Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. 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.
The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō in the Hōeidō edition (1833–1834), a series of ukiyo-e woodcut prints created by Utagawa Hiroshige. Photography by Bois de Jasmin
216 Comments
Linn: Hello! I’ve lurked here for years, and now I have a question.
I’ve seen people ask for – and give – recommendations on literature, and I hope it’s not out of place to ask for one myself.
I love references to perfume in fiction, but most of those I’ve seen here are from novels that take place in the 18th century and onwards (loved the quote from “The Red Sphinx” where queen Anne used orris powder to blot her letters!).
I’ve recently read “The Sunne in Splendour” about Richard III of England and re-read “Wolf Hall” about Thomas Cromwell, and I was so fascinated with the references to perfume.
In the meticulously researched “The Sunne in Splendour” Anne Neville smells the saffron and iris that scents Richard’s clothes (I’m sorry that I don’t have my book right here to quote it, but it’s quite romantic). In “Wolf Hall”, Henry VIII “moves in a perfumed cloud made of essence of roses: as if he owns all the roses, owns all the summer nights” (lovely!).
As an archaeologist and a fragonerd, I am fascinated by references to perfume in the past. Smells are such a vivid – and often overlooked – way of making the past more “real” to the modern reader, but quite often historical authors are more interested in telling us about the things that smelt bad than the nicer smelling things.
I wondered if anyone could recommend other novels set in medieval/renaissance Europe that feature perfume references? January 29, 2018 at 7:57am
Delilah V: Hello Linn, that excerpt from wolf hall about Henry VIII is truly splendid. I recommend “A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie Antoinette’s Perfumer by Elisabeth de Feydeau”
Though not fiction, it is a lovely frothy account of the creation of Marie Antoinette’s aesthetic through the eyes of her perfumer Jean-Louis Fargeon.
It focuses on beauty so it’s filled with historical references to the finer things in life including “the nicer smelling things” and even a few perfume formulae.
If you decide to read it, do let me know what you think. January 29, 2018 at 2:45pm
Linn: Thank you for the recommendation! I’ll see if I can get hold of it.
I just read a biography of Catherine de Medici, and thought how interesting it would have been to have more info about her perfumer, Maître René, and the perfumes he created for her, so this sounds like something for me. January 30, 2018 at 6:49am
Lila: Have you tried/heard of the perfume line that’s based on Catherine’s perfumes, Profumi di Firenze? I was just wearing Vaniglia del Madagascar this morning, a delicious concoction of lemon slices covered in a vanilla sugar. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/margaret-ryan/i-profumi-di-firenze-beau_b_7108812.html January 31, 2018 at 2:51pm
Linn: Sadly, I haven’t tried anything from the Profumi di Firenze brand. I really must remedy that.
Thank you kindly for the link to the article! February 1, 2018 at 3:49pm
Hayley: I have nothing to add, just want to tell you it’s the first time I heard the term ‘fragonerd’ and it delights me 🙂
p.s. one novel where perfume is front and center is Patrick Suskind – Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, though it’s based in the 18th century. January 29, 2018 at 3:11pm
Linn: I think I might have read the term fragonerd at Katie Puckrik’s site, but I’m not sure. All I know is I can’t take credit for it.
Perfume is such a fascinating novel! I also have a fondness for the film. January 30, 2018 at 6:52am
Marzipan: I am looking for a perfume that smells exactly like Jergens Lotion (cherry almond note) as my husband recently revealed to me that this is his favorite scent and it brings back a flood of good childhood memories for him. I would prefer something under 100 dollars for a bottle. I wear a lot of different fragrances but he never comments on any of them. I would love to have a fragrance that puts a smile on his face. January 29, 2018 at 9:15am
Kandice: Have you tried Amouage Blossom Love? I don’t know that it smells like the lotion, but it has that cherry-almond combination. January 29, 2018 at 9:24am
Anu: Marzipan: I can only recommend two that I have used and liked, Luctor et emergo by POTL & Rahat loukoum by SL. Luctor is more almond than cherry and Rahat Loukoum has lot more notes in it like vanilla and coconut. Hope this helps. January 29, 2018 at 9:28am
spe: Louve by Serge Lutens. Sorry, it’s probably over 100$. January 29, 2018 at 11:24am
Catherine Barroll: Louvre is the perfect one! If Jergens lotion is his thing, he will it! It’s also very lovely! March 9, 2018 at 12:44am
Ann: Prada Candy Gloss January 29, 2018 at 8:43pm
John: A weird thought maybe, but have you sniffed Guerlain’s L’Homme Ideal? It has an ‘amaretto’ accord that might fit the bill (full disclosure: I haven’t encountered the Jergen’s lotion before).
I think it’s quite wearable for a woman, if a little too sweet for this man…The eau de parfum formulation is a bit softened around the edges as well. January 29, 2018 at 10:59pm
Marzipan: THANK YOU ALL!!! Excellent suggestions and I will seek them out. January 30, 2018 at 12:14pm
lovestosmellgood: Black Perfecto January 31, 2018 at 9:03am
Shelby: Haven’t tried this myself, but I wonder if you could get the same effect by layering some Demeter fragrances? I see they have both an Almond scent and a few different cherry scents. February 1, 2018 at 2:24pm
Areej: Try Guerlain La Petit Robe Noir. Very strong cherry and almond notes. January 31, 2018 at 10:56pm
Laura R: I think Bendelirious by ELO fits the bill. When I smelled it I immediately thought of the almond and cherry tarts called Bakewell tarts here in Britain. February 1, 2018 at 8:27am
loledinburgh5: Marzipan, I don’t know Jergen’s smell but with cherry and almond mentioned have you tried Luctor et Emergo by People of the Labyrinths? January 29, 2018 at 9:27am
Kandice: Can someone tell me if the L’Artisan Premier Figuier Extreme smells like the L’Artisan Figuier? I realize one is an EDT and one is an EDP so the EDP should be stronger and last longer. But I was wondering if the scent and notes are the same. I have tried the EDT and liked it but would like it to last longer. I don’t want to blind buy the EDP if it smells different however. Thanks for your help. January 29, 2018 at 9:30am
Dene: to me it does exactly but purer stronger better. January 29, 2018 at 11:22pm
Kandice: Thanks so much, Dene! That’s a great help. January 30, 2018 at 7:48am
