Our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread is open this week. You can use this space to find perfume recommendations, to share your discoveries and favorite scents, and to ask any questions about scents, aromas and flavors.
How does it work: 1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know what you end up sampling. 2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!
To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link under their comment.
Photography by Bois de Jasmin
157 Comments
OnWingsofSaffron: Tea and ginko: how meditative!
I bought a tiny bottle of „Hongkong Oolong“ by the French perfume magazine NEZ 1+1; the perfumer is Marcel Roucel. It is a slightly milky, somewhat enveloping musk perfume—but in a shy way. And I feel that musks are more cuddly than ascetic. Lovely perfume, though! September 21, 2020 at 7:27am
Ninon: This sounds wonderful! Taiwanese “milky oolongs’ are among my favorite teas…I will have to try this. September 23, 2020 at 1:32am
Maya: Hi everyone. Recently I purchased jasmine “soap cards” from Lush (Lust is the name) and put it over the Indian sandalwood soap Victoria recommended in the past. This sandalwood/jasmine combination is probably the most exquisite I have ever encountered. I would love to have it in perfume form. Is there anything that you would recommend? Thank you and I urge you to try it as well. September 21, 2020 at 7:28am
Tourmaline: Hi Maya,
Well now, this is something I could try. Does the combination smell anything like Samsara? September 21, 2020 at 8:40am
Maya: Good question! Very embarrassed to admit that I do not remember how Samsara smells like. What I can tell you is that the sum of the parts elevated the individual components and made for an absolutely decadent shower. I hope you try it. September 21, 2020 at 9:41am
Tourmaline: I certainly plan to. We have a Lush store in the city here, and another cake of the Mysore sandalwood soap shouldn’t be too hard to find. September 21, 2020 at 8:48pm
Lynley: Knowing what all 3 smell like, no, I highly doubt it… September 22, 2020 at 2:01am
excelsister: Thanks for that, Lynley. September 24, 2020 at 7:38am
Tourmaline: Excelsister is Tourmaline. I became a little confused creating a Gravatar. It only took me eight years… September 24, 2020 at 8:52am
Maria: Hi Maya,
Estee Lauder Tuscanny per Donna has many other things (some other flowers, fruits and spices) but the sandalwood and jasmine are quite noticeable. I don’t have enough words for how much I love this perfume, the soothing sandalwood and the sparkling flowers. And didn’t find anything else to come close to it. I love many sandalwood perfumes. The creamy sandalwood in Tuscany reminds me of Bois de Iles and the strong add of flowers and fruits makes it wonderful. September 21, 2020 at 9:30am
Maya: Thanks so much Maria.I will try to hunt for a sample of Tuscany per Donna. I’m now also wondering if I should try to layer Santal Majuscule with A La Nuit… Running to try, will report back. September 21, 2020 at 9:47am
N: I wore Tuscany Per Donna back in the 90’s. That brings back memories. The old box with a tapestry picture and old bottle were nicer than now, but I give EL credit for not discontinuing older scents. September 21, 2020 at 9:52am
Aurora: Hello Maya: Have you tried Jasmin Rêvé?(with the accents which are not there on the Fragrantica listing) with sandalwood and jasmine. I haven’t sampled this one but usually I find this brand really good so I thought I would recommend it.
