Are you looking for a new fragrance? Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. You can this space to find perfume recommendations, to share your discoveries and favorite scents, and to ask any questions about scents, aromas and flavors.
How does it work: 1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know what you end up sampling. 2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!
To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link uner their comment.
Photography by Bois de Jasmin
139 Comments
Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and perfume lovers,
I recently bought several vintage perfumes (made in the 1980s or 70s) and noticed something strange. I’d like to know whether my nose plays trick on me or others had similar experiences.
I sprayed them on one after the other, directly on skin. These scents (notably Diorissimo, Dioressence, Diorella, Chanel no. 5) smell different when I put my nose close to my skin, and from a little distance. Mostly they smell better if the scent is caught as a whiff. Maybe its in the age or can there be anything in older perfumes’ structure that may explain this? October 29, 2018 at 8:32am
Armando: Hi Muriel! Many vintage formulas have ingredients that are now restricted (oakmoss in most cases, or things like cinnamon that had to be lowered) or not used anymore due to possible ethic concerns (natural musk, civet, etc.)
To me, vintage perfume is a hundred times more interesting, perhaps because the lack of restrictions back in the day made it possible to create very complex structures, but also lead to compositions that nowadays would be challenging for most people.
Perhaps that is what is going on with the scents you bought. But if they all have the same dislikable smell, maybe they have spoiled. Spoiled perfumes have a very peculiar smell. October 29, 2018 at 9:47am
Armando: Sorry, my reply was for Nora! October 29, 2018 at 9:48am
Aurora: Hi Nora: Have you tried to see if it’s the case as well when you use scent strips? October 29, 2018 at 3:27pm
Delilah V: Hello Nora, I don’t usually seek out vintages but I have experienced this too with a very small number of modern fragrances (namely one or two Mancera’s and two YSL’s from Le Vestiaire collection)
Also experienced this with isolated perfume ingredients e.g. absolutes / co2 extracts /aromachemicals, particularly beeswax absolute and hay absolute.
I have no scientific basis for this but I take it as a sign of a higher concentration of “perfume” to alcohol (or any other solvent/dilutant) and I adore fragrances like this!
I don’t necessarily mean these types of fragrances are “stronger” but I’ve found they’re much longer lasting and “smoother” in that it takes more time and effort to distinguish individual aromas because they’re more “blended” (perhaps they contain aged naturals or more complex formulas or are stored for longer before being bottled? Or i could just be going mad!)
Not only do they leave a most enchanting souvenir on a lover’s clothes and make my scarves and leather gloves extra cosy/fragrant (I cannot be the only person who scents almost all my leather goods?! Including my notebook and wallet) I find the sillage of these scents more noticeable to others and receive more compliments. October 29, 2018 at 4:20pm
maja: Hi Nora
I experience the same thing with new fragrances sometimes. Just yesterday I was wearing Cap Neroli and found out the whiffs of it were so much better than the perfume on my skin which was more galbanum-bitter. October 29, 2018 at 6:10pm
Muriel: Hello, I am a newbie, although already in my 40ies… and would like some piece of advice… This summer, I discovered “Angéliques sous la Pluie” and absolutely love it! I like its dryness and the energy that come with the first notes, and love the soft cuddling aura it leaves on my scarf. However, now that fall is here, I would like to try something else: something woody, maybe with orange top notes ? but still not too loud… this week-end, I tried “Eau d’Hadrien”, but that’s already too strong for me (I get headaches quite quickly). Would anyone have something to recommend? Thanks a mil!! October 29, 2018 at 8:48am
Kim Cravatta: a couple of scents you might wish to sample that have an orange peel top note and slightly spicy: Jayne Ormonde “Orris Noir” or Frederic Malle ‘Noir Espices’. Both are lovely and do not offend. October 29, 2018 at 9:07am
Anne: Hello, I am very interested in this thread and would love to read the suggestion you will get.
As for me, I too love Angelique sous la pluie and find l eau D Hadrien too harsh.
Just a thought, you might enjoy Gipsy water from Byredo. October 29, 2018 at 9:53am
Debby: Hi Muriel, have you tried the Hermes Eau des Merveilles range? There could be something there that fits your requirements. October 29, 2018 at 11:09am
Anne: I forgot to mention. For the Orange note I love l Eau de sens by Dyptique! Beautiful! October 29, 2018 at 11:37am
Aurora: Perhaps you might like other fragrances by Jean-Claude Ellena, Voyage is being compared to AslP on fragrantica and I love it, wore it practically all summer, it might suit you. October 29, 2018 at 2:39pm
Muriel: Oh! Thank you so much for these recommendations! I will try and find them and will let you know! (after re-reading my post I noticed I said Eau d’Hadrien was too strong, but in fact I meant Bois d’Hadrien. At first, I liked it, but after a while the woody/incense trail was too strong for me). I will keep you posted! October 29, 2018 at 3:09pm
Pocketvenus: Hello Muriel, You might like other fragrances by JC Ellena from the house. Cologne Bigarade or Bigarade Concentrée both feature woods and a fresh mandarin opening. I think of these as more summer scents though. He did Ambre Extrême for L’Artisan Parfumeur which might be more suitable for the season. Do not worry about the name, it is not a big and bombastic oriental. October 29, 2018 at 11:23pm
Muriel: Hello everyone, Thanks a lot for all the recommendations. It was actually a wonderful experiment : I stepped into a perfume shop with my little list and tried some of the perfumes you mentioned. Others seem to be more difficult to find where I am, but then, the lady at the counter was also very helpful and I ended with a few blotters. In the end, I treated myself to Bois Iridescent by Alberto Morillas.