Candace: Hi all. I am looking for a frankincense fragrance. My usual scents are Rive Gauche, Guerlain’s Derby and a scent called Vanille Oud (don’t remember the perfume company). January 29, 2018 at 10:40am
Gabrielle Langley: “Avignon” by Commes des Garcons is my favorite for this. It perfectly captures the fragrance of incense wafting inside a Gothic cathedral. L’Artisan’s “Passage d’Enfer” is another to try. Both are lovely and smell exactly like frankincense that is burned for Mass. January 29, 2018 at 11:06am
Yonah: A small warning that if you don’t like Iso E Super, Avignon won’t work for you. I’ve got one of those noses that can’t “read” Iso E Super at all and Avignon falls flat for me. It does not even smell like frankincense which is absolutely wild and clearly not the fault of the perfume. February 14, 2018 at 9:03pm
Debby: Two of my favourite frankincense perfumes are Etro’s Messe de Minuit and Montale’s Full Incense, though they have very different characters. Messe de Minuit has a delightful spicy orange note that makes you think of Christmas and is a very cheerful scent to me. It has been massively reformulated, so a lot of online reviews portray it as something very different. The Montale is a much more austere and sombre experience, it is a true church incense and has a quiet meditative quality. January 29, 2018 at 11:11am
Anu: Hi Candace, the one that really speaks to me (no pun intended) is the “voice of trees” from DSH parfums. January 29, 2018 at 11:20am
penny: Hi Candace,
Neal yard remedies
Pure Essence Eau de Parfum No.1 Frankincense .maybe worth a try January 29, 2018 at 11:46am
morejasmineplease: I am not very experienced with incense / frankincense perfumes, however I can attest that the indie Areej Le Dore Flux de Fleur is very church-y! It has “dissolved green and black frankincense” listed among the many complex notes. January 29, 2018 at 12:14pm
Andy S: That sounds amazing! Can you get it in Australia? January 29, 2018 at 6:32pm
morejasmineplease: Yes he ships worldwide but it’s very pricey. 🙁 http://www.areejledore.com/ January 31, 2018 at 2:52pm
Andy S: Yes it is 🙁 Thank you for the link. February 6, 2018 at 8:41am
Tam: On me Unum Lavs has a a strong central note of pure frankincense. It seems very quality to me. Also, Armani, Bois de Encens is incense and a drydown of frankincense for me. If these are too pricey, try a pure essential oil. Enjoy! January 29, 2018 at 1:38pm
Andy S: Frankincense always makes me feel good when I smell it. An absolute favourite is a relatively new one – ‘Ginsberg is God’, from Bella Freud. It’s somehow fresh and warm at the same time. Kyoto from Comme de Garçons is also lovely – it is cool frankincense and cedar. January 29, 2018 at 5:21pm
Olivia: I’ve been on a frankincense kick lately. Of course there is Demeter Frankincense, which has decent performance and smells quite good for the price. For something richer, try Maria Candida Gentile. Recently I tried Exultat and Sideris, both with heady, strong natural frankincense. January 29, 2018 at 7:22pm
Beth Mongold: For a very rich frankincense-labdanum fragrance, I love Atelier des Ors’ “Larmes du Desert.” It’s pricey but sooooo good. January 29, 2018 at 8:32pm
Aurora: Also, Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant. January 30, 2018 at 1:08pm
Michael: Bois d’Encens by Armani Prive and Eau Duelle by Diptyque. February 1, 2018 at 12:40am
Shelby: If you’re willing to splurge, House of Matriarch Devotion is one of the loveliest frankincense scents I’ve ever tried. February 1, 2018 at 2:27pm
Carla: Hello, you have great taste with Rive Gauche and Derby! Avignon is a classic incense. Messe de Minuit is gorgeous, with a little more depth and mustiness than Avignon. I also recommend Trayée by Neela Vermeire. I don’t know if it’s frankincense, but I recall patchouli and something like incense. I found it too heavy to buy but in this snowy weather I think it would have been just right. February 4, 2018 at 5:50pm
Jacinta: Hi,
I’ve recently discovered Coromandel and would be pleased to receive recommendations for similar fragrances. January 29, 2018 at 11:17am
Kathleen Smith: Have you tried Beige, Bois des Isle, and 31 Rue Cambon in the Chanel Exclusives line? If you live Coromandel you might enjoy these as well. I love them all. January 29, 2018 at 12:11pm
Jacinta: Thank you. Will sample all of them.
Jacinta January 29, 2018 at 1:12pm
Edward: I love 31 Rue Cambon so much that it has become my signature scent. February 4, 2018 at 6:50am
Hayley: Serge Lutens Borneo 1834 is fairly close. You may enjoy Armani Prive Iris Celadon as well; iris + patchouli + cocoa. January 29, 2018 at 3:13pm
Jacinta: Thank you. Will certainly sample these.
Jacinta January 29, 2018 at 3:33pm
kpaint: I’ve never smelled anything that comes close to the grand beauty that is Coromandel (edt) but there are a few of things that have elements that remind me of it a bit.
One is MFK Grand Soir, a big ambery oriental. The other is Nobile 1942 Patchouli Nobile, an opulent oriental laced with a similar chocolate-y patchouli to the one in Coromandel, but it is more upfront. Ambra Nobile by the same company has a similar base to the Patchouli and a slight confectionery feel.
All 3 are gorgeous and worth trying even if you’re not a Coromandel fan 😉 January 30, 2018 at 6:02pm
Jacinta: Thank you. I look forward to sampling these. January 30, 2018 at 6:07pm
Carlai: I find myself recommending Neela Vermeire Trayee again. Maybe I need to get another decant. February 4, 2018 at 5:53pm
Jacinta: Thank you. Looking forward to sampling it. February 5, 2018 at 6:22am
Carla: Trayee by Neela Vermeire February 4, 2018 at 6:02pm
Carla: Oops sorry response did post! February 4, 2018 at 6:03pm
LHW: Some of my favorite perfumes include: Bottega Veneta Original Scent, Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’eau and Penhaligon’s Vaara. I’m always looking for new pretty scents and I’d like something a little more unique, sophisticated and exotic – less run of the mill ie something lots of people wouldn’t recognize but would love when they smell it. What would you suggest? January 29, 2018 at 11:58am
Anne Sheffield: Hello!
I like your post and I m interested in the answers you might get. I have not tried it, but. It s on my list ( and I share similar taste with you), Gypsie water by Bidero. January 29, 2018 at 12:44pm
LHW: Thank you for your response. It looks like you can get it at Nordstrom’s, so I’ll give it a spritz next time I’m over there! January 29, 2018 at 1:09pm
Anne Sheffield: Would love to know what you think of it. January 29, 2018 at 1:34pm
Jacinta: We have similar taste in fragrance. I think you should sample Cuir Beluga.
