Perfume Chat Thread

[Purses & Perfumes]

I had the Lutens, and have the Houbigant . My Fleurs d’oranger was an early bottle, and I had much the same experience as you, with it wearing differently. I gifted it eventually, and should have kept it!

Orangers en Fleurs has such a lovely opening, very wearable, and quite realistic. A couple of hours in and it goes in the same clean laundry musk direction that so many do. I don’t reach for it as often as I should for this reason, as clean musks aren’t my thing, but I do enjoy the opening. I have a similar experience with Ostara: Bertrand Duchafour did such a wonderful job for Penhaligons of creating a photo-real narcissus. I adore the opening, but the white musk evolution is hard for me! It’s a lovely Spring Scent and I enjoy the opening so much that I keep this one in my collection to enjoy when the daffodils bloom.

Ostara is lovely, but for some reason, I don't wear it often enough. And when I heard it was being discontinued, I got a back up bottle! Probably not necessary at all, since I've barely made a dent in the one currently being used!
I put on some Orangers en Fleurs this morning, but I'm not picking up the laundry musk. I did have to wash it off in my midday post workout shower, so maybe I didn't wait long enough for it to emerge. Also, I'm probably comparing Orangers en Fleurs (I have a small extrait spray) to a few that have a lot of laundry musk in the base -- Lumiere Doree by Miller Harris is one example, and the other one is Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier. Love the lemon blossom, petitgrain and neroli in the latter, but the clean laundry vibe is quite intense as it evolves. Clean musks aren't my thing either.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Thank you so very much for the suggestion and well wishes!
I'd love to say that there's some method or strategy that I've been following, but I really was just fumbling my way through until quite recently.
Initially, I waited for the sense of smell and taste to return on their own. It was only after several months had already passed that I asked a doctor and did some reading online, only then learning that I had to actively try to retrain the senses.
I was told by my doc to start by sniffing coffee beans, garlic and cloves. Would you believe I got nothing even when I shoved my face in them?

Now that I can finally smell those really strong smells, I'm being more thoughtful and methodical about retraining. I'm rotating between different shower gels and shampoos, and now adding some perfumes (which is what brought me to this thread). It's still far easier to smell men's colognes than say, my shampoo, but it's all gradually improving.
It's also a bit harder than it should be because I don't want to expose myself to an allergen along the way, so I'm probably progressing far slower than I should be by being extra cautious.

Anyway, sorry to go on such a tangent. Back to your regular programming!

I would have also assumed that the sense of smell would return on its own. Anyway, I'm glad the active retraining has been helping, and good to hear you're now able to smell those strong smells. Are you able to smell most things food-related like herbs (mint, basil, etc.,), the smell of lemon and oranges when peeling the rind and suchlike? I think you're wise in going slowly and being cautious. Good luck and hope you can soon smell those subtle scents too.

 

[Bag peace]

I would have also assumed that the sense of smell and taste would return on their own.

I think for some people it does, but most report losing those senses for at least 6 months, and then having distorted perception of smell and taste. So some get lucky and the rest of us need to work to get our brain to recognize what was once familiar. This virus is weird in the way it attacks our systems.

Are you able to smell most things food-related like herbs (mint, basil, etc.,), the smell of lemon and oranges when peeling the rind and suchlike?

Not properly yet, unfortunately. I can tell if I'm smelling citrus, but couldn't tell you if it's lemon or orange. Mint I can pick up but it's very faint. And I still can't taste salt at all. I'm pouring the stuff by the heaped tablespoon onto my food, but everything tastes sweet (and even then, just a general sweetness- I couldn't tell you if I was having honey or chocolate).

It's quite a journey!
However, I figure not many people get to smell fresh flowers or taste chocolate for the first time as adults (in a way we become desensitized and don't notice how special those little things are), so I have something exciting to look forward to. A reintroduction to the little pleasures I once took for granted.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I think for some people it does, but most report losing those senses for at least 6 months, and then having distorted perception of smell and taste. So some get lucky and the rest of us need to work to get our brain to recognize what was once familiar. This virus is weird in the way it attacks our systems.


