incense and musk. For me, incense is more present on Lavande et encens. Gris clair is heavier on musk. February 26, 2018 at 7:46pm
Earl Gray: Maria, I haven’t tried those two but I’ve really enjoyed everything I’d tried from the Serge Lutens line so far. I *had* noticed Lavender et Encens and have been coveting from afar (as it’s one of the Palais Royal bell jar ones) but didn’t realise Gris Clair was lavender-y – that’s much more affordable and very intriguing….thanks! February 26, 2018 at 7:52pm
Emilie: Earl Gray I find Burberry Brit Rhythm for Her (gosh that name is a mouthful…) kind of snuggly. It IS also a bit ‘laundry fresh’ to me which not everyone likes, but in a warm way with plenty of vanilla. I find lavender and vanilla a very cosy pairing in general and find myself wearing this one quite a bit through Autumn and Winter. A testament to its place as a comfort scent.
Unfortunately I think it’s discontinued but on the positive side you can find it online for a bargain! February 26, 2018 at 8:49pm
Earl Gray: Ooh…I sometimes struggle with vanilla but now you mention it, I can imagine vanilla and lavender having a potential ying & yang type relationship.
Looking at the reviews, fresh laundry got mentioned alot with regard to Gris Clair too. That would normally be off-putting to me, except some were specifically describing it as that moment when you take still-warm clothes out the dryer…which is actually heavenly. Especially in this cold weather!
Thanks for the suggestion Emilie, and I do love a bargain 🙂 February 26, 2018 at 9:00pm
Emilie: You are most welcome 🙂
Yes it is exactly like you say, that elusive scent of warm, freshly washed linens! Perhaps lavender and vanilla together do create this effect? They do seem to balance each other well in any case.
Good luck with your search! February 26, 2018 at 9:25pm
Lillibet: Bogue MEM – layers of aromatic lavender, pioe tobacco, tea and spices. February 27, 2018 at 4:16am
Lillibet: *pipe tobacco February 27, 2018 at 4:17am
Earl Gray: That sounds completely wonderful, thanks Lillibet. I’d been avoiding that brand due to the price, but have only heard very good things. My quest could weaken me to at least trying a sample! February 27, 2018 at 7:46am
Lillibet: It’s a favorite of mine but definitely sample first. February 27, 2018 at 2:58pm
Safran: I second Gris Clair and in addition I’d like to mention one of the fairly new L’Artisan Parfumeur scents, Bucoliques de Provence.
Good luck! February 27, 2018 at 8:28am
Earl Gray: Thanks Safran, with a name like ‘Bucoliques de Provence’ that release hadn’t really piqued my interest, but lavender with iris and leather underpinnings? Mm, yes, sounds good! February 27, 2018 at 8:38am
Severine: Burberry Brit Rhythm for her February 27, 2018 at 10:00am
Earl Gray: Another vote! February 27, 2018 at 11:02am
OnWingsofSaffron: Caron‘s „Pour un homme“, best in vintage edition. Can‘t think of any more snuggly lavender-based, vanilic-caramel scent. Completely unisex as far as I‘m concerned. February 27, 2018 at 11:36am
Aurora: So sorry not to have noticed your comment, we both feel the same about PUH. February 27, 2018 at 2:52pm
Aurora: Also, Earl Gray have you tried Caron Pour un Homme? It’s a vanilla lavender that women can easily wear. February 27, 2018 at 12:45pm
Earl Gray: Not yet, but I certainly will be based on the recommendations from you guys! February 27, 2018 at 4:26pm
Eudora: Earl Gray I agree about Pour un Homme, I love it in me, my husband and daugther. March 1, 2018 at 8:07am
Andrea: I tried Bucoliques de Provence from L’Artisan Parfumeur today. Iris, Lavender, Leather. I don’t know if it’s snuggly, but it’s not as fresh as I thought, a lavender scent would be. It’s beautiful. February 27, 2018 at 3:24pm
Earl Gray: Sounds well worth a try, snuggly or not. Thanks Andrea. February 27, 2018 at 4:45pm
Jennifer: Have you tried Serge Lutens Fourreau Noir? It is lavender with tonka, almond, musk and smokey accords. I find it comforting in all seasons. February 27, 2018 at 6:04pm