It all starts with a fresh bergamote and mandarine, but become a little spicy and powdery, but not at all heavy and has this final comforting cosiness that I just love. The first time I had it on my skin, the lady also sprayed some on my coat, and for a week I could not stop sniffing at it 🙂 November 7, 2018 at 4:20pm
Lydia: Dear Muriel,
I recommend L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Histoires D’Orangers for a really nice orange note scent. It’s elegant and a bit fun at the same time. November 14, 2018 at 8:57pm
Armando: Hi! Please recommend me anything that is not named like a very successful Patou or has pink juice. October 29, 2018 at 9:33am
Aurora: Hi Armando: Ah, yes, I think I understand what you’re referring to.
Maybe a real classic chypre: do you know Chanel Pour Monsieur already? Or for a timeless leather like Hermes Bel Ami, or if you like vetiver, Bel Ami Vetiver or another classsic Knize Ten,Victoria was writing about it not long ago. Or more daring Dior Homme or DH intense, my favorite. October 29, 2018 at 3:37pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Right, nothing too joyous and no cotton-candy. I think you might like something green! Green scents have a bitter element, something earthy (dirt?), and they seem astringent, perhaps even a wee bit pissy. This (dirt, pissy) might not sound so promising yet green scents can be immensely satisfying. Even though it‘s an acquired taste, but I really like „Ninfeo mio“ from Goutal. Also the „Scherrer“ scent which is a bit smoother. If you like vintages and have the time and patience for seeking out the original, first edition „Vent vert“, well that heaven in a bottle for me! October 30, 2018 at 12:40pm
kat: I’m looking for a perfume that comes close to the scent of Caudalie’s hand cream. It’s such a pick-me-up that I would like to have it bottled. The scent is fruity – some people claim orange other grapefruit. I also detect a some herbal and spice notes (I think). Strangely enough none of the Caudalie perfumes ever goes in that direction. Maybe someone here’s familiar with the scent and can point me in the right direction? October 29, 2018 at 10:10am
Aurora: Hi kat: I’m sorry that I don’t know that cream, have you tried to contact Caudalie customer service?
Guerlain Pampelune is sort of the gold standard for grapefruit scents, or Jo Malone Grapefruit or Jo Loves Pomelo. My favorite citrus fragrance – with light herbs and the spice coriander – is Eau de Rochas, a summer chypre, do you know it? Sorry that I can’t help you more. October 29, 2018 at 3:51pm
kat: Thank you for your suggestions. I know Guerlain’s Pampelune but I’m not a fan, it has that boozy notes all Guerlain’s scents have for me and I don’t like it (may be that fabled Guerlinade – I still don’t like it). But I’ll give Eau de Rochas a try! October 30, 2018 at 12:27pm
Joanne: You might like Orange Sanguine from Atelier Cologne. Or maybe a neroli? Pamplelune is one of my favorites. October 29, 2018 at 6:49pm
kat: Oh, I want to treat myself this year with Atelier Cologne’s advent calendar. Hopefully it’s one of the featured scents! Thanks! October 30, 2018 at 12:29pm
Sarah: I see someone already recommended an Atelier Cologne fragrance, and another came to mind for me… A lot of people really like Pomelo Paradis for grapefruit. I’m afraid I’m not familiar with the hand cream, but maybe you would still enjoy trying the fragrance! November 3, 2018 at 8:25pm
Eva: My husband asked me to buy a perfume as a gift to the wife of a business acquaintance in Marocco ! Help ! Can go totally wrong since I do not know this woman but maybe someone can help me up my chances by giving something that moroccan women usually like? We live in France so extra points for a French perfume of course! And thank you in advance! October 29, 2018 at 10:42am
Anne: Oh that’s a tricky one! i ha e a few maroccan s friend and they do seam to favour musk, Amber and oud. You could go for l eau d ambre by l artisan parfumer. Or Mure Musk ( which is easier) by the same house. But it s a tricky one! October 29, 2018 at 11:14am
Kristina: I suggest Azemour les Orangers – according to the perfumer is captures an orange grove in Marocco, plus it is a French brand, plus it just smells divine and I can’t imagine she won’t like it! October 29, 2018 at 11:51am
Nina Z: This is a brilliant idea as it is such s wonderful perfume plus the back story. October 30, 2018 at 9:44am
OnWingsofSaffron: I completely agree! Great idea!! October 30, 2018 at 12:42pm
Zade: It’s hard to generalize as to what an entire group of people would like scent-wise – think of how hard it would be to come up with fragrances French women would all like or lean towards. I think it would be better to purchase for her a perfume you yourself enjoy or one of the new releases from the mainstream designer houses. That way she can easily regift October 29, 2018 at 7:37pm
Clouzot: Eva,
You may want to try Sana Jardin all made in Morocco and proceeds go to the women who inspire these perfumes and education. Also, these perfumes are vegan and made from the highest quality ingredients. I would definitely recommend Revolution des Fleurs and Berber Blonde- all lovely exquisite fragrances you can pair with together. For example you could spray your hair with Berber Blonde and rock La Revolution des Fleurs on the skin. They also have a starter kit for $45 USD which includes 6 of their top fragrances. They indicate which ones pair well with what.
