Perfume Chat Thread

[Kimbashop]

If you are referring specifically to rose perfumes I enjoy wearing year round, I would say Portrait of a Lady, Nahema, La Fille de Berlin, possibly Sa Majeste la Rose (need to test this a bit more in the summer) and rose violet combo's like Lipstick Rose.

Other perfumes I like to wear year-round include Une Fleur de Cassie, Chanel No. 19, Chanel No. 22, Vol de Nuit, Shalimar, some of my iris perfumes like Hermes Hiris; Bois d'Argent, Caleche, Patou 1000, quite a few vintage scents, and Coromandel (although I have not been reaching for this enough in the summer). These are the ones that come to mind first, but I'm sure there are more. I am currently seeing which others I can pull from my collection into this group. One of the downsides to having a large collection is that quite unintentionally, some perfectly great fragrances get sidelined simply because I never get around to wearing them with any level of frequency. I am not sure I have found a solution to this issue; perhaps I need a better rotation system.

Are there any perfumes you enjoy wearing year round? Would love to hear from others on this subject too.

@JenJBS, in my view, dark roses include some deeper notes like patchouli, incense, spices, amber, resins, and maybe some oud. I think Portrait of a Lady kind of falls in this category. I honestly haven't explored this category enough though.

Thank you - I was really curious as I begin this journey. You listed many of the ones I also like -- Une Fleur de Cassie (although I find this one better on me in summer -- it doesn't seem to smell as "deep" on me right now), Chanel 19 and 22, POAL, and Shalimar. I have enjoyed wearing Chanel Allure Sensuelle and Givenchy Dahlia Noir

Seeing that we like similar scents, I will have to try some of these others you mentioned. I'm itching to try some Gerlain perfumes that are legendary in my mind, like Jicky, Mitsouko, and L'Heure Bleue.

 

[chowlover2]

I love both Alien Goddess and the original. I never thought I'd like a scent as strong as Alien but it is so seductive.

Agreed, it is the only sample I have gotten lately which I actually love.

 

[Tasha1]

Thank you! Dark rose sounds interesting. What notes are added to make the rose dark? Any worth sampling?

if it is interesting

Perfume-Smellin' Things Perfume Blog: Six Dark Roses Or Perfumes For Femme Fatale

A perfume blog, dedicated to perfume reviews, discussions of new perfume releases, classic fragrance and other matters related to scent

perfumesmellinthings.blogspot.com

I collected some of them , Rose en Noir is my favourite, but discontinued, Miller Harris made another Rose en Noir for her house, but unfortunately the scent is not the same.

My Sultry Valentine : Dark Rose Perfumes - Bois de Jasmin

In perfumery, dark notes like smoky woods, balsams and leather can give a new dimension to familiar impressions.

boisdejasmin.com

About sampling--- when we like art, we go to museums and exhibitions, when we like music we go to opera or concerts, we go to restaurants not to stuff your stomach but explore a new cuisine as well, we read books, we travel, we explore new things--- and something is great and something fails, our likes and dislikes--- and the same with perfume.
I was eager to buy some rose-y scents blindly but fortunately I got their samples, and I lost my interests in those brands. There are people who are very good at something or with more experience and their advice is beyond price.

 

[Bag peace]

From what you describe, it sounds like this perfume turned out to be a "scrubber"

Best description ever! Yes, it was definitely a scrubber. Which is a shame because it smelled nice on me and people often commented on it, but I just couldn't take it.

A few thoughts on perfume application when the fragrance is on the heavier side

I really appreciate the application tips. I may be the only weirdo who never sprays or dabs perfume directly onto my skin. I will apply to a tissue, then wipe the tissue evenly across my arms, legs, neck...it gives me a lighter, more even application of perfume without overwhelming me.
It's weird, I know! Is there no end to the things I'll admit to on this forum?!

I hope this experience won't put you off fragrances.

Not at all. As I'm getting older, I'm really appreciating the mood-enhancing effect of perfumes a lot more. I'm just careful of testing new ones out due to my allergies, so I don't experiment as much as I may wish to.

Oh, and I don't think your posts ramble either. They are always so well written, thoughtful, and well articulated.

Awww, shucks! Thank you ever so much! The feeling is mutual!

 

[JenJBS]

if it is interesting

Perfume-Smellin' Things Perfume Blog: Six Dark Roses Or Perfumes For Femme Fatale

A perfume blog, dedicated to perfume reviews, discussions of new perfume releases, classic fragrance and other matters related to scent

perfumesmellinthings.blogspot.com

I collected some of them , Rose en Noir is my favourite, but discontinued, Miller Harris made another Rose en Noir for her house, but unfortunately the scent is not the same.

