Recommend Me a Perfume : September 2017

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

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303 Comments

  • kat: I am someone who constantly struggles with longevity and silage. The two scents that really stay with me are Bottega Veneta and their Eau Légre. I noticed that both contain hydrolyzed jojoba esters which is supposed to work as fragrance fixative (seems to do the job on me). Has anyone made similar observations with scents containing that particular ingredient? And talking of Bottega Veneta – has anyone here been able to sample their new scent Eau de Velours? September 27, 2017 at 8:06am Reply

    • Trudy: I, too, have a difficult time with longevity. Perfumes just do not stay on me. Very frustrating. I gravitate toward more of a white floral but just cannot find one that lasts. I have not tried BV Eau de Velours but I noticed it is on back order on the Nordstrom website until late October where it is described as a mysterious leathery floral chypre fragrance. Sounds intriguing. September 27, 2017 at 10:27am Reply

      • kat: It’s frustrating isn’t it.? I apply perfume normally in the bathroom, leave the house and within one or two hours tops it’s gone. I return home, enter the bathroom and THERE it still lingers, sheesh… On the other hand I never have to worry about applying too much and bothering scent-sensitive people. Silver lining and all that. September 27, 2017 at 1:21pm Reply

        • Isayah: I solved this problem by spraying my perfume on clothes. It really works. The downside is that the perfume really stays on certain garnments, even after washing. If you only wear few perfumes, it might be worth a try. September 27, 2017 at 1:54pm Reply

          • Ann: I am in the same camp, and I agree about spraying on fabric.

            Maybe we can invest in several scarves that are dedicated to specific fragrances? September 27, 2017 at 2:01pm Reply

      • TrishD: I would say Serge Lutens’ Eau Serge Lutens is a white floral and it has enormous longevity. But I agree about spraying on fabric, generally – with some scents such as Safran Troublant, it’s the only way they last more than 10 minutes. September 28, 2017 at 2:51am Reply

    • Marti Hayduk: kat,

      For many, many years I have had the experience of sampling a perfume in a store in the morning and still smelling it strongly that night.

      Immediately I purchase the fragrance, only to find that after application I can no longer smell it a hour later.
      It occurred to me that there was some sort of fraud in the fragrance industry whereby testers were created in greater concentration to lure us in, but the real product was “watered down” even though labeled EDP or PARFUM.
      Or perhaps due to age and evaporation the testers became more concentrated. Now and again I talked a shop owner into selling me the tester bottle by purchasing a bottle they had in stock and trading them for their tester as I noticed the tester bottles were so labeled by the manufacturer.

      However, I rarely noticed a great difference in longevity.
      This made me wonder if the effect is purely physiological.
      Perhaps, as humans, we acquire an “olfactory fatigue” of some sort.
      Could it be that when our brain no longer registers the fragrance as “new” and realizes it is not a threat, we no longer perceive it as accutelty we did the first time? September 27, 2017 at 2:42pm Reply

      • kat: Interesting theory and I guess there’s some truth in it. September 27, 2017 at 3:24pm Reply

      • Ann: That’s interesting – I wonder if perfume smells differently in the company of so many other perfumes – like at a perfume counter. Also, when we are out and about maybe we are perspiring more? It’s an interesting question. September 27, 2017 at 7:28pm Reply

      • Surbhi: I read a book on how brain functions and we like to believe that we are smelling or tasting or hearing … but brain only does the difference… if its the same thing there is no response or change. It explains good and bad memories, why we react certain way to old favorites etc… At some point it became too logical and took the joy away of simply spray and enjoying. So, now I just rotate my perfumes to trick the brain. It got to the point that I couldn’t even smell Carnal flower (the thing people can smell from other corner of the office). September 28, 2017 at 1:52pm Reply

        • kpaint: Yes, you will become anosmic in not so short a period of time if you wear the same perfume every day. September 28, 2017 at 4:46pm Reply

    • kpaint: Spray more.

      I have similar issues, though mine is more that most perfumes dry down to a skin scent on me 30 minutes into development. So my issue is more with projection.

      I apply to bare skin before I get dressed, then apply more after I’m fully clothed. Sometimes I’ll end up with something like 12 sprays on.

      That said, some perfumes just have better projection and longevity on my skin than others do. It seems to be totally random – some perfumes others complain about as lacking sillage project massively on me; others people dab lightly because they’re too big I drench myself in. It’s totally unpredictable.

      The one thing I’ve learned is to pass on perfumes that refuse to project on me, no matter how lovely they are. If I empty a 3 ml decant in 2 wears and still struggled to smell it on my skin, I move on. September 27, 2017 at 3:25pm Reply

    • Mariann: Spraying on fabric helps, some notes (and houses) work better than others. For me amber, incense and oriental last longer, as due some of the more intense florals. Citrus and musk I can pretty much forget. Of course scents I dont like stick around for ever :). September 27, 2017 at 6:24pm Reply

    • MmkinPA: There are a few houses whose perfumes really last for me- Tauer, Sonoma Scent Studio are two of my favorites. I agree that some notes last longer than others. For me the longest lasting perfumes are usually the scrubbers– whatever makes them not work on my skin also makes them impossible to remove! September 28, 2017 at 11:03am Reply

    • Elisa: Kat, make sure you’re not using a lotion that has scent maskers in it. One I’ve found that doesn’t use any is Vanicream. When I use it under perfume I feel that it makes the perfume last noticably longer.

      Also, try putting perfume on the tops of your arms rather than the inside – sounds sort of icky but basically the scent sticks better to a surface with more hair. September 28, 2017 at 4:01pm Reply

      • kpaint: I’ve wondered if it’s the hair that makes the difference 😉 My skin doesn’t project well and the insides of my wrists are like a dead zone (neck, too – I have short hair) so I spray the tops of my arms.

        Someone on NST theorized that perfume sprayed on the décolleté was causing anosmia due the continuous exposure, so she stopped spraying there and just doing the wrists. Out of curiosity I started doing the same and I think she’s on to something. Of course, once winter gets underway I’ll go back to dousing my cleavage so I can stick my nose under my sweater and get some good whiffs 🙂 September 28, 2017 at 4:54pm Reply

        • Elisa: Oh yes, the under-sweater sniff is key! September 28, 2017 at 4:59pm Reply

        • Mariana: Something similar happened to me. I usually spray and after a while I don’t smell anything anymore. But a few days ago I was trying some samples, and I only perfumed my clothes on my wrists, very lightly. And guess what? I kept smelling the scent all day, and it was a very cheap, let’s say drugstore, scent. So I do think continued exposure causes temporal anosmia, and that spraying on the wrists or somewhere near helps me because I’m constantly drawing my hands to my face, maybe specially when I’m working on the computer. And spraying on clothes helps a lot, too. October 25, 2017 at 9:57pm Reply

    • Tara C: I have smelled Eau de Velours and it is lovely. It has a rose/plum opening, then in the drydown you smell the original BV base. September 28, 2017 at 8:59pm Reply

      • kat: Oh, this sounds so tempting! I love plum and I swear I can smell it in the original (although it’s not listed as a note). I really need to sample it – it might be too close to the original for me (money saved). Thanks! September 29, 2017 at 5:13am Reply

    • Cody: I smelled the new bottega veneta when I was sifting through samples for work. It was really nice but very similar to SL daim blond which j already own so it was a no go for me. There are some fragrances I own that last longer than others but in general I just have to re apply everything. October 1, 2017 at 4:57pm Reply

      • clareobscure: Thanks Cody. I love SL Daim Blond so delighted to know that the new Eau de Velours by Bottega Veneta is similar. I’m hoping Galop by Hermes might be a bit like Daim Blond or even Kelly Caleche, another favourite. Flowers & leather, a magical combo. Victoria’s review of Galop certainly recommended it highly. October 3, 2017 at 6:55am Reply

  • kekasmais: Not so much a need for a recommendation as an add on to Victoria’s brilliant “Perfume in the Library” series. What are your personal literary/olfactory combinations? Tad obvious for me, but I’m on a business trip this week and I always take a copy of Saint-Exupéry’s Wind, Sand and Stars when I travel; and if Wind, Sand and Stars comes with me then a vial of L’air du desert morocain has to come along too. All the talcum-laced elegance of a person of the world with a balanced kick of spice for an adventurous spirit. (Albeit my adventure has only taken me to Buffalo.) September 27, 2017 at 8:13am Reply

    • Ann: this made me smile 🙂 September 27, 2017 at 1:59pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: What a good combination St Ex. and l’ADDM. In my case it’s Timbuktu that I enjoy while reading also because it’s very strong and long lasting on me so I hesitate to wear it outside the house. September 28, 2017 at 5:34am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: How do you feel about Vol de Nuit, both the novel (also by Saint-Exupery) and the scent? I love your question! I associate my Blasted Bloom with Lady Macbeth — before her husband met up with the witches and the destiny they foretold: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2015/12/21/fragrance-friday-blasted-bloom/. I often wear it when I want to feel brave. September 28, 2017 at 7:17am Reply

    • Ninon: I love this idea and need to dwell on it longer. I would like to find the right scent to accompany Iris Murdoch’s The Sea, The Sea. September 29, 2017 at 2:08pm Reply

    • clareobscure: Beautiful comment, Kekasmais. I love your idea of pairing the mood of a favourite book to a fragrance that ‘takes you there’ in the olefactory sense.
      I love books about Mediterranean settings so will see what fits when I’m reading one.
      This past summer I had a few days in Manhattan with a good friend. We laughed, walked, dined & stayed at the historic Lexington, thanks to my lovely travel agent, Colin at Manchester Dial a Flight. I made a pilgrimage to the New London Pharmacy, recommended by Bois de Jasmin. There I bought Patricia de Nicolai’s own favourite creation, NY. Intense. I love it & will always think of that special holiday when I wear it. October 3, 2017 at 7:09am Reply

  • KatieAnn: Hello Everyone. I have been seriously considering purchasing a bottle of Chanel 22 Extrait de Parfum. I loved the EDT when I first tested it. Then, the vanilla note in the drydown started to bother me a bit. Lately, however, I am enjoying it again. I heard that there is no longer an incense note in the base due to reformulation, which disappoints me a bit. Does anyone know what the current extrait smells like? Is the vanilla very strong and do you detect incense? I would love to hear about others’ thoughts on this. Many thanks in advance! September 27, 2017 at 11:17am Reply

    • Theresa: I bought the extrait about 2 years ago, so I don’t know if it is the most current version. I love it!! I don’t notice either vanilla or incense in the scent. Now, I’ll have to try it again tonight when I get home and see if I sniff those notes. September 28, 2017 at 3:28pm Reply

      • KatieAnn: Thank you Theresa. I’m just so curious about it since I have only ever tried the EDT. September 29, 2017 at 9:16am Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi KatieAnn, I bought my No 22 extrait two years ago and it’s wonderful. The incense note is very present. I also have a vintage spray in EDT I think, and I’m enjoying both versions. The extrait stays close to the skin. I was wearing the spray in the last few days in the hot weather and few sprays on my bare legs under pretty vintage dresses I was wearing, made me feel great and sophisticated 😉. September 29, 2017 at 3:33am Reply