They retail in the states for $250 and I know are sold in Liberty of London online. I highly recommend. I discovered them in NYC at the Parfumerie downtown. Good luck as you should have no trouble finding them in France as they are a Parisian perfume company. Enjoy! October 30, 2018 at 8:24am
Nina Z: I have two different possible strategies. One is to go with A,Serge Lutens bell jar. This is because he lives in Morocco and is influenced by their aesthetics but you can only get bell jars in Paris. I suggest Sarassins, a beautiful jasmine perfume, but there are other options there and you could consult the staff. The second idea is to go with something very classically French, such as L’Heure Bleue, or maybe an urn fragrance from Caron, which again is hard to find elsewhere. October 30, 2018 at 9:51am
OnWingsofSaffron: „Safran troublant“ by L‘artisan parfumeur? How could one not be pleased with creamy rose and saffron? October 30, 2018 at 12:51pm
Eva: Thank you all for giving me advice and also making me want to try out some new perfumes! I ended up, for practical and budgetary reasons, for a perfume easy to find, not too expensive, that I like and that is sort of oriental but still very French, chosing Coco Noir by Chanel! Now very curious to see if she’ll like it! October 30, 2018 at 3:12pm
Ophelia: I need some advice on Atelier Cologne. Which fragrance from the brand is your favorite? October 29, 2018 at 11:09am
Anu: Hi Ophelia, I really enjoy Vanille Insensee from this house. October 29, 2018 at 12:09pm
Victoria: Many also really enjoy Orange Sanguine for a true orange cologne. October 29, 2018 at 12:40pm
John: My wife purchased both of the suggestions above (which seem to be early hits in the Atelier line) in a mini set… The notion was to layer them, producing a ‘creamsicle accord’…the effect was quite lovely, both stimulating and comforting, refreshing and lush. October 29, 2018 at 2:58pm
Andi: To me Café Tuberosa is very interesting. October 29, 2018 at 2:15pm
Pocketvenus: Hi Ophelia, I like Orange Sanguine too, it has a wonderfully fresh, photorealistic opening. October 29, 2018 at 11:25pm
MJ: I like Pur Trefle very much. It’s a green, with a hit of orange scent. I read the notes listed for Pur Trefle and it says it contains cardamon, but I cannot smell it, and it’s a pity since I like cardamon a lot. October 30, 2018 at 5:42am
Neva: Hi Ophelia, their perfumes are all lovely but for me two stand out. One is Jasmine Angelique, which is not so citrusy as most of their range and the other one is Sous le toit de Paris. October 31, 2018 at 3:54am
Roxann: Oolong Infini with the tea and guaiac wood notes is my favorite. October 31, 2018 at 11:24pm
Liya: Hi! I’m looking for a casual perfume for winter, something that’s quiet and understated but still holds its own in cold weather (I’m used to colognes and light florals and finding they turn sharp with the cold). I find orientals to be too much, I like them for comfort, but they wear me instead of the other way around, on me they just feel like I’m a little girl who stole her mom’s perfume. What kind of notes could I look into? Last winter I wore Kenzo Flower and Cacharel Noa. October 29, 2018 at 2:48pm
Aurora: Hi Liya: Do you know Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille? It’s a woody vanilla, not overwhelming, on the sweet side but not too gourmand. I was wearing it today, it was quite cold but I could smell it all day, it’s discreet but has presence. October 29, 2018 at 5:08pm
maja: You seem to like powdery and comforting scents. 🙂 How about Love, Chloe? Or Chanel Misia? I would also try Chanel 5 Eau Premiere, you can’t go wrong with it, it’s beautiful. As well as Chanel 19 Poudre. October 29, 2018 at 6:26pm
Joanne: I love Chanel Allure for the winter. It has the warm spiciness of an Oriental, but it is very sheer. It’s also pretty sweet, which some might not like, but for me it keeps the perfume from feeling too formal. October 29, 2018 at 6:54pm
jodee: How about Parfum de Nicolai’s Kiss Me Tender Intense? Or perhaps Prada Infusion d’Iris? I think both are very nice in cold temperatures, neither are too loud. October 29, 2018 at 8:47pm
Gina Phelan: I’d recommend Chanel’s Bois des Iles. Beautifully soft, elegant, nuanced oriental. I love when the weather turns cold, because it’s my signal to turn to BDI. October 29, 2018 at 10:11pm
Kim: Love Chanel’s Bois des Iles. Just discovered it, and it is my new ‘go-to’ scent for cool and cold weather.
Soft, billowy, creamy, and with a hint of spice in the dry-down.
