Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is now open. You can use this space to share your discoveries and favorite scents, to ask any questions about perfume and to solicit fragrance recommendations.
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
380 Comments
Melanie: Hello ! I discover this thread ! I would recommand “Terre Initiale” by Jardin de France… This a niche perfume from collection Sources d’Origine… A woody, aromatic and fruity fragrance…
Do you know Jardin de France ? http://www.jardindefrance.fr November 13, 2017 at 8:02am
Aurora: Hi Melanie: I didn’t know about Jardin de France thank you so much for bringing it to attention and the link. Terre Initiale sounds absolutely lovely. November 13, 2017 at 1:14pm
Nina: Hi beautifully smelling people! I love this thread Victoria! I always got plenty of suggestions for new and interesting perfumes 🙂 Maybe I will be boring, but after searching for unusual perfumes, I guess now is the time to smell sexy! I will be 40 in two weeks, yikes! 🙂 I love tuberose, but I think I have enough for now, maybe I should go the amber route? What do you recommend dear readers? Thank you! November 13, 2017 at 10:00am
Celle: Ambre Nuit of Dior – sweet, beautiful rose with a very warm amber
L’ambre des merveilles – lots of Amber, vanilla and dried orange. You will smell delicious but this is not overly foody. For a lighter version, you just can’t go wrong with Eau des merveilles – which is less sweet and slightly salty. November 13, 2017 at 11:12am
Anne: I love ambers. My current favourite one is Ambre Extreme by l Artisans parfumeur. I find it so round and gets plenty compliments when i wear it. There is also L Ambre des Merveilles from Hermes, which is really really beautiful. Victoria has made a wonderful review about it. November 13, 2017 at 1:32pm
Nina: Thank you Anne and Celle, you both suggested Ambre Eau des Merveilles, and I will also find Ambre Extreme! Thanks again! November 13, 2017 at 3:40pm
Brenda: Forty is a wonderful age, in my opinion. I am well past those years – into my 60’s and look back fondly at my favourite decade! I was in love with wearing Oscar de la Renta – a gift from my mother which made me feel very special whenever I passed my dresser and glanced at. It was so feminine and the bottle was beautiful. I hope you enjoy your forties – a lovely decade nestled between the “unsure” years and the “oh, I’m sure” years! I’ve hit some snags in my 60’s with regards to perfumes I’ve loved over the years. I change, they change and sometimes we can’t find common ground anymore. It’s alright, though…I keep an open mind and try to trust my instincts. Good day… November 13, 2017 at 7:58pm
Nina: Dear Brenda, thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful comment. Perfume can create such special memories 🙂 A toast to perfume and women and all our wonders! 🙂 November 14, 2017 at 3:11am
Susan: Hello sixties sister,
I have also moved on from my perfume loves of earlier years. Diorissimo, Miss Dior, Calandre, Capricci, amongst many, while treasured in my scent memory bank, just don’t fit anymore. My current favourites are MFK Lumiere Noire and Oud Satin Mood. I love their complexity. November 16, 2017 at 6:20pm
Mariann: Turned 40 end of September myself and am rather excited to see what this new decade brings. Following to see what recommendations come up. I love Eau de Merveilles, Spanish Amber from Pacifica if you can get it and Alahine. November 13, 2017 at 8:16pm
Nina: Thank you Mariann, let’s hear it for the lovely 40’s! I’m excited to try Spanish Amber. 🙂 November 14, 2017 at 3:13am
Mariann: Hear, hear! 🙂 November 14, 2017 at 7:15pm
Aurora: Also, Maitre Parfumeur & Gantier Ambre Precieux is worth trying. November 14, 2017 at 3:12am
Nina: Thank you Aurora! Great suggestions! November 15, 2017 at 6:31am
Nora Szekely: Hi Nina,
I’m 36 and love to wear sexy scents in the evening to spice things up. I second Eau des Merveilles and Ambre des Merveilles. Amber can indeed make a scent deep and sensual. I love the sadly discontinued Gold by Donna Karan, that is a lily and amber dominated exquisite perfume.
Also there are some flowery yet womanly scents on the market worth trying, my boyfriend loves J’adore by Dior on me. I wear the vintage version as current one is watered down but a good substitute is J’adore L’absolu that is closer to the original. (A bonus for me : unlike many scents where the brand goes for the latest starlet as spokesperson, this one has the sublime Chralize Theron as face of their campaign). Chanel no. 19 is also great, make sure you try all concentrations as they differ a bit.
Chanel no. 5 extrait and Coco Mademoiselle both gathered compliments from men when I wore them.
For a drugstore bombshell, I love Dita von Teese’s first scent, Dita in the balck bottle.
I also recommend musky scents, Narciso Rodriguez for her EDT and Roses Musk by Montale can be dazzling. Lovcely by Sarah Jessica Parker is similar to the former one, a nonchalant yet alluring scent.
I hope you find some sexy beasts that you’ll enjoy. November 14, 2017 at 5:44am
Nina: Ah, what a beautiful comment Nora! Thank you so so much! I still remember smelling Gold by Donna Karan in a magazine, but I never got around to purchasing it. Thank you for your recommendations, they are spot on for what I’m looking for, because I also want to delight my boyfriend 🙂
My mom gave me the Chanel Coco from 20 years ago and I treasure it, I will try no. 5 elixir. I only have the one for the hair, which is nice and light and well, without frills 🙂
Thank you again Nora! November 14, 2017 at 6:45am
MmkinPA: Happy Birthday! I am just leaving my 40’s but a great time in your life. My favorite ambers were all mentioned here- Ambre Precieux, Alahine, I also love Histoires de Parfum Ambre 114. I find all of these easy to wear – I teach music in a preschool so I don’t wear anything too dark or heavy on a daily basis. November 14, 2017 at 7:32am
Nina: Thank you! 🙂 November 14, 2017 at 8:15am
Marianna: Amber is my favorite note.
Here are some more choices not mentioned before:
Parfums d’Empire Ambre Russe.
Profumum Ambre Aurea (Smoky Ambergris), Fiore d’Ambra – lighter than AA, but beautiful nevertheless.
Farmacia Ambra Nera.
Arabian Oud Kalemut (both EDP and attar version) – honeyed ambergris
Historie de Parfums Ambre 114, MPG Ambre Précieux.
Tom Ford Rive d’Ambre
Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan – true amber!
Rania J Ambre Loup – Tobacco Amber
Tauer Amber Flash – good bargain November 14, 2017 at 3:36pm
Nina: Wow Marianna, that is quite a list! Thank you so much. First ones seem so luscious! I have Ambra Mediterranea by Profumi del Forte, but on my skin it’s too heavy and not sexy at all 🙂 I will sniff the rest! November 15, 2017 at 6:36am
Mia: I strongly second Marianna’s suggestion for Rania J’s Ambre Loup. It is absolutely gorgeous, just like women in their fourties and on, and both develop all the time even better :). Happy birthday! November 16, 2017 at 2:48pm
Nina: Thank you so much Mia! For both, the suggestion and kind words 🙂 November 17, 2017 at 9:24am
Carla: I turned 40 recently and have been wearing my white florals more and more somewhat related to thinking, why wait for a night out, I’m 40 now! November 15, 2017 at 9:08am
Nina: Hi Carla,
let’s enjoy our 40’s! I know what you mean, white flowers have always been a staple in my smell wardrobe 🙂 I’ve been all about them for as long as I can remember (my first was Michael by Michael Kors and Dior’s Hypnotic Poison when they first came out some 20 years ago (with Sun Moon Stars from Lagerfeld and Dolce Vita from Dior! Those were the days!), I’m especially fond of tuberose, my all time favourite flower and smell and i wear the fragrance often (Fracas, Carnal Flower, Narcotic Venus, Do Son, La Chasse Aux Papillons, Le Beau Parfum by Kurkdjian, Gardenia Passion, etc.). But I just wanted to venture out so to say and try something new. November 15, 2017 at 10:36am
Lisa: Hi. I’m not an expert but have recently taken up an intense passion for fragrance. I came across Mona Di Orio scents elsewhere and purchased a bunch of samples – all divine . The tuberose is my favorite. Deep, spicy and natural. November 17, 2017 at 2:46pm
Nina: Hi Lisa, isn’t tuberose just the best? I love it. Thank you for recommending 🙂 November 18, 2017 at 2:06am
Silvermoon: Happy Birthday, Nina! Lots of lovely ambers already mentioned, but here are three that I recommend and think worth trying. Montale’s Blue Amber, Hermes’ Ambre Narguile and PG L’Ombre Fauve. Each is very different, yet each is emphatically amber. I always find it real fun to pick a perfume note and see all its various manifestations to really understand it.
And here is one more leathery amber – Estée Lauder Azuree. Beautiful and very reasonable price too. They usually don’t display it, but bigger counters might keep it behind (just ask). November 18, 2017 at 1:17pm
Nina: Thank you Silvermoon! This past week I have already went on a hunt down, but I’m very excited to try your suggestions, I completely forgot that Montale did amber and can’t wait to smell it. Thank you also for the birthday wishes, and I agree, playing and experiencing a perfume is one of the best things in life! November 19, 2017 at 3:17am
Katya: Hello my dears,
Can I just say how much I adore this thread? I’ve been taking part for a few months and get giddy whenever the email pops up!
The search for my perfect jasmine is getting narrower. I’ve whittled it down to: Olene by Diptyque (excellent recommendation, received a few months back, very nice and floral), California Reverie by Van Cleef, which is also magical but eye-watering, and White Jasmine and Mint by Jo Malone, which is interesting but does not last *cringe*.
I’ve also been sniffing around the Liz Earle counters again. I remember thinking how No 100 reminded me of Rose Jam (then again, every sweet rose perfume these days smells of Rose Jam to me), and No 15 is an interesting fig that doesn’t have fig at all in its lineup.
Still haven’t bought my FB of Vetyverio, although it is on my list. A full year and the interest hasn’t waned at all.
Also, Bloom perfumery have Jardins D’Ecrivains back in stock, which makes me so happy because I can finally sample George and Wilde. Of the two, which one would you prefer? George (neroli and tobacco) sounds divine, but so does Wilde’s mediterrean fig. Decisions, decisions…. November 13, 2017 at 10:26am
Nina: Hi Katya, just FYI, my favourite jasmine is A La Nuit by Serge Lutens. Maybe at the beginning it is just a tiny bit too indolic, but the dry down is wonderful and soft, lasting power is excellent. I always also get asked what I’m wearing 🙂 Good luck with continuing your search! November 14, 2017 at 3:19am
katya: Hi Nina,
I tried A la Nuit and really liked it, but for some reason it just doesn’t play well with my skin. It’s gone within 2 hours (like the Jo Malone.) It’s such a tricky one, which only makes the search more interesting. November 15, 2017 at 4:23am
Liz Seville: Jasmine seems oddly tricky. Eau Premiere of course. I like to drown myself in Fragonard Soleil when it is hot. I recently tried Etat Libre Jasmin et Cigarettes which I rather liked – and there is Un Jardin de Monsieur Li.
But has anybody tried Vilhelm Don’t Tell Jasmine? There scents don’t seem to have very high scores and I would be interested to know views. November 15, 2017 at 2:56am
Katya: Oh yes. I have Eau Premiere – my mother didn’t like it so she kindly passed it on to me. It pulls a lot more rose/lemon on me than jasmine though. November 15, 2017 at 4:24am
Danaki: Hi Katya,
I loved George, it smells like old books which is really unusual. I still haven’t bought a full bottle though, waiting to finish one from my current collection. November 16, 2017 at 12:43pm
Katya: Ooh, now I’m really curious! Thank you! November 17, 2017 at 6:23am
Magda: Alter by Sammarco is a stunning jasmine, as is the Jasmine perfume oil by Bruno Acampora. November 18, 2017 at 12:10pm
Silvermoon: hi Katya, if you are still searching for the perfect jasmine, have you tried Songes (Annick Goutal)? It’s probably the one that seems to give the best impression of a tropical jasmine in full bloom at night. And it gets many compliments! November 18, 2017 at 1:27pm
Notturno7: Hi Katya, I’m very late with replies here on this thread. Regarding the jasmine note, I second Limegreen on Songes (Goutal). I love it in the summer or when on tropical vacation. I also adore Sarrasins (Lutens). It’s just a divine jasmine. In Turin’s Perfumes the Guide book, it got included into masterpieces and Victoria gave it a very good 4 star review, too.
Actually, I kind of neglected it of lately. I will go get my bell jar and dab some on now, before going to sleep.
Please, let us know if you find some other amazing jasmine perfumes. November 19, 2017 at 4:40am
Susan: Amber is one of my favorites – I recommend Amber Gris, Balmain. I always get compliments when I wear this perfume. November 13, 2017 at 10:31am
Cornelia Blimber: Happy Birthday, Nina!
40 is young, much younger than you think!
Of course there is the one and only Shalimar.
And Ambre Sultan, Lutens. Or Sublime, Patou.
—————————————-
What about a beautiful oud?
Oud Ispahan (Dior) is wonderful but expensive , same with Oud Royal (Armani Privé).