      • KatieAnn: Hi Notturno7. Thanks so much for information. I am glad to hear you picked up a nice incense note! I am very tempted to get this one because it really is gorgeous. With the more current EDT, I feel mostly vanilla in the drydown. It’s nice to know I may get a little more depth with the extrait. This was very helpful. September 29, 2017 at 9:19am Reply

        • Notturno7: That’s great, KatieAnn!
          I love Victoria’s review of No 22 fragrance on this blog.
          Actually, I love just checking these reviews by rating or moods, it’s so much fun!

          https://boisdejasmin.com/perfume-fragrance-reviews/perfume-reviews-by-rating September 30, 2017 at 3:39am Reply

          • KatieAnn: Yes! Victoria’s review of No 22 was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop dreaming of smelling this perfume that ‘smells like pearls’. Interestingly, when I was finally able to smell the EDT from a sample I received, it reminded me of the inside of my mother’s old jewelry box….antique silver, powder, and some lovely forgotten fragrance. So beautiful. And thanks for the link! I had not seen this. October 1, 2017 at 12:14pm Reply

            • Notturno7: That’s wonderful. I wonder what perfume your mom wore. Your description of the jewelry box is perfect.
              I’m glad I shared that link, then. The reviews and comments are so much fun but watch out 😉. It made me buy more perfumes Victoria talks about.
              But I’m happy I’ve got some real treasures. 💗 October 1, 2017 at 4:06pm Reply

              • KatieAnn: Thank you, Notturno7! I am now learning (though slowly) to reign in my perfume collecting habit. I am glad you are happy with your treasure trove. I am sure it’s a beautiful one! October 1, 2017 at 10:24pm Reply

  • Elizabeth: I have such a craving for baking spices such as cinnamon & cloves right now. Is there something I could layer over Joop Le Bain or Habanita, for that autumn spice effect? Or, maybe a whole different fragrance all together? Thank you. September 27, 2017 at 11:17am Reply

    • TrishD: Five O’Clock au Gingembre is a lovely foodie scent for winter – not sure it would stand up to Habanita, though! September 27, 2017 at 11:22am Reply

    • Ann: I just tried Amouage Library Opus iv yesterday, and it was super spicy, mostly coriander & caraway seeds at the beginning – then it turned into a delicious cardamom pudding.

      I’ve also tried Serge Lutens Bapteme du feu, and it had a wonderfully strong orange clove scent.

      When I wear Alien, all I smell is cloves. September 27, 2017 at 1:48pm Reply

    • kpaint: Have you tried Aroma M Geisha Vanilla Hinoki? I mostly get vanilla-orange-cloves-incense, but it lists cardamom and nutmeg as well. September 27, 2017 at 2:17pm Reply

      • Elizabeth: I will try to find a sample vanilla Hinoki to try. September 27, 2017 at 11:57pm Reply

    • Katya: To me, Coco by Chanel (the original, not the Noir or the Mademoiselle) smells like winter spices and comfort and deliciousness. Not sure how it layers as I have only owned a sample but I have enjoyed the edp a lot. Far more edible than Mademoiselle, which was supposed to be the gourmand. September 27, 2017 at 2:50pm Reply

    • Anglofilia: I would try Eau d`Italie Baume du Doge. It is wonderfully spiced, and sadly underrated, I think. September 28, 2017 at 5:37am Reply

    • Aurora: Maybe also Etat Libre d’Orange Like This with its pumpkin. Or you might try the seasonal offering by BPAL(Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab) I have one which is called Halloween and it’s very spicy and delicious. September 28, 2017 at 5:38am Reply

      • Tati: I second Like This. I’m wearing it now in the cool temps and it’s perfectly spicy and the pumpkin is unique. September 28, 2017 at 4:34pm Reply

        • Kari: Thirded-Like This is one of my favorites, and fantastic in autumn. October 9, 2017 at 12:47am Reply

    • Bastet: Opium is very spicy. Also Kenzo Jungle l’elephant (Victoria has posted reviews of both, I believe). September 28, 2017 at 10:37am Reply

      • MmkinPA: My go-to spicy is Jungle l’Elephant. Although I tend to save it for evening, it’s a powerhouse on my skin. September 28, 2017 at 11:05am Reply

        • Kari: Total powerhouse! You have to love lots of spice-I do, and I think it’s lovely. October 9, 2017 at 12:48am Reply

    • Mer: I second the BPAL recommendation when it comes to spices (for example Shub Niggurath for a million tons of ginger), right now they have the autumn editions out with even more spice blends. September 28, 2017 at 12:13pm Reply

    • Surbhi: if you can Musc Ravageur ( Yes it is a controversial perfume) but all I smell is cloves in cold weather. It just relaxes me. September 28, 2017 at 1:55pm Reply

    • Elisa: Tea for Two is a great cinnamon + smoke perfume.

      I’m picky about clove but I love the subtle clove in SSS Tabac Aurea. September 28, 2017 at 4:05pm Reply

    • Ninon: I love the gingerbread note in the Bois des Iles extrait. September 29, 2017 at 2:09pm Reply

    • Liz Seville: I have found Jo Malone’s Mimosa and Cardamom a lovely warm scent for autumn. This surprised me as I am not normally a Jo Malone fan.

      I wonder about Robert Piguet’s Visa although it may be more fruity than spicey.

      Diptyque Kimonanthe has a rich apricot opening and Luten’s Feminité du Bois has been a rewarding scent for autumn with notes of plum. November 14, 2017 at 3:23pm Reply

  • BONNIE S.: Hi everyone, I’m on the hunt for a blackberry or blackcurrant dominated scent; my current faves are Mon Paris and Parisienne; both juices give me a rich whiff of dark fruit that makes me so happy! My other faves are Hypnose, Lola & Stella. Longevity and sillage are not my concern; I am just absolutely craving a dark fruit scent this autumn and I’ve exhausted my current knowledge of what’s out there that I like. September 27, 2017 at 11:18am Reply

    • TrishD: Would Mûre et Musc by Artisan work? I must admit I haven’t smelled it, but judging on the name…. September 27, 2017 at 11:19am Reply

      • Shannon: Mûre et Musc Extrême (which I wear and enjoy) has more of a emphasis on the blackberry note, although it is not suffocatingly sweet. Excellent in all weather!

        https://boisdejasmin.com/2006/02/mure_et_musc_an.html September 27, 2017 at 1:16pm Reply

        • BONNIE S.: oooh thanks, never heard of that one! September 27, 2017 at 2:00pm Reply

          • Anne: I would second Shannon recommendation. Mure Musc Extreme is a beautiful blackberry fragrance. I find the Jo Malone one too weak. September 28, 2017 at 7:18am Reply

    • Gina Phelan: Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay is wonderful! September 27, 2017 at 11:30am Reply

      • AmandaG: Totally agree, I’m thinking of putting that one on my Christmas wish list 🙂 September 27, 2017 at 12:50pm Reply

      • BONNIE S.: Oh yes, I’ve heard of that one, thanks! September 27, 2017 at 2:02pm Reply

    • maggiecat: Trish McAvoy has a blackberry and musk scent that is just lovely. Worth a try, for sure! September 27, 2017 at 1:04pm Reply

      • BONNIE S.: excellent, thank you! September 27, 2017 at 2:01pm Reply

    • Kate: Annick Goutal Eau de Charlotte has a delicious blackcurrant-cocoa accord, once you get past the slightly odd Johnson’s Baby Shampoo opening notes. It’s a strange little perfume but lovely in its own way. September 27, 2017 at 2:17pm Reply

    • kpaint: I love those notes, too. So does Elisa G, another BdJ writer. It would be worth your time to go through her catalog of reviews and lists!

      I’ve never found a blackberry perfume that exactly hits the spot. A couple that have come close are Sulékó Djelem and Olympic Orchids Blackbird. Djelem has a lot of other stuff going on (hay/dried grass, cloves) but there’s a blackberry note in part of its development that smells just like being in the middle of a blackberry bush in high summer. Olympic Orchids Blackbird has a photo-realistic blackberry note – ripe, lush, blackberry juice. But it also has a big huge massive dose of pine trees and pine needles that gets in the way for me. It has nuclear sillage; so much so that I keep my 1 ml sample vial in a sealed plastic bag and often when I open the drawer it’s in, all I can smell are pine trees.

      Another recommendation that might just cause frustration: if you are a fan of the red berries in Poison, they’re even more pronounced in Midnight Poison (where the original’s tuberose is replaced with patchouli.) It is divine, but long discontinued and expensive. I’ve read YSL Elle is almost identical, which has better availability and is cheaper. September 27, 2017 at 2:31pm Reply

      • Elisa: Yep, I’m a huge blackcurrant nut! Some favorites:

        L’Ombre dans l’Eau
        Byredo Pulp (or the much cheaper smell-alike, Treehouse Royal)
        Rose Praline
        So Pretty (this is really hard to find tho)
        Moschino Funny September 28, 2017 at 4:10pm Reply

    • Trudy: Thanks for mentioning Mon Paris I’ve wanted to try that for the longest time and keep forgetting. It sounds lovely. September 27, 2017 at 2:33pm Reply

    • Katya: Diptyque L’Ombre dans l’Eau is a green fragrance with tomato leaf and blackberry. I personally smell the tomato leaf more but it may be worth a sniff if only for the fun of it.