Jacinta January 29, 2018 at 1:42pm
Delilah V: Have you tried Diptyque Do son? It’s exotic, elegant and sexy (in that naked and dewy in the middle of a tropical rainforest way)
Distinctive yet a crowd pleaser, it fits in well with your collection of favourites. If you try it I’d love to know if you enjoyed it. January 29, 2018 at 3:02pm
LHW: I have three of their fragrances, but not that one. I’ll try it next time. Thank you for the recommendation! January 29, 2018 at 3:11pm
Courant: I think Cuir Amethyste by Giorgio Armani is a psychedelic version of Bottega Veneta (same perfumer) January 29, 2018 at 11:41pm
AWS: Hello everyone,
I am a longtime fan of this blog. I have recently been using Diptyque Volutes EDT and love it. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for something in a similar vein, since I know it has been discontinued. I think what I like best is the sort of balsamic, tobacco dry-down which doesn’t appear to be the same in the EDP. I have looked into Serge Lutens Chergui and Santa Maria Novella Tabasco Toscano but would love any further insight. Other perfumes I have and enjoy are ELDO Rossy de Palma, Aftelier Cologne Cafe Tuberosa, and Kiehl’s Musk if that helps. Thank you! January 29, 2018 at 12:49pm
Aurora: You might like Miller Harris Feuilles de Tabac. January 30, 2018 at 1:11pm
AWS: Thank you very much, I will add it to my list! January 30, 2018 at 3:19pm
nebbes: Have you tried Elizabeth & James Amythest? I also love Volutes EdT and E&J Amythest has similar tobacco notes. The dry-down on my skin is so pretty. January 30, 2018 at 7:16pm
AWS: I have not, I will have to dip into a Sephora to try, thank you! January 31, 2018 at 1:22pm
Anna: Hi all. One of my favourite perfumes is Tresor by Lancome. Sadly it has been reformulated beyond recognition, and while I still have a couple of vintage bottles, I only use them on special occasions. I was wondering if someone could recommend a perfume similar in character – I think it’s mainly the peach that I love about Tresor, although I am not a great fan of fruity notes in general. Other fragrances I’ve been wearing a lot recently: Aromatics in White, Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc, Eau Dynamisante. January 29, 2018 at 1:50pm
Potimarron: Isn’t Mitsouko a peachy fragrance? January 29, 2018 at 3:58pm
Pat Borow: I smell very little peach in Mitsouko. It’s more of a golden haze of an abstract fragrance, than a conglomeration of “notes.” January 29, 2018 at 10:33pm
Anna: It’s meant to be. I tried it a few years ago and it was a bit much, I had an impression it wore me rather than the other way round, but perhaps it’s time to revisit? Thank you for your suggestion. January 30, 2018 at 7:19am
morejasmineplease: I just today read V.s’ review of Etro Rajasthan which she says reminds her of Trésor as a similar rose-vanilla scent. https://boisdejasmin.com/2013/03/etro-rajasthan-perfume-review.html January 29, 2018 at 8:24pm
Anna: Oh, it does sound good! I’ve never tried anything by Etro, perhaps I should start with this one. Thanks! January 30, 2018 at 7:25am
Ann: Chanel Coco Edp
Elizabeth Taylor Diamonds & Rubies January 29, 2018 at 8:51pm
Anna: Thanks Ann, I like smelling Coco on other people, so should really try it properly on myself. And I’m looking forward to trying Diamonds & Rubies. January 30, 2018 at 8:36am
Ann: Was just looking at some of my reviews, and Caron Parfum Sacre popped up – might want to try that one as well! February 6, 2018 at 10:48am
Neva: Hi Anna, a nice scent with a peach note is by Kilian’s Flower of Immortality. A cheaper version and a nice peach scent is Magnolys by Andree Putman. Maybe you’d like them. January 30, 2018 at 6:17am
Anna: Thanks, I’ll try to get samples of both! January 30, 2018 at 8:37am
Potimarron: Another couple of ideas (which may be helpful or not depending on where you are and shipping regulations): Doe in the Snow and Paris 1948 by 4160 Tuesdays (London-based and niche, but not horribly expensive). I haven’t tried Doe in the Snow but I’ve tried and liked Paris 1948 and they’re both described as having peach notes. January 30, 2018 at 7:26am
Anna: Thanks! I’m London-based too so these should be easy to locate. January 30, 2018 at 7:29am
Carlai: Chinatown is not quite the same, but it’s peachy and powdery and gorgeons February 4, 2018 at 5:55pm
Domestic Goblin: I have been looking for a replacement for Love Chloe which is being discontinued. I have tested many lovely fragrance dupes but the longevity pales in comparison. For example, Prada’s infusion d’iris smells nice but disappears rather quickly for my liking. When I sometimes spray some of Love Chloe onto a scarf or bath robe, the smell lingers for days, even up to a week. Any suggestions? January 29, 2018 at 2:08pm
rickyrebarco: Check out Sweet Morphine by Ex Nihilo. It has the same powdery heliotrope and lilac vibe as Love Chloe. January 29, 2018 at 5:01pm
Domestic Goblin: Thank you for the suggestion rickyrebarco. What’s the longevity like? January 30, 2018 at 2:27pm
rickyrebarco: Longevity is pretty good on my skin. 5 to 6 hours for sure and a skin scent for longer time. January 30, 2018 at 3:09pm
kpaint: Yeah, buy a few more bottles before it disappears from the market! 🙂 January 30, 2018 at 6:05pm
kpaint: Domestic Gobin – your post here inspired me to wear Love, Chloe today. Stylistically, it reminds me a bit of YSL Paris. Paris is also a big fragrance that lasts and lasts. I’ve not tried a recent bottle (mine is vintage, plus a mini that’s almost 20 years old) – have you? January 31, 2018 at 2:12pm
kpaint: It also occurs to me that you might like Huitieme Art Poudre de Riz. Most Pierre Guillaume creations disappear from my skin within an hour, but this one has great projection and longevity. I haven’t tried it next to Love, Chloe but as I’m wearing the latter Poudre de Riz comes to mind as being in a similar vein. January 31, 2018 at 3:25pm
Potimarron: My current everyday perfume is Boudoir by Vivienne Westwood, which I’ve worn for so long that it just seems like “my” smell. The trouble is that it’s getting harder to find and I feel I should start auditioning for replacements. Along the way I’ve started trying to educate my nose a bit and am enjoying exploring different fragrances. Does anyone have any suggestions (either to succeed Boudoir or for my nasal education)?