———————————————-
Maybe you could like a sexy saffon, for ex. Idole (Lubin). November 13, 2017 at 4:24pm
Nina: Thank you so much Cornelia! I love your suggestions too and I do love a good oud, albeit I only have Precious Oud by Van Cleef & Arpels. My boyfriend wears only ouds, so maybe I would like to surprise him with amber 🙂 Thank you again! November 13, 2017 at 4:37pm
TrishD: I would second Ambre Sultan. I just bought my third bottle. The dried-herb start makes it a tad unusual and very unisex. I always always receive compliments when I wear it, and it goes well with food, which is an issue for me as most of my socialising seems to involve eating(!). I used to also love a cheapie solid amber by Feniqia, but they have stopped making perfumes, waah. November 14, 2017 at 3:12am
Nina: Thank you Trish, I don’t know how I have not already tried Ambre Sultan, because I love Lutens’ perfumes. Definitely goes on the list! November 14, 2017 at 3:22am
TrishD: I would also say that the sexiest perfume I own, bar none, is Seville à l’Aube by Artisan – just the most delicious orange blossom and beeswax on me, but some smell the incense and lavender more. I also feel very yummy in Fleurs de Citronnier by Serge Lutens, Divin’Enfant by ELDO, and Shalimar and Mitsouko – all seduction perfumes. And Diaghilev by Roja Dove, though it is a devil to get hold of the EDP and the parfum is £750 a bottle. Enjoy your 40s – when you’re in your 50s you will look back and think: “How young I was then!” November 14, 2017 at 6:04am
Nina: Thank you Trish! I love Shalimar (I still have the old one from my mom and use it drop by drop), I’m making so many perfume notes and it is making my day. Also hearing all the positive words just makes my heart melt! November 14, 2017 at 6:32am
Michelle: I recommend Equestrian from Sonoma Scent Studio. There really is something about it reminiscent of a horse barn in all the best ways, I’ve never smelled anything else quite like it. Top notes are apple and grass, heart notes of leather, hay, and violet, and base notes of sandalwood, cedar, moss, and light amber. I originally bought this for my husband but I love it. November 13, 2017 at 11:44am
Debi Sen Gupta: I love Jo Malone perfumes but not impressed with the new releases. So thinking of getting Jo Loves but can’t find too many recommendations online.
Anyone here has tried Smoked Plum and leather? Or any of her other perfumes? Pomelo sounds good but similar to something I already have. November 13, 2017 at 11:54am
TrishD: I have tried Red Roses cologne, which is superb, and Velvet Rose, Honeycomb and a lemon one who’s name I forget, and I wasn’t impressed with any of them. I very much liked Black Cedarwood & Juniper, but didn’t buy it because it’s a lot like Incense Avignon, which I already have. So for me, her scents are very hit and miss – I am reluctant to buy any blind. November 13, 2017 at 2:32pm
Debi Sen Gupta: Black cedarwood seems to be a jo malone cologne and not from Jo Loves. I think the other are also JM. November 14, 2017 at 7:45am
Roxann: Yes, I would love for someone to comment on Jo Loves line. I’ve only seen reviews for the Pomelo (on this website) which I don’t think would be my thing. I believe Sephora is starting to carry the line, but not at my local store. It’s expensive to get the samples shipped from the UK. I tried all 4 of the latest Jo Malone including the Xmas limited edition and didn’t care for any of them enough to buy a full bottle. So, if anyone has tried “Jo Loves” please advise. Thanks! November 13, 2017 at 10:31pm
Debi Sen Gupta: I agree with you. None of the new releases from JM have been very impressive. November 14, 2017 at 7:48am
limegreen: If you click on the US flag for location, the shipping is free. Paying through the UK site, one gets the 20% tax waived, but the shipping is a lot. November 14, 2017 at 12:33pm
Roxann: That is fantastic information. I did not know that. I have not ordered anything from overseas before. I will go to the website and click on the US flag. I wanted to order a sampler set. Thanks so much!! November 14, 2017 at 10:33pm
limegreen: I know — I was nervous, too, but it was fast and the tracking was spot on. I think they give you half a year or something to test the samples before you need to redeem the code for the 50 ml bottle of your choice. I found it a good way to test at leisure and then ending up not just redeeming the FB (included originally in the price of the sampler set) but getting the body creme, too, and free shipping.
🙂
(And the samples are sprays, not dabbers!) November 15, 2017 at 9:33am
limegreen: Hi, so nice to see this topic! And would love to hear from others who have tried the new releases from the line.
I have enjoyed the Jo Loves line, they seem to have more perfume concentration and last longer., with the exception of her Sweet Peas, and the Muguet Cedar (?) perfume which were both very pretty but disappeared instantly.
A very nice perfume friend brought from London a blotter scented with Smoked Plum and Leather and it was quite nice. The impression was a little like Feminite du Bois with smokiness. I’m loathed to get this one blind, even though I have in general good skin chemistry with the JL line. I also have FdB so I can wait. Please let me know if you end up testing it on skin!
I tested many originally in the Jo Loves London shop. It’s now available in a handful of fragrances through Net-a-porter (and some on Sephora’s website but not stores) in the US. I think it’s also free shipping to the US on her website now. I tried the Fragrance sampler where you get the set of 10 or so 2 ml sprays and the price includes a 50 ml perfume of your choice (after you test the samples). This is how I ended up with Mango Thai Lime, a fragrance that surprised me by how good it was. (This used to be called A Shot of Lime Over Mango which I have, and if it may have been reformulated when it was renamed Mango Thai Lime, but I don’t think so.)
I have some impressions to share:
The early Jo Love releases seemed like her re-intepretation (better and more interesting) of her original Jo Malone fragrances that are classics: Grapefruit, Orange Blossom, Lime Mandarin Basil, Vetyver
First of all, I adore Pomelo, especially in the body creme format. It’s unique and really captures the actual pomelo fruit instead of a grapefruit pretender. But it isn’t just a citrus fragrance, with a touch of vetiver, and it’s really lasting. Sometimes I layer with the Pomelo body creme and spritz Chanel no. 19 edt. 🙂 (I was quite disappointed by the Atelier Pomelo Paradis, as nice a cologne as it is, but it is much more a grapefruit, not pomelo at all.)
Mango Thai Lime — this is not as gourmand as it sounds, nor disgustingly fruity sweet, it is really a wonderful scent perfectly balanced between the mango and the kaffir lime. I love this one and trust me, I’m not a gourmand or fruit type.
Orange Tulle (may be discontinued) is a sweet orange blossom that lasts longer than her original Orange Blossom, but without the sparkly fizziness of OB. Maybe Jo Loves recent Mandrine is a revised Orange Tulle with more Orange Blossom sparkle? Haven’t tried it.
Gardenia — just linear (and no tubersose) but beautiful, without bleu cheese or mushroom indoles, so it’s closer to Kai than Velvet Gardenia, but with more oomph (not indolic). I have so many Gardenia fragrances that I did not spring for this one but do have the 2 ml sample from the set.
Green Orange and Coriander — a citrus green perfume, which I like better than her original Lime Mandarin Basil which is too sweaty on me
42 Flower Shop — a very green “cold” florist shop scent (one UK blogger thought it was like the original Gucci Envy, but I don’t know that scent so can’t compare)
Pink Vetiver — not as citrusy as her original Jo Malone Vetyver, it’s a green spicy fragrance with the pink peppercorn. This one does not have any longevity problems, it’s quite strong.
Red Truffle 21 — a fig with touch of pine, very little truffle , mostly fig
White Roses and Lemon Leaves — thought I would love this one but there’s too much “bug spray” from the rose or lemon leaves on my skin, but it’s got the same rose concentration depth that I get from Lutens Sa Majeste. November 14, 2017 at 11:54am
Debi Sen Gupta: Oh wow that’s quite comprehensive. I’m torn now. Mango Thai sounds very good and I quite liked lime and basil, so would love to get a ramped up version. And pomelo too. Pity you didn’t get the smoked plum.
I can’t get the sampler set as I am from India and just asking a friend to pick up a bottle for me. Earlier they used to have the samples only.
Wish she had 30ml bottles like JM. I could have picked up two of them. Ah well.
I think November 14, 2017 at 12:29pm
limegreen: Hi!
Both Pomelo and Thai Mango Lime are favorites. You know, the body products are terrific, you could buy one perfume and one body creme in different fragrances. In fact I rarely spritz Pomelo in the perfume, I really just wear the body creme which has a high concentration of perfume and it lasts so nicely. I smell it on me at the end of the day. (I also treated myself to the Mango Thai Lime body creme, so lovely.)
She switched from 30 ml to 50 ml. Originally she got her bottles custom made in the UK but apparently the 30 ml was too customized and became expensive to special order. (The shop SAs are very personable and chatty.)
Maybe your friend can ask at the shop about the fragrance sampler set and if you can order your 50 ml bottle later in India. They sell the sampler in the shop. The set comes with a code that you put in your online order and you aren’t charged shipping.
Smoked Plum wasn’t out yet, when I was at the shop last so I couldn’t have gotten it.
Good luck!
P.S. The ramped up version of Lime Mandarin Basil is Green Orange and Coriander. Mango Thai Lime is a standalone, nothing like what she did in the original Jo Malone line. November 14, 2017 at 12:51pm
Debi Sen Gupta: Thanks. My friend is ordering online too and I am not sure if they ship to India free.
Think I will take a risk and get the smoked plum. Sounds very different. November 14, 2017 at 1:03pm
limegreen: Probably not free shipping but you will not pay the VAT at least. Good luck! Please report back when you get your bottle! November 14, 2017 at 1:15pm
Debi Sen Gupta: Hmm. Suspect that even if vat is excluded, they will slap on a custom duty here. November 14, 2017 at 1:57pm
Debi Sen Gupta: I just got my bottle of smoked plum and I absolutely love it. Good staying power. I just tried one spritz on my arm and could smell it for two three hours. Very unique smoky leather smell with a touch of sweetness. Might be a bit different for some. But I really liked it. Next time I will get the pomelo. Or maybe thai mango January 15, 2018 at 11:27am
Old Herbaceous: Ooh, I have the sample set and have narrowed down my choice to one of these: 42 The Flower Shop, White Rose and Lemon Leaves, and Red Truffle 21. Having trouble deciding! Thoughts? November 15, 2017 at 11:27pm
limegreen: Since you love greens, I would put 42 Flower Shop at the top of the list. 🙂
Do you get more than fig when you test Red Truffle 21? I wish the pine lasted longer in this one.
And you must have a good chemistry with the White Rose Lemon Leaves. As I mentioned above, it’s unfortunately bug spray on my skin. I thought that was the one I was going to get when I got the sampler.
Be curious what else you like.
How’s the Mandrine? Smoked Plum Leather?
(My sampler was before those were released.) November 16, 2017 at 2:40pm
Aurora: This is so useful, Limegreen, thank you so much for the info. I’ll give a chance to Jo Loves which I haven’t explored at all. I am so interested now in Gardenia as you described it as I don’t fare well with the pairing of gardenia with tuberose (I have problems with tubereuse as a note). November 17, 2017 at 5:16am
limegreen: Hi Aurora,
Aren’t you in the UK, or is that another Aurora?
Lucky you if you can test them in person.
The gardenia is really nice.
Have you tested Van Cleef and Arpels Gardenia Petale? It doesn’t have tuberose either. It’s milder than Jo Loves, mellower November 17, 2017 at 9:06pm
Aurora: Hello Limegreen: Yes I am Aurora from the UK. So nice of you to ponder my problem with tubereuse and yes, I absolutely love Gardenia Petale and have a bottle, it is rather a delicate scent isn’t it but just lovely, now I will try the Jo Loves gardenia,it gives me more choice. Many thanks again. November 18, 2017 at 3:34pm
limegreen: I’m so envious you can just test it in person! If you do test the Mandrine or the Smoked Plum and Leather, do send a review or impressions! 🙂
The Gardenia is different than Gardenia Petale, so I contemplated getting it but at the time I was in the shop, they only had the 100 ml bottle. The exchange with the dollar wasn’t great at that time either, so it was pricey. November 19, 2017 at 9:43am
Aurora: Thank you Limegreen. You know the exchange is much better now, the pound has been steadily falling on account of Brexit. I hope to make a perfume expedition during the holidays and that would include Jo Loves boutique, and will report back in next thread or the one after. November 21, 2017 at 5:17am
limegreen: Can’t wait, Aurora. Do have a lovely holiday season. 🙂
(sighing in envy!) November 21, 2017 at 1:28pm
Liz Seville: I like the Green Orange and Coriander and I seem to remember Pink Vetiver is good. It is eorth getting her taster kit which allows you to buy your chosen scent at the end. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. November 15, 2017 at 2:59am
Heidi: Hello all,
my husband loves scents, but he’s never had a cologne or perfume and has been somewhat resistant to the idea.
However, this summer he bought a cheap bottle of Florida water (!), and he has been enjoying it. He also uses and LOVES the Weleda Wild Rose deoderant spray, and he is partial to bar soaps with either rosemary and cedar, rose, or lemon. So, can anyone think of a scent he might love? I’d like to get him a nice one for Christmas.
Thank you all, and as usual thanks to Victoria for hosting!
Heidi November 13, 2017 at 12:12pm
Heidi: And I should add that his favorites of my perfumes is Chanel Coco, and Maison Louis Marie Vallee de Farnay. November 13, 2017 at 12:14pm
epapsiou: Gris Montaigne by Dior is a great Masculine Rose.