Thank you very much for the tip on Lush soap cards. September 21, 2020 at 2:55pm
Maya: Thanks so much, Aurora. I will look this one up. And yes, do try this combo, it’s wonderful. Like all inventions this one too came of necessity. I found that the soap card lasts much longer when attached to a regular bar of soap. September 21, 2020 at 3:06pm
Karen A: I’ve recommended it before, Gardens of India is a lovely lovely Sandalwood jasmine and Tuberose perfume. Definitely worth sampling! It was just about all I wore last summer but it works year round. September 21, 2020 at 5:14pm
Cathy B.: Oh my, that sounds really lovely! September 23, 2020 at 5:45pm
Nina Z: Samsara is the classic perfume that combines jasmine with sandalwood. Look for the vintage Samsara that contains real sandalwood. September 21, 2020 at 9:11pm
Adina: Hello! I love Indian Jasmine by L’Erbolario (Gelsomino indiano) and I heard that is considered similar to Samsara (I tested Samsara and I do find they share notes). The body cream from the mentioned range from L’Erbolario tends to have a more lasting fragrance than the perfume itself. I hope this may help! September 23, 2020 at 5:26pm
Alessandra: I do like Gelsomino Indiano but I am afraid it has practically nothing in common with Samsara, I am afraid…. September 24, 2020 at 10:53am
Tamsin: Hi Maya, I’ve also tried Lust on Victoria’s recommendation and been surprised by how beautiful it is, although it vanished quite quickly. Have you tried Ormonde Woman by Ormond Jayne? Although the black hemlock woody note is the star, the sandalwood and Jasmine are very balanced, lovely in autumn. September 24, 2020 at 1:11am
Maya: Thank you. Oddly enough this house is a blind spot in my collection- have to try your recommendation. September 26, 2020 at 9:14am
Fleurycat: Although I can’t answer your question, I put a Lush Jasmine soap card in my unscented (epsom) bath salts: the scenting power is fantastic and it just lovel. The fragrance in the card form seems to be long lasting! I will try more combinations. September 28, 2020 at 2:29pm
Maya: Wow- I love that idea. I have some Dead Sea salt and will bury a couple of the Lust soap cards in the bag. I’m sure it will be a treat. September 28, 2020 at 2:55pm
rickyrebarco: My favorite tea scents are Wulong Cha by Nishane and Neroli Outrenoir by Delphine Jelk for Guerlain. September 21, 2020 at 10:21am
Carolyn Middleton: Since Goutal discontinued Eau de Camille, which is my favourite fragrance of all time, & Penhaligon increased their prices to a ridiculous extent, meaning I haven’t bought Bluebell for quite some time, I have flitted to various & different choices, none of which have the ‘wow factor’ for me – can anyone suggest something similar to Camille? All advice would be gratefully received! September 21, 2020 at 10:51am
Patricia Devine: I have not smelled this, but if the top note is ivy, that would remind me of Ombre dans L’Eau by Diptyque, which is a green rose, very fresh, like a thick green snapped leaf with just a little rose behind it. A friend of mine called it a ‘negative’ rose, as if the scent had been reversed, if that makes any sense. September 21, 2020 at 3:39pm
Carolyn Middleton: Thank you so much for this suggestion – your description of it is just lovely. Depending on what Ms Sturgeon says later today about new lockdown restrictions, I will pop into Space NK at some point to try it. September 22, 2020 at 9:12am
Aurora: Also, while you sample l’Ombre dans l’Eau, another Diptyque is recommended by Victoria as an alternative to Eau de Camille: Eau de Lierre September 21, 2020 at 5:29pm
Alessandra: Oh! I did not expect that… I find that Eau de Camille is a lot more similar to AP’s mure et musc (which, to me, is a more intense version of Camille)… I find Eau de Lierre to be a lot greener… then again, I do not have Victoria’s experience. To my nose, Lierre and Camille smell completely different September 24, 2020 at 10:56am
Domestic Goblin: Bvlgari Au The Rouge is one of my favourite fragrances and I was sad when it was discontinued. Can anyone recommend something similar? September 21, 2020 at 11:35am
Mela: I have had a hard time finding a really good tea scent recently, having all the Bvlgaries spoiled me. I can imagine a vetiver or sandalwood tea, warm oolong perhaps. It would be easy to blend with a truly great tea perfume as a base, then adding a good wood over top with soe flowers perhaps. September 21, 2020 at 4:34pm
Aurora: Penhaligon’s Malabah to me has the transparent feel of Thé Rouge but no fig, no nut; if you miss these two notes I am partial to Terry de Gunzburg Flagrant Delice, a milky fig and almond. Like you I am dismayed at that discontinuation, I will make my bottle last. September 21, 2020 at 5:40pm
Marianne: Many years ago Victoria introduced me to L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons which I instantly loved and it was my favorite for many years. However the fragrance seems heavier and less bright in recent years. I’m not sure if the formulation changed? I would love a recommendation for a fragrance similar to this. Thank you! September 21, 2020 at 11:40am
Aurora: Hello Marianne: Oh if you nose tells you something must have changed. I recently tried many Roger&Gallet scents (and liked them quite a bit) and you might like Tubereuse Hedonie, it shares notes with La Chasse, is listed as similar on Fragrantica and was composed by the same perfumer. It’s an extrait de Cologne, it wears light from my testing but it’s probably no bad thing in this contest. It’s also really affordable. September 22, 2020 at 1:27pm
Marie: I second Tubereuse Hedonie! September 22, 2020 at 5:03pm
Marianne: Thank you for the recommendation also Marie September 22, 2020 at 6:03pm
Marianne: Thank you so much for the recommendation! I will look into it! September 22, 2020 at 6:02pm
Alessandra: Agreed! Tubereuse Hédonie is close and adorable September 24, 2020 at 10:57am
Deanna: Well I was going to request a suggestion for an affordable high quality perfume, but in the end I didn’t.
So you may unknowingly have answered me!