      Also, Si by Armani is a blackberry fragrance. The Si Rose Edit smells like Rose Jam by Lush, but the original is also very delicious. September 27, 2017 at 2:52pm Reply

    • Neva: Hi Bonnie, one of the best red berries scent for me is Multiple Rouge by Humiecki & Graef. It starts fresh and fruity with a very prominent red berry note and then it turns a bit sweeter and spicy. It feels wonderful in cold weather. September 27, 2017 at 4:08pm Reply

    • Aurora: Excellent recommendations already listed and add Philosophy Falling in Love for blackberry. September 28, 2017 at 5:42am Reply

    • Ida: How about In Love Again by YSL? Lovely blackcurrant but not as sharp as in L’Ombre Dans l’Eau. September 28, 2017 at 6:28am Reply

    • limegreen: Hello Bonnie — have you tried Miller Harris Cassis en Feuille? Lovely blackcurrant.
      I also found a cheap thrill in Yves Rocher Blackberry. Lalique Amethyste which is a smooth blackberry without too much sweetness.
      (Also second Byredo Pulp) September 28, 2017 at 10:23am Reply

    • cassieflower: Hi Bonnie

      I know it’s not strictly what you’re looking for but if you can try Aromatics Black Cherry it sounds just like you’re describing. It’s a very rich spicy stewed fruit fragrance. September 28, 2017 at 11:26am Reply

    • Anna: Have you considered Enchanted Forest by The Vagabond Prince? Black current all the way through, berry, branch and root, with a big whiff of pine forest at first for me. I first tried it in hot weather, and the berries really bloomed in the heat, but the pine made it feel right for colder weather. It’s quite lovely. September 28, 2017 at 1:49pm Reply

    • Mia: Goutal’s Eau de Charlotte has very nice blackcurrant note, too. September 28, 2017 at 2:44pm Reply

  • TrishD: I would love recommendations for a rose/incense scent, please. I like deep, full, red roses of the Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne type. September 27, 2017 at 11:18am Reply

    • clair: Amouage Lyric is an amazing rose incense fragrance. You might like By Kilian’s Rose Oud, or Jovoy’s Rouge Assassin though neither exactly incense, they are dark rose and/or spicy/peppery. Also: Christian Dior La Collection Couturier Parfumeur – La Colle Noire and Carolina Herrera Burning Rose. September 27, 2017 at 11:46am Reply

      • TrishD: Many thanks – I’ll see if I can get decants. Looks like full bottles are out of my price range! September 27, 2017 at 12:52pm Reply

    • Severine: Have you tried Dior Oud Ispahan? It is deep, dry Agarwood with rose – a little bit like HEM rose incense but much more refined. Excellent sillage and longevity. September 27, 2017 at 12:50pm Reply

      • TrishD: I’ve got some of that incense in the house. 🙂 I’ll go and have a sniff and get an idea. Many thanks. September 27, 2017 at 12:54pm Reply

    • maggiecat: Francis Kurkidjian is the nose behind both MFK Lumiere Noire and Juliette Has a Gun Lady Vengeance, both deep and complex rose scents. September 27, 2017 at 1:06pm Reply

      • TrishD: Thank you. 🙂 September 27, 2017 at 2:36pm Reply

    • kpaint: Gres Cabaret is worth trying, and has the added benefit of being really inexpensive. Atelier Rose Anonyme is another, which should be easy to find on the cheap (tons of samples & small bottles floating around out there.) Etat Libre d’Orange Rossy de Palma/Eau de Protection is often referred to as a rose/incense. The original Marni may be worth trying as well. Then there’s Caron Parfum Sacre, which is more incense-forward but has a distinct rose note. September 27, 2017 at 2:40pm Reply

      • AndreaR: I’m a big fan of Rossy de Palma as well as Caron’s Perfume Sacre and By Kilian’s Rose Oud. I would like to add Neela Vermeire’s Mohur. September 27, 2017 at 3:37pm Reply

      • TrishD: Some lovely ideas there, thanks. I do wear Parfum Sacré a lot, but am looking for something with rose more forward in the mix. I tend to really like ELDO scents but the Marni would never have crossed my mind. September 27, 2017 at 4:27pm Reply

        • clair: So many great suggestions. I think the Dior I meant to mention was the Oud Isphahan, which Severine mentioned. I couldn’t remember as I’ve only tried samples from that from that collection. I must add Marni Rose, which is my preferred Marni as it is somewhat less assertive, and there is also Marni Spice, which is quite potent. September 28, 2017 at 3:21am Reply

      • TrishD: Just found 100ml of Gres Cabaret on French Ebay for 15 euros, so that’s now on its way…. 🙂 September 28, 2017 at 4:27am Reply

        • Elisa: Cabaret is great for the price! September 28, 2017 at 4:11pm Reply

    • Katya: Guerlain Rose Nacree du Desert, or Yves Rocher Rose Oud for the more accessible option (both recommend to me on this blog and perfume threads). If you live in England, Marks and Spencer’s have a budget range called Monotheme that also does a Rose Oud scent. September 27, 2017 at 2:54pm Reply

      • TrishD: Zut! The French M&S doesn’t seem to have that. I’ll see if anyone’s popping across to Blighty. That Guerlain looks lovely. This conversation makes me wish I lived near a perfumery. It’s a 100km round trip to the nearest Sephora to even try these! I can try the Yves Rocher easily, though. September 27, 2017 at 4:33pm Reply

        • Katya: Ah, mince. I know that feeling. We haven’t got a Yves Rocher on this side of the channel, I can only go test out their perfumes when I go home to Bulgaria. The M&S ones on the other hand are everywhere. Maybe they don’t list them online?

          As for the Guerlain, I had to go to London especially to try it. It is so exclusive they only sell it in the Middle East, Paris, and some other selected stores. September 27, 2017 at 5:05pm Reply

        • Katya: I just tried the new Bottega Veneta (Eau de Velours) and it reminded me so much of the Guerlain I nearly keeled over. Except it was more plum/violet based than rose. (Fragrantica lists rose as one of the main ingredients.) It’s very moody and sultry and sweet at the same time. From what I’ve read you might find something you like in that line? October 1, 2017 at 3:04pm Reply

          • TrishD: Thank you. Those notes sound like me – pink berries, rose, leather. What’s not to like?! October 1, 2017 at 3:06pm Reply

            • Katya: On me (*sniffs wrist*) I get a whole load of violet. Maybe some plum? On paper, it smells leathery and moody and fruity and sexy, but I’m not sure whether it’s my own body chemistry or my poor sense of smell (it is really bad. My mother has a nose like a bloodhound, she can always smell what I have on when I’m dreaming of topping up). Either way, it is worth a sniff and it is loads more accessible than the Guerlain. October 1, 2017 at 3:13pm Reply

              • TrishD: Violet is good too. Actually, this year I’ve bought Violettes de Toulouse, Aimez-Moi and Bois de Violette, all in vintage, so I’m clearly on a violet kick. October 1, 2017 at 3:16pm Reply

                • Katya: Hah, fair enough. My mum doesn’t like the smell of violets so I haven’t tried many myself. But, having lived in Toulouse 6 months, I have to say, it is definitely a scent that deserves exploration. October 1, 2017 at 3:23pm Reply

                • Notturno7: Hi TrishD, which violet scent do you like best of the 3 you got this year? I thought of buying Aimez-Moi few months ago.
                  My main violet scent is Misia and I’m dreaming of Chanel making it in the pure perfume. October 2, 2017 at 3:03pm Reply

                  • TrishD: My favourite is the Aimez-Moi, but you want the squat bottle in the square box, and with the weird blue cap like this: https://www.fragrantica.fr/parfum/Caron/Aimez-Moi-2816.html. It’s been reformulated since and is apparently thinner. I find it a lovely rich, creamy violet with a warm vanilla base. The Bois de Violette is nice, but just like Feminité du Bois with violets and the Violettes de Toulouse is too weak to really be of interest. 🙂 October 2, 2017 at 3:13pm Reply

                    • Notturno7: Thank you, TrishD! I was hoping you’d recommend Aimez-Moi, actually. Thank you for the tip about the vintage version! I might order one tonight when I get off work. So excited 😊💗 October 2, 2017 at 11:34pm

                    • Notturno7: Thank you, TrishD! I just ordered Aimez-Moi. I wouldn’t have known about which bottle to get otherwise if it weren’t for your tip. It’s a blind buy but I’m sure I’ll like it!
                      Do you know or someone know about Farnesiana? I saw one on ebay in this oval-like bottle with little dots on it. I love old Carons but I’m not sure if this is vintage or one of these newer releases where they ‘modernize’ and lighten things. October 4, 2017 at 4:36am

    • Malmaison: Trish, I love a deep red rose too and would definitely second ELDO Eau de Protection, which I always think of as a Gothic rose. SL Fille de Berlin is utterly lovely too. But at a lower price point, Aramis Calligraphy Rose is quite a wonderful rose with a bit of musk and amber. It has been discontinued but I think is still available at the online discounters. Good luck! September 27, 2017 at 2:54pm Reply

      • TrishD: Gothic sounds my cup of tea. 🙂 But Serge Lutens is my favourite house and I have, ahem, 49 bottles (just scored a vintage Bois de Violette). Fille de Berlin is growing on me – at first I found the top notes a bit sharp but now I am getting to like it quite a lot – I think this is what set me off thinking about rose/incense because there’s a new bottle of L’Air du Desert Marocain on its way. But the Aramis looks like a real find – I might go and buy that now, while I’m thinking about the others. Many thanks. September 27, 2017 at 4:38pm Reply

        • Malmaison: Forty-nine SL bottles! That is awesome! I have ten, which I love, but clearly need to up my game. I do hope you like the Aramis, I blind bought it and have had no regrets. September 28, 2017 at 2:15am Reply

          • TrishD: What are your ten? Nearly all my buys are blind, as I live in the deep countryside, hundreds of km from a department store and 55km from even the nearest Sephora. It was Serge Lutens that got me into fragrance, actually – before then, I’d buy a bottle of scent every year or two, use it up and go buy something else, or just use an essential oil. But in 2011, I had to go and interview Uncle Serge in Paris and the company sent me his entire catalogue beforehand, to ‘get an idea’. Most were in 5ml samples or wax, but they also sent 15 full bottles, including belljars, and that was me hooked. They used to send full bottles of all the new releases, and even as Christmas and birthday presents, but sadly that changed when his old PR, Liliane, left – she was fabulous. Shiseido are much more stingy! Now, I buy via French Ebay, where lots of people sell decants as well as bottles. I prefer the earlier releases, with the old ‘Palais’ logo – Ambre Sultan is my favourite: I can’t imagine ever being without that. September 28, 2017 at 3:10am Reply

    • Aurora: Also Terry de Gunzburg Rose Infernale might be worth a sample, it’s rather expensive (Victoria liked it). September 28, 2017 at 5:46am Reply

      • TrishD: Gosh what a beautiful-looking perfume. I’d be tempted just for the colour alone! I can stretch to that price, I just have a mental block about going over 200 euros for a bottle. I do wish more houses did 30ml sizes… September 28, 2017 at 6:18am Reply

    • Ida: I’d recommend my current favourite Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme. September 28, 2017 at 6:32am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I like Red Roses too! One very affordable option with rose and incense is Gres’ Cabaret, created by Michel Almairac. Although incense isn’t a listed note for these, they give off a similar vibe with their roses: Aramis Calligraphy Rose, JM Tudor Rose & Amber, David Yurman Limited Edition. And Amouage Memoir Woman DEFINITELY has incense! I thought its rose note took a back seat to the jasmine, though: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2016/01/29/fragrance-friday-amouages-memoir-woman/ September 28, 2017 at 8:45am Reply

    • limegreen: Tiziana Terenzi Gold Rose Oudh is a deep rose with incense oud. September 28, 2017 at 10:24am Reply

    • Jeanne Kohl: Le Labo Rose 31 would be my rec for a spicy rose. September 28, 2017 at 1:38pm Reply

    • Surbhi: Velvet rose from same makers? September 28, 2017 at 1:56pm Reply

      • TrishD: Many thanks for all of the above ideas. I’ve now bought Cabaret and the Aramis- am investigating the others. September 28, 2017 at 2:46pm Reply

    • Karen A: Hi Trish, lots of suggestions and will add a few to the mix! I’m surprised Portrait of a Lady hasn’t been mentioned (more patchouli than incense, but still a classic). Also, thanks to Limegreen, I expanded my live of roses even more with Rose of No Man’s Land by Byredo (gorgeous), Kashan Rose from Different Company, and Rose d’Arabie from Armani Privé are all beautiful dark roses. Stephane Humbert Lucas 777 has some stunning dark roses, including Rose de Petra. Another (!!!) beauty is Parfumerie General’s Isparta.