I have not tried Chanel’s Misia, but hear that one is beautiful also. October 30, 2018 at 7:51am
Gina Phelan: I’d recommend Chanel’s Bois des Iles. Beautifully soft, elegant, nuanced oriental. I love when the weather turns cold, because it’s my signal to turn to BDI. October 29, 2018 at 10:11pm
Pocketvenus: Hello Liya, Maybe consider heliotrope, orris butter or even iris for quiet warmth in the winter? October 29, 2018 at 11:29pm
Figuier: For a cosy non-overwheming winter perfume you could try l’eau d’hiver, by Frederic Malle, which I love in winter and spring. October 30, 2018 at 11:18am
ninon: 2nd October 30, 2018 at 4:59pm
Jodee: 3rd November 1, 2018 at 5:07pm
Clouzot: I would recommend Influorescence by Byredo. Just purchased for my sister’s birthday and she is very difficult and loves it. It is floral and exuberant and uplifting but all year round with green finish. I love it too. Also, just purchased Poets of Berlin by Wilhelm perfumers from NYC and that is a dream! inspired by David Bowie’s creative period in Berlin so it is fruity with lemon and blueberry, floral with jasmine and green vetiver and hay- it is exquisite! Can’t beat these buys – Barney’s NY has both October 30, 2018 at 9:49pm
Erry: Aroma M Geisha Botan. It is a Fleurmand with peony, rose, vanilla, and sandalwood. Very cozy and comforting and it leaves a soft beautiful trail. October 31, 2018 at 10:00am
Sarah: Maybe you would like L’Instant de Guerlain, or Lolita Lempicka. November 3, 2018 at 8:29pm
Trudy: Although I love gardenia, frangipani, orange blossom and the like I don’t own any real white floral fragrances. I would like to rectify that. I have often heard that Marc Jacobs Woman is a gorgeous wf but I don’t see it on the shelves anymore. I have also heard Jayne Ormonde Frangipani is stunning but I don’t see JO near me (Southern California) so I’ve never been able to test it. I am thinking of ordering some sample decants and was wondering if someone can suggest something along those lines. I would say I’m looking for romantic but a little on the contemporary side. Is the MJ still a relevant contender in the wf class? As a reference point, though lovely on others, Fracas is a little bit much for me. Thank you Victoria for your wonderful website and blog. October 29, 2018 at 2:58pm
Aurora: Hello Trudy: I think Marc Jacobs has been discontinued but there are bottles floating around at the discounters I think, and it would be available as samples, I like it too. I hope the OJ will be what you hope. For other WF ideas there is one of my favorites: Van Cleef & Arpels Gardenia Petale which is a really lovely gardenia, or have you tried Jour d’Hermes? It is a really lovely and contemporary WF or Michael Kors Michael might be a good replacement for MJ or Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, but you have to really like tuberose for that one and Chanel Beige, a discreet white floral (these last two are quite expensive) but as you want to order samples it would be affordable to test). In fact there are many options, you will get more suggestions. October 29, 2018 at 4:22pm
Trudy: Thank you so much. I will order some of your suggestions as samples and see where it takes me. I remember smelling Beige a while back so thank you for reminding me of that one. October 30, 2018 at 12:11am
katherine x: Seconding Aurora’s reccs for Gardenia Petale and Beige. Two favorites! October 31, 2018 at 6:48pm
G Phelan: What about Narciso EDP by Narciso Rodriguez? White flowers against a lactonic and musk background. It’s gorgeous and modern…. (And I don’t mean Narciso Rodriguez for Her. This is the EDP in the white square bottle with the beige square top.) October 29, 2018 at 10:07pm
Trudy: I have that one…I guess I do have a wf after all! Wow, I didn’t even realize it was considered a white floral. No wonder I like it and I do like it very much. I get the creaminess and musk but now I know! Thank you for bringing that to my attention, I learned something today:) I love this blog. October 30, 2018 at 10:41am
Pocketvenus: Hello Trudy, Chasse aux papillons is a very popular wf by L’artisan Parfumeur that’s easy to wear. Carnal Flower is a fantastic tuberose if price is not a deterrent! One of my favourites, which is also quite affordable, is Jasmin et Cigarette by Etat Libre. Some people hate the cigarette smoke in the opening but it reminds me of coming home after a good night of clubbing. October 29, 2018 at 11:42pm
Trudy: Thanks for the great suggestions. I will check out both of these! October 30, 2018 at 12:12am
Gina P: Carnal Flower is crazy gorgeous but tough on the pocketbook. It’s also not for the faint of heart…. October 30, 2018 at 12:27pm
ninon: California Reverie October 30, 2018 at 5:01pm
Sandra: How about Songes? October 31, 2018 at 9:49am
Erry: I second this. Also Van Cleef and Arpels Gardenia Petale or Chanel Gardenia October 31, 2018 at 10:05am
katherine: Trudy – I saw Carnal Flower recommended a few times for you but it is very much like Fracas which you said was a bit much. I own and love both. October 31, 2018 at 6:51pm
Roxann: The Ormond Jayne line is wonderful, my husband loved the white floral (reminded him of Hawaii). Fumerie in Portland Oregon has a tester set of 7, 2 ml samples and the $25 cost can be credited to a full bottle of Ormond Jayne. Not sure if Luckyscent also has that sampler pack. (My favorite of the line is Iris Vanille). October 31, 2018 at 11:29pm
Fabiola Bagula: I love the Eric Bauterbaugh florals and just saw a release for a Gardenia (in the Saks catalog) I am waiting with baited breath for this one considering I buy Gardenia anything and have mostly been disappointed. November 4, 2018 at 4:08pm
Lydia: Hi Trudy.
The Ormonde Jayne Frangipani is wonderful.
Epidor by Lubin has frangipani and orange blossom. It’s lighter than the Ormonde Jayne and easy to wear anywhere.