My Sultry Valentine : Dark Rose Perfumes - Bois de Jasmin

In perfumery, dark notes like smoky woods, balsams and leather can give a new dimension to familiar impressions.

boisdejasmin.com

About sampling--- when we like art, we go to museums and exhibitions, when we like music we go to opera or concerts, we go to restaurants not to stuff your stomach but explore a new cuisine as well, we read books, we travel, we explore new things--- and something is great and something fails, our likes and dislikes--- and the same with perfume.
I was eager to buy some rose-y scents blindly but fortunately I got their samples, and I lost my interests in those brands. There are people who are very good at something or with more experience and their advice is beyond price.

Thank you! I will check out those links.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Best description ever! Yes, it was definitely a scrubber. Which is a shame because it smelled nice on me and people often commented on it, but I just couldn't take it.

I really appreciate the application tips. I may be the only weirdo who never sprays or dabs perfume directly onto my skin. I will apply to a tissue, then wipe the tissue evenly across my arms, legs, neck...it gives me a lighter, more even application of perfume without overwhelming me.
It's weird, I know! Is there no end to the things I'll admit to on this forum?!

Not at all. As I'm getting older, I'm really appreciating the mood-enhancing effect of perfumes a lot more. I'm just careful of testing new ones out due to my allergies, so I don't experiment as much as I may wish to.

Awww, shucks! Thank you ever so much! The feeling is mutual!

Ha, ha yes, the term scrubber is commonly used in the perfume community.
I think we all select the perfume application method that works best for us. I have heard of people applying perfume with a cotton ball, similar to your use of a tissue. Some even sprinkle a drop or two in unscented lotion in the palm of their hand, and apply, although I have never tried this. I once mixed a half full jar of scented lotion with an unscented one, and the lotion ended up having a weird texture even though it smelled okay. I eventually got rid of it because of the odd texture.

I have sprayed clothes with my scent of the day, especially the lounge clothes that are so prevalent these days, or older T-shirts. I am careful with light colored or delicate fabrics since the perfume oils can leave a residue or stain.
I can understand being careful with testing, especially if you have allergies. Take care, and keep us posted if you test or try something new, or just with general perfume chit chat.

Seeing that we like similar scents, I will have to try some of these others you mentioned. I'm itching to try some Gerlain perfumes that are legendary in my mind, like Jicky, Mitsouko, and L'Heure Bleue.

For some reason, I have not sampled Jicky extensively, even though I have a little sample vial somewhere in the house. If you can find a way to try current Mitsouko EDP, I definitely suggest you try it. It's quite potent so I recommend a small spray when testing. Current Mitsouko EDP has been carefully formulated to be close to the original, and I've heard it smells very good despite the oakmoss restrictions (I have a 2013 bottle, which is the reformulated one and it's good). With current L'Heure Bleue, I like the EDT more (although the EDP is also good). The EDT is powdery with the heliotrope and while there are differences with vintage formulations, it is still very nice to wear.

 

[Kimbashop]

Ha, ha yes, the term scrubber is commonly used in the perfume community.
I think we all select the perfume application method that works best for us. I have heard of people applying perfume with a cotton ball, similar to your use of a tissue. Some even sprinkle a drop or two in unscented lotion in the palm of their hand, and apply, although I have never tried this. I once mixed a half full jar of scented lotion with an unscented one, and the lotion ended up having a weird texture even though it smelled okay. I eventually got rid of it because of the odd texture.

I have sprayed clothes with my scent of the day, especially the lounge clothes that are so prevalent these days, or older T-shirts. I am careful with light colored or delicate fabrics since the perfume oils can leave a residue or stain.
I can understand being careful with testing, especially if you have allergies. Take care, and keep us posted if you test or try something new, or just with general perfume chit chat.

For some reason, I have not sampled Jicky extensively, even though I have a little sample vial somewhere in the house. If you can find a way to try current Mitsouko EDP, I definitely suggest you try it. It's quite potent so I recommend a small spray when testing. Current Mitsouko EDP has been carefully formulated to be close to the original, and I've heard it smells very good despite the oakmoss restrictions (I have a 2013 bottle, which is the reformulated one and it's good). With current L'Heure Bleue, I like the EDT more (although the EDP is also good). The EDT is powdery with the heliotrope and while there are differences with vintage formulations, it is still very nice to wear.

Thanks -- that is helpful advice. I seem to like chypre. It's good to know that the current one is formulated similarly to the original. I have no way of sampling any of these perfumes where I live, but I will be heading to London soon and should be able to sample many things.

 

[ultravisitor]

I agree that buying samples is a good way to get acquainted with new things especially during the pandemic, since it was hard to get out and about to the stores at certain times.