      Rose Nacree du Desert is gorgeous but very pricey and it’s a 75 ml bottle, which does last and last but….

      And i will second Limegreen’s suggestion of Gold Rose Oudh, it’s a beauty. September 28, 2017 at 5:41pm Reply

      • TrishD: Many thanks. A lot of food for thought here. September 29, 2017 at 3:51pm Reply

        • Karen A: Yes, rose in all it’s incarnations can leave you a bit overwhelmed! Recently, I decided to try a bunch of incense perfumes through samples from Luckyscent and Surrender to Chance. Some were loves and some were not for me, but it is fun to explore the variety within a note/type.

          Have fun and keep us posted! September 29, 2017 at 4:01pm Reply

  • Severine: Okay people I have a question (don’t laugh):
    How can I make babies and children smell better? Especially babies. Any perfumes? September 27, 2017 at 11:35am Reply

    • TrishD: LOL: Ptisenbon EDT by Tartine & Chocolat, Baby Eau de Senteur by IKKS, Baby Touch EDT by Burberry, Eau de Senteur by Bonpoint, and Musti by Mustela. But just plain triple-distilled rose water or orange-flower works quite well and is more natural. My friend’s baby used to have really stinky feet and that’s what she used. September 27, 2017 at 11:45am Reply

    • Severine: Is it even ok to spray perfume on children? Like is there a minimum age like drinking? Lol. September 27, 2017 at 11:46am Reply

      • TrishD: All of these products are formulated for babies – there are even more for children. I live in France and they’re VERY popular here. Maybe it’s the cheese…. 🙂 September 27, 2017 at 12:36pm Reply

        • Severine: Hi TrishD: you are certainty more familiar with baby department than I am. Thanks. 🙂 September 27, 2017 at 12:52pm Reply

          • TrishD: I’m a beauty writer, that’s why. I don’t have kids. 🙂 September 27, 2017 at 12:54pm Reply

        • Severine: No wonder the French are perfume connoisseurs of the world. They introduce their young ones to fragrance right from infancy – while Maman wears her pearls and Chanel. September 27, 2017 at 1:01pm Reply

          • Severine: And oh… The idea of using orange blossom water or rose water is brilliant. Nature’s gift for all ages! September 27, 2017 at 1:05pm Reply

            • TrishD: I would prefer the rosewater option for very small babies – it seems sort of ‘wrong’ to use scent on very young children – it’s not as if their apocrine glands are active yet. September 27, 2017 at 1:13pm Reply

              • Severine: I do kind of agree. Thing is I don’t want to take risks that might cause allergies. So I am being careful. But fragrance for little ones is new to me, and I am curious about it. 🙂 September 27, 2017 at 1:21pm Reply

      • Carla: I put cologne in my children’s hair after maybe six months of age. (Before that they smell delicious anyway Inthink!) French baby products like Mustela are quite strongly scented actually. I prefer to use unscented products on their skin but cologne on their hair. I like Bien Être Eau Parfumée des Familles recommended by Victoria September 28, 2017 at 2:54pm Reply

        • Severine: That’s a nice idea – or I could put cologne in his hat till gets some hair! September 28, 2017 at 5:31pm Reply

      • Raquel: Mmm…with all respect I’m sorry to desagree but in mho babies and young kids should not wear perfumes or fragrance lotions. This is my personal opinion since there are so many fragrances that can cause headaches and younger kids or babies are not able to say anything if they don’t like it. I love perfumes but since I was very young I suffered from migraines and I would have not like smelling any fragrance. There is one J&J cologne that give me headache… September 28, 2017 at 3:29pm Reply

        • Severine: Children are waaaaay more intuitive than adults credit them for. When I was about seven or eight I used to sneak into my mother’s room and dab the old houndstooth bottle of Diorissimo. The same with my dad’s Jovan Musk.
          Introducing scent to a child can be as simple as taking them to a garden to smell flowers, or your spice cabinet in the kitchen. Then: let the child decide which scent he or she prefers.
          Believe it or not: at seven I helped my mother put rollers in her hair, and pick out a pair of stilettoes. In addition to babysitting two younger siblings. September 28, 2017 at 5:47pm Reply

    • clair: I never knew babies to smell bad, however they can certainly produce some bad odors and I hated most commercial baby care products, wipes, etc. Also, babies are prone to fungul rashes in skin crevices which need to be gently but frequently cleansed. I used to drench unscented wipes with California Baby tonic, and I liked many of their products for the scent, which was pleasant but not overpowering, and you might want to try Giggles, which is new to me but sounded nice (a sweet rice milk scent), and I always liked many of the Weleda baby products. I still do. September 27, 2017 at 12:03pm Reply

      • Severine: Hi Clair,
        Thanks for recommending California baby tonic!! Stay blessed! September 28, 2017 at 10:44am Reply

    • Ann: I like the Mustela body wash and lotion for the kids, they smell so good after their bath!

      I also have the Musti cologne.

      And sometimes I powder them down with Muguet dusting powder – I put some in an inexpensive dusting brush that has a removable handle that you can fill with powder. September 27, 2017 at 1:53pm Reply

    • Maria: I use rosewater and Dr. Hauschka rose body oil on my kid. Rosewater is perfectly safe, even in newborns. With the Dr. Hauschka body oil, I’ve started to use it only after 6 months. September 27, 2017 at 3:37pm Reply

      • Severine: Thanks! Dr Haushka is easily available here! September 28, 2017 at 10:49am Reply

    • Olga: Breastfed babies smell like milk, gorgeous. I don’t know anything better. If the baby is formula fed, try to change formula 😉 September 28, 2017 at 1:13am Reply

      • Severine: Hi Olga! Such a beautiful thing to say! Stay blessed! September 28, 2017 at 10:42am Reply

      • Carla: Yes indeed! September 28, 2017 at 2:55pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: I echo the recommendations already made, including Mustela and Weleda, which are made for babies’ skin care (used them on my babies — no bad reactions). There’s a nice line of baby products by SheaMoisture in the US, very affordable — Baby Calm & Comfort Oil Rub has chamomile, frankincense and myrrh and a long list of things it DOESN’T have: no paraffin, phthalates, paraben, synthetic fragrance, propylene glycol, sulfates, etc. I also like Aveda’s Shampure Composition Oil; it would smell lovely on a baby or young child. September 28, 2017 at 8:56am Reply

      • Severine: Hi,
        I detest nasties too! Sometimes I find a gorgeous smelling product, but chock full of chemicals. Thanks for your recommendations! September 28, 2017 at 10:46am Reply

  • clair: Yes, The Jovoy is on my wishlist for that reason, but you would want to try them first, as they are all quite different. Samples are available at Surrender to Chance, Perfume Samples and Decants, and The Perfumed Court. And there are so many more choices in this category. hope you find something you like! September 27, 2017 at 12:59pm Reply

    • TrishD: An embarrassment of riches here. 🙂 Looks like I will be able to give up spraying Fille de Berlin over Avignon. Many thanks. September 28, 2017 at 3:58am Reply

  • AmandaG: I’m new to the world of perfume as a few give me minor headaches so stayed away assuming they all did, but I found the Jo Malone brand doesn’t give me that same problem and smells less synthetic to me than perfumes I can find at Ulta. So without ever smelling it before, I bought Jo Malone Sea Salt and Sage, big fan! I think I tend to like scents that are not overly feminine. Any recommendations for something new to try so I can expand my knowledge and collection? Maybe a more sophisticated/complex vanilla? September 27, 2017 at 1:01pm Reply

    • Katya: Jo Malone are lovely. On me they don’t last long which is my biggest gripe because their combinations draw me in a lot.

      As for a sophisticated vanilla… have you ever tried Chanel Eau Premiere? On me I get so much delicious vanilla but it is airy and feminine and sophisticated, not like…Vanillary by Lush, or Black Orchid by Tom Ford, which can sometimes make me nauseous. September 27, 2017 at 3:19pm Reply

      • AmandaG: I haven’t tried that yet, thanks for the suggestion! September 28, 2017 at 1:33pm Reply

    • Malmaison: You might like the Miller Harris range, which is English and to me smells very lovely, subtle and natural. They have one called Fleurs de Sel which might appeal to you if you like Sea Salt and Sage – a breath of air on the beach – and Les Feuilles de Tabac is a sweet/spicy tobacco smell which is not overly feminine. (No vanillas in the range though I think!) I would also recommend checking out Dame Perfumery in the USA, I have recently been introduced to their line and love their approach. They have a Mexican Black Vanilla you might like, and a wide range of soliflores (honeysuckle, gardenia, orange blossom) that are very realistic.
      I completely understand where you are coming from about being put off by the generic synthetic smells you get from many mainstream releases and I hope you get lots of enjoyment out of exploring the world of perfumery! September 28, 2017 at 2:22am Reply

      • AmandaG: Wow! Yes, I think you totally understood what I’m looking for. I’m very intrigued by that brand and the smells you listed all sounded interesting, right now especially the tobacco one you mentioned, and the Mexican Black Vanilla. Thank you, I’m excited to explore! September 28, 2017 at 1:34pm Reply

    • TrishD: I would recommend the Couvent des Minimes brand of colognes. They are all fresh, clean and surprisingly long-lasting. Their Eau des Missiones is a lovely fresh vanilla, which I often wear in preference to any other – discontinued but still widely available online or in discount drugstores. For other vanillas, Un Bois Vanille by Serge Lutens is a rich, woody one, while the original Shalimar is probably the reference vanilla – very sophisticated and beautiful. September 28, 2017 at 4:05am Reply

      • AmandaG: The vanilla by Serge Lutens sounds lovely, thank you for the brand suggestion, I do like Jo Malone, but agree with others who have said it seems to fade quickly, something fresh but long lasting would be nice 🙂 I’ll have to look into Couvent des Minimes. September 28, 2017 at 1:37pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Amanda: maybe a ‘natural’ vanilla would be nice for you: why not try the sampler from La Maison de la Vanille, their perfumes have the best vanilla, my favourite is Vanille Sauvage de Madagascar, a lavender/vanilla but there are many others. September 28, 2017 at 7:49am Reply

      • AmandaG: Thanks Aurora! a vanilla sampler sounds very enticing, especially the vanilla/lavender combo that makes me feel relaxed just thinking about how that would smell. September 28, 2017 at 1:39pm Reply

  • Trudy: I love this blog. I love reading all the comments and a having chance to share my love for fragrance. I currently have four samples on my dresser: Jour d’ Hermes Absolu (very nice), Lutens A La Nuit (stunning), By Killian Beyond Love (pretty) and Chanel Gabrielle (on the fence, it’s kind of just not there). I’m thinking the first two are the most beautiful (for me). I hastily bought a bottle of Chanel 5 L’eau last fall but it just doesn’t work for me so I’m trying to be more careful with FB purchases. Also, just to share, this past summer I discovered a lovely line of fragrances from Alverez Gomez called Flores Mediterraneas. I purchased the Verbena & Orange Blossom which is just so fresh and uplifting especially on a warm day (we are still getting some very warm days in Southern California). I also got the Wild Rose which is very pretty and rose is tricky for me. There are several fragrances in this line worth exploring in my humble opinion:) September 27, 2017 at 2:25pm Reply

    • Gabriela: Hi Trudy! I live in Spain and I am familiar with Alvarez Gomez fragrances but not the line Flores Mediterraneas. Thanks for the tip, it sounds lovely and very affordable. September 27, 2017 at 3:20pm Reply

    • Aurora: Same here, love the original Alvarez Gomez, especially on men (my Spanish uncle has worn it forever), and now I want to try this flores collection, thank you very much Trudy. September 28, 2017 at 5:58am Reply

  • Raquel: I want to thank the person that suggested me Al Haramain Attar Al Kaaba, I think it was Aurora…I love it!