Thank you! January 29, 2018 at 4:04pm
Potimarron: Also, large amounts of patchouli on the dry-down make me feel a bit sick so I’d like to avoid that! January 29, 2018 at 4:29pm
Courant: Bas de Soie, Silk Stockings (Serge Lutens) is discontinued and at present can be found for good prices. January 29, 2018 at 11:47pm
Potimarron: Thank you. January 31, 2018 at 7:19am
Aurora: Hello Pottimaron: what about a Guerlain? Maybe Jicky (lavender and leather) or Nahema (passionfruit rose) or Samsara (Jasmine and sandalwood) there are many others, no patchouli in these. January 31, 2018 at 6:57am
Potimarron: Intriguing ideas- I’ll have a look. Thank you. January 31, 2018 at 7:19am
Severine: Hi, I would like to surprise my father with a perfume! I consider his choices much obsolete – Halston Z-14 and Jovani White Musk. He’s need an update. Any suggestions in the vein of a fougere or a clean musk for men? January 29, 2018 at 4:13pm
John: Hi Severine,
If you have a lot to spend, you might try Tom Ford’s Italian Cypress, which purportedly smells reminiscent of both vintage Z-14 and Polo Green… (irony of ironies, the enterprising Mr. Ford also makes a ‘pure musk’ for women that apparently recalls the Jovan white musk for men!) In the Z-14 camp (more my wheelhouse) you might also look for Valentino’s Vendetta Uomo or Dior’s Jules, the latter of which was recently updates (so I hear) to good effect. January 29, 2018 at 11:09pm
Courant: Kokorico by Jean Paul Gaultier is discontinued and inexpensive at the moment. My husband is 69 years of age and loves it. He also loves Terre d’Hermes, Habit Rouge, (Guerlain, worn by Keith Richards, every older man needs to know this) and Acteur by Azzaro. January 29, 2018 at 11:44pm
John: I’ll second Habit Rouge! I’m 46, and only started wearing this last year, but will probably always want to have a bottle around. It’s very distinct, but, once you are accustomed to it, incredibly versatile and nuanced.
On the topic of discontinued but great fragrances, if you get a chance to sample Narciso Rodrigues for Him, it is a beautiful update on the fougere concept with a strong musk and patchouli base. Though I often think of this as a contemporary, urban fougere (my son, 23, wears this as a signature), it recalls some older classics like Grey Flannel and Fahrenheit. January 30, 2018 at 12:25am
Hana: I recently tried Penhaligon’s Sartorial and it seems like a nice, clean fougere done in a modern manner. It’s interesting enough but not too difficult to wear. January 30, 2018 at 9:42am
Carlai: Azzaro for a fougère, works for all ages. I call it the Swooney Clooney. Ok maybe you don’t want that description for your Dad! February 4, 2018 at 5:56pm
lorien: Hi I have been trying out Arabian Oud perfume oils. One of the winter-ish perfume oils that I like is white musk, which has a soft but sensory feeling to it. And one that I like to use for yogas is Rose Maliki. The top note of saffron adds spiciness on top of the opulent rose heart note. January 29, 2018 at 4:45pm
Victoria: Mmm, that sounds very good! January 30, 2018 at 2:31am
Lari frank: Hi everyone. My 27 year old son who lives in San Francisco has been looking for a scent for him, warmer in winter, lighter for summer. I sent him a group of Hermes samples from Surrender to Chance, also Tom Ford Oud wood from private blend. He loved the Tom Ford which has a pretty hefty price tag. Any suggestions for a similar. I want him to try Serge Lutens and Sonoma Scent Studio before he decides. January 29, 2018 at 5:31pm
Cornelia Blimber: If you want to give him an oud based perfume: that will always be expensive!
Midnight Oud (€ 120).
He seems to like strong perfumes.. maybe another kind of wood, like Yatagan (Caron)?
Or something leathery, like Knize Ten (very good and very affordable). Very elegant is also Colonia Intensa (acqua di parma).
maybe he likes as well a strong but elegant patchouly., like Lutens Bornéo 1834.
Or the woody Lutens Fille en Aiguilles.
Victoria has an article on Oud perfumes;
Financial Times Magazine The Best Oud Based Perfumes.
Good luck! January 30, 2018 at 5:53am
Cornelia Blimber: Something went wrong. Computer said No in his mysterious way.
I wanted to say:
YstlLaurent M7 Oud Absolu (affordable)
Midnight Oud Juliette has a Gun (€ 120) January 30, 2018 at 5:57am
Lari: Thanks Cornelia. Appreciate the list and I’ll start looking at decants January 30, 2018 at 9:11am
Lari: Thanks Cornelia. Very much appreciate the list January 30, 2018 at 9:13am
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Lari! I read tonight that the 50 ml bottles Lutens don’t exist anymore…it’s now 100 ml (€180). What a pity!
Still, Fille en Aiguilles and Bornéo 1834 are worth trying. January 30, 2018 at 4:08pm
kpaint: Sonoma Scent Studios doesn’t exist anymore either, just so the OP is aware. 🙁 January 30, 2018 at 6:08pm
Lari: Sonoma scent studio is definitely still in business. She was affected by the Northern California forest fires and the studio was closed. The shopping cart is open and she’s working. Take a look at her site January 30, 2018 at 7:52pm
peppermoon: No, the perfumer just announced her retirement and the shop is closed at the moment until a new perfumer takes the reigns. The shop is still up but you can’t buy from it. January 30, 2018 at 8:52pm
Lari: That is really unfortunate news. I’m a big fan of Laurie’s and am sorry to hear it. I looked yesterday for cocoa sandalwood and didnt notice anything amiss. Appreciate the heads up January 30, 2018 at 9:45pm
Aurora: And for summer he might like Annick Goutal Duel, it has oud but is very discreet and I think very lovely. January 30, 2018 at 1:14pm
Lari: Thanks for the suggestion. I like several annick goutal as well. Look forward to seeing about this January 30, 2018 at 1:40pm
Lari: I like several annick goutal as well. Look forward to seeing about this January 30, 2018 at 1:40pm
Michael: You might want to consider both Oud Palao from Diptyque and Oud 27 by Le Labo. Both are very wearable fragrances and have good longevity. Also I think the price points will be below Tom Ford Oud Wood. February 1, 2018 at 12:48am
Lily: Just an update on my Christmas themed perfume hunt: I fell hard for ELDO’s Noel au Balcon, so that will be my birthday present to myself.
The only other acquisition I am looking for is Galop, but that requires saving up! I’ve been doing some side work with sewing alterations, I think that will be what I use it for later this year. For some reason that is not a winter scent to me…I like it in the spring, summer, and fall. I think it’s just so bright and happy to me, that I need the sunshine around it. January 30, 2018 at 8:25am
Aurora: Hello Lily: I remember liking Noel au Balcon when I tried it but my memory is a little hazy. I hope you will be able to afford your bottle soon.
I admire you so much for your sewing, it’s a skill I don’t have, but I love to crochet. January 30, 2018 at 1:52pm
Lily: Aurora, Noel was a funny one for me…when I tried over the summer it was really oppressive (though I liked the general direction) but in the crisp winter air it is amazing. I did not expect that when I came back to it…was really just being thorough. I am finding Antoine Maisondieu to be one of the noses I relate to most…even if I don’t love something I seem to understand the point of view. This will make I believe 3 in my collection from him, think the only other with more than 1 is Jean-Claude Ellena.
I have been sewing for about 8 years now…never thought I’d do it for money. But the chance came up with where I work to do repairs and alterations on the side, and it is def an easy way to increase spending money. I feel like some kind of 18th century heroine, taking in sewing to afford any luxuries. Lol.