Might want to try Antaeus by Chanel November 13, 2017 at 1:29pm
Heidi: Oh, thank you! I have not smelled either. November 13, 2017 at 8:01pm
Maria: Voleur de roses is a beautiful masculine (well, I think it really is unisex) rose. November 13, 2017 at 3:32pm
Heidi: Another perfume I’ve not encountered — I’m taking notes… November 13, 2017 at 8:02pm
sandra: I think la fille de Berlin would smell great on a man November 13, 2017 at 7:04pm
Heidi: Ah, unfortunately I have that one, and I’m unwilling to share 🙂 but agreed, in fact it’s hard to imagine anyone not smelling good with than one. I love it so much. November 13, 2017 at 8:03pm
Tracy: Le Labo Rose 31 smells great on my boyfriend, you should get him a sample to try out! November 13, 2017 at 7:15pm
Heidi: Ah, will do! There is a new Le Labo store here in Toronto, so I’ll have a sniff 🙂 November 13, 2017 at 8:03pm
Tracy: I too am in Toronto! Pst, little tip: the Le Labo store charges $7 per sample (ridiculous!) but Nordstrom gives them out for free, if you ask nicely 🙂 November 13, 2017 at 8:28pm
Heidi: Aha! Thank you for this excellent piece of information. November 13, 2017 at 8:30pm
Malmaison: Yes, that’s a terrific idea! Such a fresh rose and I think would smell wonderful on a man. One of my faves. November 13, 2017 at 11:29pm
Jodee: I second Le Labo Rose 31. My husband wears it and smells fantastic. November 13, 2017 at 11:42pm
Heidi: Many votes for Le Labo — I’ll have to seek it out now! November 14, 2017 at 7:30pm
John: I actually really enjoy the bitter sparkle of Florida Water every now and then, so I think I can relate to your husband… It is very herbal and refreshing, so I might suggest a few fragrances that do bright, beautiful things with herbs. Why not try Eau Sauvage? It has a wonderful rosemary note in the opening with bitter lemon and basil, a touch of rose listed somewhere in the heart and some functional cedar in the base. If he can tolerate a little powder, I’d also recommend Habit Rouge ETD., which has bracing citruses, a buoying rose and geranium heart, supple new-car-interior leather, and some nice, lucid woodiness for a bolstering base. Both are kind of gentlemanly, but I think quite wearable and relevant… Eau Sauvage is probably the gateway classic for men who have not really considered fragrance before (it was for me), having just the right balance of accessibility and art. November 14, 2017 at 12:41am
Kayliz: Seconding Eau Sauvage! and in a similar vein Eau du Sud by Annick Goutal. November 14, 2017 at 4:43am
Heidi: Thank you, would love to smell the Goutal. November 14, 2017 at 7:29pm
Heidi: Great idea. I’ve smelled and enjoyed it, but had not thought of it for him. Thank you! November 14, 2017 at 7:16pm
Aurora: Lots of great recommendations already. I’ll add Chanel Pour Monsieur and Guerlain Eau de Cologne Imperiale. November 14, 2017 at 2:19am
Heidi: Thank you! November 14, 2017 at 7:18pm
Klaas: Hey Heidi, some great suggestions already! Chanel pour Monsieur and Eau Sauvage are 5star classics, he should defenitely try those. I also like Aqua di Parma Colonia for its effervescence and spicy punch. Another great citrus.
Rose Ikebana from Hermes (Hermessence) is a lovely, crisp, light rose with a yummie crunch. It is pricy though….If you want to go ‘grand luxe’, on the cedar side, there are Feminite du Bois (I know, not your most masculine sounding perfume, but it smells great on me!) and Cedre from Serge Lutens. You’ll have the best smelling husband on earth! November 14, 2017 at 6:00am
Elisa: Seconding Eau Sauvage, also try Rose d’Homme by Rosine, beautiful deep/masculine rose with some citrus notes. November 14, 2017 at 1:20pm
Heidi: Ooh, nice idea. I used to have a Rosine (Poussiere de Rose, now apparently discontinued) that he and I both loved. November 14, 2017 at 7:27pm
Heidi: Thank you, great ideas. I love AdeP! November 14, 2017 at 7:28pm
TrishD: I use that deodorant. 🙂 For a gorgeous lemon scent that is amazing long-lasting, Balenciaga pour Homme is lovely, and Luca Turin recommended my new buy, Cabaret, for men, as the rose is soapy and light. But the fragrance I love on my DH is Le 3eme Homme by Caron. November 14, 2017 at 6:10am
Heidi: Thank you for the tips! I now have a long list for sniffing on the weekend. November 16, 2017 at 2:06pm
Katya: I don’t know if you have access to Marks and Spencer but in the UK, they carry Fragonard which has some really interesting scents that carry well and aren’t breaking the bank. Santal is my favourite, with sandalwood, rosemary, musk and lemon (it smells divine on my skin and days after I tried it I get whiffs of it on my clothes). They also have a Vetiver, and a Cedre, which I haven’t explored as much but which might be a good call to try out. They seem good quality but they’re not so in your face that someone would dislike wearing them. November 15, 2017 at 4:30am
Heidi: I think we used to have a store carrying these in Montreal, where I visit often. I might look for them there. Thank you! November 16, 2017 at 2:05pm
kpaint: Funny – my H’s foray into wearing scent may be similar to yours 🙂 We both use Weleda Wild Rose deo spray and have for years. Initially my husband had no interest in wearing perfume but about a year ago his curiosity was piqued. (YAY! :D)
I started out by introducing him to perfumes from my collection, and after doing some testing, he chose Aramis Calligraphy Rose as his first bottle. Other roses he’s fond of are Atelier Rose Anonyme, Tom Ford Noir de Noir, and Rosine Twill Rose.
As a birthday gift earlier this year, I bought him a selection of classic masculine decants (Dior Eau Savage, Homme, Farenheit; Chanel Pour Monsieur, Egoiste; Guerlain Eau de Guerlain; Azzaro Pour Homme; YSL Kouros; the original Aramis for men; and Amouage Lyric Man.) Of those, he liked the Chanels most, and has since found he prefers Egoiste Platinum over the original so I bought him the flanker for xmas (though I prefer the original myself.) I may also get him Pour Monsieur, which we both liked.
He also regularly wears A*Men Pure Malt and TDC Le 15. He’ll wear Habit Rouge, Chanel Boy, and the original A*Men but moreso because I like them, and at my request 😉 We both liked Prada Luna Rossa, and he’s coming around to Kouros.
I’d recommend getting some samples for him, rather than a bottle, and exploring them together. The Atelier Colognes Advent Calendar might make a nice gift, as he enjoys scented soaps. It’s a real bargain and readily available (sephora carries it.)
Anyway, have fun! I love sharing my hobby/obsession with my partner. Now when I want to pop into shops to do some sniffing, he’s as eager to do so as I am 😀 November 16, 2017 at 2:15pm
TrishD: That sound a great idea and I so envy you a husband that can smell. My DH is almost totally anosmic (he can smell some bad smells, like sulphur!) – he has no idea what I am wearing and just wears what I tell him to. I have to label his bottles ‘winter’, ‘summer’, etc, as he has absolutely no clue what any of them are like. November 17, 2017 at 2:45pm
Magda: Rose Poivre, by The Different Company, is amazing on men. November 18, 2017 at 12:03pm
Silvermoon: Hello Heidi,
I second Eau Sauvage and Rose 31. Also how about Aqua di Parma Colonia Intensa? These are all very fresh smelling, and beautiful, but would he go for something very different? Then, I find Knize 10 a stunning masculine (also wonderful for a woman). Another option would be Atkinsons’ Odd Fellow’s Bouquet (they have an interesting range). November 18, 2017 at 1:43pm
Notturno7: Seconding Habit Rouge and Chanel Pour Monsieur. Declaration is so good, too! I bought these for my Dad, including Vol de Nuit.
I ended up buying Habit Rouge in pure perfume for myself, too. It is so amazing 💗 November 19, 2017 at 4:48am
Julie Ellis: Hello out there…looking for a few ideas for an uplifting festive fragrance for this time of year. One that’s not too heavy or woody based. Maybe a lily or fruit, but not too fruity….help is welcome.
The gray days are getting to me!! Thanks in advance. November 13, 2017 at 1:45pm
TrishD: I like Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier’s Bois de Turquie in this season – the orange and spices make it seem Christmassy. Also Montaigne by Caron, which is very cinnamony, and Five O’Clock au Gingembre by Serge Lutens, which smells of fresh ginger. Boxeuses by Serge Lutens is a nice plummy leather if you like fruits. November 13, 2017 at 2:41pm
Tracy: Hi Julie,
I recently encountered the perfect antidote to seasonal affective disorder, and it’s called Vilhelm’s Opus Kore – a fruity/floral fragrance that makes my spirit sing, I swear. It’s got acai, lemon, raspberry blossom, all that good stuff. I smell too many perfumes to exaggerate about this.
I wrote a little about it here, if you want to know more – https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdP2TxFA00/?taken-by=theinvisiblestories November 13, 2017 at 8:33pm
Old Herbaceous: Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, an independent niche perfumer, has a whole range of holiday season fragrances, all very different. You can browse them here and maybe find one that appeals: https://www.dshperfumes.com/shop/product-category/fragrance/holiday/. November 13, 2017 at 10:04pm
Ann: How delightful! I think I might order one of the sample packs – thank you! November 13, 2017 at 11:20pm
Lily: Thank you for the tip! I just ordered the holiday sampler 2. I have been craving some new sniffs but feel really complete in what I have, so no direction to really pursue. Holiday interpretations feel just right! ☺️ November 14, 2017 at 11:01am
Kayliz: Ooh, great tip, thanks! November 14, 2017 at 2:06pm
Julie Ellis: Thank you for this great tip! I was reviewing ideas when I decided it was time for a big cup of hot chocolate and serious review of this website….very enjoyable and inspiring.
Thanks again…..Happy Holidays To All! December 1, 2017 at 12:10pm
Ann: I am not a fruity perfume lover, but I recently got a decant of Arielle Shoshanna’s perfume – and I find it so delightful and cheerful and enjoyable – it does have a strong and very realistic passion fruit note. Many reviews say it’s a great spring or summer fragrance, but I am really enjoying it in the gloomy weather.
Good luck! November 13, 2017 at 11:20pm
Elisa: Heeley Cardinal? It reminds me of a very fancy pomander November 14, 2017 at 1:23pm
Katya: Coco by Chanel makes me think of dessert without drowning me in syrup. Spices and a tiny bit of fruit, very delicious on the skin, and cosy. November 15, 2017 at 4:33am
Joy Erickson: I love the fragrance of high quality black tea such as Golden Monkey. Does anyone know if this fragrance has been replicated into a edt or edp?
Thank you. November 13, 2017 at 2:08pm
maggiecat: You might try Oolong Infini by Atelier. It’s a lovely black tea scent. November 13, 2017 at 2:32pm
Joy Erickson: This sounds very interesting. Thank you for the suggestion. November 13, 2017 at 4:15pm
Tracy: I too love Atelier Cologne’s – but for something stronger, warmer, try:
– CB I Hate Perfume Russian Caravan Tea
– Apoteker Tepe Holy Mountain (smells like Lapsang Souchong)
– L’Artisan Parfumeur Tea For Two
– Also really like Le Labo Thé Noir 29! November 13, 2017 at 7:14pm
Joy Erickson: A lot of great suggestions. Thanks! November 13, 2017 at 7:56pm
Mariann: Maybe also The Noir from the Bulgari series? I love the The Bleu, Rouge and Blanc. Also Masque Milano Russian Tea. Finally Perfume Posse has a guide on tea scents. November 13, 2017 at 8:20pm
Joy Erickson: Thanks for all of these suggestions! November 14, 2017 at 11:19am
limegreen: Hi Joy!
I don’t know Golden Monkey but I’ve been hooked on Kilian’s Imperial Tea, eau de parfum (not cologne) strength. It’s supposed to be jasmine tea but I don’t detect the jasmine, just the aroma of a lovely black tea leaf. It’s not a cologne so it lasts on my skin. November 14, 2017 at 11:04am
Joy Erickson: Thank you, limegreen. The Killian’s Imperial Tea sounds perfect. I will order a sample. November 14, 2017 at 11:21am
Mel: Does anybody have a good suggestion for a Chanel No. 19 type scent? And also want to know which type of Chanel No. 19 is the best? This is what my mother used to wear but I heard the reformulation wasn’t as good. Thanks for any input!!! November 13, 2017 at 2:49pm
Anne: I really love n19. Have you tried 19 POUDRE? It s a beautiful take on the 19. Really stunning. November 13, 2017 at 2:52pm
Joy Erickson: I love No. 19 Poudre. So enchanting! November 13, 2017 at 4:17pm
Mel: No I haven’t. But obviously I need to try it. Thanks for your input! Do you agree it’s best for spring? I’m trying to find something for now. November 14, 2017 at 12:52pm
Anne: It is light. But I wore it in winter and enjoyed it very much. Saying that, I also love wearing cristalle EDT in the winter too. The musk does give it a cosy edge, which in my opinion is more wintery.
Also, just a thought, but have you tried Prada Infusion d Iris ABSOLUE perfume? You might really enjoy this too? Just a thought… I hope helps your quest. Anne November 14, 2017 at 1:42pm
Maria: I’ve always loved Chanel 19 Eau de Toilette, I find more versatile than EdP and 19 Poudré. It’s true it is not the same after reformulation, but it’s still a distinctive and elegant parfum. November 13, 2017 at 3:35pm
Nina: I really love no. 19 Poudré, but it’s really light (spring/summer scent) and the staying power is scarce. You really need to reapply it often! November 13, 2017 at 3:44pm
Mel: Thanks! Good to know! I haven’t tried it yet but it seems to have A LOT of fans – more even than No. 19. November 14, 2017 at 12:53pm
Maria: Another option is Annick Goutal Heure Exquise. It has a similar style, but I find it sweeter. November 13, 2017 at 3:46pm
Mel: I love Annick Goutal but haven’t tried this one. I’m really looking for a fall/winter weather scent. Would HE qualify? Thanks for your comments!!! November 14, 2017 at 12:54pm
Maria: Absolutely :-)! November 14, 2017 at 6:59pm
sandra: Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, the EDP November 13, 2017 at 7:05pm
John: Jacomo Silences? Not something I’ve tried myself, but this is what I’ve read… November 14, 2017 at 12:44am
Nora Szekely: Hi Mel,
I second Silences, I own it and it is very similar to no. 19 EDT.