    Is someone familiar with Lush Cardamon&Coffee new perfume? I love cardamom. September 27, 2017 at 2:58pm Reply

    • Katya: I smelled Cardamom Coffee last week! It was delicious, like shortbread biscuits. Not for me but certainly one to try for a gourmand. And the longevity was pretty good from what I remember. September 27, 2017 at 3:01pm Reply

      • Raquel: Thank you for your comment Katya! September 28, 2017 at 3:31pm Reply

    • Aurora: How nice of you Raquel! I had forgotten but indeed I like Al Haramein attar very much, it’s Michaela who turned me on to this brand.

      Haven’t tried the new Lush, sounds interesting, I get my shot of cardamom with Hermes Voyage usually. September 28, 2017 at 10:09am Reply

  • Malmaison: After years of loving perfume BUT NOT THE GREEN ONES I had an epiphany when I tried Chanel 19. Now I am starting to try green perfumes, particularly those with a floral note and have fallen in love with Tom Ford’s Vert de Fleur as well as Jo Malone’s Blue Hyacinth. Any recommendations for someone who has always thought she was green-averse but is cautiously making her way into this brave new world? September 27, 2017 at 2:58pm Reply

    • TrishD: The mid-vintage Balmain Vent Vert by Calice Becker is superb. It’s the one with the weird-shaped cap, not the modern one with the ‘mirror ball’ cap, and comes in a green box. Loads of it available on Ebay. I also like the original vintage, but that really IS green – about 8% galbanum. I also think of Premier Figuier, Philosykos and Ombre dans l’Eau as greens. And anything green-tea based is good. The Bulgari is probably the best-known – Eau Parfumé au Thé Vert. Sadly Roger & Gallet’s Thé Vert has been discontinued but I found that on Ebay too and had a lovely green summer! September 27, 2017 at 4:24pm Reply

      • Malmaison: Just ordered Vent Vert on ebay for a very reasonable price – it will be the Calice Becker formulation I think looking at the bottle and I am dying to try it! Thanks for the tip. September 28, 2017 at 2:24am Reply

        • TrishD: I hope you like it. I realised I was buying mini after mini of this, so am now getting a 50ml bottle. I haven’t tried the ‘new’ version – it might be just as good but I’ve heard it’s now just pretty rather than striking. Of course, if you want to go for really striking and green, it has to be Bandit, but that’s definitely an acquired taste. 🙂 September 28, 2017 at 4:09am Reply

    • Ninon: I love greens! For realistic green florals, you might try HdP Vert Pivoine, Keiko Mecheri Clair Obscur, FM En Passant, L’Artisan Ostara, Serge Lutens De Profundis, Hiram Green Moon Bloom (only if you like white florals), and 28 La Pausa edt, if you can find it. For a more abstract approach, try Chamade, Niki de Saint Phalle, Bel Respiro, No. 19 Poudre. September 27, 2017 at 6:21pm Reply

      • Malmaison: Ninon, we should be scent buddies – I already have and love Moon Bloom, Chamade, Clair Obscur and En Passant; would kill to have a bottle of De Profundis; and found a bottle of Ostara (Penhaligons I think?) just last week. I am definitely going to try all your other recommendations now! September 28, 2017 at 2:27am Reply

        • TrishD: I have the original De Profundis in the belljar and it’s fabulous but a friend bought the ‘vaporisateur tout noir’ version and it went off very quickly. So his advice is to fridge it, if you ever buy this one. Ostara is fabulous – and isn’t the box beautiful? September 28, 2017 at 3:15am Reply

        • Ninon: Ha! I will be studying your recs assiduously as well! And yes, Ostara is by Penhaligon’s–I need to get my hands on a bottle before they all disappear! September 28, 2017 at 10:31am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: Welcome to green perfumes! Lots of good recommendations already, also you might try Jacomo Silences and Annick Goutal Grand Amour. September 28, 2017 at 7:40am Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: We may be scent twins, although I’ve always enjoyed green fragrances! Love JM Blue Hyacinth (two FBs’ worth of love …) and Vert de Fleur. I have FBs of the Calice Becker Vent Vert and Ostara (back-up bottle of that one too, as it was discontinued). I love green muguet fragrances also (Chanel 19 has galbanum and muguet). Silences is also lovely. Have fun exploring! Have you tried Papillon’s new Dryad? I am impatiently awaiting a sample of that. September 28, 2017 at 9:10am Reply

    • Carla: De Profundis, Cristelle and Le Temps d’Une Fete September 28, 2017 at 2:56pm Reply

    • Elisa: Heure Exquise! September 28, 2017 at 4:13pm Reply

    • Patricia: Début by Parfums Delrae is a beautiful green fragrance with linden and lily of the valley. October 2, 2017 at 11:49am Reply

  • Katya: My mum gave me her Chanel no 5 Eau Premiere after pointing out that I’m the only one using it and now I am in love. I hope sincerely that they haven’t changed it in newer versions because this is love.

    I also bought myself Eau Magnetic by Miller Harris for my birthday. It’s not better than Fleurs de Sel but it will help me ration that perfume more. They recently re-released Figue Amere and I really wonder about it, but there is no place to try it out. Does anybody have it?

    I also smelled Tom Ford Vert de Fleur today and it instantly made me wish for a hyacinth fragrance that is both sophisticated and long-lasting, but not too expensive. I’ve smelled Anais Anais and it was okay, but I’m not sure about it. I’ve smelled Wild Bluebell and it doesn’t last at all on me. See by Chloe Eau Fraiche was a beautiful water hyacinth and now it has been discontinued. I’m stumped. Is it such a hard flower to incorporate in perfume? September 27, 2017 at 2:59pm Reply

    • TrishD: Serge Lutens Bas de Soie is a strong, beautiful hyacinth, with iris, and long-lasting but may be hard to get now in the US. And Yardley does a Hyacinth, though I’m betting it would be rather unsubtle. Anyone tried Jo Malone’s Blue Hyacinth? September 28, 2017 at 3:46am Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: Yes! I love JM Blue Hyacinth! I’m a gardener, and I was looking for a very realistic true hyacinth; it is certainly that. I’ve compared it on my wrist to a pot of forced hyacinth bulbs and it is very true to its name. September 28, 2017 at 9:12am Reply

        • Katya: I need to try that one! JM doesn’t last very long on me, but that hasn’t stopped me before. October 1, 2017 at 3:07pm Reply

  • kpaint: What perfect timing! I spent a good part of the day looking up perfumes with heliotrope. I particularly love it combined with violets. Similar, but sometimes in a totally different category, I love almond-y perfumes and am always looking for more.

    What I’ve smelled and love that fall into either genre:

    Carner Barcelona Tardes
    Comme des Garcons Stephen Jones (if only it were not so HTF and $$$! *sad face*)
    Hermes Cuir d’Ange
    Lolita Lempicka L’Eau en Blanc
    Mona di Orio Musc
    Parfums de Rosine Roses Des Neiges
    Prada Infusion d’Amande
    YSL Cinema

    Almost there:
    L’Erbolario Mandorla
    L’Artisan Jour de Fete
    Oriza L Legrand Héliotrope Blanc

    No Can Do:
    Dior Hypnotic Poison
    Alaïa Eau de Parfum Blanche

    So… any favorite heliotrope or almond perfumes I should try? Thank you! September 27, 2017 at 3:10pm Reply

    • Lizbee: Hi kpaint. I love almond, too. Have you tried TDC Pure Eve? It’s lovely. And I know you don’t like HP and so may not have tried Profumum Roma’s Confetto (which is often compared to HP, though I find them very very different) but it’s one of my favorite almonds. September 27, 2017 at 3:52pm Reply

      • kpaint: Haven’t tried either! Will put both on my list. Thank you! September 27, 2017 at 5:06pm Reply

        • Lizbee: Please report back! I’m jotting down notes from your list, as I love heliotrope as well (particularly with violets). Do you have a favorite from the list that I should start with? September 27, 2017 at 5:09pm Reply

          • kpaint: The Carner Barcelona is worth getting your hands on, as is the Hermes. Totally different styles (Tardes veers into cosmetic powder territory, Cuir d’Ange into leather.) And if you happen across Stephen Jones, that stuff is dreamy. September 28, 2017 at 1:54pm Reply

        • Lizbee: See below. I think I accidentally replied to myself. ☺️ September 27, 2017 at 5:11pm Reply

    • KatieAnn: Have you tried Guerlain’s Mon Precieux Nectar? I have not personally sampled this, but it looks like an intriguing almond scent. September 27, 2017 at 7:31pm Reply

      • kpaint: I haven’t but will put it on my list. Thank you! September 28, 2017 at 1:55pm Reply

    • TrishD: Serge Lutens’ Louve is about as almondy as it gets – I have to be the mood for marzipan to wear this one. 🙂 September 28, 2017 at 3:38am Reply

      • kpaint: Oooh, sounds perfect. Thank you! September 28, 2017 at 1:57pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello kpaint: You may have tried Guerlain L’Heure Bleue and there was l’Instant Magic (discontinued but maybe worth sampling) but what about Etro Heliotrope (pure bitter almond) or my favourite for summer AdP Blue Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia. Some people have longevity issue with it but I don’t find it to be the case. Enjoy your quest! September 28, 2017 at 8:02am Reply

      • kpaint: I’ve got both LHB and Mandorlo di Sicilia (it does have an almond note and always makes me think of creme soda). I’ve looked around for the Etro but it seems difficult to come by samples 🙁 L’Instant Magic sounds divine, though. I will definitely chase that one down. Thank you! September 28, 2017 at 2:02pm Reply

    • limegreen: Don’t know if anyone mentioned this but Heeley L’Amandiere is really special, heliotrope almond soft but with lasting power. September 28, 2017 at 10:27am Reply