Yarnwork of any sort is not in my wheelhouse. I can crochet lumpy scarves, that’s about it. I never had the patience to get very far. Sewing is tedious in its own way but a lot of task variety. I admire those who like to keep their hands busy and can manage to pay attention to other things. I can’t, hence why I prefer the varied tedium of garments 😉 January 30, 2018 at 10:51pm
Emmie: Does anyone have a favorite perfume that evokes the scent of dried leaves? I’m curious about a variety: tea leaves before they’ve been steeped, tobacco in its pouch, the sweetness of a shatteringly crisp, brown oak leaf before it starts to go moldy… January 30, 2018 at 9:14am
Potimarron: I don’t have a perfume suggestion, but I love that smell too- the smell of a forest in autumn, after the leaves have fallen but before they’ve turned to sludge. Yum. Xx January 30, 2018 at 3:48pm
Nora Szekely: Hi Emmie,
Bvlgari Back is a unisex tea scent on me. Etat Libre D’orange’s Jasmin et cigarette smells indeed of tobacco and flowers. January 30, 2018 at 4:11pm
John: Possibly Yatagan or Chergui? Or CB I Hate Perfume’s The Smell of Burning Leaves? I get a strong autumnal/dry leaf feel from Burberry London for Men as well (embracing a kind of genderless paradigm with these recommendations here, needless to say…) January 30, 2018 at 11:22pm
sepheme: Whether you like Annick Goutal’s Sables will completely depend on your response to the immortelle note, as it turns to curry on some skin, but the fragrance has the dried and drying quality that you mention. To me it smells like a bounty of herbs and flowers drying in the sun on a wooden table. Herbal but sweet, owing to the maple-like scent of immortelle, I wear this both in winter and in summer. February 5, 2018 at 5:47pm
Katie: Hello!
I have been trying to find a creamy comfortable skin scent maybe for years! I love
Something to smell for myself but also not unpleasant for others!
The closest I’ve come is serge lutens Clair de musc, which is a bit too powdery to fall asleep next to.
I’m looking for soft musc floral or honey maybe citrus, maybe milk?, but woods are too pointy for my nose
Any suggestions?
Just want a hug from a bottle!
Thanks! January 30, 2018 at 12:27pm
spe: Serge Lutens has a scent called Milk Teeth. Haven’t sniffed it yet, but it might be worth looking into. January 30, 2018 at 2:56pm
Cornelia Blimber: Maybe the soft, sweet vanille and almonds of Hypnotic Poison (Dior). January 30, 2018 at 4:12pm
Katie: Thank you! January 31, 2018 at 2:52am
Katie: Thank you! January 31, 2018 at 2:53am
Katie: Thanks!! January 31, 2018 at 11:57am
Nora Szekely: Hi Katie,
Try Hedonist by Viktória Minya. It’s a cozy honey scent on me, in no way intrusive.
If you can try Frederic Malle ‘s line body butters, they wear like the perfumes but with less sillage. Musc Ravageur and Portait of a lady are my favourites. January 30, 2018 at 4:14pm
Katie: Thank you! January 31, 2018 at 2:51am
kpaint: “Creamy comfortable skin scent” makes me think you might want to explore some sandalwoods.
Bois des Iles, 10 Corso Como, Diptyque Tam Dao, Samsara, Nirvana Black… January 30, 2018 at 6:12pm
Katie: Oh thanks I will. I’ve never tried a sandalwood January 31, 2018 at 2:51am
wordsalad: yes, Tam Dao is my sleep scent. January 31, 2018 at 3:57pm
Katie: Ooh this is good to know! January 31, 2018 at 9:42pm
peppermoon: Sarah Horowitz Perfect Coconut Milk January 30, 2018 at 8:49pm
Katie: Thank you! January 31, 2018 at 2:50am
Aurora: Cacharel Noa is a soft musk with a coffee note, I find it lighter than Clair de Musc. I find both really lovely. January 31, 2018 at 7:00am
Hamamelis: Hi Katie, you could try Hiram Green’s new release, Slowdive. It is all about honey, and it wears close to the skin. Qualifies as a summery hug from a bottle! He sells samples and travelsprays from his website. January 31, 2018 at 11:21am
Kayliz: I‘ve just made the mistake of spraying a tiny amount of Slowdive on the back of my hand immediately before supervising an exam. The sample arrived today and I thought the exam invigilation would be a perfect opportunity to observe how it develops.
Oh my word.
I would normally walk around the room a couple of times (this is not the US, and cheating is regarded as a sport) — but it feels as if that would be like emptying a jar of honey on every table.
I‘m completely overwhelmed. I‘ve never experienced anything like this. February 2, 2018 at 10:27am
Hamamelis: That sounds dramatic! Are you happily overwhelmed or unhappily so? February 2, 2018 at 11:09am
Kayliz: At the time, unhappily! It‘s calmed down now to beeswax candle, which is much better. February 2, 2018 at 1:14pm
Hamamelis: How different our skins and olfactory experiences are! No Slowdive for you, more like a jump of a cliff it sounds! I experienced it as a skin scent, lovely and soft…I hope you keep enjoying the last bit of the dive nice and slow. February 2, 2018 at 1:52pm
Kayliz: Yes, it‘s fascinating how different perceptions can be!
I found the far drydown intensely animalic, in the concentrated-pollen sort of way that the drydown of Rubj by Vero Profumo has. Come to think of it, there is tuberose in Slowdive (and honey in Rubj) too: maybe this drydown is an effect of the combination of the two. February 3, 2018 at 8:14am
Erry: Etro Heliotrope smells of soft floral marzipan with a dash of powder. It’s very pretty. January 31, 2018 at 11:59am
Michael: When I see the phrase “skin scents” the first two fragrances that come to mind are Dans Tes Bras and Dries van Noten, both by Frederic Malle. I find them very intimate, comforting and sensual. February 1, 2018 at 8:55am
Shelby: A nice cheap option is Oriental Musk by Kuumba Made. It’s an oil-based, roll-on perfume that’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and a very cozy musk. February 1, 2018 at 2:47pm
Dana: Hi everyone, here’s an update on my wedding perfume hunt. So far my favorites are still A La Nuit by Serge Lutens for the huge awesome juicy jasmine and Songes by Annick Goital for the beautiful vanilla woods base. Do y’all think I could get away with wearing them at the same time? I’ve tried quite a few perfumes over the past months and they seem to be lacking some “juice” whatever that means which I think A La Nuit has plenty of. I tried Carnal Flower which is beautiful but I’m just not as big on the wintergreen/medicinal facet of tuberose. I definitely prefer jasmine and gardenia. Maybe I need to try some perfumes with a little more fruit? I’m not sure, I love peaches and honey maybe that’s a starting point. Gardenia, white ginger flower, and incense (probably frankincense) are smells that have literally stopped me in my tracks in life & I grew up near a peach orchard, so maybe I should look in those directions. Any recommendations or ideas are always appreciated! January 30, 2018 at 6:01pm
Lily: No suggestions except to say, layer them and ask opinions of those around you! Don’t say what you did, just ask “what do you think of THIS perfume?”