Earl Gray: That’s going on the list of bell jars to covet, thank you Jennifer! That sound sounds really good, just the kind of thing I’m looking for. February 28, 2018 at 10:29am
Jennifer: If you sample, report back and let us know your likings! The Serge Lutens website does sell 2x30ml “refills” of Forreau Noir for $190 US as an alternative to the bell jar! February 28, 2018 at 11:24am
Earl Gray: Thank to you guys, I’ve got a proper themed sample pack in the works, with a Word document and everything, haha. As and when I get them, I must report back here, you’re right x February 28, 2018 at 2:43pm
spe: Perhaps the new Mon Guerlain? February 28, 2018 at 10:06am
Earl Gray: Oh yeah! That’s getting a spritz next time I’m in a department store. There’s alot more lavender out there than I realised, and in recent mainstream releases too. Maybe it’s having ‘a moment’. February 28, 2018 at 10:35am
Figuier: Hi Earl Gray,
have you tried Vero Profumo’s Kiki? I only know the original extrait version, but in that formulation it’s a delicious fusion of caramel and lavender, very unusual and totally ‘snuggly’, if rather intense. February 28, 2018 at 1:13pm
Earl Gray: Oh my, I bet Vero makes a good job of that. I love the ones I’ve tried: Onda and Rozy. Although Onda is just too much like a proper woman for me (I’m not a proper woman!?). Thank you, I’ll make this one a priority to try next from her line. February 28, 2018 at 2:40pm
John: I’d feel remiss if I didn’t throw out Caron Pour un Homme here too… It seems simple (lavender, vanilla, musk, amber), but the balance is kind of magic. I couldn’t love Gris Clair as the drydown felt too custard-like for my tastes. March 1, 2018 at 12:02am
Kayliz: If you’re in Europe, the ridiculously named Bonus Odor Eau de Cologne is a warm, gently spiced patchouli lavender that‘s cheap enough for a blind buy. It‘s made by monks in an abbey in the Bavarian Alps. Online shop is in German — if I can help, give me a shout.
https://ettaler.de/artikel/bonus-odor-eau-de-cologne/
(Ignore the outdated notes list given here.) March 1, 2018 at 4:19am
Austenfan: Thanks for this link, I´m always up for a cheap thrill and even more so if that involves lavender! March 4, 2018 at 8:52am
Mia: Hi Earl Grey! Maybe Vero Profumo’s Kiki would fill the bill. Lavender really is the hero in it. Good luck with the search! March 1, 2018 at 2:50pm
Gisele: Please tell me, perfume, oil, boby, sexy, seductive, powder, very feminine, magical. February 26, 2018 at 9:50pm
Gabriela: Samsara vintage parfum maybe? February 27, 2018 at 3:46am
Lillibet: Etat Libre d’Orange “Putains et Palaces”? February 27, 2018 at 4:29am
Aurora: Hello Gisele: For an oil maybe Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, it has a very lovely scent of white flowers and it’s v. good for the skin, I highly recommend it. Lillibet has already listed Etat Libre d’Orange, I think the exact name is Putain des Palaces, other powdery perfumes are Chanel Misia (rose and violet), F. Malle Dans Tes Bras, Jean-Charles Brosseau Ombre Rose (a classic powdery scent v. good), Chanel No 19 Poudre (powdery iris), Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue, Guerlain l’Heure Bleue, Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige (iris). February 27, 2018 at 8:04am
Severine: Byredo Reine de Roses, dark romance. February 27, 2018 at 10:01am
Andrea: Hello everyone, which No 5 body product is your favorite? I LOVE the creamy part in the heart of the perfume, but I’m not too fond of the aldehydes. I would like to avoid them as far as possible. What is your opinion? February 27, 2018 at 7:17am
Nora Szekely: Hi Andrea,
I love the body oil , I think it is rather capturing the drydown than the top notes. February 27, 2018 at 8:31am
Andrea: Thanks for your answer, Nora. I’m getting nearer to decision! February 27, 2018 at 10:09am
Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and perfume lovers,
I recently discovered that scents like La chasse aux papillons and Narciso Rodriguez EDT for her work on me best during the few weeks when the cold season turns warmer (early spring in Middle Europe).