Nuit Andalouse by MDCI is a really gorgeous orange blossom/gardenia.
Histoire D’Orangers by L’Artisan Parfumeur is a very sunny but sophisticated orange blossom.
Wit by Parfums DelRae is a lovely sweet white floral.
Moon Bloom by Hiram Green is a knock-your-socks-off lovely, lush white floral.
I think Lucky Scent and Fumerie offer samples of most or all of those. November 14, 2018 at 9:51pm
Jennifer Marie Shaw: Since my all time favorite Fidji (Guy Laroche) has been reformulated to a ghost of what is was, I am always looking for something with similar notes. I looked on fragrantia to get some ideas. I finally bought another old favorite- L’air du temps last year. I love the cinnamon spicy scent of carnations along with the sandlewood. So a scent in either vein would be wonderful! October 29, 2018 at 3:45pm
Aurora: Hello Jennifer, although they’re not exactly the same, there is something about Guerlain Chamade that has always reminded me of Fidji. And for carnations, I love them too, I have Etro Dianthus which I find really lovely. Hope this has helped you a little bit. October 29, 2018 at 4:47pm
Jennifer Marie Shaw: Thank you for your suggestions, Aurora. I have not smelled either fragrance. I am going to have to search both out! October 31, 2018 at 3:35pm
Nina Z: The closest I can think of to L’air du temps is Fleuriste by DSH Perfumes. This is a gorgeous cool, green carnation-centric fragrance. See: https://www.dshperfumes.com/shop/fleuriste/
Because Dawn loves the carnation note, she has several other carnation fragrances as well, so you could sample some of those, to. My favorite is Fleuriste, though.
This is one of my favorite notes in perfume and I have a whole mini collection of carnation fragrances, but most of them are discontinued. One that is still currently that you might try is Prada Infusion d’Oeillet. October 30, 2018 at 11:10am
Jennifer Marie Shaw: Thank you for your suggestions, Nina. This calls for a search to find both lovely fragrances! Perhaps Nordstrom carries the Prada fragrance.. October 31, 2018 at 3:37pm
Judy: Hiya, I’m new to the blog and loving it! I’m looking for a chypre that isn’t doesn’t lean too rosy or sharp, perhaps more of the white flower persuasion. Unfortunately in my corner of the world (New Zealand) accessibility to a variety of brands is an issue but I would like to stay away from the obvious airport brands. I did like Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica but want something that’s many levels of complexity above it. My biggest problem with frangrance on myself is lasting power… almost as if my body chemistry rejects them as soon as they touch the skin. October 29, 2018 at 7:50pm
Sherry: Have you tried Estée Lauder private collection? The one that is not tuberose or jasmine? And Chanel cristalle EDP? Both are long lasting on my skin. October 30, 2018 at 9:51am
MJ: I second Sherry’s suggestions. I do love both Cristalle and Private Collection. In my skin Private Collection lasts longer. October 30, 2018 at 4:33pm
Aurora: What about Hermes offerings? If you haven’t tried them already, Eau des Merveilles, salty oranges and woods, ideal in summer, or Elixir des Merveilles, more suitable for winter which adds other resins to the formula, is sweeter, richer and lasts a long time. It’s not a real chypre but has the patchouli and citrus of chypre, no rose, and quite complex. Or for something with white flowers, orange blossom, gardenia and jasmine, no rose, classic, from the same house, 24 Faubourg. I’m sure there will be other suggestions. Have you tried to wear a body cream to make scents last longer?
Vanicream is often recommended on this blog, as well as spraying on your clothes. October 30, 2018 at 10:16am
kat: Bottega Veneta’s Eau Légère is a chypre with jasmine and gardenia notes. Like you I struggle with staying power but BV scents normally do the trick. October 30, 2018 at 12:42pm
ninon: Le Labo Ylang 49 October 30, 2018 at 5:08pm
Ann: A family member in his early twenties will be moving in with my husband and me to attend college. He has a strong love of Old Spice cologne. To me, Old Spice reeks of musk and body odor or mildewed towels. I find it unbearable. To address this tactfully, I would like to gift him a cologne that is similar and one he might like but without the musk element that I find so intolerable. I would like to stay under $50 US if possible. Due to his youth, something “cool” might also be more appealing to him. Any ideas would be much appreciated. October 29, 2018 at 7:58pm
Figuier: Maybe not v ‘cool’, but Lalique Encre Noir is a great non-confrontational mens scent, widely available at discounters. Or Dior Homme, for something richer, or one of the less expensive Tom Fords (Grey Vetiver and Noir are both nice)? These all come in cheaper deodorant/shower gel versions so could be affordable October 30, 2018 at 11:29am
Ann: Thank you! I will check these out. October 30, 2018 at 2:05pm
John: I actually enjoy Old Spice (I have a vintage bottle of it somewhere…) but understand that some people don’t care for it. Honestly, the clove note is sometimes a little heavy for me.
Speaking personally, I’d say the world’s greatest upgrade from the powdery oriental aspects of Old Spice is Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT… An all around masterpiece that would layer decently with other Old Spice grooming products (such as deodorant) he may already have. But this might represent a bit of a challenge for a young man, as it is both very ‘unisex’ with its strong rose note and a bit old world (I won’t say old fashioned because I don’t hold with that nonsense.)