And also thanks for keeping us updated, I love watching over your shoulder as you explore. Living vicariously lol January 30, 2018 at 10:54pm
Dana: I’ll try layering tomorrow, thanks for the encouragement Lily! January 30, 2018 at 11:16pm
Dana: I forgot I gave away my sample of Songes to my future mother in law because she loved it and I knew it started off too powdery to be my wedding perfume. Now I can’t get the base out of my head *sigh* I’ll order another sample and then try combining. I’m going to get a FB of A La Nuit too, maybe a spray pump application would be even stronger, my tiny sample just had a dabber. February 1, 2018 at 8:48am
Aurora: I agree absolutely, layering is a very good option. And you also seem to come back to these 2. For a honey fragrance have you tried Elie Saab Le Parfum and the Intense version? It’s very elegant and could deserve to be a wedding perfume and for peaches Chanel Allure extrait de parfum might be worth a sample, it smells peachy and creamy. January 31, 2018 at 9:09am
Dana: I haven’t heard of either of those, thank you! Would you say they are very sweet? February 1, 2018 at 8:51am
Aurora: I’ve just spritzed some ES Le Parfum (I don’t have the intense) it doesn’t seem overly sweet, the honey is definitely there to me, it is also rather musky (excellent sillage). Allure, I have the EDP it is heavy on the vanilla so you have to like vanilla, there is also an EDT. When I tested the pure parfum I was immediately smitten, it is so smooth. Hope this helps. February 1, 2018 at 1:04pm
Dana: Those sound wonderful, yes I like both muskiness and vanilla. My favorite bases so far are a bourbon/rosewood (Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black) and a vanilla/sandalwood (Songes). February 1, 2018 at 1:39pm
key change: For a large, attention-grabbing, realistic and intense floral with a touch of greenery, you must must sniff carnal flower by Frederick Malle. Everyone will know the bride is around, everyone will know you are the queen. February 1, 2018 at 3:30pm
Dana: I ordered a sample of Carnal Flower on eBay and I’m wondering if it wasn’t authentic. I didn’t find it to be very strong and I wasn’t fond of the medicinal/green facet of tuberose. Everyone says it’s amazing and Victoria wrote about wearing it on her wedding day so I must have a bad sample. It’s not bad, just doesn’t match up with the intense reviews I’ve read. For reference my sample of A La Nuit is much stronger and headier. February 1, 2018 at 4:14pm
Kayliz: That makes sense to me — I can‘t think of anything much stronger and headier than A La Nuit!
If you like aldehydes too, though, do try No. 22 from the Chanel Exclusifs line: it‘s a big floral with a Chanel punch. February 2, 2018 at 5:33am
Dana: I did try No. 22, but it wasn’t for me. Whenever I wear a perfume with aldehydes I can appreciate it but always feel like am wearing someone else’s perfume. I ended up giving my sample to a friend that’s also searching for her wedding fragrance. February 2, 2018 at 9:04am
Kayliz: I know what you mean about aldehydes! February 2, 2018 at 10:18am
Gabriela: Try Gardenia Petale by Van Cleef. For a honey scent I would recommend Bee Bliss by SSS but the owner is selling the business… January 31, 2018 at 4:23pm
Dana: Hi Gabriela, I have tried Gardenia Petals and it was very pretty but I found it a little too demure, I’m looking for something headier, verging on overwhelming for the big day. I want people to know the bride is near just by smell alone haha! February 1, 2018 at 8:56am
Tara C: Have you smelled Serge Lutens Une Voix Noire or Parfums MDCI Nuit Andalouse? Both are big heady florals. February 3, 2018 at 1:16am
Dana: Not yet! But I’m quickly becoming a Serge Lutens fan so I’ll add them to my list, thank you! February 7, 2018 at 12:38pm
Silvermoon: hello Dana, personally, I love Songes. Anyway, if you have narrowed it down to these two, you could try layering as Lily suggest. Or how about wearing one after the other? Perhaps one to the ceremony and the other to the reception? So, a sequential layering. Of course, test it out before the day!
If you like gardenia, there are numerous options from EL Tuberose Gardenia to Jovoy’s Gardez Moi to Annick Goutal’s Gardenia Passion (to name a few). Hope you enjoy the testing, and of course your wedding day! February 3, 2018 at 5:06pm
Dana: Hi Silvermoon, One perfume after the other is a good suggestion since i’m Worried about the powdery opening of Songes masking the full on opening of A La Nuit which I definitely prefer. I prefer the drydown of Songes the best. I have a sample of SL SAntal Blanc on the way since that’s what Victoria suggested to layer with A La Nuit to get a white sandalwood base and make it last longer. I took a look at the notes and it sounds like exactly what I’m missing from A La Nuit. I haven’t made it to the other perfumes you suggested, but EL Tuberose Gardenia was overpowering for me, I think it was the tuberose. February 7, 2018 at 12:36pm
morejasmineplease: Hi Dana, I wasn’t going to reply to your thread because I am coming in so late and my bet is you’ve already sampled anything that I could suggest, but I can’t help myself 🙂 since I think you have taste that is similar to mine! I don’t think you can go wrong with your A La Nuit, however I keep wondering about EL Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. Have you tried it? I also once had a sample of Killian Love & Tears which bowled me over with its jasmine. Separately, I am guessing that your sample of Carnal Flower actually was authentic, since the way you described it is my experience exactly from my FB, and I too was shocked at how different it seemed compared to what I’d seen others say of it. The same thing happened to me when I first tried Fracas – it was *not* what I expected and I was surprised at how much I disliked it initially, given my love for BWFs. Anyway, sorry to go so long – I kept re-reading this thread and finally had to jump in. 🙂 February 7, 2018 at 12:12pm
Dana: You’re not too late at all and I love your username! I have tried EL Tuberose Gardenia and it is the only perfume i’ve Tried so far that I literally choked on because it was so strong! I think it was the tuberose opening, and it stayed ALL DAY. I actually really loved the drydown once most of the tuberose had calmed down, about 4 hours later, and I smelled more jasmine/gardenia mixed with the wonderful base. I may try it again though, I regret my immediate reaction of throwing away my sample. I haven’t heard of Love & Tears before, you’re the first to suggest it but I feel like I should definitely check it out. And good to know about Fracas, it was on my list but if it’s similar to Carnal Flower (which is very pretty, but not for me) I can pass it. I also tried a sample of Shalimar & found it too powdery. I snagged a sample of TF Velvet Gardenia and it was VERY mushroomy/fungal. Thanks for commenting!! February 7, 2018 at 12:54pm
Courant: I have Songes EDP, a big white floral that did charm me; I’m hard to please with BTW’s. Consider Guerlain’s Jardins de Bagatelle in EDP, easily purchased online, it sits apart from the others of its time and genre, something fluky and androgynous in it makes me pause for thought. February 7, 2018 at 5:55pm
Erry: Last year, I ordered a sample of Shiseido White Rose Natural and ever since that I couldn’t get it out of my mind.