Do you have any perfumes that you also like most during this time of the year or once the weather gets colder? (Jennifer Lopez Glow is my favourite early autumn scent for those long ,cool afternoons with dim light and crimson sunset. ) February 27, 2018 at 8:39am
Aurora: Hello Nora: sometimes I crave flowers at this time of year: last weekend I reached for Trussardi My Scent, a delicate lilac, and mimosa really hits the spot too, my favorite is l’Occitane Fleur d’Or Acacia, a honeyed mimosa, very natural smelling. Also, I enjoyed Victoria’s post on iris perfumes for winter. My favorite ‘warm’ iris is AdP Iris Nobile, it’s not rooty iris, it’s floral iris, it smells especially good in cold weather. February 27, 2018 at 12:55pm
Marie: Hi Nora, I know exctly what you mean and would recommend Iris Poudre and Eau de Shalimar. Both a bit hazy but “clear” scents that go well with cold spring air. Also, L’Eau d’Hiver could be worth a try? February 27, 2018 at 2:09pm
Earl Gray: La Chasse aux Papillons is so perfect for early spring isn’t it. It gets alot of wear from me then too. The only other two scents that float my boat that way are discontinued: Calypso St Barth Mimosa and Tauer Zeta. So I would recommend those if you catch sight of them, but otherwise look out for linden blossom and mimosa notes. That’s what I’m doing. And keeping my eyes on this thread! February 28, 2018 at 11:24am
Severine: What is the sexiest men’s fragrance you know? Like with the soundtrack “it’s raining men” in the backdrop. February 27, 2018 at 10:04am
Aurora: Hi Severine: I am being entirely subjective here as ‘sexy’ means so many things but I would say Guerlain Habit Rouge. February 27, 2018 at 2:57pm
Lori: I’ m hoping someone can help me find a perfume that is similar to Lily Pulitzer’s Island Beach. I have only a small amount left which I am coveting. The beautiful blue bottle belonged to my mother and it reminds me of childhood vacations at the Jersey shore. The few times I did wear it I received so many complements. I would love to find something that would evoke my wonderfyl memories. February 27, 2018 at 10:22am
Ashley: Hi, I’m not familiar with this perfume but I do have a recommendation for a beachy, sunny, sea-salty perfume and that is Phaedon – Sable & Soleil. February 27, 2018 at 1:01pm
Laura Bynum: Love this idea, and thank you for it! I am in absolute love with almost everything Hiram Green makes, especially Dilettante and, my favorite, Moon Bloom. I also love Carnal Flower by Malle, and have recently been enjoying Naomi Goodsir’s Or Du Serail. Would love to find other parfums that light me up as well. I’m turning 5-0 tomorrow and would love to start the second half of my life with a few new scents to walk with me. Thank you, Laura February 27, 2018 at 1:03pm
Marie: I am not a massive Hiram Green fan but the style of his fragrances always reminded me of Vero Profumo’s creations. Ruby (either the original EdP or the Voile d’Extrait) could make a good birthday present. Or what about the stunning orange blossom scent that is Serge Lutens Fleur d’Orangers?
No matter which fragrance you will choose: have a wonderful birthday and enjoy the upcoming years! February 27, 2018 at 2:16pm
Laura Bynum: Thank you, Marie! Much appreciated. February 27, 2018 at 2:49pm
Mia: Seconding heavily. I love Vero Profumo’s, Mito voile being my most loved perfume. Good luck and happy birthday! March 1, 2018 at 2:56pm
OnWingsofSaffron: What about “Songes” by Annick Goutal. If that isn’t a treat …! February 27, 2018 at 3:18pm
Gabriela: I would go for vintage fragrances, 50 deserves it, right? Happy Birthday!!! February 28, 2018 at 3:41am
Figuier: I second Songes and Rubj – both lovely (you could try the extrait of Rubj as well). I recently purchased samples of two Dusita perfumes – Sillage Blanc and Melodie d’Amour. They’re both ravishing, but latter in particular might be to your taste. It’s a gorgeous tuberose-leaning white floral in a photorealistic style that reminds me of Annick Goutal’s Tubereuse (another great choice). February 28, 2018 at 4:02am
Figuier: Another thought – as a special treat, Fracas in parfum is really beautiful, and the stoppered black bottle is v elegant. It’s more subdued (less ‘pink’?) and has a stronger chamomile note than the edt and edp versions. February 28, 2018 at 4:04am
Laura Bynum: Thanks OnWingsofSaffron! I have yet to try any of Annick Goutal so this will be my first! February 27, 2018 at 3:35pm
Citrine: Hello everyone, I am in absolute awe of how thoughtful and articulate you all are about fragrances! I wish that I had the ability to discern the differences and the vocabulary to describe them but at this point, due to illness, I no longer have the capacity and need to rely on others’ advice. I have been reading Victoria’s site long enough to have confidence that this is the right place to ask for recommendations! 🙂 I am looking for something similar to Place Vendome by Boucheron (now discontinued). I am honestly not sure what it was I liked about it other than that the salesperson said she thought it was “my year for Paris” (I suspect now that my sense of smell was already beginning to fail although I did not realize it at the time) but it became my signature for better or worse and I want to find something else that will evoke that sense of recognition in others, even if I can’t really smell it accurately myself. I hope that makes sense… Anyway, if anyone has any thoughts, I’d appreciate your suggestions for something similar. With many thanks — C.
p.s. I know the “original” is still available in various online sources but I don’t entirely trust it at this point. February 27, 2018 at 8:19pm
Leslie: Hi Citrine! It makes me think of Chopard Brilliant Wish. My friend wears both. February 28, 2018 at 7:16am
spe: On fragrantica, Illicit by Jimmy Choo, is listed as a smell-alike. February 28, 2018 at 10:18am
Aurora: Hi Citrine: Have you tried Chanel Beige. It has honeyed white flowers. February 28, 2018 at 1:57pm
Citrine: Thanks so much for the suggestions! I’ll give them each a try and report back! Much appreciated — February 28, 2018 at 4:32pm
Mia: Hi Citrine! I am late in the game, as usual, and do not know Place Vendome well. I have also seen it been compared with YSL Manifesto.