Will definitely give this a try from eBay, as love tuberose. September 24, 2020 at 12:15pm
Aurora: *Context not contest, sorry September 22, 2020 at 1:28pm
Patricia Devine: Are you sure you didn’t accidentally buy La Chasse aux Papillons Extrême? They do smell different and have identical packaging. Another fragrance that is not similar as in the same notes but similar in the way it makes me feel is Annick Goutal’s Matin d’Orage, which is based on gardenia and smells like a wet garden after heavy rain. September 23, 2020 at 11:02am
Ninon: The smoke has begun to clear here in the Pacific Northwest and I’m reaching for Bois d’Armenie again. I’m so sorry I didn’t buy a backup of this. Can anyone recommend any ‘spiritually similar’ scents? Not necessarily the same notes, but a similar feel (this is one of those ‘radiant’ fragrances, in my book). Thank you! September 21, 2020 at 4:37pm
Nina Z: I love benzoin fragrances, and because I’m not sure exactly what you mean by “radiant,” I’m going to suggest another benzoin fragrance that I love: Indochine by Parfumerie Generale. I think this is in the same ballpark as Bois d’Armenie, which I didn’t realize was discontinued. Another idea is Prada Candy, but I don’t like that one as much. September 21, 2020 at 7:45pm
Ninon: Thank you, I do love benzoin. I tried Indochine years ago when I was averse to all forms of sweetness. My tastes have broadened now though–I’ll try it again. September 23, 2020 at 1:35am
Patricia Devine: I wonder if you might like Olfactive Studio’s Chambre Noire? The opening notes of schinus (pink pepper) in particular are fantastic. September 23, 2020 at 11:05am
Ninon: Thank you–I haven’t tried any of the scents in this line. September 23, 2020 at 3:35pm
Bluepinegrove: I had a discovery sample set awhile back, and I’d recommend getting a set of samples from that house. I liked the whole set! September 23, 2020 at 8:43pm
Nina Z: I had another idea for you: Serge Lutens La Myrrhe. This is a myrrh fragrance, and myrrh is also a resin like benzoin. And this is a most radiant fragrance! It combines aldehydes with the resinous notes to create something that is both sparkling and rich, cool and warm. I think it’s brilliant and it’s my favorite of the line. (It is, unfortunately, harder to obtain but I suggest you try to track down a sample of it from one of the online sample sellers, to see if it rocks your world or not.) September 24, 2020 at 12:37pm
Wendy Reinemann: Oh no! Is it discontinued? I adore this fragrance in fall/winter. September 24, 2020 at 3:19pm
Wendy Reinemann: Sorry, posted in wrong place:( September 24, 2020 at 3:20pm
Wendy Reinemann: Has Bois d’Armenie been discontinued? One of my all time favorites in fall/winter. I will need help with a replacement. September 24, 2020 at 3:22pm
Ninon: It has 🙁 September 24, 2020 at 3:29pm
Wendy Reinemann: NOOOOOOOOO!
Now I really will need help. One of my all time loves. Sigh. September 24, 2020 at 3:36pm
Ninon: I know, I am the same. Cologne Pour Le Soir is vaguely similar, but I struggle with the honey note—evocative of cat urine—sometimes. September 24, 2020 at 4:06pm
Figuier: Is this a region-specific thing? It’s listed as available on the Guerlain UK website. September 26, 2020 at 8:42am
Ninon: Wow, you are right!! I see it on the French and Dutch sites as well. Even more motivation to travel, when we can. September 27, 2020 at 12:43pm
Peter: Hello Ninon. Alas, I have only a small amount left. I’ve been curious about Nina’s recommendation of La Myrrhe (Victoria gives it a great review). The bell jar is available on the Serge Lutens website.
Another benzoin/incense fragrance is Rogue Ishtar. I got a sample from Luckyscent. It’s fresher than the smoky Bois d’Armenie. September 24, 2020 at 7:03pm
Ninon: Thanks again, Peter–I will explore myrrh. In the past, I’ve struggled with the ‘root beer’ facet, but I have not sniffed many examples. September 26, 2020 at 1:45pm
Malmaison: This morning I put Pure Fiji Coconut hand lotion on my hands before opening my bag of freshly ground espresso to make my morning cup, and the smell was out of this world. Any suggestions to recapture that scent or mood? (My sister has volunteered to make a cocktail based on that smell too ☺️☕️🧉) September 21, 2020 at 5:09pm
Charlotte Barrow: Hi Malmaison, coffee and coconut in a perfume sounds like a great combination; I used to love my lattes with coconut milk!