Next month, I will transit in Tokyo for 7 hours.
Do you think it’s too crazy to go to Ginza, grab it, and return to the airport, all that within 4-5 hours? I should be at the airport at least 2 hours before boarding. January 30, 2018 at 6:31pm
Gabriela: I have always wanted to smell White Rose, it must be wonderful.
I don’t think it’s crazy at all. I once was in Paris in transit and did something similar with my luggage and all! Go for it, just make sure to email first to see if they have it. January 31, 2018 at 4:20pm
Erry: Thank you for your encouragement. I will surely e-mail them first. Having said that, even if they don’t have it, I will go to Ginza anyway when I have the chance. February 2, 2018 at 2:31pm
Melanie: I have been searching for a fragrance similar to Lancôme’s Magie Noire. The current version seems different to what I had in the early 90s.
I have recently discovered this blog and greatly appreciate it. Thank you. January 30, 2018 at 11:18pm
karima: Hi Melanie, I can’t answer your question, but I have a vintage small bottle (around 7ml) of Magie Noire EDT which I could send you if you live in the EU. If you are interested, my email is [email protected] January 31, 2018 at 3:46am
Melanie: Thank you, Karima, that is so very kind, but I am in Canada. January 31, 2018 at 10:46am
karima: Ah, too bad… I hope someone can recommend you something similar! January 31, 2018 at 11:10am
Aurora: Hello Melanie: oh it’s not easy to replace completely vintage Magie Noire is it. A couple of ideas if you like most the woody drydown you can’t do much better than Chanel Bois des Iles. If it’s the opening with the galbanum maybe Silences by Jacomo for summer, it is very green, and a great classic like Magie Noire with the wood and the civet is Cartier Must. Hope this helps a little bit. February 1, 2018 at 5:24am
Melanie: Thank so much, Aurora! I will try those out. It is sad when these changes occur. I was heartbroken over the reformulation of Chanel’s Sycomore. The edt was the most comfortable and comforting scent that I have ever worn, but the new edp isn’t the same to my nose. I thought that I would find consolation in other perfumes that I wore long ago. It’s proving to be a challenge as some no longer seem familiar. February 1, 2018 at 12:29pm
Alice: First time commenter here! I have a seasonal craving for two things at the moment: boozey, whiskey scents and church-y incense. Anyone know a fragrance that would combine the two?
Also, does anyone have tips for burning incense over charcoal? I always seem to get a lot of smoke coming off the coal even before I put incense on. January 31, 2018 at 2:48am
Victoria: The first one that came to mind was Arquiste’s Nanban. Or perhaps, Etro Messe de Minuit, although it’s less heavy on the boozey notes you mentioned. Boyfriend by Kate Walsh is also very good, except that it’s been discontinued. It’s still easy to find, but soon it will be gone.
If your charcoal smokes, then I recommend just finding another brand. If it’s smoking, it means that it has too many impurities. Generally, once you heat a piece of charcoal to the glowing stage, it shouldn’t be smoking. January 31, 2018 at 2:58am
Jasenka: Hello everyone 🙂 I was wondering if someone could recommend a perfume that’s similar to Moondance by Juliette has a gun? I am not really experienced when it comes to perfume descriptions, but I’d say that Moondance is a beautiful and somewhat dark combination of tuberose, violets, powdery/creamy notes and some kind of soft, not overly prominent animalic notes. January 31, 2018 at 6:47pm
quangphu: maybe you should try Tom Ford’s black orchid, great unisex scent February 1, 2018 at 3:09am
quangphu: Hi all,
I need something that has “contrast”, between classic and modern, something mysterious and surrealism (I really into Murakami’s surrealism novels) January 31, 2018 at 11:46pm
Victoria: Etat Libre d’Orange is a good line in this respect. Most of their fragrances strike an interesting balance between classical and modern. Not sure what types of scents you like, but the line is large and has plenty of styles. February 1, 2018 at 3:02am
quangphu: thanks, I’ll take a look
I really like oriental, spicy woody or gourmand February 1, 2018 at 3:07am
Victoria: Another one is Serge Lutens Borneo 1834. I can imagine that perfume in Murakami’s novels.
The oddest and more surreal, not necessarily the most wearable, is Etat Libre d’Orange Secretions Magnifiques. February 1, 2018 at 4:11am
Suzanne: I highly recommend that you try Comme des Garcons 2. You may also like their incense series: Ouarzazate, hinoki, etc.. February 3, 2018 at 6:32pm
Eudora: Hello, how can my closet smell as my favorite perfume without spraying on my clothes or stuff? Thanks. February 1, 2018 at 7:39am
Maria: Put some parfum on cotton balls, and the cotton balls on some tissue sachets. Or put the soaps of the same line (if available). And sorry with my english, it is kind of mixed 🙂 February 2, 2018 at 7:56am
Eudora: Thanks! I will do that!
English is not my mother language either and sometimes it is not easy right? February 2, 2018 at 8:38am
anniej: for Jasenka regarding a fragrance similar to Moon Dance, which I own and adore! I bought it in Nice and it takes me back to the Mediterranean when I wear it. It’s great to see someone mention it.
Amouge Ubar is very very similar, and while it is certainly not subtle, the dry down is softer that Moon Dance in my opinion. I have the reformulation so my impression is of what is available now. I was able to purchase a bottle at well below retail online. February 1, 2018 at 6:06pm
cp: Hi Everyone! I’d love to know whether anyone has been able to smell any of the new Dior La Collection Privee’. There are 8 of them and they are already out in Europe. I am very interested in finding out about Rose Gipsy and Souffle de Soie, and any others. Also, does anyone know when they will be released in the U.S.? I am impatiently awaiting them…. Thanks so much! February 2, 2018 at 1:48am
Suzanne: Hello there. Can anyone recommend a perfume that truly smells like a fresh magnolia? If you’ve ever smelled one, they have a warm lemony tang.
I’ve tried FM, Grandiflora, Aqua di Parma, Atelier, Creed Love in White and others but they don’t quite get the essence of a real magnolia right.