Hope you’ll find the right scent, as scents are crucial for our entire being. March 1, 2018 at 3:05pm
Mia: Hi there everybody,
I love Portrait of a Lady by Malle. However my budget is rather tight at the moment. I am looking for something very similar but more affordable. For me the rose is rather dominant, but I appreciate it’s earthiness and spiciness. February 28, 2018 at 4:23am
Danaki: Have you tried Agent Provocateur edp? The pink one in the egg-shaped bottle. February 28, 2018 at 5:23am
Mia: Not yet. But it’s very affoardable, so I might buy unsniffed (I know risky, but I live in the middle of nowhere in Germany). I looked at the description and it mentioned jasmine and vetiver. I am not super into any of those. How prominent are they?
Thanks for the recommendation! February 28, 2018 at 6:02pm
Danaki: Hmm…good question. The jasmine is not prominent at all, its more abstract lightness and for me the edp is always a rose scent. Now, the vetiver, I’m not sure. I’ll have to sniff again this weekend and let you know 🙂 March 1, 2018 at 6:03am
Earl Gray: Not spicy, and missing abit of ‘heft’ but the rose in L’Artisan Voleur de Roses is somewhat similar and can be picked up for a song on eBay.
Not dramatically cheaper, and maybe a little darker, but Frapin Nevermore is a good spicy rose.
The two combined might make a decent approximation of PoaL, but by then you would have spent PoaL level $$$! Both have alot to love in their own right though. February 28, 2018 at 11:33am
Mia: Hi,
Thanks for the recommendations. German ebay seems to be not so forthcoming but I’ll try hunting for the L’Artisan. The Frapin is 130 Euro, I’ll see if I can get my hands on a sample first. February 28, 2018 at 6:04pm
Aurora: I use Molton Brown Rosa Absolute as a substute. It is very affordable, lighter on the patchouli than POAL, not as potent but still very good. February 28, 2018 at 1:32pm
Mia: Hi, thanks for the recommendation! I’ll try this, it’s easy to get and I get to use one of my bonus card. Though looking at the notes of the Molton Brown one it seems much more floral and less spicy (no frankincense, sandalwood or musk)? Would you say that that is true? February 28, 2018 at 5:53pm
Aurora: That’s right no sandalwood and frankincense, to my nose it is predominantly a rose patchouli but it has some spice with the pink pepper. It lasts very well on my skin. Hope this helps you a little bit, March 1, 2018 at 3:11am
CristinaM: Subject: Neroli and/or Orange Blossom.
I am in search of the “perfect” scent: not too sweet, not too fleeting, not overloaded with cumin…any suggestions?
I am considering Annick Goutal Neroli, the cologne, but it’s a tad too green.
Petit Matin and Apom (Maison F.K.) are nice but they disappear on me in a matter of minutes.
Fleur d’Oranger SL has the cumin note that my skin amplifies to the point that it’s all I smess.
Histoire d’Oranger, Artisan, is fleeting.. and I do not trust ebay for used AG Neroli (old bottle).
Thanks in advance for all suggestions..I have been driving a couple of SA crazy!
There is a store in Milan where they display frangrances group by notes, not houses, but even there no luck! February 28, 2018 at 5:27am
Lillibet: Gentlewoman by Juliette has a Gun is Neroli & almond cologne-style frag that lasts. I think Victoria did a review on it here somewhere. That would be worth sampling. February 28, 2018 at 5:49am
Lillibet: No I can’t find it. I must have confused which site did the review but nonetheless I wear it frequently and I think it might well be what you are looking for. February 28, 2018 at 5:54am
CristinaM: Thanks! I have never really checked that line, now I’ll try! February 28, 2018 at 9:14am
Kayliz: Perdizione by Nobile 1942 is longer lasting. Whether it‘s too sweet or not, I couldn‘t say (I find all orange blossom scents sweet except the very fruity ones). Good luck with the hunt! February 28, 2018 at 9:04am
CristinaM: Thanks Kayliz, I will try that next time I am out sampling! February 28, 2018 at 9:15am
Michael: How about Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom Cologne? February 28, 2018 at 9:41am
CristinaM: Thanks Michael, it’s lovely but like all Jo Malones it lasts like seconds on me… February 28, 2018 at 10:20am
Michael: There is always the option of layering the same fragrance using their body creme before applying the cologne, but this would necessitate another expenditure …
I like some of the older Jo Malone fragrances but their longevity made me give up and move on to other brands. March 2, 2018 at 10:20am
spe: The Houbigant (Fleur d’ Oranger?) is the SL without the cumin. Perhaps try the parfum. February 28, 2018 at 10:14am
CristinaM: Thanks spe, will try that.. I saw Houbigant will be exhibiting next month at Exsence in Milan, will check it out! February 28, 2018 at 10:21am
limegreen: I don’t consider myself a neroli fan but I have tested a lot, now that I think of it! It’s so uplifting a scent.