      • kpaint: Ooh ahh! Sounds lovely – will put it on my list. Thank you! You guys are great! September 28, 2017 at 2:03pm Reply

      • Elisa: Yes yes yes! This is my rec as well. September 28, 2017 at 4:15pm Reply

        • Elisa: ALSO I can’t believe nobody else said it (unless I missed it) but: POTL Luctor et Emergo. So good. September 28, 2017 at 4:16pm Reply

    • Bastet: I love the heliotrope note in Esprit d’Oscar. September 28, 2017 at 10:50am Reply

      • kpaint: Mmm, I do too. I get a hint of violet as well. Do you? September 28, 2017 at 2:04pm Reply

    • Carla: Après l’Ondee of course! September 28, 2017 at 2:57pm Reply

    • Hana: My favorite heliotrope and almond is Nicolai Kiss Me Intense. It has a soft base of vanilla and a cool character given a touch of anise. It’s definitely not heavy but fairly sweet as a cold milk shake. September 28, 2017 at 4:26pm Reply

      • Nora Szekely: Hi kpaint,

        I love L’eau d’hiver by Frederic Malle.
        I bought it because it was compared to Apres l’Ondee and it did not dissapoint. A delicate, enchanting scent. September 29, 2017 at 10:27am Reply

    • Ninon: Have you tried FM L’eau d’Hiver? September 29, 2017 at 2:14pm Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Khôl de Bahreïn from maison Stéphane Humbert Lucas 777. October 2, 2017 at 2:02am Reply

  • Ninon: I’m still looking for “my iris” after trying many of the usual suspects (No. 19, No. 19 Powder, Bel Respiro, 28 La Pausa, Hiris, Bois d’Iris [both versions], Iris Silver Mist, Iris de Nuit, Iris d’Argent, Irisss, Infusion d’Iris….). I think I would prefer something more complex and less dry, rooty, and austere. I am curious about Mona di Orio’s Bohea Boheme and SHL 777 Khol de Bahrein, but am not sure what else should be on my list. Thanks for any suggestions! September 27, 2017 at 6:03pm Reply

    • Ninon: Oops, autocorrect had its way with “Poudre” (which reminds me, I’ve also tested FM Iris Poudre). September 27, 2017 at 6:05pm Reply

    • Maria: I’m an iris fan also, but after years of essays, I’ve decided I would never find “my iris”, but a different iris for every occasion :-). For a complex one, I would go with Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena, but it is still rooty, with a beautiful incense note. For something less austere, I’ve tried last week Institut très bien Eau de cologne à la russe, and I found it really confortable, complex but easy to wear. September 27, 2017 at 6:51pm Reply

      • Ninon: Thank you so much! Iris Nazarena sounds wonderful…I will start plotting a sample order. September 27, 2017 at 7:52pm Reply

    • KatieAnn: Hi Ninon, you didn’t mention Heure Exquise by Annick Goutal. It’s really stunning…a very elegant and complex scent. Also, Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile is really nice, and is not your typical iris scent. September 27, 2017 at 7:27pm Reply

      • Ninon: Ah yes, I have tried Heure Exquise and somehow couldn’t connect with it. I had a similar experience with Masque L’Atessa. But I have not tried Iris Nobile yet…thank you for reminding me! September 27, 2017 at 7:52pm Reply

      • Ida: I agree, Iris Nobile is not particularly complex, but definitely less dry, rooty and austere. Worth testing. September 28, 2017 at 6:46am Reply

    • TrishD: Impossible Iris by Ramon Monegal is very beautiful – a lovely powdery iris with a vanillic drydown. Serge Lutens Bas de Soie is a mix of iris and hyacinth, which swings back and forth between the two accords, but I think they’ve discontinued the export 50ml bottle. September 28, 2017 at 3:36am Reply

      • Ninon: Ty! I tried Bas de Soie years ago, but really should retest. I’ve steered clear of the Ramon Monegal because I struggle with fruity notes, but perhaps I should give it a go–a powdery iris sounds lovely. September 28, 2017 at 10:35am Reply

        • TrishD: Impossible Iris and Kiss My Name (tuberose) are lovely and the best from this house, I think. I find many of the others unsubtle or downright offputting. September 28, 2017 at 2:43pm Reply

      • PrincessTonk: Ditto on Bas de Soie although maybe missing complexity. And Heure Exquise you must get through the opening. Exquise. September 29, 2017 at 8:43pm Reply

    • Anne: I love Iris too! I am wondering if you ve tried the Jo Malone Cologne one called Oris and Sandalwood? I haven tried it myself and I m desperate to get an opinion on it. September 28, 2017 at 7:27am Reply

      • Ninon: Sorry, Jo Malones and I generally don’t get along, so I haven’t tried this one. I do love sandalwood though! September 28, 2017 at 10:35am Reply

      • Andrea: I love the opening of Orris and Sandalwood. Like all the Jo Malones I tried it is nice and bearable. To my nose it is dark and warm. The iris is soaring like it should and adds a cool whisper, the sandalwood is not sharp at all. I bought my bottle after a really nice moment at work, when I had forgotten that I had sprayed it on in the morning and thought, wow what’s this gorgeous smell? Now I’m not so sure anymore because the drydown is disappointing on my skin. It develops in a indistinct haze, all warmth and marvels gone. I asked on parfumo and no one agreed so it might just be me. I use Orris and Sandalwood for layering. Roses work well, at least Rose Velours by van Cleef and Arpels and Velvet Rose and Oud by Jo Malone smells gorgeous with Orris and Sandalwood, as someone on parfumo said. September 28, 2017 at 2:54pm Reply

      • Liz Seville: I bought this and found it too Orris heavy. Definitely sample before you buy. November 14, 2017 at 3:33pm Reply

    • limegreen: I love the classics that you mentioned so this recommendation may be too “rooty” for you but my favorite of the new irises is Masque Milano L’Attesa. It is hard to describe which means it’s not like any of the classics.
      Also, absolutely love Armani Prive Iris Celadon, which is not really a true “iris” in my book but it is all lovely powdery iris and cacao and a tiny touch of patchouli. I used to think it was a touch of Iris Silver Mist meets Coromandel but now I’m not so sure. Maybe a little bit of Borneo 1834 thrown in? 🙂 September 28, 2017 at 10:31am Reply

      • Ninon: Oops, sorry, I have tried L’Attesa. I will look into the Armani Prive–that sounds lovely! September 28, 2017 at 10:34am Reply

        • Limegreen: Good luck, it’s a great quest

          I second LL Iris 39 September 30, 2017 at 12:56pm Reply

    • Marianna: I would highly recommend Armani Prive Iris Celadon, SHL 777 Khol de Bahrain, Le Labo Iris 39 September 28, 2017 at 3:46pm Reply

      • Ninon: Thanks so much–I’ll be sure to try all of these. September 28, 2017 at 4:19pm Reply

    • Hana: Yum… iris. I also can’t get enough. Very different from what you’ve tried already is Annick Goutal Mon Parfum Chéri, fruity chypre with plum and dominant patchouli. The plums give it a nice juicy top but given the chypre character it feels quite dry. September 28, 2017 at 4:32pm Reply

      • Ninon: Thanks so much for the recommendation! I am just warming to fruity chypres. September 29, 2017 at 1:56pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: You might really like Commodity’s Orris, new this year. The listed notes are: Top: Carrot Seed Orpur, Pink Peppercorn, Italian Bergamot, Coriander Seed. Mid Notes: White Lily of the Valley, Tea Blossom, Patchouli Oil, Moroccan Cedarwood. Base Notes: Italian Orris, Vetiver Oil, Vanilla Madagascar Orpur. I think it is quite nuanced, and not “rooty” or earthy. And it lasted for 12 hours on my skin after I tried it at Sephora! September 28, 2017 at 9:28pm Reply

      • Ninon: I’m not familiar with Commodity. Thanks for the rec! September 29, 2017 at 1:56pm Reply

    • carole: Ninon, what about Montrale’s So Intense Iris? I only have a sample but it’s so beautiful, and very different from the other iris scents you listed. And If you like Iris Poudre try Giancarlo Ferre’s Ferre. Victoria did a beautiful review of this one. It’s by the same perfumer as Iris Poudre, and it has a pineapple note. Yes, pineapple! It’s beautiful, and inexpensive. September 29, 2017 at 1:54pm Reply

      • Ninon: I have not. I’m a little scared of the pineapple, but I will check it out! September 29, 2017 at 2:04pm Reply

    • Kayliz: Seconding Armani Prive Iris Celadon!

      You said you like powder — if violets work as well, there’s Atkinsons Love in Idleness.

      How do you feel about iris and leather? Ann Gerard Cuir de Nacre and Evody Cuir Blanc are soft iris leathers. September 30, 2017 at 1:00pm Reply

  • Caroline: Villoresi’s Teint de Neige qualifies, but you need to enjoy powder bombs to appreciate it. Do like it, but only in microdoses. Elie Saab L’Eau Couture has a nice almond aura, should revisit my sample.
    For heliotrope, get a good dose of it from L’Eau d’Hiver, which I didn’t used to like but has since grown on me.
    Haven’t tried Apres l’Ondee, nor AdP’s Mandorlo di Sicilia. September 27, 2017 at 6:56pm Reply

    • Caroline: should have posted as a reply to kpaint September 27, 2017 at 6:57pm Reply

      • kpaint: Oh, thanks! I love Teint de Neige and just got a sample of the Elie Saab, as it happens. The FM is on my list as well. September 28, 2017 at 1:51pm Reply

  • Olga: Could you please recommend a perfume that smells like wet cottonwood leaves or like birch leaves in Russian banya. Thank you. September 28, 2017 at 1:19am Reply

    • Severine: Poplar, Aspen candle by Lalique.
      You will find the smokey note of birch tar mainly in men’s fragrances. Santa Maria Novella Ambra makes heavy use of it. September 28, 2017 at 1:41pm Reply

  • Celle: Thanks so much to Katya for her recommendation of vetyverio last month. I think it really is what I was looking for and to my delight there was an edp version of vetyverio recently got launched. It was more smoky at the beginning, more long lasting, and the base has a prominent rose note to it, but only at the base. Its character was quite different. I’m still undecided but I think I will go for a FB of the edt in the end.

    I’m going to finish my Eau Sauvage soon and I’m looking for a replacement. What recommendation do you have? I’ve sampled

    AdP essenza (too synthetic and reminds me of lime in the heart notes),

    Angelique sous la pluie (only on blotter but it smelled like green veggie juice to me, it was actually pleasant though strange. Anyone had tested it on skin?)