Thank you all,
Suzanne February 3, 2018 at 6:28pm
Victoria: It doesn’t exist. I’ve tried them all, and I’ve worked on a magnolia accord with a perfumer, an experience that made me understand how hard it is to capture this scent. Frederic Malle’s Magnolia comes close, but not quite. February 4, 2018 at 5:15am
Suzanne: Sigh… I keep hoping that CB I Hate Perfume will tackle this and succeed. February 4, 2018 at 9:16am
Courant: Maurice Roucel speaks of his Magnolia creation in an interview with Calfleurbon (sp?) Interesting February 7, 2018 at 6:01pm
morejasmineplease: Suzanne, I definitely defer to Victoria’s statement on this, and I actually am unsure if I’ve ever smelled magnolia IRL – however Katie Puckrik did a review a long time ago on Kenzo Eau de Fleur de Magnolia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92RfF7EJ1M
I had expected more of a floral but on me, this scent was quite lemony. If you’re looking for a **true** magnolia then I’m skeptical this would be it either given what Victoria said, but it may be worth trying? February 6, 2018 at 2:22pm
Suzanne: Morejasmineplease, thank you so much for this idea! I didn’t even realize there was a Kenzo Eau de Fleur de Magnolia and will try it out. February 6, 2018 at 6:14pm
Catherine Barroll: Sounds like it’s on the right path, magnolias in Texas reminded me of the most heavenly lemon meringue pie! March 9, 2018 at 1:02am
sepheme: I am a little late to the game here for January, but I’m hoping to get some feedback on a spring scent for New England, where spring comes fully by mid-March. I love powdery and soapy scents, as well as deeper resins and vanillic scents, though they tend not to be suited for spring. Some of my favorites of the former group are Chanel Misia, Chloe Love, and Jean Paul Gaultier Classique. Any thoughts on what else I might like? February 5, 2018 at 5:55pm
morejasmineplease: The one scent that comes to mind for me when I read what you wrote is Amouage Lilac Love. I find it to have a cocoa aspect (not vanilla) but also powdery. I’m actually not familiar with any of the three that you named though so have no clue if this is something that might resonate with you or not! The bottle is a pastel that makes me think of Easter. February 6, 2018 at 2:31pm
Ninon: I am late, but hopefully not too late. Please recommend the scent you turned to or discovered when your life fell apart and and you had to re-vision your past, present, and future. I have been avoiding beloved scents through this experience, so as not to taint them, but I am beginning to move out of grief and rage towards redefinition. February 6, 2018 at 3:14am
John: What a rich request! The one I come back to always when I need repair is Pour un Homme de Caron (don’t let the name fool you; women can easily wear this.) Its compositional simplicity (there are other notes, but mostly you smell a very natural lavender, vanilla, amber and musk) is conceptually grounding, and the scent itself is so, so calming and restorative. It’s lovely to wear to bed, relatively cheap and kind of timeless. There are other things to wear when you are ready for reverie and contemplation, but if you are just deep in the immediacies of self-care, I’d recommend this first. I hope that whatever you find/finds you helps. February 6, 2018 at 11:53am
Ninon: Thank you so much for your very thoughtful and compassionate reply. Caron is a house I’ve under explored, so I really appreciate the recommendation. I hope to be in a different place some months from now and will post again asking for scents for reverie (especially reverie!) and contemplation. Thanks again. February 8, 2018 at 10:39pm
John: You are welcome! Good luck! February 8, 2018 at 11:21pm
morejasmineplease: Bravo to you for being ready to tackle the changes ahead; I can feel it in your post. John had some great comments for you already. I love this question. Like you, I think I’d also avoid my favorite scents at such a stage. What I imagine I would do is go get a very inexpensive bottle of something I’d never used before (like at TJMaxx or somewhere) and spray the ever lovin heck out of it, all day, all the time. I would use it almost as ammo, like a shield of protection to help me with what I’m facing for the day. I would choose a flightly fruity one with certain zest or tang to it like a pear or green apple that gives me this get-up-and-go feeling. What I did recently when feeling challenged was immerse myself in go-get-em movies (female protag where she wins against the system like GI Jane or Erin Brockovich or even Legally Blonde). It really helped me shift.
I would love to hear what fragrance you find and how you use it to bring change in your life! February 6, 2018 at 2:41pm
Ninon: Thank you so much for your suggestions–and for your confidence in my ability to get through this! I love the idea of something cheap and temporary to wear as a kind of shield–maybe something out of character for me, like a fruity floral, to signal the impermanence of this moment and my capacity for change. Thanks again. February 8, 2018 at 11:16pm
Victoria: Good luck, Ninon! Anything that gives you a boost at this time is important. I also like the idea of something fun and simple. For instance, Demeter waters with their wide variety of scents can be good. February 9, 2018 at 5:18am
morejasmineplease: Hi Ninon! Thinking of you – how did you make out with your life-imposed task of re-visioning your future? Did you find a scent to help you? I hope the most difficult of your changes are behind you and you’re on to a brand new phase now. 🙂 March 3, 2018 at 11:48am
Ninon: Hi there! You are so kind to hold me in your thoughts. I am having a hard time, to be honest. Some of the business of transition has abated and the reality of my situation is setting in. There are good things in this phase–a beautiful new rental in a great neighborhood, a new rescue dog, some deepening friendships, but I’m very lonely when my son’s not with me and scared about the future. I’m still looking for fragrances to accompany me through this. Perhaps I’ll go see if anyone’s still posting on the February ‘Recommend me’ board. March 3, 2018 at 12:08pm
morejasmineplease: My heart aches to read this. I know that loneliness that you are feeling. All I can offer is that it will fade as time goes on, and to give you the reassurance that you are doing everything right and you are in the best place possible for allowing a fabulous new life to bloom. The dog sounds like a total gift and blessing; he may be there to rescue you instead of the other way around!! This must be so hard. But you are doing everything right. ❤ March 3, 2018 at 12:13pm
Elizabeth: Hello! Two part post here 🙂
I recently read Luca Turin’s book of perfumes, and would love to know others thoughts and impressions of Tommy Girl. It received a rave review in his book. I have not been able to find this yet.
Also, I’m contemplating a blind buy of Sycomore (I am a vetiver fan) because samples seem impossible to come by. I do not leave near a Chanel boutique. Surrender to Chance and Perfumed Court no longer sell Chanel. I read Sycomore was recently reformulated and is perhaps not as good? I would love to hear from readers who have worn this fragrance and their impressions. February 10, 2018 at 9:11am
AnnieA: Sycomore is a smoky vetiver and a lovely winter scent. I would love to smell it on a man. I got a split of it several years ago, and I don’t wear it often because it sometimes makes me sneeze -! February 12, 2018 at 4:11pm
Hanna: Hello,
Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives to Frederic Malle’s Carnal Flower or Serge Lutens A La Nuit. I love both fragrances dearly but find Carnal Flower too expensive and A La Nuit doesn’t seem to last long enough on my skin.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you. February 13, 2018 at 12:09pm
morejasmineplease: I’ve not personally tried it, but I’ve seen some people mention Molinard Jasmine as a less expensive alternative to the SL. I have enjoyed other Molinard scents that I’ve tried. March 10, 2018 at 1:18pm
Hanna: Thanks so much for the reco. Will give it a try! 🙂 March 10, 2018 at 1:42pm