Are you familiar with Atelier Cologne’s Cafe Tuberosa? It gives the impression of coffee (achieved with patchouli), and although there’s no coconut, cacao adds a touch of tropical gourmand. It’s also quite fresh thanks to the bergamot, and tuberose adds some sweetness, all of which might create a similar feel to this accord! September 23, 2020 at 5:41am
Peter: Hi Malmaison. I’d like to second Charlotte’s recommendation of Cafe Tuberosa. It’s a favorite of mine. I can’t add anything to Charlotte’s excellent summation. September 23, 2020 at 8:17pm
Kake: Hi everyone! I used to love Dior Dune, but Dior isn’t selling it in my country anymore. Do you have any recommendations of anything similar that is less sweet and maybe a bit sharper (sometimes the white chocolate feel of Dune towards drydrown felt a bit too sweet/cloying). Something a tad less dry would also be good. I appreciate any help you can offer! Also, don’t worry about “gender” of the fragrance: unsiex, for men or for women are all fine. September 22, 2020 at 3:48am
irem: Hi Kake, Dune is such a unique fragrance. I have worn and loved it many years ago. I remember once commenting to a colleague that she smelled great (I thought she was wearing Dune) and it turned out it was Must de Cartier. It really smelled similar to Dune, at least on her. You might want to give it a try. September 22, 2020 at 1:07pm
Charlotte Barrow: Hi Kake, what about Chanel Coromandel? It also has that white chocolate feel and a fair bit of sweetness, which might be a drawback, but I think it has a similar feel to Dune while feeling less desert-sand-dry.
Just realised Coromandel might also work for @Ninon’s benzoin request (although I’m not familiar with Bois d’Armenie so can’t say if it’s similar), and possibly even @Malmaison’s coffee-coconut request. It ticks so many boxes! September 23, 2020 at 5:49am
Ninon: I adore Coromandel, even the current edp. September 26, 2020 at 1:46pm
Charlotte Barrow: It’s gorgeous isn’t it!? September 27, 2020 at 2:59am
Carolyn Middleton: Thank you for your suggestion – another Diptyque to try, then! September 22, 2020 at 9:14am
Bluepinegrove: Maybe Chanel Sycomore would be worth trying. I am a Bois d’Armenie fan, too, and I love my woods. I only know Sycamore from a sample, and dabbing never gives me a satisfactory experience, but if Sycomore was in my budget, I would probably pursue it. September 23, 2020 at 8:36pm
Ninon: PBI: Honestly, the Sycomore edp is a travesty, imho. Sample the edt if you can, but you can pass with confidence on the current formulation. September 26, 2020 at 1:47pm
Alessandra: Hello hello!
Has anyone tested Guerlain’s Iris Torréfié?
I am so curious to know what it’s like but cannot test it yet. Any reviews?
Thanks in advance 😊 September 22, 2020 at 10:21am
Aurora: Hello Alessandra: Persolaise has a review on Love at first scent, his youtube channel. September 22, 2020 at 1:32pm
Alessandra: Oh, thank you so much, Aurora!! Will check 🙂 September 22, 2020 at 3:16pm
Jennifer: Hello! Any recommendations for a lime focused unisex->feminine perfume? September 22, 2020 at 1:14pm
Aurora: Hello Jennifer: You might try Maison Martin Margiela Under the Lemon Tree and although it is now discontinued Guerlain Eau de Shalimar had a great lime note if you come across it, also Lolita Lempicka Elle l’Aime EDP if you like lime with coconut , and L l’Aime (that’s the way it is written) which is the EDT, I have this one and wear it every summer with pleasure. September 23, 2020 at 1:30pm
Jennifer: Thank you for responding with so many options! I’ll check these out 🙂 September 23, 2020 at 5:13pm
Ninon: Maria Candida Gentile Exultat has a candied lime note. September 23, 2020 at 3:35pm
Jennifer: A candied note sounds perfect – thank you for the recommendation!! September 23, 2020 at 5:14pm
Elaine: Hi Jennifer, for an awesum lime zest note, try Eau de Gaga by Lady Gaga. Lots of lime, white violet flower & violet leaf & a lovely supple suede drydown. Very nice (luxe, dramatic) black bottle & heavy, non-plastic cap. And ridiculously affordable. Came out in 2014 & is now at the discounter sites, so jump on it before it’s only available on e-bay for inflated prices. Victoria, our lovely host on this site, did a review of it. Check it out! September 23, 2020 at 10:27pm
OnwingsofSaffron: I do like Ninfeo mio by Annick Goutal: a very green scent with lime. Beware though, there is a rather catty pee note too, so you must be open to that.