Houbigant Fleurs d’Oranger may be too sweet for your taste but it strikes me as Lutens without cumin.
Atelier Grand Neroli is supposed to have a higher perfume concentration.
I really enjoy Hermes Neroli Dore but this may have been one of those fleeting ones for you. It lasts longer on me than other Ellena creations but that’s not saying much! It has saffron and not cumin and I think it gives Neroli Dore depth without spice.
Diptyque Eau des Sens and Hiram Green Dilettante are the whole orange tree neroli but if you found Goutal cologne too green…..
Diptyque L’eau Neroli is worth a test, I find it stronger than cologne strength but my bottle is not recent so I don’t know if it’s changed. Same goes for Nicolai’s Cologne Sologne.
Good luck!
P.S. it’s not the same but Le Labo Fleurs d’Oranger 27 in lotion form stays with me, can’t vouch for the perfume. And Bond Little Italy is really potent with clementines and cilantro but that may be too off track. February 28, 2018 at 10:23am
CristinaM: wow thanks! a gold mine of references! will try Le Labo, HIram Green sounds interesting but it’s impossible to find here.. February 28, 2018 at 11:39am
Aurora: Also, Au Pays de la Fleur d’Oranger Neroli Blanc is a favorite of mine: no cumin just lovely orange blossom and neroli. February 28, 2018 at 1:24pm
Aurora: Oh forgot to say I found Neroli Blanc EDP intense too sweet the ones I loved are the EDC and the Neroli Blanc EDP. February 28, 2018 at 2:43pm
Katya: Love Story (edp, not edt) by Chloe was one of my favourite nerolis, and it should be fairly easy to track down. (I once told a friend of mine we all have a brand that can do no wrong and Chloe has been that for me. I seem to love most of their offerings.) March 1, 2018 at 3:21pm
Eudora: Hello, sometimes I’ve read in the blog about Yves Rocher perfumes. Victoria recommended a Iris one once if I am not wrong. Thinking about buying online for my curious daughter…for the two of us to tell the truth if you think they are good. What do you think about those perfumes? Also, as some of them they abstract names, which ones would you recommend? Thanks! February 28, 2018 at 7:11am
Figuier: Do you mean the ‘secrets d’essences’ line? They’re lovely, although several of the nicest have been discontinued I think. Not sure if the Iris one is still available, but the ‘Tendre Jasmin’, ‘Neroli’, ‘Voile d’Ambre’ and ‘Vanille Noire’ are all excellent value – perhaps a little conventional, but very well executed. Your choice might depend on your daughter’s preferences? The vanilla and amber are perhaps a little ‘younger’. The Rose Oud looks good but I haven’t tried it… February 28, 2018 at 7:23am
Eudora: Thanks for the recommendations. Never had the chance to try any YR products. There is a cheaper line called Un matin au jardin, eau de toilettes like green tea, cherry blossom, lily of the valley…that caught my atention first. February 28, 2018 at 3:25pm
Figuier: Of course – I remember smelling the lilac in a shop after reading about it on Grain de Musc’s blog, and vaguely remember liking it, although lilac wouldn’t be something I’d usually enjoy as a perfume. They are amazing value, aren’t they? February 28, 2018 at 5:58pm
Monica: I recommend Rose Oud. I have finished 2 bottles already and it is very pretty. February 28, 2018 at 1:50pm
Eudora: Thanks Monica for the recommendation but I cannot find it in the web. Maybe it’s been discontinued… February 28, 2018 at 3:27pm
Aurora: Oh yes, Victoria noted that they really invest in their scents and in France we say that their sources are very good, they also have their own fields. I would pick Voile d’Ambre as my favorite, I couldn’t be without it, and the neroli already mentioned has a lot of orange flower water in it, at least in my older bottle, I have not compared with the new Secret d’Essences Neroli. February 28, 2018 at 2:29pm
Eudora: Thanks Aurora! Would you recommend other YR products? There is a lot of body and hair products with delicious names and they are very affordable. February 28, 2018 at 3:36pm
Aurora: Yes, the shower gels are very good, never tried the shampoos. And I love their arnica handcream, it performs much better than some expensive brands. March 1, 2018 at 3:15am
Kayliz: Oh, arnica handcream? I must check that out, thanks for the tip! March 1, 2018 at 4:25am
Aurora: Most welcome, Kayliz, it has been around forever and contrary to their scents YR has fortunately kept it available, I think because it is so well loved in France. March 1, 2018 at 3:13pm
Eudora: Thanks Aurora, I will order gels and hand cream!