If he (and you) just want him to smell nice and timeless without too much fuss, I’d get him good old Dior Eau Sauvage, which actually has some spice notes he may recognize lurking underneath its citrus-fresh top. Guerlain Vetiver is similarly timeless and versatile. I might also mention things that young men wear in the boarding school where I work (mainstream favorites like Terrre D’Hermes AND Bleu de Chanel)… I find both a bit more invasive than anything I’ve mentioned so far, so test them yourself first to make sure you enjoy their scent profiles. I personally think TDH is hard to beat, and straddles the line between casual/professional and youthful/aspirational perfectly.
If you wanted to stick with spicier fragrances, however (and/or layer with deodorant or body wash from the Old Spice line), I’d suggest going to the trouble to seek out Cartier Declaration (an unconventional spicy masterpiece) or Caron’s Third Man (a great old-school fougère with a lot of clove.) Both are challenging, left-of-mainstream classics that will at the very least give you all something to think about… October 30, 2018 at 2:02pm
Ann: Wonderful, thank you. Now I have an excuse to go scent shopping! October 30, 2018 at 2:05pm
John: You do indeed… And I have to say, I’m pretty envious if you are getting to smell some of these things for the first time! One last ‘spice’-oriented fragrance I should also mention is Hermès Equipage (or its recent sibling “Equipage Geranium.”) Although it is more on the ‘mature’ side, the composition has been tidied up a bit in recent years… In any case, if he’s the kind of young person who appreciates well made things, he may go for almost anything by Hermès regardless of its origins. October 30, 2018 at 3:02pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Another choice—and it smells just wonderful: “Pour Un Homme” by Caron. And the girl (or boy?) friends will love this cuddly scent which isn’t marred by vicious aromachemicals. October 30, 2018 at 5:34pm
John: I second that! A great (and as yet inexpensive) classic. November 1, 2018 at 12:52am
Lydia: How about Noir Patchouli by Histoires de Parfums?
It’s spicy and dark, but really nicely constructed. The dry down is wonderful – neither cheap and sharp nor heavy and overpowering.
The bottle looks modern and hip with a bright lime-green side pannel, and there’s a mini stocking-stuffer size bottle available.
Histoires de Parfums also offers a discovery box of different scent samples, many of which lean masculine. I think Noir Patchouli is the best one, but maybe your young college student would like to branch out. October 31, 2018 at 12:47am
Ann: How about Mugler Cologne or Cartier Declaration? November 10, 2018 at 11:12am
Chloe: Hi everyone! So happy to be posting. I was hoping someone could recommend me a perfume that is simply delicious. I adore fruity florals! Really anything that just smells scrumptious is something I’d be interested in. October 29, 2018 at 8:19pm
Roxann: I love Delina by Parfums de Marly, it’s in my top 5 of my collection. A more affordable fragrance that I love that is delicious is Rhubarb Sherbet by Commes de Garcon. October 31, 2018 at 11:35pm
OnWingsofSaffron: Yes, “Rhubarb Sherbet” is really lovely! I also rather like “Eau de mandarine ambrée” by Hèrmes, with its juicy mandarine scent. An all time favourite is “Nuit de Noel” by Caron (not sure about the current version, as I horde the vintages) but that is delectable with its chestnut marron glacé scent: it’s like dropping into a Mont-blanc tart! November 4, 2018 at 8:03am
Roxann: I will check those out. “Nuit de Noel” sounds dreamy. November 4, 2018 at 7:07pm
Chloe: Hi everyone! So happy to be posting. I was wondering if anyone could recommend any delicious perfumes? I personally love fruity florals, but I’m looking for anything that smells scrumptious. October 29, 2018 at 10:08pm
Aurora: Hi Chloe: Perhaps Cacharel Anais Anais Premier Delice would suit you, it’s a floral gourmand, flowers, pear and chocolate, it’s not sickly like some other cacao perfumes, well named as it really is delicious, otherwise do you know Angel Eau Sucree? It is lighter than the regular Angel (of course that one started it all), it’s a fruity caramel meringue with vanilla, the only thing is it comes out every year, I think and 2018 is not out, but you could probably still get 2017 edition. You probably already tried Prada Candy? October 30, 2018 at 8:35am
Figuier: What about Diptyque’s Eau de Tarocco? A gorgeous juicy blood orange up top, with a delicate floral heart. It’s summery and pretty but not sweet. For something more candied, there’s a great raspberry-rose combo in Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Couture, perfect for winter-time, and for a powdered-sugar apple there’s Artisan Parfumeur’s Traversee du Bosphore; I also quite like Nina Ricci Nina perfume, another apple plus floral-gourmand perfume. October 31, 2018 at 6:52am
Sandra: Amor Amor October 31, 2018 at 9:51am
Danaki: Give Angel Muse a try. I though it was delicious smelling but only the light side, the base is vetiver. A delicious hazelnut praline note could perhaps respond to your scrumptious perfume requirement 🙂 October 31, 2018 at 7:14pm
Jodee: Ex Nihlo Fleur Narcotique. It is peach and peony heaven. November 1, 2018 at 5:11pm
Lydia: Hi Chloe.
I love the idea of a scrumptious perfume. 🙂
How about Neela Vermeire’s Mohur? It’s a vanilla floral and although I didn’t see fruit notes listed for it, I got a very tropical and almost fruity impression when I tried it. (Also a bit spicy.)