My favourite is the extrait de parfum, I recenlty managed to get a bottle from 2003 from the local large drugstore! However, the newest extrait is divine as well. November 14, 2017 at 9:08am
Aurora: Have you tried Guerlain Chamade, another green floral and Annick Goutal Grand Amour? November 14, 2017 at 2:35am
Mel: In fact, my mother has a bottle of Chamade! Have not tried GA. Is it similar to Heure Exquise which another reader recommended? I need to head over to department store fragrance emporium. I’m in the same city as Lucky Scent so I have access to niche brands as well. November 14, 2017 at 12:57pm
Aurora: The 4 of them are green florals, but GA resembles Chamade (less potent though so maybe easier to wear) more than HE or No 19. They are all beautiful. November 16, 2017 at 5:14am
TrishD: I went through a ‘green’ phase recently and bought No19 EDT and EDP (I prefer the latter), plus the Calice Becker version of Vent Vert, Jacomo Silences, Estée Lauder Azurée and Alliage, Ma Griffe and Bandit, among others. I would say the Silences, Azurée and Bandit are bitter greens while the No19, Vent Vert and Alliage are softer and Ma Griffe is on the leathery side. November 14, 2017 at 3:18am
Mel: Thanks Trish! Very helpful! I’m definitely curious about Vent Vert. There was a Parfums de Nicolai “green” scent called Temps d’un Fete I believe – but I think it’s been discontinued. November 14, 2017 at 1:00pm
Michael: How about Chanel Les Exclusifs Bel Respiro? November 14, 2017 at 11:52am
Mel: So glad you reminded me of this one! I haven’t tried it tho it “looks good on paper.” What do you think of it? Compared to the 19’s? Thanks for the suggestion!!! November 14, 2017 at 1:01pm
Michael: I think it smells good for a “green” perfume, but there may be longevity issues depending on how it sits on your skin. It’s definitely not as bracingly sharp like the 19s (Poudre excluded), so if you prefer something green but not that green, it may be a good choice. November 14, 2017 at 10:38pm
Michael: Just a quick update: I tried the new reformulated EDP version of Bel Respiro, and it smells very different from the EDT. According to the SA, the following herbs have been added to the formula: basil, thyme and rosemary. The EDP smells much better IMO, as the EDT was a bit of a wan affair for me and disappeared very quickly on my skin. November 16, 2017 at 8:25am
Mel: Thanks! This is vital information! I think this will be my choice. November 16, 2017 at 12:47pm
Michael: Glad to hear that. The addition of the herbs to the formula have given Bel Respiro depth and a new dimension. I much prefer this reformulated EDP version to the comparably wan EDT. November 17, 2017 at 11:26am
Notturno7: Hi Mel, I love No19. Have it as extrait and vintage EDP I think.
No19 Poudre left me disappointed, it’s pretty but it felt too light and not as ‘iris-y’ as No 19. For more of that No 19 feel,I go for Jolie Madame vintage that I got on Ebay. It also feels green, freshly invigorating and classy . It has violets, too.
If you like No 19 you might like 31 Rue Cambon (Chanel). It’s glorious!
Chamade I love and have few bottles of, but to me it smells like a different category, more floral than chypre. The perfume is just stunningly beautiful. November 19, 2017 at 5:28am
Mel: Thanks for your insights! Another BdeJer recommended Bel Respiro which also sounds amazing. November 19, 2017 at 1:55pm
Notturno7: Mel, you’re welcome. 😃Isn’t this blog so much fun?!
Yes, Chanel Les Exclusifs are beautiful. You might like Misia,too with its iris and violet notes.
I got into 31 Rue Cambon and Private Collection (E Lauder) after I read Luca Turin review in the guide and both he and Victoria gave these two perfumes a 5 star review.
Here’s the link to Bois de Jasmin 5 star reviews, they are beautifully written. 💗 November 22, 2017 at 3:35am
Notturno7: https://boisdejasmin.com/perfume-fragrance-reviews/perfume-reviews-by-rating November 22, 2017 at 3:35am
Katya: I haven’t had a chance to properly try it, but Fragonard’s Vetiver might be a good contender, or maybe Diptyque’s Vetyverio (I prefer the EdT, but the EdP is a lot deeper and has more layers). Possibly Diptyque l’Ombre dans L’Eau although I think that would require a really loose interpretation of “similarity” (the green comes from tomato leaf rather than vetiver or galbanum)
I’m always on the brink of buying No19 or Vetyverio, but then I have a spritz of Fragonard’s Santal and I wonder, should I really? Because it’s a wonderful fragrance, completely unlike the others, and yet it reminds me of them. (Hence why I suggested Vetiver.) November 15, 2017 at 4:37am
TrishD: In September, I asked for recommendations on a rose/incense scent and I just thought I would report back. I bought Cabaret by Grès and Calligraphy Rose by Aramis to start with. It look me a long time to ‘get’ the Cabaret – at first it smelled cheap to me, and there is a bit of a tarty cheap scent-and-fag-ash vibe to it. But I found the trick was to leave the bottle a month, spray out all the stale perfume in the tube, and wear it in quantity – only with quantity do I get the incense and the fragrance has grown on me a lot. The Calligraphy Rose, on the other hand, is fabulous – just what I was looking for, a very jammy red rose, tons of myrrh and a wonderful vanillic drydown. So thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I will try another one or two on the list next month. November 13, 2017 at 2:51pm
Ann: I really appreciate this feedback – I am on a similar quest! November 13, 2017 at 11:23pm
Malmaison: Hurrah! I think I may have recommended Calligraphy Rose (I am sure I did somewhere anyway 😊) and an so glad to hear it worked out for you. November 13, 2017 at 11:31pm
TrishD: Many thanks, yes it was you, and OldHerbaceous. 🙂 I love it and am wearing it a LOT. November 14, 2017 at 1:12pm
Old Herbaceous: So glad you like it! It really is great. A classic! Cheers — OH November 15, 2017 at 11:33pm
TrishD: Old Herbaceous, I like it so much that I am thinking of Calligraphy Saffron too – have you tried this? Do you know if it is sufficiently different from the Rose? I would love something like Safran Troublant but with more staying power. November 16, 2017 at 2:36am
Ann: Two of my top perfumes in this category, for full bottle consideration, are Amouage Lyric and Terry de Gunzburg rose infernal – not sure that it makes sense to consider getting both, so if you have tried them, or have information on their differences please let me know! November 14, 2017 at 12:04am
TrishD: I am eyeing the Gunzberg next – I am stupidly seduced by the colour of the juice – but I just blew half my budget on a vintage Chêne on French Ebay, so may have to delay it a bit. This is what happens to me – I get waylaid by unexpected bargains. November 14, 2017 at 3:21am
Ann: I lied, Terry de Gunzburg Rose Nocturne is on my list, not Rose Infernal. November 18, 2017 at 6:40am
Ann: Make that, Rouge Nocturne. Also has a very deep color juice, Crimson colored November 18, 2017 at 6:45am
TrishD: Well, let me tell you then, that the other recommends were: By Kilian’s Rose Oud, Jovoy’s Rouge Assassin, Christian Dior La Collection Couturier Parfumeur – La Colle Noire, Carolina Herrera Burning Rose, Dior Oud Ispahan, MFK Lumiere Noire, Juliette Has a Gun Lady Vengeance, Atelier Rose Anonyme, Etat Libre d’Orange Rossy de Palma/Eau de Protection, Caron Parfum Sacre, Neela Vermeire’s Mohur, Marni Rose, Guerlain Rose Nacree du Desert, Yves Rocher Rose Oud, Marks and Spencer’s Monotheme Rose Oud, JM Tudor Rose & Amber, David Yurman Limited Edition, Amouage Memoir Woman, Tiziana Terenzi Gold Rose Oudh, Le Labo Rose 31, Portrait of a Lady, Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land, Kashan Rose from Different Company, Rose d’Arabie from Armani Privé, Stephane Humbert Lucas 777 Rose de Petra, and Parfumerie General’s Isparta. So, quite a choice!! November 14, 2017 at 6:24am
Ann: Oh my, I feel like I was just flushed further down the rabbit hole 😜
would like to try Mohur. have tried ELDO Rossy de Palma, I love it, but it’s very bright to me – I don’t get the incense from it.
The few i’d Add to the list based on recs received elsewhere are:
Lubin black jade
Malle une rose
Gucci l’arte di Gucci
Ormonde Jayne Taif
Please keep us posted! November 14, 2017 at 8:15am
Mel: The greatest incense rose scent is ANDY TAUER’S INCENSE ROSE!!! November 14, 2017 at 1:06pm
TrishD: Oh no! The list keeps getting longer! And Mel, I have Incense Rose in my shopping basket on Andy’s site… 🙂 November 16, 2017 at 2:38am
Notturno7: Thanks, TrishD! I’ll remember to check Calligraphy Rose. Thanks for sharing. November 22, 2017 at 3:38am
Tracy: I have two quests I’m hoping the find the answers to here!
1) A perfume that smells like fall. I don’t mean metaphorically – I mean literally: wood smoke, dampness, rotting leaves. Does that exist?
2) All of your favourite salty ocean fragrances – Sel Marin is probably the closest but the lemon in it turns strange on me. Again, I’d love something as close to the natural smell as possible, not your “aquatic” “at the beach” “coppertone” smells. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance everyone x November 13, 2017 at 7:08pm
Anna: Hello Tracy, I have an answer to both your questions. First L’Artisan Dzonka is a perfect Fall fragrance. I wear it when I look out the window in the morning at the grey gloom and I don’t want to face the day. It is just the perfume to bathe me in a warm blanket of scent. It is meant to smell like a Tibetan temple and it does – smoky, incense, the smell of burning leaves. For me it is perfect.
Another scent that I love on a rainy gloomy day is L’Artisan Navigar which sadly is discontinued but perhaps you could find it on a discount site. I think it is just what you are looking for – pure sea salt. The smell of the ocean but not the beachy smell. To me it is nothing but pure salty goodness.
Hope those help! November 13, 2017 at 7:56pm
Tracy: Hi! Thank you for these excellent suggestions. So curious about Dzonka. I need to get some samples online pronto! November 13, 2017 at 8:34pm
TrishD: I would advise a sample for Dzonghka – on me, this fragrance has an unwelcome celery note. But Burning Leaves by CB I Hate Perfume and his earlier version, Bonfire, by Demeter, should conjure up autumn nicely. 🙂 Volutes by Diptyque is nicely smoky too. It depends what kind of beach you’re after, but if you fancy an olfactory trip to Brazil, Artisan’s Batucada conjures it up nicely. I gave away my bottle and deeply regretted it – ended up buying another one! November 14, 2017 at 3:26am
Lily: 1. I am curious to know mynown self!
2. Hermes eau de merveilles is the one that comes to my mind. On me it smells like my skin does after a day at the beach in fall – no sunscreen, just salt and wind and a hint of smoke or something bitter. November 13, 2017 at 8:08pm
Mariann: Second this and I will add Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt and Epice Marine from Hermessence. November 13, 2017 at 8:23pm
Tracy: Mariann – Epice Marine sounds incredible! Thanks for bringing this to my attention. November 13, 2017 at 8:35pm
Mariann: Great let us know what works! Another one that may work is Air de Bretagne that was released this year by L’Artisan. A poster on another blog just mentioned it, but havent tried it myself yet. November 14, 2017 at 7:26pm
Tracy: Will let you know if I ever find the former! Are you referring to the original EdM or the new one – the blue bottle? The original smells like Pure Amber on me, I wish I got salt and wind 🙁 November 13, 2017 at 8:35pm
Lily: The original EdM. Have not found the new one yet to try. What a shame that it doesn’t work for you! It’s such a shapeshifter perfume, everyone’s description of it is different. Hopefully there will be another suggestion that does work for you! November 13, 2017 at 10:13pm
Kari: Tracy, Papillon Dryad smells SO much like fall to me. It’s like walking in a lush forest. It ticks off similar boxes to Mitsouko for me as well. I adore it. November 13, 2017 at 9:53pm
Tracy: I love me a lush forest. Thanks for the rec! November 14, 2017 at 10:55am
Old Herbaceous: Hi! Solstice Scents has an autumn collection that has many unusual scents, including several with smoke: http://www.solsticescents.com/AUTUMN-COLLECTION_c_56.html. The only one I’ve tried so far is Riverside Hayride, and it may not be what you’re seeking but I liked it very much. Foxcroft sounds exactly like your description of what you want. November 13, 2017 at 10:13pm
Tracy: That sounds SPOT ON. Thank you!!! November 14, 2017 at 10:57am
Sarah: The Fall fragrance I would recommend is Oddity by Rag and Bone. It is Autumn in a bottle! It is exactly what you described in your request. November 13, 2017 at 10:17pm
Tracy: Ooh never smelled any of their scents! Thanks! November 14, 2017 at 10:58am
Malmaison: I would definitely recommend you look into the CB I Hate Perfume fragrances.
They are a little hard to get hold of but I am sure are exactly what you have in mind. Burning Leaves from this line is my ultimate fall perfume, and all about the smoke. I haven’t smelled November but the list of accords is ‘Pumpkin Pie, Fallen Apples, Bonfire, Wood Smoke, Dried Grass, Fallen Leaves, Wet Branches, Damp Moss, Chanterelle Mushrooms and a hint of Pine Forest’. The perfumer Christopher Brosius, who is responsible for this line, really does understand the scent of damp earth like no one else!