For a safer but probably not quite as exiting choose I’m sure the Atelier Cologne range features a lime scent. September 26, 2020 at 4:48pm
OnWingsofSaffron: choice, sorry! September 26, 2020 at 4:51pm
Bluepinegrove: I’m on a renewed quest for a green and floral perfume and would appreciate any recommendations. My last purchases along these lines were Jour d’Hermes and Chamade. La Chasse aux Papillons is close to what I’d like to buy next, but it doesn’t last long on me, and I’d like something with more oomph. I like my greens more powerful, like galbanum-heavy perfumes from the 1980s. I also love osmanthus and jasmine notes. In the past I have preferred dry, woody fragrances, so white florals are still fresh territory for me. Any help appreciated! September 22, 2020 at 8:08pm
Old Herbaceous: Have you tried Chanel No. 19 or No. 19 Poudre’? I like both (I love original No. 19). They are both beautiful green florals with galbanum. September 22, 2020 at 11:13pm
Bluepinegrove: Do you know where to buy No. 19? I am in a small town now. Online only? I probably do need that one in my collection. September 23, 2020 at 1:18pm
Old Herbaceous: You can buy minis online which would probably be the safest approach — you might not like it! And that would probably avoid any issue of counterfeit product, I doubt anyone would bother to do that with a mini. I will say, I’ve had good luck on eBay getting vintage No. 19 EDT. I like the silver-tone metal canisters with refills, because 1) the fragrance has been protected from light; and 2) a good seller will pull out the refill so you can see exactly how much is there. September 24, 2020 at 8:29am
bluepinegrove: Thanks for the tip! I know that I used to like 19 when I’d smell it back in the day, but it has been very long and there are so many more perfumes now. A mini sounds like the perfect approach. September 24, 2020 at 3:23pm
Ninon: Puredistance Antonia is beautiful, though the floral notes are hard for me to detect. I’ve also been looking for a galbanum heavy white floral. I’m one of the few people that loved MCG Lady Day (very green, camphorous gardenia), but it was extremely faint. I also need to retest Arquiste Boutonnière No. 7–another green gardenia, but with a fougere vibe. If you find anything in this genre, please share it! September 23, 2020 at 1:40am
Ninon: P.S. For a fusion of your past and present loves, you might like Hermessence Cedre Sambac. September 23, 2020 at 1:41am
Bluepinegrove: Oh, that’s a good idea. I smelled that at the London airport but didn’t get a sample. I remember thinking I would return to that fragrance. September 23, 2020 at 1:20pm
Bluepinegrove: I may look to DSH perfumes to help with a green floral. Have you tried them? There are so many, and such a range of styles. But the samples I’ve tried make me think she can make the green floral I want, if I can just figure out which one! September 23, 2020 at 8:30pm
Peter: Hi Bluepinegrove. My response to DSH went yo the bottom of the comments. September 23, 2020 at 9:09pm
Ninon: I sampled a bunch of greens/green florals from DSH and the only one that worked on me is Vert Pour Madame, an animalic green floral chypre, which I love (I believe it was modeled on Deneuve). Do also try Antonia–it’s beautiful and Puredistance fragrances are extremely well made (with prices to match, unfortunately). September 23, 2020 at 9:21pm
Old Herbaceous: DSH perfumes are lovely! I suggest getting one of her discovery or sampler sets since you’re new to her line. I like the Giverny set. September 24, 2020 at 8:58am
bluepinegrove: Thanks! I wouldn’t have thought to choose the Giverny set. September 24, 2020 at 3:25pm
irem: Hi Bluepinegrove, maybe you can try Ormonde Jayne Tiare. Initial vibe is more similar to Cristalle, but it turns more green floral after a short time. September 23, 2020 at 9:44am
Bluepinegrove: I was curious about that one. Iike the idea of it turning more green and floral instead of less. Part of my frustration with green/floral is their fleeting nature.Thanks for the suggestion! September 23, 2020 at 1:22pm
Old Herbaceous: I have and love Tiare, but it doesn’t have galbanum if that’s what you really want. It does have a good dose of oakmoss. It is very beautiful! September 24, 2020 at 2:39pm
Marika Pineda: Oh, a good dose of oakmoss would be most gratifying! I’m really an old chypre hound at heart. September 24, 2020 at 3:10pm
Patricia Devine: I love the green category. You might try old stalwarts like Scherrer I, Chanel No19, Balmain’s Vent Vert, Azurée and Aliage (both Lauder, ask if they’re under the counter), and Jacomo’s Silences. Bandit might be a bit too austere though. September 23, 2020 at 11:11am
Bluepinegrove: I’m not familiar with Scherrer or Silences, but I am with the others. I have Azuree, but I find it too aggressive. It’s bracing! Bandit is definitely too austere for me. September 23, 2020 at 1:27pm