    Un Jardin sur le nil (stunned by the green mango opening but as it get sweeter in the heart I’m not so sure about it…)

    All in all I’m looking for something more “unisex”, pleasant but more on the dry side, and “straight to business” – I always wear ES to important business meetings. Thanks all for your recommendations September 28, 2017 at 12:15pm Reply

    • Maria: Hi Celle! I love Angeliques sous la pluie on skin, if you want something unisex and dry, it could be a great option. On the same prize range and brand, you have also Eau de Magnolia, I find it is a very good option, more woody than floral, despite of its name. September 28, 2017 at 2:43pm Reply

    • Hana: When you mentioned your love for Vetyverio and mango in Jardin sur le Nil, have you tried L’Artisan Timbuktu? I don’t see it as formal but definitely unisex. Angéliques sous la Pluie smells like gin and tonic on me, I prefer similar Hermes Voyage and Atelier Cologne Bois Blond. Sometimes I steal my husband’s Tom Ford Grey Vetiver which reminds me of Guerlain Vetiver pour Elle, so definitely unisex and elegant. September 28, 2017 at 4:44pm Reply

      • Celle: I have Timbuktu and love it so much!!!! The drydown in particular was simply amazing. There have been few fragrances that made me feel so good. But having said that, i won’t wear it everyday to work since it has a strong and lasting presence, great for me since I can catch whiffs of it throughout the day, but probably not so good for others. But Timbuktu is really something that i enjoy September 28, 2017 at 9:13pm Reply

    • Patricia: I think that Cedrat Enivrant by Atelier Cologne would be a great choice. The herbal notes of mint and basil keep it interesting, and the 18% concentration insures that you won’t have to constantly reapply. Have fun sampling! September 28, 2017 at 5:40pm Reply

    • Karen A: Angeliques Sous la Pluie got a lot of wear this summer – not sure how it would work in cooler weather, but it was great in heat and humidity. Ummm, not sure if this is way off base (nothing like Eau Savage), but what about Sycomore by Chanel? I think it would be a great work scent – conveys confidence and is beautiful and not gender specific. Same for Coromandel.

      (I actually just spritzed on some Angeliques and it could work really well in cool weather) September 28, 2017 at 5:50pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hi Cell: have you ever tried Chanel Pour Monsieur it’s another classic ‘pour homme’ like Eau Sauvage, you might like it. September 29, 2017 at 5:44am Reply

      • Aurora: Celle sorry for the typo. September 29, 2017 at 5:45am Reply

    • Ninon: I adored the first version of Angeliques Sous la Pluie I tried–the angelica was clear and delicate and lasting. I’ve since retested it and mostly get gin–refreshing, but less interesting. Testing via blotter, btw, is never reliable/representative for me. September 29, 2017 at 2:18pm Reply

    • Katya: Oh, I’m so, so happy you enjoyed that one! I still sometimes think about getting the EdT myself, although your description of the EdP has made me really want to go visit a counter! I have too many perfumes right now, but maybe I can request a bottle for Christmas. (I wish they did a 30 ml of that. I know it works out as more expensive but somehow I feel like I can justify it better.) October 1, 2017 at 3:10pm Reply

  • Shy: Does anyone know of a good perfume with Ambrette seed?

    I went through a 50ml bottle of Le Labo Ambrette 9 in a matter of weeks – it is quite pretty but I found it to be so subtle, with very low projection, that I had to spray a LOT to make an impact.

    While I wouldn’t mind buying another bottle, it IS quite expensive for something that I blast through so quickly.

    (And so different from the rest of the perfumes I’ve tried, where half a spray is more than enough!)

    Thanks in advance! September 28, 2017 at 7:52pm Reply

    • Shy: ** the rest of THEIR perfumes. i.e. Le Labo’s September 28, 2017 at 7:52pm Reply

    • Aurora: There is Annick Goutal Musc Nomade, it’s discontinued but easy to find on ebay, less expensive than Le Labo and you can find 15ml bottles to test. I have a mini bottle myself and find it has good longevity. September 29, 2017 at 5:52am Reply

    • Ninon: *listening* I’m curious about No. 18 because of the ambrette note. September 29, 2017 at 2:19pm Reply

      • PrincessTonk: I remember that 18 specifically carried the ambrette seed note. September 30, 2017 at 11:10am Reply

  • Andrea: Does anyone have a suggestion for a rose scented dry oil or bodylotion which is available in Germany? I thought of Diptyque Eau Rose or Jo Malone Velvet Rose Oud. What do you think? September 30, 2017 at 5:52am Reply

    • TrishD: I use the Dr Organic Rose Otto range from Holland & Barrett. I live in France and they deliver to Europe, so I order it from the UK. Usually about 6 euros for delivery. I recommend all the Dr Organic products – the honey range is also lovely. September 30, 2017 at 7:32am Reply

    • TrishD: Oh, there’s also Ren’s Moroccan Rose dry oil, but I don’t know if that’s available in Germany. Have not tried the two products you mention but have always found Diptyque’s textures and fragrances really exquisite. September 30, 2017 at 7:34am Reply

      • Andrea: Thank you for your suggestions, TrishD. I checked it, both products are available in Germany. I look forward to test them. September 30, 2017 at 3:57pm Reply

        • TrishD: Hope you enjoy. 🙂 T September 30, 2017 at 4:36pm Reply

    • Nora Szekely: Hi Andrea,
      If you like sultry scents (and I think you do based on the Jo Malone one), I recommend Frederic Malle body butters.
      Two of their rose scents, Portrait of a lady and Une rose are both available in this form and they are fabulous. They are quite strong, I use the body butter on its own and I got complimented on it in the office.
      Portrait of a lady is available in body oil as well, that one is less heavy in texture. At first it has a distinctive oily scent but after a few minutes, it is very close to the perfume. I used mine 2-3 times a week and it lasted me 4 months.
      Portrait of a lady is a rose-patchouli combo while Une rose to my nose is like a rose soliflore with the lushest red rose you can smell.
      I hope you can sample them, I checked online and they have stores in a few German cities (or come to Budapest, go to the Opera and before the spectacle, try them at perfume store Madison near to our Opera house, which is an awesome place with great staff). October 2, 2017 at 11:20am Reply

      • Nora Szekely: For a lighter one, I recommend Maison Francis Kurkdjan’s A la rose body cream. This evokes a delicate pink rose to me. October 2, 2017 at 11:29am Reply

      • Andrea: Hello Nora, thank you for these wonderful suggestions. I looked it up: they are available at “aus Liebe zum Duft”, if anyone cares. I didn’t know, there were body butters by Malle so thanks for the information. I would love to come to Budapest one day. It must be a beautiful place. October 2, 2017 at 12:20pm Reply

        • Andrea: I’m quite curious for the Kurkdjian one, too. I don’t know why, I love the name of the brand and the perfume bottles, though they are dull in a way. October 2, 2017 at 12:24pm Reply

  • johaboha: Hello! I would like to try something new – out of my comfort zone. Currently I somehow tend to powdery scents that melt with the skin. I wear and enjoy for her absolu, l’heure bleue and a small sample of mona di Orio musc. I also like green scents like cristalle, ma griffe or nifeo mio. I would like to try something darker and stronger, less flowery. I love vetiver in men’s perfume, so maybe something in this direction..? Somehow chypres don’t seem to sit well with my skin. I hope I’m not to vague – or too late for this poll 🙂 – and thank you for any suggestions! September 30, 2017 at 6:05am Reply

    • TrishD: If you like vetiver, you could think about Habanita, especially if you can get it in the old formulation (tall bottle rather than square bottle). September 30, 2017 at 4:51pm Reply

      • johaboha: Thanks! I will try it! October 1, 2017 at 4:56am Reply

    • Sharon: You may like Guerlain Vetiver, it’s formulated as a men’s fragrance but really is unisex. I love wearing it, so fresh and invigorating with a touch of spice on my skin. September 30, 2017 at 11:24pm Reply

      • johaboha: Thank you Sharon, my boyfriend has this one, I love it and occasionally use it myself already! I find it slightly too masculine for regular wear for me though. October 1, 2017 at 4:55am Reply

    • Katya: I recommend Vetyverio by Diptyque a lot on these threads, but it seems to be one of those that people really enjoy. It’s vetiver and citrus and it can be very delicious. Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau is also a popular green fragrance, tomato leaf and blackcurrant and rose, but I find the edt stands out a bit on my skin.

      Miller Harris also has two vetivers – the more expensive, Veti Vert, is very straightforward with good longevity, while the other, Vetiver Insolent, seems to have a little something else going for it, which I think I prefer. (Mind you my sense of smell isn’t the best.) I would definitely recommend giving them a go if you have a counter near you – they are a fragrance line that gets overlooked but they have a fabulous selection.

      I find Chanel No 19 dreamy but I do tend to overdo it on the testers so after a while my head starts to hurt. October 1, 2017 at 3:21pm Reply

      • johaboha: Thank you Katya! I’m looking forward to sampling all the vetivers you mentioned! October 7, 2017 at 10:46am Reply

    • Michael: How about Vetiver Extraordinaire by Frederic Malle? Or Tom Ford Grey Vetiver? October 2, 2017 at 12:55am Reply

      • johaboha: Grey vetiver – the name already sounds good. will try! October 7, 2017 at 10:47am Reply

    • Michael: You might want to check out Chanel Les Exclusifs Sycomore too. October 2, 2017 at 12:57am Reply

      • Nora Szekely: I second Sycomore. October 2, 2017 at 11:31am Reply

    • OnWingsofSaffron: Something out of the box: “Ariel” Sammarco? October 2, 2017 at 2:12am Reply

      • johaboha: I checked out the notes and green/powdery seems right up my alley. October 7, 2017 at 10:51am Reply

    • Silvermoon: Here are three quite different suggestions and I hope one works for you (or at least tempts you to test): Ormond Jayne’s Tolu or OJ Woman. And somehow your question made me think of Perfumerie Generale’s L’Ombre Fauve. This last one is quite animalic, but also quite beautiful with leather, amber and even a hint of vetiver in the base. October 2, 2017 at 4:41pm Reply

      • johaboha: I will try! thank you October 7, 2017 at 10:54am Reply

  • Nora Szekely: Hi Johaboha,
    I also love L’Heure Bleue (and Teint de neige which is also a sublime powdery scent by Lorenzo Villoresi).
    I wear darker scents as well. Nahema by Guerlain is a rose scent but heavier and daring.
    I quite like Sycomore EDP, the newest version and Sel de vetiver by The Different Company.
    What about a stronger oriental or gourmand scent? I love Chopard’s Casmir, that is heavy on vanilla and has a strong personality. I’m a die hard fan of Coco by Chanel, especially in the extrait form. If you happen to go to a Chanel boutique, Coromandel is also a beautiful dense perfume, sweet yet earthy. Even the male scent Egoiste might be interesting to try. October 2, 2017 at 11:53am Reply

    • johaboha: Thanks, Nora, Sel de vetiver sounds very tempting! I’ve never really given Coco a try, but will do so! October 7, 2017 at 10:58am Reply

  • Anne: Hi, I am quite new to proper perfume as I always thought I liked fresh and light eau de colognes. Maybe it has to do with getting older but now in my forties I really like Coco by Chanel EDP and La Panthere by Cartier EDP. Could you suggest other perfumes similar to them? I think i just need to educate my nose a bit before jumping into more adventurous scents! Thanks in advance. October 2, 2017 at 2:22pm Reply