The line also has seaside perfumes,
this one might be what you are looking for: ‘Eternal Return is the scent of sailing toward the shore. It is a blend of Fresh Ocean Air, Wooden Ship and a faint hint of Cypress Trees growing on the cliff above the water…’
I probably sound a bit evangelical but these perfumes are so special and unusual that I think they would totally fit your bill. Surrender to Chance stock samples if you are curious. November 13, 2017 at 11:41pm
Tracy: I know and love a couple of CB IHP scents but have never heard of their seaside collection! Thank you so much for the tip. November 14, 2017 at 10:59am
John: The two scents I think of as deeply autumnal are Caron’s Yatagan (very wearable and elegant in a way, though it reminds me maybe more of winter and Christmas mass than of the fall specifically), and CB I Hate Perfume’s Burning Leaves. I grew up with English neighbours who used to burn their leaves (maple and oak) in Autumn, and I can tell you it is startlingly authentic.
Actually, another relative cheapie (it shows up at Marshall’s & the like) that you might also try is Burberry London for Men. Something about it actually reminds me of the BC composition, though this impression is more at an arm’s length (my son wears it often) than up close. November 14, 2017 at 12:51am
Tracy: Love love love Burberry London. Haven’t smelled it in a long time on anyone! Might have to push it on my boyfriend soon. x November 14, 2017 at 11:01am
Kate Stewart: Bvlgari Black smells like smoke and rubber, that might smell like fall? November 14, 2017 at 1:45am
Tracy: Need to investigate! Thanks. November 14, 2017 at 11:03am
Aurora: Hello Tracy: I have a suggestion for a perfume that smells like Fall, it is Rouge Bunny Rouge Embers. November 14, 2017 at 5:13am
Tracy: I used to get samples of RBR from Twisted Lily but they stopped carrying it! Where do you sample? November 14, 2017 at 11:04am
Aurora: Hi Tracy: I sampled it at the Bunny Rouge boutique in London’s Regent Street but I gather you are in the US and you can order a sample via The Perfumed Court, they carry Embers, I’ve just checked. November 14, 2017 at 12:20pm
Mara Stylianou: Dear Tracy,
I hope my message finds you well!
In reply to your two queries, I would suggest
(1) L’Air de Rien by Miller Harris for a literally autumn perfume
and
(2) Fleurs de Sel, also by Miller Harris, which is salty and earthy at the same time -it will astound you!
Best regards from Athens, Greece! xxx November 14, 2017 at 8:02am
Tracy: I have been meaning to dig into Miller Harris! Need to track down an international retailer with affordable shipping…In Canada we have limited access to that line. Love from Toronto. November 14, 2017 at 11:03am
Mara Stylianou: Dear Tracy, thank you for your kind message. You may find out more on the two perfumes that I recommended, by visiting these (indicative) links:
https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Miller-Harris/Fleurs-de-Sel-4831.html
and
https://www.millerharris.com/l-air-de-rien-eau-de-parfum-100ml.html
Kisses to you and Toronto, and all the best!
and November 14, 2017 at 11:18am
Lari: Tracy, if wet earth, forest, falling leaves is your quest take a look at Sonoma Scent Studio. The artist is Laurie Erickson in California and she does wonderful, unusual work. She gives very detailed descriptions and is very well reviewed. Prices are quite reasonable. I am presently waiting for her to whip up a new batch of cocoa sandalwood. Ideas, though I haven’t sampled them all- pacific forest, walk in the woods, winter woods, jour ensoilee …I’d be surprised if you didn’t find lovely things to sample. December 26, 2017 at 11:04am
Michael: I second the recommendation for Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel. The salty note actually works very well with the flowers and herbs, and the touch of vetiver and leather in the base really gives the fragrance a nice touch. November 14, 2017 at 10:42pm
Liz Seville: Wish Miller Harris would bring back Fleurs de Sel – at the moment I can only find it on ebsy. Clearly like me – it has many fans. November 15, 2017 at 3:12am
limegreen: How about sampling Tom Ford’s latest Oud Minerale? It has an algae/seaweed layer to it, and definitely a marine perfume, ignore the oud in the name.
I enjoy Santa Eulalia Marinis, the citrus in this one may work on your skin. November 14, 2017 at 10:37am
Tracy: Both new to me! Thank you. November 14, 2017 at 11:02am
limegreen: If you find a shop that carries Naomi Goodsir, she’s obsessed with fire and smoke so her perfumes have the that smell of ashes. I think her first one, Bois d’Asenses (Sp?) is all about the smell of burning wood. I’ve tested Iris Cendre and Cuir Velours and they smell like smoky ashes and iris , and a smoky leather (wearing a leather jacket near a campfire). I’m not a fan to wear them myself but admire her aesthetic.
Good luck! November 14, 2017 at 1:08pm
Katya: Guerlain’s Rose Nacree du Desert smelled like barbecue the first time I tried it. Then all I got was a smoky rose jam, so probably not the one you need.
As for marine notes: my absolute favourite is the sadly discontinued Fleurs de Sel by Miller Harris. I also have their Eau Magnetic (another sea smell) which is a lot more abstract, a lot brighter, not nearly as unique as the first one, but still nice if you want that sea breeze feeling. Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt – liked it but it does not last on me. On a recommendation from one of these threads I tried Hermes Eau des Merveilles Bleue and it was okay… not really swayed to purchase though. I recently tried Miller Harris’ Figue Amere – it’s a very strange one, I definitely got the fig and the salt but I wasn’t sure how they played on my skin. I would like to try more but if you want that… might be worth it. Similarly, I tried Parfumerie Generale’s Bois Naufrage expecting a mediterrean salty fig, and instead I got sunscreen and a dozy sea. (Not bad, but not what I was looking for.) (Actually, the blogpost I linked in my website form is about beach perfumes. Go figure…)
Also, one I have not tried but one that I hear is very coastal – Wilde by Jardins d’Escrivains. I think they ship samples internationally, and in the UK, they are recently restocked with Bloom Perfumery, which makes me really excited. (yay samples!!!)
Good luck! November 15, 2017 at 4:44am
Nina: Hi Tracy, I love Lostmarch’s Ael-Mat and Rem by Reminiscence. I have them both and they are both lovely for counteracting those monoï smells that are so popular in summer. Although I do love my Terracotta by Guerlain. 🙂 November 15, 2017 at 6:30am
Danaki: Tracy,
I don’t know where you’re based but if you have access to Lush Gorilla perfumes, try All Good Thing. It is supposed to smell like a drunken stumble down the the stairs, but to me it smells like everything that is good in Autumn. November 16, 2017 at 1:06pm
Ninon: For #1, Chanel Sycomore EDT (I have not tested it, but I’ve heard that the new EDP is more ‘likable’ and less special). November 17, 2017 at 1:09am
Nina Z: CB I️ Hate Perfume has a scent called Falling Leaves that is a realistic impression of smoke, fallen leaves, a bit of maple syrup, etc. That’s pretty close to what you’re describing. November 21, 2017 at 9:34pm
Kari: What are your favorite saffron or cardamom-prominent fragrances?
I love L’Artisan Safran Troublant, while it lasts. It’s beautiful. I’d love other fragrances with this sweetly spiced vibe.
Also enjoy Imaginary Authors Slow Explosions.
Cardamom: Fendi Theorema, Kenzo L’Elephant, and Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom are all favorites November 13, 2017 at 9:51pm
Ann: Cartier declaration – for a lighter fragrance, and Amouage Opus vii for a heavier fragrance November 13, 2017 at 11:31pm
Aurora: Hello: when I crave cardamom I always go for Hermes Voyage. November 14, 2017 at 2:45am
TrishD: I find Serge Lutens’ Rahat Loukoum a lovely rose/saffron scent and with more staying power than Safran Troublant – I adore the latter but it’s gone after 10 minutes. November 14, 2017 at 6:27am
Tracy: Hello! Have you smelled Byredo Black Saffron? it’s not pure saffron, but I love it a lot. November 14, 2017 at 10:39am
limegreen: I enjoy Jo Malone Cologne Intense Saffron but it may be discontinued.
I used to enjoy Korres Saffron Amber Cardamom, but can only wear it in cooler weather. November 14, 2017 at 1:10pm
Mariann: I love Safran Troublant and Mimosa and Cardamon. For cardamom also try Lumiere Blanche its wonderful. Also maybe the Epice Marine I get a cardamom note. Taking notes on the safran recs for myself 🙂 November 14, 2017 at 7:31pm
Nina: Hi Kari, I fell in love with Soir d’Orient by Sisley when it came out. It’s such a lovely warm and luscious perfume, it’s also quite masculine I find, so my boyfriend likes to steal it as well 🙂 November 15, 2017 at 6:44am
Nina Z: DSH Perfumes has a beautiful saffron and spice scent called Cimabue. Sweetly spiced describes it perfectly. November 21, 2017 at 9:35pm
Celle: Hi all, I have been looking for the perfect green scent next to my no.19 edt and received quite a few suggestions here. Now I must say I’ve found that missing piece. It’s Ninfeo Mio of Annick Goutal – very grassy, and the lemon verbana note just balanced out the fig so that it wasnt overly sweet or coconuty like Philosykos. it may not be a photorealistic rendition of the fig, but still I like it so much for its very green nuances.
Now I’m looking for something warm, woody and have good sillage. Something for the cold weather probably. For this bottle i do not want a gourmand (as I have my favourite gourmands already ). Fille en Aiguilles looks nice but somehow my local counter said it’s discontinued after the repackaging into 100ml bottles (who needs that much?).
What suggestions do you have? What do you think about Penhaligon’s Halfeti? Thanks everyone November 13, 2017 at 10:11pm
Old Herbaceous: Have you tried Christian Dior’s Dune? November 13, 2017 at 10:37pm
TrishD: I second Dune, especially if you can get it in vintage, and also Tauer’s L’air du Desert Marocain. Serge Lutens does a whole slew of fragrances with a woody base: Feminité du Bois, Santal Majuscule, Jeux de Peau and Chêne just for starters, plus the whole ‘bois’ series with different nuances (Bois de Violette, Bois et Fruits, Bois et Muscs, etc). And Caron’s Yatagan – best used with a light hand, though. November 14, 2017 at 5:52am
Liz Seville: What about Ormonde Jayne’s Ormonde Woman? Beautiful scent. November 15, 2017 at 3:14am
Katya: My favourite cozy scents are Chanel Eau Premiere, and Coco (the original), both very warm and yummy. For more woody ones, I have my eye on Fragonard’s Santal, so that may be worth checking out – that, or Cedre. Santal is what keeps me from committing to a bottle of No19 actually – I always feel like why get the more expensive one when I can get something really good for 26 quid? I notice when I’m sampling, no19 disappears quickly, but I get whiffs of Santal on my clothes for days after.
Also, I don’t know if you have access to a Liz Earle counter, but no15 and no9 might be up your alley. I love No15 and I want to get a FB soon, but if that’s too much fig maybe No9 would be better? November 15, 2017 at 4:48am
Nina Z: Bois des Iles by Chanel is a beautiful warm woody scent, if you like sandalwood. November 21, 2017 at 9:38pm
Old Herbaceous: I’m wondering if any of you can suggest a wintry scent based on evergreens, but that doesn’t smell like pine cleaner or too cold? I like strong greens. I have thought about Annick Goutal’s Nuit Etoilee (LOVE the bottle), but don’t know whether I would prefer the EDT or EDP. I’ve also read a lot about Lutens’ Fille en Aiguilles — any thoughts on that? Any others? Thanks! November 13, 2017 at 10:23pm
Malmaison: I do like Fille en Aiguilles but find it to be somewhat more about the dried fruit than about the pine needles – I prefer a greener approach. That said though, it is definitely not cold and is a lovely scent. Have you tried the Tom Ford Private Collection ‘Vert’ line? The Vert d’Encens might be up your alley, it is an incense / pine / balsam blend with a bit of heliotrope and truly gorgeous. November 13, 2017 at 11:46pm
John: I swear I’m not in the pay of Caron (I just recommended this a few posts up), but have you tried Yatagan? The overlap of incense, conifer and castoreum is wonderfully rugged, but its sheerness stops it from being overbearing.
If overbearing is OK though, you could also sniff Polo Green (especially a vintage Cosmair bottle!) It is absolutely overflowing with bitter tobacco, dry leather, minty juniper and sweet hay, plus a truckload of butchered pine trees… A pipe-smoking gardener wielding a cleaver in one hand and a G&T in the other. November 14, 2017 at 12:58am
limegreen: I agree! Yatagan always makes me smell the high altitude pine forests in the Rockies. It’s a dry and not wet evergreen smell, just lovely.