Also, the origins of my question: maybe a couple of weeks ago Victoria recommended in her Instagram an Iris perfume from YVes Rocher…but I cannot find it in the web… Help! March 1, 2018 at 7:56am
Aurora: Hello Eudora: If it was Secrets d’Essences Iris Noir I’m afraid it’s been discontinued, so it wouldn’t be on their website anymore. Your best bet would be to keep an out on eBay. March 1, 2018 at 3:08pm
Katya: Many, many years ago, I fell in love with Yves Rocher’s Ming Shu (Fleur d’Aube) but, being in middle school, I could not get it. My mother eventually got me a teeny tiny tube of the stuff for Christmas and it was my favourite thing, possibly ever.
Of course that is now discontinued but it left me with many good memories of the house.
I was also recommended Rose Oud as an alternative to Rose Nacree du Desert by Guerlain (exclusive and eye-wateringly expensive perfume which I still occasionally lust after) and while I wouldn’t say the Yves Rocher is 100% the same, it does smell very nice. Now I’m eyeing up their Cuir Vetiver as something I want to try, and from their current website lineup, I wouldn’t mind trying out their Neroli, although I smelled neither. Having had experience with their bodycare, skincare and makeup, (and facials – I had one when I lived in Toulouse) I’d say they’re a solid brand. Their UK site seems to offer tons of samples with purchase, too, so if you’re not sure, you can get some shower gels to start with (some of them they do with their perfume scents) and get samples to see what you think. March 2, 2018 at 1:19pm
Kirstyn: Hello lovely perfumeheads. I am looking for a scent that has cardamom in it. I am not completely sold on the Joe Malone one. February 28, 2018 at 11:02am
Danaki: I like Hermes Hermessence Epice Marine, it has a prominent cardamom note in it. February 28, 2018 at 12:21pm
Aurora: Like you, I really love cardamom in perfume and another Hermes, Voyage is really worth a try if you haven”t already. February 28, 2018 at 2:24pm
Aromaology: Have you tried Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche – it’s stunning. Read Victoria’s review. March 1, 2018 at 2:10pm
Mia: Might be “too much”, but Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant has loads of cardamom and is extremely beautiful, also affordable and a little goes long way. Good luck! March 1, 2018 at 3:09pm
Katya: Yesterday, I tried Diptyque’s Geranium Odorata which was pleasantly surprising. It literally made me think of my mother’s geranium garden. I read the reviews on fragrantica and apparently, it’s a fragrance that has some cardamom in it. I’m not sure how much cardamom you want, but it gives the fragrance a delightful kick. I can still smell traces of it on my jumper. March 1, 2018 at 3:26pm
Lillibet: Hermès Voyage might be worth a try. March 1, 2018 at 5:06pm
Morelle: Amouage Opus I has lots of cardamom. March 1, 2018 at 5:45pm
Neva: Trayee by Neela Vermeire is a beautiful spicy perfume with cardamom. March 2, 2018 at 4:56am
morejasmineplease: Amouage Memoir Woman is heavy cardamom to me. In a very different incarnation, I also get cardamom in By Kilian In the City of Sin and in DelRae Amoureuse. I like this note too as it really grabs my attention. March 2, 2018 at 2:20pm
Amy M.: Hi Kirstyn, I second the recommendations for Neela Vermeire’s Trayee as well as Lumiere Blanche by Olfactive Studio. Those 2 are my “go-to” Cardamom scents. 2 others are Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’ Cardamom and Kyphi and the original Bvlgari Omnia, which I think is discontinued but can still be found on discount outlets. March 2, 2018 at 11:42pm
Skeptika: Thanks to Victoria, I now know that I swoon over orange and white florals. Any new ideas out there? I love Tom Ford’s Fleur de Chine and his Mandarino; Van Cleef California Reverie, and amazingly, Chanel Gabrielle (only when it’s raining). Not a big vanilla fan. I also respond to classic French aldehydes in a white floral. February 28, 2018 at 4:44pm
Katya: Have you tried Diptyque’s Olene? It was recommended to me on another one of these threads when I asked for jasmine recommendations and I agree, it’s a delightful white floral. Do Son (same house) is also a great white floral tuberose (I loved it, then my mother loved it, then my mother’s friend loved it too.) (By this time, I recommend this house so much, I probably sound like a salesperson.) March 1, 2018 at 3:30pm
Skeptika: Thank you, Katya. I will look into these. March 1, 2018 at 5:08pm
Melissa Rosen: Olene is gorgeous &….Nicole Kidman wears it, as an aside. March 2, 2018 at 10:40am
Katya: Just hunted down my sample and sprayed some on. Definitely a heady, pungent jasmine. Classic. It reminds me of something from my childhood, although I don’t think any women from my family wore these perfumes.