Old Herbaceous: I love Silences! I wrote about it here (I hope it’s permitted to offer a link): https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2020/08/02/scent-sample-sunday-silences/. And it’s quite affordable online, so you can take a chance on a blind buy if you’re so inclined. September 24, 2020 at 9:02am
bluepinegrove: Oh my! I loved your review, and I share your imprinting on chypres in this style. This sounds like something I absolutely must have. Thank you for sharing this. September 24, 2020 at 3:35pm
bluepinegrove: I broke out my Azuree last night and really enjoyed it. When it EVENTUALLY dried down I spritzed a jasmine scent on top and loved the result. September 24, 2020 at 3:11pm
Klaas: Jean Louis Scherrer (by Scherrer) is a green, floral 1980’s powerhouse that is still in pretty good shape 😉 And very affordable, too. September 23, 2020 at 11:31am
Bluepinegrove: Affordability is an especially sweet trait these days. I’ll take a look. September 23, 2020 at 1:28pm
Patricia Devine: Got my Scherrer for about 34 euros on Ebay – tester without the top or packaging. I often buy fragrances this way and they’re always in good shape. September 23, 2020 at 3:28pm
Patricia Devine: I don’t know why I forgot this, but Coriandre is a cracking green fragrance and very cheap. September 24, 2020 at 4:17pm
Bluepinegrove: When you say “powerhouse,” do you mean big sillage? Or perhaps a big shoulders attitude? September 23, 2020 at 4:30pm
Klaas: Hahaha, I mean both 😉 I’m sure the new version is a bit lighter and a tad less grand than before, but I should think sillage and longevety are still great. The new version gets a lot of positibe feedback on Fragrantice and I remember some people here saying it still packs a punch. It is high on my list, and I’ve seen it at discounters for very reasonable prices. September 23, 2020 at 5:20pm
Klaas: Here’s another thought: my colleage wears Estee Lauder Private Collection. It has that Chamade feel to it, because of the hyacinth. It smells absolutely gorgeous on her….Not quite as green but wonderfully floral, loads of oomph and also easy to find and sample 😉 September 23, 2020 at 11:42am
Bluepinegrove: The small-town Estee Lauder stores I’ve been to never have Private Collection. One SA said it was discontinued. Is that a fact? I always thought the descriptions sounded great. September 23, 2020 at 4:32pm
Klaas: It’s on the website of my local department store (I live in Amsterdam). EL is actually quite good at keeping their fragrances in rotation. Not all are reformulated well, but most are still available. Maybe check online, you might be able to get a sample somewhere. September 23, 2020 at 5:24pm
bluepinegrove: I really like the value of EL perfumes, and I like that the old ones still matter (yes we do!). Sometimes they don’t work on me, though. I thought I’d love Knowing, for example, but it smelled like CocaCola on me. Couldn’t bear it. September 24, 2020 at 3:15pm
Nina Z: L’Heure Exquise by Annick Goutal is a beautiful green floral, similar to Chanel No. 19 but warmer in tone. It has galbanum, iris, and rose. September 23, 2020 at 1:55pm
Bluepinegrove: I am a fan of Goutal and will have to check this out! Your description sounds perfect. By warmer, do you mean something amberish in the drydown? September 23, 2020 at 4:34pm
Nina Z: No, it’s not amber. It’s the sandalwood! That gives a softer and warmer feeling than Chanel No 19. September 23, 2020 at 5:01pm
Nina Z: This conversation made me go and sniff my bottle. I had forgotten how very beautiful this one is! I will wear it tomorrow. September 23, 2020 at 6:42pm
bluepinegrove: This one is a definite contender. On my list! Thank you. September 24, 2020 at 3:16pm
Aurora: I’ll add Annick Goutal Grand Amour (which smells quite like Chamade but sort of easy going) to the all the great recommendations.
PS Silences is another really affordable perfume September 23, 2020 at 2:51pm
Bluepinegrove: I will check this out! The name is not one that would catch my attention. I’m a cynical perfume wearer. September 23, 2020 at 4:36pm
Peter: Hi Bluepinegrove. You’ve certainly received an abundance of recommendations. I’ll suggest one more: Chanel Bel Respiro. It may be harder to find (it’s part of their ‘Les Exclusifs’ line) and it’s a little pricey. The fragrance is probably their ‘greenest’ blend. It still has the lovely richness that’s a Chanel trademark. September 23, 2020 at 8:38pm
Bluepinegrove: Thank you for this new recommendation. I’ve not encountered any talk of Bel Respiro. I admire those fancy Chanel, but they tend to be beyond my reach. I shall investigate! September 23, 2020 at 8:48pm
Tamsin: I’m thinking Tiare by Ormonde Jayne. It’s reminiscent not Chanel 19, but with more oomph September 24, 2020 at 1:29am
Neva: Hi Bluepingrove, I love the same category – green florals – so maybe I can help you with some perfumes that were not mentioned, I think.