(Yatagan won’t break the bank either…) November 14, 2017 at 10:58am
Old Herbaceous: I love the image you conjure up! A pipe-smoking gardener with cleaver and G&T! I may have to try Yatagan, just because of that. November 15, 2017 at 11:43pm
John: Actually, that description pertained to Polo Green, which is rather heavy of both tobacco and juniper notes! (But you should still try Yatagan…) November 16, 2017 at 12:27am
Old Herbaceous: Thanks! I did try the Tom Fords a while ago but hadn’t thought about them recently! I have samples, so I’ll give them another sniff. November 15, 2017 at 11:42pm
TrishD: I adore Fille en Aiguilles and am on my second bottle. To me, it is fresh pine needles and incense, though to be fair, some people do read it as floor cleaner. 🙂 Drakkar Noir is a nice fresh fougère with pine. November 14, 2017 at 5:44am
MmkinPA: Sonoma Scent Studio Pacific Forest. Green with an ambery base. Also her Forest Walk. November 14, 2017 at 7:42am
Cornelia Blimber: Strong green? maybe Futur by Piguet. Strong, bitter, smokey. November 14, 2017 at 8:31am
Cornelia Blimber: You could try also Eden (Cacharel)
Palais Jamais (Etro)
Scherrer (Scherrer). November 15, 2017 at 3:07pm
Old Herbaceous: Great suggestion, thanks! That has been on my list, so maybe I’ll accelerate … November 15, 2017 at 11:47pm
Old Herbaceous: Ooh, those sound nice! I haven’t tried any of that line. Thanks! November 15, 2017 at 11:44pm
kpaint: And Winter Woods as well. November 16, 2017 at 2:25pm
Lily: Fille en Aiguilles is one of my favorite fall/winter scents. To me it is primarily pine with hints of incense and red berry. So it is my Christmas in a bottle scent, and one that probably blends with my skin better than most scents do. The amount and type of incense is just right to blend with skin but remain almost invisible. I sampled it first from STC, tried it in spring and was unimpressed, tried it again in November and fell hard. November 14, 2017 at 9:07am
Lily: I will add that it is not cold at all IMO, the berry and the incense both warm and sweeten without (at least on me) taking over from the pine. Hm, I think i’ have to wear that one today! November 14, 2017 at 11:05am
Old Herbaceous: Thank you! I may have to get a sample … November 15, 2017 at 11:46pm
limegreen: I’ve been in love with Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa, with a green mastic thingy going on. It is a very satisfying strong green for me, not too cold and doesn’t smell like pine cleaner!
It’s not Xmas tree wintry though.
Another one you might try is Tom Ford Vert d’Encens, as suggested by Malmaison, also with mastic, softer than the Corsica Furiosa. It has more pine/balsam in it. November 14, 2017 at 10:50am
Old Herbaceous: Thanks, these sound great! I have a sample of the TF, not the other. Yet. November 15, 2017 at 11:49pm
Tracy: i love, love, love, love x 100000 profumum roma arso – like a pine tree on fire. so good. November 14, 2017 at 10:54am
Old Herbaceous: Thanks, that does sound great. November 15, 2017 at 11:49pm
Ninon: Same. It’s a glorious pine. November 17, 2017 at 1:13am
Katya: If you don’t mind the poor lasting power, I love Black Cedarwood and Juniper by Jo Malone. (TBH the sample I had went on fine, but it was just one paper – and JM fragrances tend to play differently on everyone’s skin) November 15, 2017 at 4:51am
Old Herbaceous: I like many JMs! They last okay on my skin, I wish they lasted longer. Haven’t tried the Black Cedarwood and Juniper, so I’ll add that to the “must try” list. Thanks! November 15, 2017 at 11:51pm
TrishD: I find that one very close to CDG Incense Avignon but the CDG has better staying power. November 17, 2017 at 3:16pm
Notturno7: I second Tom Ford Vert d’Encens and maybe you’d like Lutens Cedre. It’s beautiful and much richer than the name would suggest. November 22, 2017 at 3:57am
Anu: Hello Everyone: I am hoping for some suggestions for a substitute for Guerlain’s AA Winter Delice. I love to wear this during fall and winter but I recently poured out the last drop from my decant and am sorely missing it! Bottles on Ebay cost an arm and a leg, hence the quest for a substitute. I would be grateful for any recommendations . November 14, 2017 at 9:53am
Aurora: Hello Anu: so sorry for you about Winter Delice, yes, Guerlain always discontinue their Aqua Allegoria editions (with 3 or 4 exceptions).
Maybe you’ve realized that the evergreen/pine trail above sort of answers your question for an alternative. I’ll just add Tocca Colette which has some pine (but not very much) when I wear it I am always reminded of Xmas, it really is lovely I think. November 19, 2017 at 12:47pm
Anu: Aurora, I looked up Colette and the notes look very interesting! Definitely sample worthy.Thank you so much for the suggestion. I will also look up SL Fille en Aiguilles since it is so highly recommended in the previous comments. November 19, 2017 at 1:26pm
cp: Hi everyone! I would love some recommendations for a dry, warm rose fragrance that has other florals too. I really like TF Cafe Rose, so I’d be interested to hear some other suggestions. Thanks so much! November 14, 2017 at 11:36pm
Tiamaria: My first thought was Lyric woman. To me it’s a beautiful warm enveloping rose. SHL 777 Rose de Petra is a lovely spicy rose that I would say is dry, worth checking out. November 15, 2017 at 3:33pm
cp: Thanks Tiamaria! I read all about Rose de Petra and I’m really dying to try it now. I see that Luckyscent carries it and will go get a sample asap. I will also try Lyric Woman too. Does anyone have any rose centered floral recommendations without the fruit component – like rose with jasmine, peony, lily and other florals that have more of an amber base rather than musk? I don’t do well with musk bases. Thanks so much! November 16, 2017 at 1:05am
maja: I second Rose de Petra and I would add first the good old Stella, then Ambre Nuit by Dior and maybe even Parfum Sacre by Caron. November 16, 2017 at 6:34pm
TrishD: For a real cheapie, which is better than it has any right to be, you could try Joie de Vivre by Lentheric. It was created by Roure and has top notes of rose and jasmine, a heart note of iris, and base notes of amber and sandalwood. YSL’s Parisienne tones down the massive pink rose of Paris with violet – I find it easier to wear than the original. November 17, 2017 at 1:54pm
Sam: Hi! I am fairly new to the world of perfume. I know that quite often people wear fragrance of the opposite (designated) sex, and I have been doing that on multiple occasions as well. I recently fell in love with Terre d’Hermes, but thought it is too masculine for women to wear. What does everyone else think? Are there boundaries of what women/men can wear? November 15, 2017 at 3:33am
Maria: No boundaries Sam! In fact, I’ve always loved roses on a man. Eau des Merveilles, which is labeled as feminine, smell wonderful on guys too, and off course, Terre d’Hermes is lovely on a woman. Almost all Jean Claude Ellena creations are absolutely unisex. Try Angeliques sous la pluie, it has a similar style for me 🙂 November 15, 2017 at 9:37am
Sam: Thanks! I realize Jean Claude Ellena makes great pieces and I like all of the ones I tried so far 🙂 I’ll definitely check out Angeliques sous la pluie when I get the chance, I haven’t smelled angelica in a perfume yet so it will be interesting! November 15, 2017 at 6:35pm
Eudora: Hi Sam, I am a woman and love “men” scents also. Declaration is one of those perfumes that I knew from the first spray that it woulf work on me. I also love Caron’s Pour an homme and classic Old spice. And I tell you, and do not misunderstand me, that I am very femenine. And, on the other hand, my very masculine husband finished last year my beloved Chanel’s Coco, yes! And he smelled so so good, and it fitted him perfectly. So…no boundaries. November 16, 2017 at 8:34am
Nina: Hi Sam,
you should really wear what you like! As I said in a previous comment, my boyfriend likes to steal Soir d’Orient by sisley and last summer I wore a lot of Dior Homme Sport 🙂 I also love Penhaligon’s English Fern and Bulgari’s Man in Black. November 15, 2017 at 10:50am
Cornelia Blimber: Absolutely no boundaries!! I wear Heritage, Van Cleef Pour Homme, Dior Homme Intense, and many other perfumes for men. And I know lots of men wearing perfumes for ladies.
No worries, wear what you like! November 15, 2017 at 3:12pm
John: I’d say no boundaries!
My son wears vintage Opium for women and smells wonderful in it. If you enjoyed Terre d’Hermes, you should definitely try Declaration, my favourite by Ellena. November 16, 2017 at 12:30am
TrishD: No, there are no boundaries – smells are just smells, so wear what you like. 200 years ago, men wore florals and women wore woody fragrances. Now it’s the other way round. And in the Arab world, men drench themselves in florals without a second thought. I’m a woman and I wear masculines all the time and am often complimented on them. Caron’s Pour un Homme is a favourite – I have had men tell me I smell amazing and sexy and refuse to believe I’m wearing a ‘masculine’. I also wear Yatagan, Eloge du Traître, Je Suis Un Homme and Le 3ème Homme, Versace’s Dreamer, Old Spice and Drakkar Noir! I recently did a blind test for one of my perfume evenings and NO-ONE can tell the difference between masculines and feminines – it’s all just marketing. November 17, 2017 at 2:07pm
Sam: Thanks for the reassurance and the interesting bit of information! Now I’m curious how men smell with florals. Do you think there are scents that “suit” someone? How does one determine that? November 23, 2017 at 4:04am
TrishD: I think it’s down to skin chemistry and taste, and also the ‘twist’ the perfumer places on the floral aspect, teaming it with fresher or spicier notes. My DH wears a classic masculine floral, Le 3ème Homme by Caron, and of all the fragrances I’ve chosen for him, this is the one that smells best on him. The most common florals used in masculines are lavender and geranium, because they have a herbaceous slant, so you could start with a unisex like Gris Clair or Encens & Lavande by Serge Lutens, or a masculine like Geranium Pour Monsieur by Malle. I also think Calligraphy Rose by Aramis would smell great on a guy – there’s a nice review of it on Youtube by Joy Amin. The rose in this is not girly, but rich and jammy, with a ton of incense. I wonder, too, if Chinatown by Bond would work on a man – there’s something a bit odd and gourmand about it, even though it’s very sweet. Why not give it a try? 🙂 November 23, 2017 at 5:00am
Nina Z: Wear what you love! November 21, 2017 at 9:42pm
spe: Please recommend perfumes that are tender, delicate, and romantic. But not sweet, please. November 15, 2017 at 11:13am
Maria: Guerlain Après l’ondée could be a good option. Also Annick Goutal Eau du ciel and Frédéric Malle Eau d’hiver. November 15, 2017 at 11:24am
spe: Thank you,Maria. Would A l’ O be your first choice? November 15, 2017 at 4:10pm
Maria: Yes, if you want something romantic in a retro style. Eau du ciel is more innocent, and for me, Eau d’hiver is the warmest one 🙂 November 15, 2017 at 4:42pm
spe: Very helpful assessment. Thank you. November 15, 2017 at 10:43pm
Nina: Hello,
I don’t know about romantic, but the softest perfume I have and that I continue to get compliments when I wear it is Petite Cherie, by Annick Goutal. Also soft and balmy are Narciso Rodriguez for her – Eau Delicate (rose bottle), Chanel Chance Eau Tendre and Kenzo Amour EDT Florale. November 15, 2017 at 3:26pm
spe: Nina, is the NR for her eau delicate lighter on the musk? Also, what do you think of the NR in the white and black cubes? Thank you! November 15, 2017 at 4:13pm
Nina: Exactly, there is just a hint of musk, and more of a balmy velvety milky scent, with just a hint of powder. Look for a rose cap with clear bottle. The black one is definitely more musky and it has a zing to it. The rose bottle is musky/fruity. I suggest you try all three on your skin and then decide 🙂 November 15, 2017 at 5:08pm
Nora Szekely: Hi spe,
I love Noa by Cacharel, it has such an innocent perfume.
I second L’eau d’Hiver and add Dans tes bras and En passant from Frederic Malle’s line as they are both tender and romantic to my senses.
La chasse aux papillons is the happiest, mood-lifting tender scent I know.
L’heure bleue by Guerlain is also I delicate masterpiece to my nose. November 16, 2017 at 11:29am
spe: Hi Nora,
Noa is frequently referenced as a lovely perfume ) I have yet to smell it! Thank you for the reminder. All of the other fragrances you mention go sweet on me, unfortunately. At least that is how they smell to me. November 16, 2017 at 8:56pm
TrishD: Un Matin d’Orage by Annick Goutal – the most amazing evocation of a Japanese garden after rain. The EDT smells ‘wetter’ than the EDP. November 17, 2017 at 2:08pm
Katya: Do Son by Diptyque is very tender white floral (tuberose) that always rakes in the compliments for me. Always. Friends, relatives, strangers in the dressing rooms. My mother loved it so much she wanted a bottle for herself, as did one of my mother’s friends.
I also recently tried Diptyque Olene (on recommendation from one of these threads) and it is a beautiful jasmine that reminds me so much of green tea and springtime walks. Admittedly it turns a bit medicinal if I’m too heavy-handed with it but maybe it’s a good one to just mist over yourself.
Another recent try for me was Tea Tonique by Miller Harris which, although I didn’t get a chance to fully appreciate, seemed quite lovely, light and warm, so maybe worth a try if you have access to a counter. November 19, 2017 at 5:34am
Maria: Guerlain Après l’ondée could be a good option. Also Annick Goutal Eau du ciel and Frédéric Malle Eau d’hiver. November 15, 2017 at 11:24am
Hayley: I should try Eau du Ciel since I love the other two you are recommending.. November 15, 2017 at 4:19pm
Maria: You should give it a try!! I’ve recently discovered it and I find it really beautiful and delicate. I’ve never wanted to have a full bottle of Après l’ondée or Eau d’hiver, but I’m thinking of it with Eau du ciel November 15, 2017 at 4:46pm
spe: Did Eau du Ciel get reformulated? I remember it from,many years ago and it is beautiful and unique. I remember violets – is that correct? November 15, 2017 at 7:16pm
Maria: I suppose it was reformulated but I got violets and a hint of mimosa November 15, 2017 at 9:11pm
Cornelia Blimber: Tender and romantic…maybe Baiser Volé (Cartier).
Or Lys Soleia (Aqua Allegoria).
Flora Nymphéa (AA) is wonderful but discontinued; I read that Chanel Beige comes near.