Lush has a jasmine scent called “Lust” which is pretty potent, too, now that I recall, but I think it’s too sweet for my taste, almost sickly. (Unfortunately, the same is true for most of Lush perfumes as far as I go. Great at first but you start to hate them the longer you wear them.) The Diptyque is more straightforward to my nose, but it’s more balanced, like… it knows how potent it could be, but rather than go on full blast, it shows more restraint. Don’t know if that made sense. March 2, 2018 at 1:11pm
Melissa Rosen: I have Lust…it’s too animalic for me. I agree with your assessment. March 2, 2018 at 1:35pm
Katya: Animalic is a word for it, although I associate that more with the classic Chanel No 5. (And to a lesser degree, the Eau Premiere). Lust for some reason smells too sweet. Like they wanted to make it sexy but kept adding sugar until they had jasmine jam. (Although I suppose jasmine is sweet? Back to Chanel Eau Premiere, sometimes I smell it and it reminds me of marshmallows, but it has a lot more gravitas and balance to it.) March 2, 2018 at 1:40pm
kpaint: For “classic French aldehydes in a white floral” I’d steer you to the, well, classics: Chanel No 5 & 22, Joy, White Linen, White Shoulders, Rive Gauche, if you’ve not already smelled these.
By orange, you mean the fruit? It’s worth testing the Hermes Merveilles series (particularly Eau Claire – I get both orange and aldehydes). I get a sharp, almost bitter, green orange from Aroma M Vanilla Hinoki (edp) that I find intoxicating; a clove-studded pomander orange in Amouage Memoir Woman; a thyme-scented herbal orange in Diptyque Oyedo; a light, effervescent orange from Eau de Cartier Zeste de Soleil; smoky smudgepots in a winter orange grove in L’Artisan Seville a l’Aube.
For the truest orange – zest, pulp, skin, juice, oil and all – Atelier’s Orange Sanguine is it. I have a hard time wearing it in anything but the coldest winter weather, however, as I find the heavy spices in the drydown rather oppressive. I am absolutely in the minority on this, though – for just about everyone else it’s summer fare. March 3, 2018 at 4:22pm
Amy: Novice (although middle-aged) here looking for suggestions for next scents to try. I own only CB I Hate Perfume Patchouli Empire (to me a very nice, quiet woody violin-type smell), Tocca Colette, and Demeter Mandarin. In my month or so of deliberate exploration, I really really like Replica Promenade in the Gardens and Byredo Gypsy Water, and I LOVE the drydown of Chanel Coco. I like Oud al Sahraa but find it too sweet at the end. In the past I have only owned Coco Mademoiselle (couldnt wear after being pregnant with my daughter), some Aveda “purefumes” and, in high school in the late 80’s, Estée Lauder Beautiful, which I would apply and then rinse off because I thought the beginning was too much. 🙂 I am working my way through a unisex niche sampler (thinking feminine might have been better choice) and a few other samples I have collected but would love suggestions to focus next samples. I want subtle and feminine but complex, somewhere in the floral-oriental-woody category. I think. Chypre? I’m just not sure. March 2, 2018 at 10:54am
morejasmineplease: These suggestions may be way off base since I’ve not tried most of those that you named and so can’t say that I’m responding to the ones you said you enjoy, BUT when you say “subtle and feminine but complex” and floral in the same breath, then I need to mention three that I have been absolutely loving lately: 1) Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 which hit many perfume reviewers’ Best Of list the year it came out, but which is ridiculously expensive. I would describe it as an ethereal ruby, which probably does not make sense but hopefully is evocative enough to convey something; 2) Parfum d’Empire Le Cri de la Lumiere which is a more recent release and starts off with a brighter/lighter iris and then wafts this amazing luminescent rose; 3) Ex Nihilo Love Shot which is a total fave of mine right now though I may be in a small minority; I’ve seen it described as a fruity chypre but it’s also light and airy on my skin. I look forward to seeing what others suggest for you! March 3, 2018 at 11:58am
Amy: Oh, thank you so much!! I really appreciate the specific suggestions and am adding them to my next-to-sample list. Love the idea of “etheral ruby.” I started out looking for one new scent and then found I was really enjoying the process of exploring, but can easily get overwhelmed without a few suggestions to guide me along my hunt. The advice to beginners here on Bois de Jasmin has been super helpful/encouraging, too. This is such a great community of knowledgeable, helpful perfume lovers! March 4, 2018 at 6:06pm