One is Patricia de Nicolai’s Weekend, which is rather green, less floral. Then there is Sublime Balkiss from The Different Company, one of my favourites. It’s also a bit fruity with a blackberry note. You can also try L’Artisan’s Caligna, a lovely green rose. Next you can try Clinique Wrappings, my No 1 perfume. A nicely rounded green floral which shouts Spring to me. Not to forget the really pretty Florabotanica by Balenciaga. September 25, 2020 at 6:13pm
Bluepinegrove: Thanks for the recommendations. I think I have a sample of Weekend somewhere. I really hate little dabber sample vials bc I never get the full effect of a good fat spray, and sometimes I end up putting something aside that I would really like. I had a sample of Divine Balkiss years ago and loved it. I’m glad you reminded me of it. I will investigate Caligna — sounds promising. September 27, 2020 at 4:26pm
Ninon: One more vintage chypre for you: Givenchy III! It’s like a meadow in a bottle. September 27, 2020 at 12:33pm
Bluepinegrove: Sounds yummy! I would like to smell like a meadow! September 27, 2020 at 4:27pm
Sara: I am turning 40 yrs old in October and have followed your blog since graduate school, nearly 14 yrs. based on your recommendation, I fell in love with Timbuktu from
L’artisan, I also admire La Baiser Du Dragon. I would love to buy something for myself that is as transformative as these two scents. Can you recommend one or two? Stay healthy! September 22, 2020 at 10:36pm
Patricia Devine: L’Air du Desert Marocain by Andy Tauer. A simply stunning perfume. September 23, 2020 at 11:14am
sara yazdi: Thank you. I will look for a sample 🙂 September 23, 2020 at 2:01pm
Bluepinegrove: I must second this recommendation, as a person who adores both Timbuktu and L’Air du Desert Marocain. I might add L’Artisan Dhonkha, as it elicits a soaring atmospheric vibe, at least for me. September 23, 2020 at 8:24pm
Aurora: Happy Birthday Sara! Not sure about transformative but F. Malle Portrait of a Lady (spicy, woody rose, huge perfume), Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan (a ‘cold’ herbal amber) and Miller-Harris l’Air de Rien (musky, dusty orange blossom, inspired by old books) are each unique, also maybe l’Artisan Dzing (inspired by the circus, leather) if you haven’t tried it. September 23, 2020 at 1:47pm
sara yazdi: Hi Aurora, thank you for the recommendations, I have tried portrait of the lady, it is beautiful but I think it is a very LOUD perfume. I have Dzing 🙂 Will try a sample of Miller-Harris and Serge Luten ones. September 23, 2020 at 2:00pm
Patricia Devine: Big Lutens fan here and I have many of his perfumes but the one on which I get complimented the most is Ambre Sultan. September 24, 2020 at 3:09am
Ninon: Timbuktu was one of my first niche loves, too. For me, Nasomatto Absinth is similarly evocative and earthy, though damp. September 23, 2020 at 9:29pm
Old Herbaceous: Congratulations on the big birthday! Since you like Timbuktu and you’re looking for something transformative, you might look up other fragrances by the same nose, Bertrand Duchaufour, which you can do on Fragrantica. At least you’ll have a lovely time browsing through his many creations! September 24, 2020 at 9:10am
Patricia Devine: He and Giacobetti are my favourite modern perfumers, I think. September 24, 2020 at 4:13pm
Donna: I was wondering if anyone knows of any perfume that is similar to Ralph Lauren’s Pure Turquoise? I’ve never smelled any other perfume with similar notes. Thanks! September 22, 2020 at 11:08pm
Bluepinegrove: I was curious about that one. Iike the idea of it turning more green and floral instead of less. Part of my frustration with green/floral is their fleeting nature.Thanks for the suggestion! September 23, 2020 at 1:23pm
Bluepinegrove: Sorry for the repeat post. Oops September 23, 2020 at 1:29pm
Peter: Hello again Bluepinegrove. I was referred to DSH by limegreen. She recommended Tubereuse, which is a pretty soliflore. Not green enough for you. I also got a sample of Dawn’s Le Smoking (an ode to YSL’s Tuxedo collection). It’s a classic green chypre. Best of luck finding the perfect green floral. September 23, 2020 at 9:08pm
Tourmaline: Hi Peter,
I’d like to find one of the jackets! If it were, magically, a perfect fit, so much the better… September 24, 2020 at 5:09am
bluepinegrove: Thanks, Peter. I may have to get a sample of Le Smoking, among others. September 24, 2020 at 4:15pm
Ninon: pbi: I forgot about Le Smoking. It is beautiful, though very linear on me.