L’Air du Temps is tender and romantic. Reformulated, I know, watered down, but still charming. A lovely shadow of itself. November 16, 2017 at 3:31am
spe: Thank you, Cornelia. Which formulation of Baiser Vole is your preference?
Beige becomes too sweet for me.
I think L’ Air du Temp is one of the most beautiful fragrances ever. So you think it’s worth tring the newer formulation? The older bottles don’t age very well, IMO. November 16, 2017 at 9:35am
Cornelia Blimber: I love the edp Baiser Volé, never smelled the extrait.
You are right (IMO), L’Air du Temps doesn’t age well. I remember the vintage perfume very well, my mother wore it.
I have the edt and the extrait of L’Air du Temps, current version, and bodylotion and soap as well. I think it is still a good perfume. November 16, 2017 at 10:08am
spe: I had no idea the current L’ Air du Temps was available in extrait. Thank you. November 16, 2017 at 9:19pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Spe! It is hard to find, but it does exist. November 17, 2017 at 3:50am
Notturno7: Hi Spe, did you try Misia? It seems to hit the description of what you’re looking for.
I managed to find a vintage extrait of L’Air du Temps on ebay recently and it’s gorgeous. I also bought a spray bottle from this small perfumerie that is locally known as a reputable store and it smells like the vintage treasure but I bought it two years ago. I wish I could figure out if it is new or vintage. It smells great, like my vintage perfume but in lighter concentration. November 22, 2017 at 4:15am
Amelie: I would love some new recommendations. I am currently on the lookout for a ‘lighter’ winter scent, something fresh and elegant. My signature scent is Vol de Nuit by Guerlain and as a ‘warm, eveloping’ winter scent I’m currently enjoying Santal 33 by Le Labo. November 15, 2017 at 1:58pm
Hayley: It is not fresh, but frederic malle eau d’hiver is a light and elegant fragrance that i enjoy in winter. I wonder if Irish Silver Mist might fit the bill, too. November 15, 2017 at 4:21pm
Amelie: Thank you so much for your kind recommendation. I really like Frédéric Malle’s perfumes but I haven’t tried that one yet but now I definitely will as well as Iris Silver Mist as I love an Iris note 🙂 November 17, 2017 at 2:58pm
Vasilisa: I would recommend Hermes’ Ambre de Merveilles for a lighter winter scent. November 16, 2017 at 12:41pm
Amelie: Thank you for your recommendation! I am definetely going to check that one out! 🙂 November 17, 2017 at 3:00pm
TrishD: I think Serge Lutens’ Five O’Clock au Gingembre is a night light scent for winter – it’s spicy, but the ginger is fresh, not dried. November 17, 2017 at 2:12pm
Amelie: Thank you very much for your kind recommendation! I see I must definetely pass at Serge Lutens 🙂 November 17, 2017 at 3:00pm
Amelie: *pass by November 17, 2017 at 3:01pm
hrr0: i repost this
hello!
i’d like a feminine perfume that smells kind of “pharmaceutical” and rose(the way midnight poison-dior used to smell).
i dont really like heavy oriental frangrances or to sweet and i m in my early 30s!
thank you for your lovely blog November 16, 2017 at 6:35am
Kayliz: Hm. Pharmaceutical and rose, for me, is Cologne pour le Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian — but it is sweet (and dense, and animalic in a beeswax way).
Have you tried Noir pour Femme by Tom Ford? November 16, 2017 at 7:38pm
TrishD: Not rose, but there is a whopping camphor note at the beginning of Serge Luten’s Tubèreuse Criminelle, followed by a lovely creamy tuberose. November 17, 2017 at 2:33pm
Eudora: Hello Perfumistas, my question is about the photography Victoria posted… Thanks! November 16, 2017 at 7:52am
Danaki: Me too! I’m wondering what is this a picture of? November 16, 2017 at 1:13pm
maja: I believe this is the answer 🙂
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-mikuji November 16, 2017 at 6:24pm
Eudora: Thanks Maja! Yesterday I checked Victoria’s instagram and saw she was in Japan so I had a clue. Thanks for the link! November 17, 2017 at 4:38am
Eudora: Hello, I didn’t know about Nivea eau de toilette. I love the classic in a blue jar body cream, so nostalgic, from my childhood. Has any of you tried it? Do it smell like “the classic nivea” smell? I would spray my pillow every day!
Thanks! November 16, 2017 at 8:24am
spe: Hi Eudora,
We don’t have Nivea edt in the US; I thought it was only released in Germany. However, I thought I’d mention a couple of fragrances that remind me of that smell: White Rose by Floris and Encre Noire pour femme. Not exact, but close enough for me. November 17, 2017 at 9:47am
Eudora: Spe, Floris is new to me. Very elegant, I am checking their web and I want everything. Encre Noir pour femme, also a new discovery…reading about it I fell in love. I will try to find it. Thanks! November 17, 2017 at 3:42pm
kpaint: The other night after I sprayed myself with Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige, I got to thinking about how nice it would be if it were shot through with a big dose of rose.
In cold weather in particular, I like to wear either powdery scents or rose perfumes to bed. It would thrill me to wear something that combines both – as in massive doses of POWDER and a glut of ROSE 😉
It’s entirely possible that I have a perfume somewhere along those lines, but I haven’t been able to come up with one. Any ideas? November 16, 2017 at 2:39pm
maja: Iris Rose by Coudray, very powdery and rosey.
I’d try Lipstick Rose by Malle, too. November 16, 2017 at 6:22pm
kpaint: The Coudray sounds lovely, but they’re awfully hard to find in the US. I have tried Lipstick Rose. though. November 21, 2017 at 3:09pm
Maria: Maybe Ombre rose could work. It is very powdery with a big dose of rose, kind of a cosmetic fragance. November 16, 2017 at 9:28pm
kpaint: I considered that but haven’t worn it recently. I don’t recall much rose in it, but have always loved the powderiness of it and in years past have worn it to bed a lot. November 21, 2017 at 3:08pm
Maria: Another option is L’artisan parfumeur Drole de rose. November 16, 2017 at 9:29pm
Cornelia Blimber: Hi Spe! It is hard to find, but it does exist. November 17, 2017 at 3:53am
kpaint: This seems to be a L’Artisan rose I haven’t tried. I’ll look for it. November 21, 2017 at 3:09pm
Eudora: Not a perfume but what a coincidence. I bought Nuxe Lotion Tonique Douce aux petals de rose, a very gentle toning lotion for sensitive skin and it smells powder and rosa damascena. It is a pleasure!
If you want a massive dose of powder I recommend you Sebamed eau de cologne. It is for babies but my daughter is 6 and it is a staple in our home. It is cheap also, from Germany, sans alcohol… But no rose… November 17, 2017 at 4:51am
kpaint: The Nuxe toner sounds lovely! I use a few Korean skincare products that have a gorgeous rose scent. Asian skincare brands seem to be less shy about perfuming their products 😉 November 21, 2017 at 3:12pm
Aurora: I absolutely 2nd Maria about Ombre Rose, if you like ‘retro’ scents – now I want to try Drole de Rose too.
Another powdery rose one is Misia that has at first violet, then a lot of rose in the midnotes and drydown is Chanel, the EDT sample I have lasts quite well on my skin but of course it now available in EDP (don’t know how much rose the EDP has). Maybe worth investigating the is the new launch by Parfums de Rosine Rose des Neiges, I haven’t tried it ‘a powdery rose modernized by an aqueous note’ says the website potentially interesting or horrible! November 17, 2017 at 7:52am
kpaint: I have and love Misia (though I don’t get tons of rose from it) and very quickly went through a decant of Rose des Neiges, which was gorgeous. To my nose, the opening smelled of roses and lychee and the drydown of powdered almonds. I’d love to have more of it. I should add that my experience with the Rosine does not match any of the reviews of it that I’ve read 😉 November 21, 2017 at 3:15pm
Ann: Do you have or have you tried?
Perles de Lalique
Agent Provocateur
Narciso Rodriguez Poudree
Terry de Gunzburg Rouge Nocturne November 18, 2017 at 7:48am
kpaint: I’ve tried AP and the Narciso. I’ve never smelled any Terry de Gunzburg perfumes, though I’ve heard good things about them. Is it one you wear? I’ll look into the Lalique.
I have a bottle of vintage YSL Paris, and that’s pretty close to what I have in mind – if the rose was softened a bit and the powder amplified. It’s also a bit “big” for sleepytime 😉 November 21, 2017 at 3:18pm
Ann: I don’t wear it, I’ve just smelled it.
Wondering if you’ve tried Bottega Venetta and what you think of it. It smells like a soft rose to me – but I’m not sure if rose is listed in the notes. I think it’s really lovely and might work for night. November 22, 2017 at 12:50pm
Dana: Hi, I commented in the August thread about looking for a wedding perfume for my botanical garden wedding next May and wanted to give a quick update. For reference perfumes I wear/have worn regularly in the past are Coco Mademoiselle, Nirvana Black, TF Black Orchid (for date nights), and Al Rehab Susan for the strong gardenia note. Based on this blog I’ve found a few perfumes that I love parts of but I’m looking for one to combine all the best parts. I loved the big jasmine opening of Serge Lutens A La Nuit, but it doesn’t stay long enough on my skin. My favorite dry downs are Songes and Estee Lauder Gardenia Tuberose. I also really like Houbigant Orangers en Fleurs, but I’m starting to figure out that orange blossom gives me a headache. I’m not a fan of aldehydes which I figured out from Chanel No. 22, and Chanel Beige was too bland. As always any recommendations are greatly appreciated! November 16, 2017 at 4:57pm
Lily: I am not versed enough in white flower or jasmine perfumes to be of more help with suggestions…but is layering an option? I have never tried it but I know some people do to either increase longevity or combine one opening with another drydown. November 17, 2017 at 7:52am
Dana: Hi Lily,
I’ve considered that, I know there aren’t many good gardenia perfumes because the flower is basically impossible to extract from so I’ve thought of layering a gardenia soliflore over another perfume if I need to. Other than that I don’t think I have the confidence to know if i’m creating a monster or something beautiful by layering non-soliflore perfumes. November 18, 2017 at 10:21am
spe: Serge has another jasmine called Sarrassins (sp?). However, I’m concerned about a big jasmine/tuberose on May in a botanical garden – could get a little heady, depending on where you live. What about California Reverie or Gardenia Petale by Van Cleef? They are on the lighter side with good staying power. I know you don’t like aldehydes, but have you tried the perfume versions of Joy and Patou 1000? There is also a perfume version of Fracas. November 17, 2017 at 10:02am
Dana: Hi spe,
Sarrassins is definitely worth a try, I loved the drydown of Gardenia Tuberose because I could get more of the gardenia with the amazing drydown. The opening was just extremely strong Tuberose on my skin. I live in Alabama, U.S. but it’s not usually too hot in May. I have a sample of the Van Cleef Gardenia Petale, I think I want something a bit stronger though. The Gardenia Tuberose would have been perfect if it had much less Tuberose. And the A La Nuit would have been perfect if the Jasmin stayed on my skin for more than 15 minutes. I haven’t smelled the last three you mentioned but Fracas is on my list of samples to get. Would you say they have less aldehydes than Chanel No. 22? November 18, 2017 at 10:17am
spe: With the possible exception of La Myrrh by Lutens, everything has less aldehydes than No. 22.
However, I do think No. 22 is one of the most beautiful fragrances on the planet.
I noticed that you like strong, heady florals for your big day. It might help us to know if you prefer a soliflore of gardenia or jasmine – or a floral blend. I suggested the Patous because of their strength, femininity, beauty, and the fact that your wedding perfume would not likely be discontinued any time soon. November 18, 2017 at 3:16pm
Dana: I think I like blends better that contain generous amounts of gardenia or jasmin, a small amount of tuberose may be ok. I’ve tried Gardenia Tuberose which was the only perfume I’ve ever found that was too overwhelming. I think the tuberose came through way too strong on my skin. The drydown was perfect though and I could mainly smell the gardenia, vanilla and sandalwood I believe. I also like a creamy rose like Annick Goutal Rose Absolue blended with other flowers. I typically like a warm, woody, vanilla type base, maybe even with a little spice. November 18, 2017 at 11:50pm
spe: There is a Jour d’Hermes Absolu Gardenia (ltd distribution – I think it’s still at Sephora), but I don’t remember the dry down. Chanel Gardenia edp might be too fresh and green for you, but the parfum might not be. Cruel Gardenia by Guerlain is shampoo like and also sweet. I don’t remember what Puguet’s Gardenia smells like, but you might want to sample that one. If you prefer tuberose to take center stage, probably Carnal Flower is a great choice. For jasmine, people like the Diptyque fragrance Olene, but there are many jasmine fragrances, fewer gardenia. November 19, 2017 at 12:03pm
kpaint: I’d agree that if you like big, heady, white florals, Carnal Flower should be on the list to try. I get a lot of jasmine from it on my skin.