Aurora: Also, it seems to me from the perfumes you list that you like sandalwood as well as the patchouli you mention. Maybe you could sample Diptyque Tam Dao, a sandalwoody perfume, and even Chanel Eau Premiere, if you haven’t aready tried it, and Guerlain Samsara (jasmine and sandalwood) Serge Lutens makes sandalwood fragrances as well, Santal Majuscule but it’s on the heavy gourmand spectrum, and Santal Blanc and Mysore (it has cumin though which can be a difficult note). If you want to explore chypres, I would say start with the classics: GuerlainMitsouko for eg is a classic fruity chypre but there are many others. Enjoy your exploration. March 4, 2018 at 11:05am
Amy: Thank you so much! I really appreciate the specific suggestions and advice for beginners from knowledgeable perfume lovers! I think you’re right that I do like sandalwood and am going to seek these out, and I’m also going to invest in a sampler of some classics. My quest for “just a new scent or two” has made me curious to try the classics I see mentioned all the time–to put a name with the bottle! Thank you again. March 4, 2018 at 6:16pm
Ninon: I am terribly late again. Last month I posted about seeking scents to carry me through a wrenching transition, and received many kind, thoughtful replies. I’m still in that place, though with some increased sunshine here in the PNW. Are there spring florals folks associate with strength, hope, and emergence? I tend towards the more complex in this category–Opardu is a favorite–but it’s possible that something more linear could work too. Thanks so much. March 3, 2018 at 12:31pm
Malmaison: I just wanted to send you my sincerest sympathy and very best wishes. We lost my dear father unexpectedly a year or so ago in spring and I found that fragrance really helped lift my spirits and make me feel in some small way normal. Florals like La Chasse Aux Papillons and Jo Malone Orange Blossom were what I turned to for brightness and joy, also Chanel No.19, CHamade and Jo Malone ]Blue Hyacinth for a spring like greenness. I know things will never be the same but whatever your transition may be, I hope you come through it with renewed joy. You are not alone. March 4, 2018 at 6:02pm
Ninon: Thank you so much for your kindness. I had not thought of the prospect of renewed joy–that is a wonderful thing to hope and work for. March 5, 2018 at 9:46pm
Aurora: Hello Ninon: I am sosorry for what you’ve been experiencing, things will get better, the weather definitely helps doesn’t it? Give yourself time and treat yourself time to time. Opardu sounds really beautiful. Perhaps you will also find inspiration for hopeful fragrances in Victoria’s latest post Peach Flowers and Cherry Leaves. I can really recommend Jean Patou Vacances as I was telling Victoria I recently purchased it, it’s a lilac scent which strikes me as a promise of spring. March 6, 2018 at 8:03am
Melissa: Hey,
I was wondering f anyone could recommend a perfume that is similar to Alien. I am quite a newbie when it comes to perfume, but what I found through testing different fragrances is that I really enjoy jasmine and amber, both of which Alien contains. I also just love how it makes me feel. To me it’s just warm, calming and enveloping. However as it is quite a popular fragrance and I almost smell it everywhere, I am looking for something that has the same effect. March 4, 2018 at 5:41pm
Aurora: Hello Melissa: it’s a bit difficult as Alien is so distinctively potent. I can recommend my favorite jasmin: Santa Maria Novella Gelsomino, it is lighter than Alien but that may be a good thing in a way, also in the thread Katya recommended Diptyque Olene and Serge Lutens A La Nuit is highly recommended by Victoria. Check these options on Fragrantica and maybe get some samples. Good luck in your search. March 6, 2018 at 2:15pm
Inma: Hello everyone,
Light rain here in Seville today and, I smelt the first orange blossom (azahar) of the year! just walking in the streets. I thought about all the people in this blog.
You can already see all the buds getting ready…
Thank you for being here,
Inma March 6, 2018 at 11:12am
Aurora: How lovely, Inma, thank you for sharing. Orange blossoms are so heavenly! How lucky you are to be in Seville. I dream of visiting it one day… March 6, 2018 at 2:34pm
Rachel: Hi can anyone suggest a perfume for me.. My husband loves it when I wear IF or Moynette Paris. I can wear them occasionally but I like more sophisticated fragrances. I have Chanel no 5, and Roma. I wish I could find something that is a happy medium that I love. HELP please. March 15, 2018 at 7:54pm
Aurora: Hello Rachel: I think your husband has good taste 🙂 although I’m not familiar with If. Maybe a white flower with citrus perfume like Jour d’Hermes or Jour Absolu both with grafefruit, or a citrus musk like the newish Chanel No 5 l’Eau, have you tried it? I have had several men commenting favorably on it and I wear it often at the office. March 19, 2018 at 6:47pm
Rachel: Thank you so much! I will definitely try what you suggested. Thank you so much! March 20, 2018 at 3:31am