Amoureuse by DelRae is a fruity-spicy-floral that’s very pretty and lush. I remember loving that it created the illusion my room was fiiled with flowers. (I was less enthused about an aquatic note I thought I smelled, but many people love that too.)
Most scrumptious may be Hiram Green’s Moon Bloom. I think everyone who loves florals should try it. So lush and lovely! It evoked tropical summer for me.
Hope you report back on your favorites! November 14, 2018 at 10:15pm
Caitlenn: Hello, all. I’m a new subscriber facing a unique challenge. Am post complex sinus surgery and scents that I used to love are now literally anathema. There are only 3 scents I can still enjoy out of my fragrance wardrobe: Iris Ukiyoe, La Vierge de Fer and Lys Mediterranèe (with Iris Ukiyoe being the only one that works for daily wear). Chypres and Leather notes in particular are now scrubber class. The opening of Feminin Pluriel is now nauseatingly sweet though the final dry down is still tolerable. Serge Lutens L’Eau Froide is now intriguing (but not wearable) instead of merely disliked. I’d very much welcome new ideas for perfumes that might work for me now. My new favorite scent baseline includes: iris, stargazer lily, wet soil after the rain, fresh cut grass, angelica, moss, old libraries and autumnal bonfires. Favorite flowers include: iris, lilies, hyacinth, orange blossom, narcissus, tulip, lilac and orchid. Thanks! October 30, 2018 at 9:26am
Anu: Hi Caitlenn, the new Carat by Cartier has a nice hyacinth note. October 30, 2018 at 11:16am
Caitlenn: Thx Anu, I’ve put Carat on my Sample List! October 30, 2018 at 12:50pm
Figuier: That sounds awful, I’m so sorry! Less extreme, but since my first pregnancy I’m much more sensitive to scent and can’t tolerate many of the richer perfumes I used to love. Angelica has emerged as a favourite note for me also, and Im really emjoying Chanel No 18 for its sparkle and warmth – edt version, but the new edp is apparently nice as well. Margiela Untitled might also appeal – gentle (ie non ashtray) galbanum and transparent incense, quiet but interesting. For narcissus I like Narcisse Bleue (see Victoria’s review). October 30, 2018 at 11:37am
Caitlenn: It’s hard … as you’ve learned yourself! Thx much for the Eau de Narcisse Bleu recommendation. Don’t know why I thought that JCE scent had been discontinued. Will definitely give it a try. I’ll recheck Untitled, too. Have also sent off for another Jean Claude Ellena sample: L’Eau D’Hiver. October 30, 2018 at 12:57pm
maja: I second both Untitled and Chanel 18. October 31, 2018 at 3:40am
Erry: En Passsant: lilac, rain and bread
Jo Malone Orange Blossom: fresh and pretty Orange Blossom
Chanel Cristalle edt: it’s a chypre, but to my nose it smells like fresh cut grass and hyacinth
Apres L’Ondee: ethereal iris … nothing can go wrong with it October 31, 2018 at 11:06pm
Caitlenn: Samples ordered — looking forward to trying these, thx! November 3, 2018 at 1:02am
Rowanhill: Serge Lutens’ Un Lys could be for you – a lily scent but not only the flowers, the green stems are there as well. November 2, 2018 at 6:19am
Caitlenn: Excellent! Lately there can never be enough Fresh Green for me — especially with Lily! It’s also been really hard to find any scent that establishes a stable Fresh Green note — and carries it all the way thru. Wanted to also share a weekend gift w/ surprising potential from a local friend: Creed Iris Tubereuse. The tubereuse doesn’t bully or vanquish the Iris … both stay pleasantly entwined close to all the way to the base. November 3, 2018 at 1:19am
Nora Szekely: Hi Victoria and perfume lovers,
I have to share this joke with you:
-How to date your bottle of Chanel No. 5?
-Ask it out, and bring it some nice flowers.
Made me laugh hard as right now I’m trying to find out the age of my Chanel no. 5 bottles. It is a challenge, if you have any links to a reliable page which can help, it’d be much appreciated. October 31, 2018 at 8:21am
maja: Raiders of the Lost Scent blog has many articles about dating our perfumes.:) November 1, 2018 at 10:22am
Aurora: Good joke 🙂
How-Old-Is-My-Perfume-or-Cologne was a great article on Fragrantica, check it out Nora, it gives links to sites that help you find out dates of manufacture. It worked out for me when I wanted to date some vintage perfumes.
Good luck with your project. October 31, 2018 at 8:32am
Maria: Hi all, I ‘m looking for some perfume recommendations and would appreciate your help. I love J’adore by Dior and like floral fragrances that exudes elegance. Could you please suggest some perfumes to add to my collection? Many thanks. November 3, 2018 at 3:50pm
Victoria: I recommend trying Jour d’Hermes, which is in the same family as J’Adore and is very elegant and polished. November 4, 2018 at 11:02am
Marie: Hello perfume lovers! I will start working in a hospital and I would like a clean, fresh, elegant fragance. Something people don’t find overwheling but professional. If it’s something not too mainstream the better. The parfums I use are Chanel No5, Giorgio Armani Si, Tom Ford Jasmine Rouge quite different of what I search. I also had and liked Tom Ford neroli portofino, Hermes Un jardin sur le Nil and Biotherm Citric eaus (vitaminée (lemon) and energie (orange). November 3, 2018 at 9:00pm
Victoria: Congrats on starting the new job! Does your work allow perfume? Most hospitals generally have very strict rules about it, but if yours doesn’t, then it’s still worth being careful. For instance, light fragrances like colognes could work well, but they can have a very strong sillage, so be sure to test them on skin and see how they diffuse. Have you tried any perfumes from the Hermessence series? Annick Goutal Eau du Ciel or Duel came to mind as I read your list of favorites. November 4, 2018 at 11:01am
Cybele: Try
Acca Kappa White Moss
Iris Ukiyoke Hermessence November 11, 2018 at 8:54pm
Lydia: Hi Marie.