I’m also thinking Narciso edp (white bottle) is worth a try if you haven’t smelled that one yet. It has a gardenia note, and is romantic if not a bit sexy. November 19, 2017 at 1:52pm
kpaint: Oh, and also adding that I am a big fan of Hermes Jour Gardenia. It’s all about spring to me (rather than a big white floral hothouse.) It doesn’t project terribly well or last long on me unless I really drench myself, but it might be worth trying. November 19, 2017 at 1:55pm
Dana: Those sound wonderful! I haven’t smelled either one yet. November 20, 2017 at 3:38pm
Dana: Kpaint, thank you for commenting! I’m looking for something that lasts for the wedding since I don’t want to worry about reapplying throughout the day. And I prefer perfumes that are more on the warm/sexy side so I’ll definitely check out the Narciso one. Would you say Carnal flower is mainly tuberose and stronger than Tuberose Gardenia? November 20, 2017 at 3:44pm
Dana: I’m actually trying out the Hermes Gardenia today! I got a sample at Sephora over the weekend. I think it’s a bit too green and soapy for me though. I may need to try Carnal Flower since I’ve seen so many great reviews of it on this site. I’m afraid it may be too much based on my overpowering experience with Estée Lauder Tuberose Gardenia. I haven’t heard of the Puquet or Diptique ones, I’ll look into them. Thank you! November 20, 2017 at 3:36pm
kpaint: Ah, if the Hermes is too green, the Piguet (we’re talking Fracas here, right?) is probably way too green then – not that I’d discourage anyone from trying Fracas!
Carnal Flower does have a thread of green running through it, which to me breaks up the BWF to keep it from being too sweet. To my nose, it wears as equal parts tuberose and jasmine. I’ve never smelled Tuberose Gardenia so I can’t comment on it, unfortunately. November 21, 2017 at 3:25pm
TrishD: Annick Goutal’s Un Matin d’Orage might work – lots of gardenia with a true mushroom note, and jasmine too. I haven’t tried the EDP but assume it would be longer-lasting than the EDT. November 17, 2017 at 2:41pm
Dana: Hi TrishD,
I do have a sample of Un Matin D’Orage and I thought it was very pretty. I think it’s lacks some strength that I seem to be craving for my wedding perfume, i’m Not usually on the subtle side when it comes to perfume. That’s why Houbigant Orangers en Fleurs was my favorite of the orange blossoms that I tried. I think I’d like to steer away from orange blossom as a base note because it can give me headaches even though they smell beautiful. I love gardenia and Jasmin though, even rose sometimes. The bases I love the most are a combo of vanilla bourbon, rosewood, vanilla, and sandalwood. I’m thinking of getting a sample of Portrait of a Lady and being careful when applying. November 18, 2017 at 10:33am
TrishD: It sounds like your skin eats perfume. 🙂 I have the same problem, hence my love of Serge Lutens. One fragrance I truly love is Caron Fleurs (with an S) de Rocaille, perfume strength – in the perfume, the aldehydes are not so noticeable, I think. I think this fragrance is a much nicer perfume than Chanel no 5, for instance, and Carons have a quality of blooming when you get hot or sweaty. But it’s very much a blend – hard to pick out individual notes. November 18, 2017 at 10:46am
Dana: Sounds wonderful, i’ll check it out thank you for the recommendations! November 18, 2017 at 1:43pm
TrishD: Luca Turin says it’s prim, but he’s wrong. 🙂 You can get the perfume in a 15ml Baccarat bottle fairly readily – easy to carry around. November 18, 2017 at 1:46pm
Dana: Ok good, I tend to like the more heady fragrances instead of the light delicate ones. November 18, 2017 at 6:26pm
Lily: This is a very different type of floral fragrance in that it isn’t jasmine oriented, but if you like vanilla bases perhaps Ostara? I don’t know how easy it is to find samples as it’s discontinued (but the perfume is available on eBay etc). It’s a perfect spring perfume, daffodils and vanilla. Victoria has a spot on review. If it sounds intriguing and you can’t find a sample I am happy to send you one! November 18, 2017 at 3:53pm
Dana: I have a sample in my cart on eBay actually! I read the review a few weeks ago and thought Ostara sounded wonderful. November 18, 2017 at 6:24pm
Lily: Lovely! I look forward to hearing your progress updates. It’s always so wonderful to get to follow specific quests like this in these threads 🙂 November 19, 2017 at 12:01am
Silvermoon: Hello Dana, here is another gardenia that might be great for a bride (apparently, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wore it to her wedding). This is White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum (aBritish niche brand). it’s a cool and elegant gardenia. Another gardenia is Jovoy’s Gardez Moi or a tuberose by Bogue perfumes called Maai. I would second Carnal Flower and Portrait of a Lady. November 20, 2017 at 2:41pm
Dana: Hi Silvermoon, I have read up on White Gardenia Petals and would you say it has a good bit of aldehydes? That’s what I’ve read at least and that plus the coolness you mentioned is why I’ve hesitated trying it. I tend to go for more warmth in perfume. I haven’t heard of Garden Moi or Maai, would you say they are on the cool or warm side? Thank you for the suggestions! November 20, 2017 at 3:50pm
Silvermoon: Dana, yes, it probably is fair to describe WGP like that. If you really love warm perfumes, it probably isn’t for you. On the other hand, Maai is an utterly warm, deep and almost heavy perfume. Go lightly!
It should be Gardez Moi (sorry about autocorrect). It lies somewhere between the two in terms of warmth. Someone suggested Fracas. If you haven’t tried it yet, it certainly is worth doing so even though I wouldn’t put it in the warm category. Another bride-like perfume is Annick Goutal’s Grand Amour (and the name certainly fits too). November 20, 2017 at 4:02pm
Silvermoon: Oh by the way, do tell us what you decide on for your wedding day. I guess that will be some time in the spring. November 20, 2017 at 4:05pm
Dana: Silvermoon, Don’t worry I will! Everyone on here has been so helpful! It’s May 18th. Have you smelled Amoureuse by Parfums Delrae? Victoria’s description sounds perfect, especially since my honeymoon in Italy will begin in Venice. 😊 November 20, 2017 at 4:10pm
Silvermoon: No, I have never smelled it, but sounds lovely. And lucky you, Venice is one of the loveliest cities in Italy (the world, for that matter). Wishing you all the best ahead. November 20, 2017 at 4:28pm
TrishD: I had another thought the other day about a wedding perfume for you – have you tried Cacherel’s Loulou, EDP? It’s an absolute powerhouse fragrance: jasmine, tiare flower, ylang-ylang. Might be worth a shot. November 23, 2017 at 5:04am
Lisa: Dear Victoria, I’ve just discovered your blog and have been reading your articles the last 2 hours. I am a fragrance and would be really interested to hear your opinion about “Boudoir” by Vivienne Westwood 🙂 November 17, 2017 at 6:24pm
missjanefan: Hello,
I’m soliciting recommendations for woody perfumes for spring/summer. Or which non-woody perfumes would you recommend someone wear in spring/summer if their preferred note is woody?
Thank you,
Missjanefan November 17, 2017 at 8:46pm
TrishD: Serge Lutens’ Santal Blanc is a nice, light wood to wear in spring – very different from Santal Majuscule or Santal de Mysore. Personally, I like green fragrances in spring, so Chanel no 19, Vent Vert, Alliage, etc – green without being floral. November 18, 2017 at 10:48am
missjanefan: Fantastic! Thank you, Trish! November 18, 2017 at 11:44am
kpaint: Not sure if this is the kind of wood (sheer/sweet/sandalwood) you’re looking for, but I absolutely fell in love with Chanel Bois des Iles this summer (both the d/c’d edt and the edp are good.) I wore it on a very regular basis when the weather was warm, and it kind of loses its magic in cold weather. November 19, 2017 at 1:59pm
missjanefan: Thank you, K! November 21, 2017 at 8:43pm
Nina Z: I second the Bois des Iles recommendation. November 22, 2017 at 4:47pm
Aurora: Hello: perhaps also you might try Atelier Cologne Bois Blonds, I find it very pretty. November 21, 2017 at 5:20am
missjanefan: Thanks, Aurora! November 21, 2017 at 8:43pm
faith: hi all! i’ve been reading [and recommending] this blog for years! here is my question: i loved l’air du temps as a kid. i bought a big bottle of moment vole [a dupe] at fragonard in paris. now the fragonard has been discontinued and the l’air du temps has been reformulated [badly, to my nose] any thoughts as to what could replace them? also, same story with je reviens [reformulated] another childhood fragrance. i would love any suggestions you might have. November 20, 2017 at 1:44pm
kpaint: This might not be the answer you’re looking for, but vintage bottles of both L’Air du Temps and Je Reviens can be found for a song on ebay. November 21, 2017 at 3:27pm
faith: thank you kpaint for responding….i do a lot of ‘window shopping’ on ebay, looking at the vintage perfumes. i think i must bite the bullet then and become an actual online shopper. November 22, 2017 at 5:59pm
TrishD: I second Je Reviens in vintage – I’ve bought a number of bottles and keep most in cold storage, with one out for daily use. L’Air du Temps is more difficult, but you could try Anais-Anais EDP or the original Lagerfeld version of Chloé – probably both far better than you remember! November 23, 2017 at 5:07am
Cornelia Blimber: L’Air du Temps is difficult, I agree. I had a vintage L’Air du Temps, but it smelled like Bayer aspirine . All my perfumes aged well, save L’Air du Temps.
My experience: when a perfume has turned, the initial phase is spoiled, but most of the time the drydown is enjoyable. But L’Air du Temps was totally gone. I shed a tear and threw it away. November 23, 2017 at 6:59am
faith: and thank you Cornelia Blimber….i will keep that in mind…..i was kind of hoping that that was not the case. i have pretty good thrifting karma, so maybe i will come across something i can smell before buying. November 30, 2017 at 1:35pm
faith: thank you TrishD : i am sure i’ve not sniffed anias-anias since childhood. i do remember liking it though. the old chloe, probably never. now i will keep a lookout for them……my fantasy is to find a stash of old perfumes at an estate sale. ha! probably everyone here has this dream 🙂 November 30, 2017 at 1:29pm
TrishD: IMHO, even the modern version of Anais-Anais is good – I like the EDP. And I found the original Lagerfeld Chloé on British Ebay for peanuts. So good luck. 🙂 November 30, 2017 at 2:42pm
spe: There are many references to Wind Song as a L’air du Temp smell-alike. I cannot conform this. For a softly spicy carnation,scent, I went to Vitriol d’ Oillet (sp?) by Serge Lutens. Anais Anais is a decent substitute, but it somehow doesn’t feel as elegant and feminine. November 24, 2017 at 10:47am
faith: thank you spe…..my mom wore wind song for a time. maybe that is where i got my early love for l’air du temp? i will also look for the serge lutens. the spicy carnation is just what i especially enjoy! November 30, 2017 at 1:41pm
poppy: 70 now & only like EDTs,finishing Bois Farine,fancy Beautiful Day(Castelbajac),still love L’Heure Bleue;but definitely less interested,going back to the precepts of youth& scaling down shopping.I actually like savon de marseilles & savon d’alep smell & a simple french pharmacy face & body moisturiser.But it’s a joy to read you all November 24, 2017 at 8:53am
Carina: Hello people!
I’d like to ask please for someone to recommend me a fragrance. The question is I am obsessed with No 5 edt, and although I really love Shalimar too I can’t find another perfume I love so much as No5 edt.
I want to open up my horizons a bit, and although I really love Les Exclusifs by Chanel I cant afford them.
Any recommendations will be welcome!
Thank you! November 25, 2017 at 6:59pm
Ana: Hello, I’m joining you comment since I’m also a big No. 5 EDT lover, and I want to try something new. In fact, I was considering Shalimar as an option.
My other favorite fragance is J’adore, which I find has a strong jasmine note.
I’m really enjoying reading your comments, since people around me tend to prefer the unisex fragances by CK, Coco Mademoiselle or Polo blue. I would like to experience something different -I also apologize for my limited fragance-related vocabulary, since English is not my mother language, I need to learn it. November 28, 2017 at 6:57pm
Sally: I also love Shalimar. It has so much character (that is my simple perfume vocabulary). In that vein you might like “Timbuktu” by L’Artisan Parfumeur. I bought it scent-unseen solely based on Victoria’s review and how many stars she had given it. Another perfume which you may like if Gucci’s Rush. December 1, 2017 at 5:03am
Jennifer: Hello everyone! I am Jennifer, and I am brand new to this blog. I came across it this weekend, and have been so into it that I’ve spent the last two days attempting to read every post!! It’s just wonderful! I am also very new to the perfumista world, so bare with me. My favorite perfumes are those that are warm, creamy, and smell like vintage lipstick or powder. Envision a grand Parisian boudoir in the 1930-40s with a raven haired sophisticate applying makeup in blush pink satin lingerie. My favorite perfumes (which remind me of the above) are Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, Jardins D’ecrivains La Dame Aux Camelias Cologne de Nuit, Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom, and Chanel Beige. I’ve also tried Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, but found it to be a bit too candy sweet. Looking for something opulent, intoxicating, and irresistible along those lines. Any suggestions would be so appreciated. December 3, 2017 at 7:05pm
Edina: Hello Victoria, im Edina from Hungary, im 39. Im always busy finding my new favourite scent, but then i always realize, that there is no “the one and only” perfect parfum for each occasion. One of my favourites nowdays is Diptyque L’ombre dans l’eau (but not always, sometimes i feel when wearing it, too raw and green), but on the other hand i really like Angel, but only the original version of it. My old time favourite is Clinique aromatics elixir and Sisley soir de lune, and summer time Etro viccolo fiori or Hermes sur le nil. What really causes me headache is D&G Light Blue, Armani Sí, La vie est belle or erba pura. I dont really like aldehid kind of scent, altough i know old classics are made from it. Im capricorn, and i like wearing deep colours and im rather melancholic type. My ascendant is gemini, so at the same time im sporty and vivid. I like citrus type of scent as well. would You recommend me some unforgetable parfums? thanks a lot!!! December 4, 2017 at 9:12am
Eastofeden: Okay I’m coming to this party a bit late. But I am looking for a scent to gift to my son, a 22 year old college student.
I have a few ideas..but would be interested in someone else’s thoughts. December 7, 2017 at 11:22am