I would love a vintage YSL jacket, too! September 26, 2020 at 1:39pm
Elaine: Bluepinegrove: Have you tried Chanel’s Cristalle? It’s a glorious classic chypre with galbanum. The EDT & EDP are very different & although they’re both lovely, most perfume lovers I know prefer the EDT. I am almost literally addicted to Cristalle EDT…every time I smell it, I am 28 again. It has surprising longevity, even for an eau de toilette, especially if you spritz it on your shirt as well as your neck & inner arms. You can get it on the chanel-dot-com website. Free shipping, nice packaging & a couple free samples. A huge bottle of it is about 100 beans & will last you ages. September 23, 2020 at 10:38pm
bluepinegrove: Thanks! Not too many beans . . . . September 24, 2020 at 4:14pm
Ninon: Sorry, posting again with another question about a discontinued (reformulated) fragrance. I wish I had bought a full bottle of Cuir de Russie edt when I had a chance. As it stands, I have the remnants of a sample. What I’ve read of the edp sounds terrible, and the extrait not much better. Are there other dirty floral leathers that compare? I’m going to test Cuir Cannage and a dear friend sent me a decant of vintage Jolie Madame…I’m not sure what else to try. TIA! September 24, 2020 at 11:48pm
Peter: Hello again Ninon. I’ve had second thoughts of my Rogue Ishtar recommendation. I think you prefer a little darkness. My new thought for you is Papillon Anubis. It has myrrh in it. The Fragrantica accords are: balsamic, warm spicy, leather, sweet and musky. September 25, 2020 at 12:38am
Ninon: Hi again Peter,
You are so kind. I have not smelled Anubis–I will be sure to sample it! September 25, 2020 at 1:01am
irem: Hi Ninon,
I have used both the EdT (~2006) and the EdP (2017) of Cuir de Russie. I did not have a chance to compare them side by side, but to my nose there was nothing terrible about the EdP. The form of the fragrance was very much the CdR I knew and I enjoyed wearing it. You might find it otherwise of course, but you might also want to give it a try yourself.
Also, I had a chance to sample the extrait in person twice (2017), both on skin, on paper, and on a special ceramic blotter made for Chanel extraits and I found it divine. I decided to go for the EdP only because of the way of application and better silage (and also price) – but maybe I should have chosen the extrait. September 25, 2020 at 12:09pm
Ninon: This is very encouraging, Irem! I’m really curious about the extrait. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to test it until travel is allowed again. September 26, 2020 at 1:36pm
OnWingsofSaffron: What about Heeley’s “Cuir Pleine Fleur”? It is far stronger and more leathery (animalic) than say Dior’s “Cuir Cannage”, which I find has s slight coka-cola note. September 26, 2020 at 4:41pm
Ninon: Oh dear! I just ordered a sample of the Dior. I sampled the Heeley years ago and remember it being very floral and (I thought) suede-like; I should retest. I tried the CdR edp and it’s nearly all flowers on my skin…so disappointing. Maybe I’ll have to seek out vintage for this one. September 26, 2020 at 10:55pm
Erika: Hi everyone! I have been looking for several year for a Alien Liqueur de Parfum “smell alike”! Any idea? Thanks September 27, 2020 at 4:34pm
Lys: Can anyone recommend me a perfume with green and/or citrus top notes and a clean vanilla base?
I love cologne-like freshness, but find that fragrances in this category quickly evaporate off my skin!
I prefer the soft warmth of vanilla over deeper notes like musk and patchouli, and find that it provides staying power.
Looking for a match! October 1, 2020 at 4:42am
Erika: Hi! Check Atelier Cologne scents! October 1, 2020 at 12:23pm
Aurora: Also Profumum Roma Dulcis in fundo is a really good citrus/vanilla but the drawback is it is rather pricey, or how do you feel about an Amber drydown? I you’re OK with it Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia di Capri is a longer lasting orange perfume. October 3, 2020 at 8:31am
Sherryf: Hello, all! I have a small sample of EL Beautiful Belle. it seems like it would be kind of a generic white floral, yet I find myself reaching for it time and again. The issue is , it has zero lasting power. in fact 30 minutes later, I can no longer smell it. does anyone have any recommendations on this parfume ? October 3, 2020 at 1:41pm