Have you ever tried the Carthusia line? It leans light herbal citrus, but it’s not mainstream or shrill. My favorites are Aria di Capri and Fiori di Capri.
If you want to go really light, Cinq Mondes has a line of aromatic sprays. I’ve only smelled Eau Egyptienne, but it was really nice and well-balanced, creating a suggestion of spice without hitting you over the head with it. (I found out later it was created by the nose Olivia Giacobetti, so definitely a step up from an ordinary aromatherapy spray.) They’re also quite inexpensive and available in discovery set sizes. November 14, 2018 at 10:37pm
Colleen: Hi I have a very unusual situation. I love this blog, the descriptions of perfume, the colors and the bottle but I lost my sense of smell. I always wear perfume however that my husband likes. He loves Coco by Chanel and Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal for the summer. Are there other fragrances I might try based on my unusual situation. I am 60 years old-but a young 60. I walk through department stores and try all different types but my husband does not like many of them. Thanks for your help! November 4, 2018 at 3:28pm
maja: Dear Colleen
I am sad to read you have lost your sense of smell, it’s heartbreaking. You can be sure you smell good as both Coco and Petit Cherie are fantastic. 🙂 I would keep wearing Coco pure parfum during winter and maybe order some samples of light, fruity, green, fig maybe even light rose scents for summer rotation. Azemour Les Oranger, Ninfeo Mio, Do Son, Osmanthe Yunnan, Peau de Peche come to mind. You can easily choose at home with you husband away from perfume stores. November 6, 2018 at 4:32am
Colleen Geary: Maja,
Thank you soo much!! I will send out my nose, my husband, to test these scents. I had a sense of smell and then lost it to an unfortunate event which fortunately I survived. I remember scents and love pine, sea & ski lotion and the beach, flowers, fresh cut grass and lemon!
Thank you again. Warm regards,
Colleen November 6, 2018 at 11:03am
Victoria: I’m sorry to hear about your predicament, and I hope that we can help out.
Maja’s suggestion of Osmanthe Yunan is spot on. Also, try any Hermes perfumes in their Jardin series, which often have nice fruity notes and avoid heavy sweetness. November 6, 2018 at 5:31am
Colleen Geary: Victoria,
The fact that I cant smell and am in love with Bois de Jasmin is a testament to your fabulous writing! I read this and it all makes me feel wonderful!!!
Thank you for your kind response as well.
xo
Colleen November 6, 2018 at 11:04am
Victoria: Thank you so much, Colleen. It’s the biggest compliment one could ever give me. November 6, 2018 at 11:10am
Colleen Geary: Thank you, Victoria! November 6, 2018 at 12:16pm
Lizbee: Hi Perfume People. I’m looking for a fragrance to gift to my brother. For years he wore Carolina Herrera, and then he fell in love with Santal 33. But now he says he’s finding it too common, too everywhere. He did mention liking 10 Corso Como, but I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for a good sandalwood or maybe something else that might appeal to someone who wore CH for a decade.
Thank you! November 5, 2018 at 8:36am
Victoria: Tom Ford Santal Blush might be a good option, but it’s so expensive, read, overpriced.
Serge Lutens has two excellent sandalwoods too–Santal de Mysore and Santal Majuscule.
If your brother liked 10 Corso Como, he might also like Diptyque Tam Dao. November 6, 2018 at 5:33am
katherine x: Caitlenn, You might enjoy Penhaligon’s Ostara, a daffodil scent that Victoria reviewed. It’s been discontinued, but still for sale on ebay. Promise I in Cartier’s L’Heure line is another interesting scent. You might also enjoy Le Labo Iris 39 or Neroli 36. The Le Labo’s are a little more robust than the others I mentioned. November 7, 2018 at 9:03pm
Noelle: Everyone’s so nice here :^)
Anything really casual/fun from Frederic Malle? Everything seems so serious and poetic, which isn’t a bad thing but I usually feel compelled to dress nicer when I wear my two fragrances from this house (Musc Ravageur and En Passant)
I’m open to most things! Thanks for any help November 12, 2018 at 12:07pm
Victoria: Welcome to Bois de Jasmin, Noelle!
Outrageous cologne, perhaps? All of Frederic Malle’s perfumes are meant to be serious and poetic, since that’s his own style. That being said, I find Lipstick Rose fun and playful. November 12, 2018 at 2:46pm
Noelle: Ahh thank you, Victoria!
I just ordered my samples of Outrageous (the green apple sounds very interesting!) and Lipstick Rose. I do have Kenzo Flower from back when I was much, much younger; I wonder if Lipstick is as powdery as that one.
Again, I really appreciate your help! November 13, 2018 at 1:14am