  • TrishD: Replying to Notturno7 (we’re running out of space on that thread!). Sorry, I haven’t tried Farnesiana but the oval bottle with dots is semi-vintage. The ones in the white box with gold dots are usually better than the ones in the purple box, if that’s any help! Hope you enjoy the Aimez-Moi. It was one of those I bought in a mini and I couldn’t stop sniffing myself, so I know it was FBW. October 4, 2017 at 4:41am Reply

    • Notturno7: Thank you, Trish!! 😊😊💕 October 4, 2017 at 4:53am Reply

  • surbhi: Have anyone heard about Loreste 77 perfume ? Anything similar to it ? Notes ? My mom for the first time showed interest in my love for perfumes and today she told me she was gifted that perfume by her family on her wedding. And so far that was the only one she has loved. She doesn’t care about perfumes at all now. So, I Was thinking I either find the same for her or something along those lines. October 5, 2017 at 1:44pm Reply

  • Katya: Does anybody have Figure Amere by Miller Harris? Is it any good? What does it smell like? (They just dropped a 20% off code for the weekend and I know it’s L.E. but I can’t get my hands on a sample.) October 6, 2017 at 7:15am Reply

    • Michael: I have a FB of Figue Amere. It’s quite different to both Premier Figuier and Philosykos. The figue note is rounder, fuller and sweeter, and it doesn’t dominate the fragrance. If you want a figue fragrance that doesn’t announce to everyone “FIGUE & FIGUE ONLY!” then you should give it a try. October 8, 2017 at 3:35am Reply

      • Katya: Thank you, Michael, that’s really helpful.

        What’s your opinion on the salt/marine note they claim to have? Any good?

        I tried Parfumerie Generale’s Bois Naufrage and it was lovely but a little too much like suntan lotion. Any thoughts on how similar it is to Figue Amere? October 9, 2017 at 5:29am Reply

        • Michael: The salt/marine note in Figue Amere is pretty understated. In Luca Turin’s review of Fleurs de Sel in “Perfumes: The Guide”, Lyn Harris told him the saline note is due to ambrette seed musk.

          I haven’t tried Parfumerie Generale’s Bois Naufrage so can’t really make any comparisons, sorry.

          Here are excerpts from a review of Figue Amere by Josephine Fairley and Lorna McKay in their co-authored book “The Perfume Bible”:

          It is “enticingly citrus-fresh at the start (mandarin and bergamot). Any bitterness is softened by narcissus and rose – but then intriguingly accented again by violet leaves, as well as galbanum. In the base, there’s a sweet touch of Amber, cedar and hints of moss.”

          Hope this helps! October 9, 2017 at 11:32pm Reply

  • Perry Carter: Hello everyone! I’m looking for fragrance recommendations roughly in the unisex spicy realm. My favorites include:
    Hermes Santal Massoia (alas, no longevity)
    Caron Pour un homme (lavender, wishing it was a bit more feminine, but I wear it to work)
    Dior Homme Intense (love the drydown, but it can be cloying at first)
    Tauer Moroccan Desert Air (night time only, a bit strong for me)

    I gave the discontinued Gucci Pour Homme to my husband and I love it. (If only I could find a fragrance that got me half the compliments that one gets him!)

    I do realize I’m fickle. Any suggestions are welcome! October 9, 2017 at 8:23pm Reply

    • Astrid: Have you given Scent Intense by Costume National a go? It smells like woody herbal spicy heaven in a bottle. Might be a bit too green for your taste though! October 21, 2017 at 3:34am Reply

      • Perry: Thanks for the suggestion, Astrid! I haven’t tried any Costume National scents, so I’m intrigued to sample Scent Intense. The notes look appealing. I’m one of those people who really enjoy a lot of different scent, but have never found one that “clicked” with my style or had an enduring appeal. Fresh, floral scents don’t retain their freshness with my chemistry, so I have better luck with spicy ones. I’ll let you know how it goes! October 21, 2017 at 3:10pm Reply

    • Liz Seville: I also tried the Andy Tauer bit alongside it I tried Maitre Gantier Parfumeur Ambre Precieux and was immensely impressed. This is an amber perfume that starts slightly dry and spicy but it dries down to something soft deep and lasting with a touch of powderiness. Enough interest to give it edge but softer than Andy Tauer’s fragrance. November 14, 2017 at 3:08pm Reply

      • Perry: What a coincidence that you should mention Amber Precious because I ordered a sample last week. It’s definitely very high quality, and I like that its softer than the Tauer scent. My husband had a strong “grandma or mom” response to it, even though he likes the Tauer scent more than I do! Funny how differently people respond to scents! I’m still searching, and rediscovered Serge Lutens Five o’clock Gingembre. Very different from Amber Precieux, but enjoyable. A strong like, but not a love yet for me. November 14, 2017 at 9:33pm Reply

        • Liz Seville: Just a thought. Frederic Malle’s Dries Van Noten has a spicey aspect and is of course a sandalwood – but it has a beautiful warm creamy drydown. November 15, 2017 at 3:27am Reply

          • Perry: Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out. I’ve tried some of Malle’s line but I can’t recall trying that one. I do love sandalwood with spice! My husband wears the discontinued Gucci Pour Homme and I wish there was a feminine version of that! I like spicy fragrances that don’t tilt “oriental” but aren’t overtly masculine (unisex is fine) and might be a bit gourmand but not screaming food, if you know what I mean. So much to explore! November 15, 2017 at 2:16pm Reply

  • maria: I love diorissimo, I love perfumes made with white flowers. do you guys know about a scent that is white flowers + figues?
    Thanks October 11, 2017 at 6:12pm Reply

  • Lucy: I love Marni Marni, but, I’m disappointed by its lack of sillage and longevity, at least on me. What do you think is the closest thing to it in fragrance with better sillage and longevity? October 13, 2017 at 11:53am Reply

  • Emily: Hello! This may sound like a seriously stupid request but I am in need of some recommendations …

    I do not have a sense of smell, so I’m find choosing a new perfume a bit of an ordeal. I have worn perfume daily since I was a teenager, basing my choices basically on what I imagined I wanted to smell like (for a long time I wanted to smell floral, sweet and feminine), online reviews and recommendations from my mum haha. I wore a lot of “Rose” versions of perfumes (Chloe Roses de Chloe, YSL Paris Premiers Roses, L’Occitane Roses 4 Reines etc) and would generally wear anything that seemed pink, fresh, French and fun.

    However, recently I have become quite obsessed with the idea of having a “signature scent”. I looked at all the cute, pink bottles on my dresser and realised that I don’t really want to smell like a bunch of flowers anymore – that I have outgrown the sweet, frilly, pink roses version of myself that I was throughout my teens/early twenties and am now looking for something a bit more mature. Ideally, I would like a sort of unisex fragrance that is clean and unfussy, maybe with sort of herby or woody vibes. I also wouldn’t mind something a bit more “unusual” in terms of scent either. I know that I don’t want anything too strong (having no sense of smell means I am in danger of unwittingly overdoing it with strong scents), or anything that could be described as “warm” or “spicy”. If anyone could recommend something for me to try then I would be really grateful as I really have no idea where to start! October 20, 2017 at 7:34am Reply

    • Victoria: Emily, I was thinking of a perfume like Bottega Veneta or its flanker Eau Legere, because it’s elegant and not heavy. It has floral notes, but it’s not heavy. Violet perfumes might be a good category for you to explore, because they have floral notes in common with roses, but with woodier, darker nuances. Or iris perfumes. Have you ever considered those? October 20, 2017 at 9:15am Reply

      • Emily: I have looked at The Bottega Veneta perfume before but didn’t really know much about it so I will definitely go back for a spritz of it next time I am in town! I will also look around the site for any violet based perfumes as I hadn’t ever considered these before – thank you for the recommendation! October 22, 2017 at 9:18am Reply

  • Rita: I love perfumes and used to get really good sillage with any perfume in my 20s. I’m i my 40s now, and can’t get good sillage from almost anything I’ve tried – I tend toward clean, floral perfumes (don’t like vanilla, sweet or spicy scents) and have tried Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise, Modern Muse Chic, SJP Lovely, Burberry Brit, etc. No sillage luck! I tried Amarige and couldn’t stand the fragrance.

    Can you recommend some really lovely florals with staying power? Preferably something I can buy at the regular mall store, not too esoteric. Thanks so much for your help! October 20, 2017 at 1:38pm Reply

    • Astrid: Hey there! We’re on opposite ends of the spectrum as regards perfume (my favourite scent of all time is Chopard’s Casmir, if that gives you any indication…), but my mother shares your penchant for clean florals!

      Here are some of her recommendations:
      – Jeanne by Lanvin
      – Bamboo by Gucci
      – Bal D’Afrique by Byredo
      – Narciso Rodriguez
      – Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana
      – Kelly Caleche by Hermes
      – Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana

      If you’re feeling a bit (or a lot) more daring, try China White by Nasomatto. It’s an extrait de parfum and Gualtieri is not an easy nose to appreciate but he makes brilliant perfumes and Nasomatto perfumes are some of the strongest I have ever encountered in my life. My personal fave is Narcotic Venus! October 21, 2017 at 3:32am Reply

      • Rita: Thank you! Looking forward to trying my luck with your (mom’s) list! :o)

        Will report back on my experiences with these fragrances.. October 21, 2017 at 11:24am Reply

    • Liz Seville: If you can afford it, Le Labo Lys is beautiful. November 14, 2017 at 3:40pm Reply

  • hrr0: hello!
    i’d like a feminine perfume that smells kind of “pharmaceutical” (the way midnight poison-dior used to smell) and non-bulgarian rose.
    i dont really like heavy oriental frangrances or to sweet and i m in my early 30s!
    thank you for your lovely blog October 23, 2017 at 5:10am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: I’m not sure what Midnight Poison smelled like but I was wondering whether you enjoy fir (pine) in your perfumes as it register as medicinal to me: if it’s yes then you might want to try Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles and Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilee, they are both very nice for this time of year or maybe a strong amber like l’Artisan Parfumeur Ambre Extreme, I always found it medicinal. Hope this is a little bit helpful. November 3, 2017 at 9:00am Reply

      • Aurora: registers as medicinal sorry for the typo. November 3, 2017 at 3:38pm Reply

    • Aurora: Also, if you have a chance repost your query in the next recommend me thread, you will get more answers this way and maybe others will have ideas of something similar to Midnight Poison. November 4, 2017 at 6:58am Reply

  • Helena Almeida: Hello ! I would love your help to find my perfume: I used Gucci II eau de parfum and the Essence from Narciso Rodriguez; both of them are gone and I can’t find a fragrance to be “my” new fragrance … I use the same fragrance for many time and it is really important for me to find it … thank you so much for your sugestions … October 25, 2017 at 1:09pm Reply

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