I actually really loved going to visit Saks once it opened again. There was hardly anyone there--there was hardly anyone in any stores--so that, plus the mask mandate that we're lucky to have in Chicago, made me feel fine going shopping.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I actually really loved going to visit Saks once it opened again. There was hardly anyone there--there was hardly anyone in any stores--so that, plus the mask mandate that we're lucky to have in Chicago, made me feel fine going shopping.

I was at our local mall last weekend and was surprised to see so few people around. Everyone was wearing masks. I remember it being much more busy on weekends in the years before the pandemic. But our local mall does not have much variety in terms of perfume shopping anyway. I usually avoid the mall (basically avoid shopping for anything other than necessities) when the covid cases are very high. But now the cases are coming down in this area.

I should plan a trip sometime to the bigger mall that's further away. They have a good variety and some niche selections too. I know I'll be tempted to buy stuff if I go there though, and I'm not sure I want to be tempted to buy anything since I was very bad last summer with all the perfume purchases. My collection is also a bit out of control at the moment and I'm running out of space.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Thanks -- that is helpful advice. I seem to like chypre. It's good to know that the current one is formulated similarly to the original. I have no way of sampling any of these perfumes where I live, but I will be heading to London soon and should be able to sample many things.

Shopping in London will be lovely. You will have lots of choice! Yes, I've read that Guerlain, and specifically Thierry Wasser at Guerlain worked on Mitsouko to try to keep it close to the original. Of course, there are some differences when compared to vintage, but overall, they did a good job. If you have a chance to sample Mitsouko extrait, you should definitely try it. This year, I have really come to love extraits. The bottles are small (don't occupy too much space), and the extrait formula is usually richer, more nuanced and deeper, while at the same time being soft and close to the skin. Of course you have to dab it on, and most people prefer the convenience of a spray, but I have gotten quite accustomed to dabbing over the last few months and am fine with it.

 

[ultravisitor]

I will be heading to London soon and should be able to sample many things.

Make sure to visit the 6th (7th?--can't remember) floor perfume salon at Harrods. They have lots of exclusives for their store. I would also make sure to stop at Jovoy, for that store has a really good selection of brands.

 

[Kimbashop]

Make sure to visit the 6th (7th?--can't remember) floor perfume salon at Harrods. They have lots of exclusives for their store. I would also make sure to stop at Jovoy, for that store has a really good selection of brands.

Shopping in London will be lovely. You will have lots of choice! Yes, I've read that Guerlain, and specifically Thierry Wasser at Guerlain worked on Mitsouko to try to keep it close to the original. Of course, there are some differences when compared to vintage, but overall, they did a good job. If you have a chance to sample Mitsouko extrait, you should definitely try it. This year, I have really come to love extraits. The bottles are small (don't occupy too much space), and the extrait formula is usually richer, more nuanced and deeper, while at the same time being soft and close to the skin. Of course you have to dab it on, and most people prefer the convenience of a spray, but I have gotten quite accustomed to dabbing over the last few months and am fine with it.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will definitely go to Harrods (I'm terrified at the prospect of how much I might spend there) and I will look at Javoy.

Thank you for the tip on the Mitsouko extrait. I'm unfamiliar with extraits/ they different from splash bottles in terms of formula? I have the Frederic Malle white flower splash bottle collection. I believe they are the same as what are in the spray bottles, but I swear they smell and wear differently -- closer to the skin, as you say.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Thank you for the tip on the Mitsouko extrait. I'm unfamiliar with extraits/ they different from splash bottles in terms of formula? I have the Frederic Malle white flower splash bottle collection. I believe they are the same as what are in the spray bottles, but I swear they smell and wear differently -- closer to the skin, as you say.

Extraits or pure parfums usually have a higher concentration of perfume oils (higher than eau de parfum). Testers are hard to find though. Many stores do not have testers for them. In the case of Mitsouko, eau de parfum is also very good, so it's a good choice if extrait is not easy to find.
You can occasionally find extrait/parfum spray bottles (Chanel makes one for No. 5 parfum), but typically, most of them come in splash bottles.

 

[Kimbashop]

Extraits or pure parfums usually have a higher concentration of perfume oils (higher than eau de parfum). Testers are hard to find though. Many stores do not have testers for them. In the case of Mitsouko, eau de parfum is also very good, so it's a good choice if extrait is not easy to find.
You can occasionally find extrait/parfum spray bottles (Chanel makes one for No. 5 parfum), but typically, most of them come in splash bottles.

Thanks for explaining that! I had no idea.

 

[chowlover2]

Has anyone seen or tried on the 3 Strangelove NYC fragrances? Silence the Sea, Dead of Night or Melt my Heart? Crazy expensive, Bergdorf Goodman the only place I have seen them. Curious if worth the $$$