Not properly yet, unfortunately. I can tell if I'm smelling citrus, but couldn't tell you if it's lemon or orange. Mint I can pick up but it's very faint. And I still can't taste salt at all. I'm pouring the stuff by the heaped tablespoon onto my food, but everything tastes sweet (and even then, just a general sweetness- I couldn't tell you if I was having honey or chocolate).

It's quite a journey!
However, I figure not many people get to smell fresh flowers or taste chocolate for the first time as adults (in a way we become desensitized and don't notice how special those little things are), so I have something exciting to look forward to. A reintroduction to the little pleasures I once took for granted.

Indeed, it seems to be quite a journey, and I must say I greatly admire your positive attitude and outlook in the face of these challenges.

I hope that medical research will help in finding ways for people to regain their sense of smell and taste completely and quickly. In the meantime, it sounds like you're making good progress and taking all the right steps. And as you said before, in time, it's exciting to look forward to discovering your favorite perfumes and having a selection to choose from. If I recall correctly, you had mentioned in another thread a while ago that your mother loved the original Chloe perfume. Are there any specific genres of perfumes you have been drawn to in the past, or even maybe one that you liked or admired? That could be a nice starting point to finding your favorites. Hugs.

 

[chowlover2]

Did anyone ever claim the Samsara? I have fond memories of it, but haven’t had a bottle in years. If it’s still languishing in a closet, I will be happy to give it a new home!

I claimed the Samsara, I love it!

 

[Lellabelle]

I claimed the Samsara, I love it!

Excellent! I’m glad it found a new home and that you’re enjoying it

 

[Lellabelle]

I think for some people it does, but most report losing those senses for at least 6 months, and then having distorted perception of smell and taste. So some get lucky and the rest of us need to work to get our brain to recognize what was once familiar. This virus is weird in the way it attacks our systems.


Not properly yet, unfortunately. I can tell if I'm smelling citrus, but couldn't tell you if it's lemon or orange. Mint I can pick up but it's very faint. And I still can't taste salt at all. I'm pouring the stuff by the heaped tablespoon onto my food, but everything tastes sweet (and even then, just a general sweetness- I couldn't tell you if I was having honey or chocolate).

It's quite a journey!
However, I figure not many people get to smell fresh flowers or taste chocolate for the first time as adults (in a way we become desensitized and don't notice how special those little things are), so I have something exciting to look forward to. A reintroduction to the little pleasures I once took for granted.

Sorry to hear it, and glad that your focussed sniffing is helping to ‘re-train‘ your nose. Wishing you a speedy return to all the scents you hold most dear.

 

[Bag peace]

If I recall correctly, you had mentioned in another thread a while ago that your mother loved the original Chloe perfume. Are there any specific genres of perfumes you have been drawn to in the past, or even maybe one that you liked or admired? That could be a nice starting point to finding your favorites. Hugs.

OMG you remember that?!!! (btw, I also remember that discussion because we were talking about the signature colour in Chloe bags and how it reminded me of the colour of the original perfume). This has made me extraordinarily happy, lol! Thank you!

Edit: @Kimbashop was part of that discussion, if memory serves. I think she also wore the original Chloe perfume? I'll need to run a search now to see if I'm totally misremembering, lol.

It is still my favourite scent on this planet. It's considered vintage now and I hoped that I'd find a bottle somewhere in my search, but no such luck. The new Chloe scents are nothing like the original.
It holds a world of memories for me, because as you rightly recalled, it was my mum's signature scent. Just thinking of it takes me back to my childhood and envelopes me in warmth.

I can't think of any other perfume I liked the way I did this one. I wonder if there are any current perfumes similar to it from different houses...

Tangentially, I have just ordered samples of Maison Margiela (Matcha Meditation) and Comptoir sud pacifique (Vanille Abricot). Hopefully these will be easier to figure out than the Kilian sample was.

Sorry to hear it, and glad that your focussed sniffing is helping to ‘re-train‘ your nose. Wishing you a speedy return to all the scents you hold most dear.

Very kind of you! Thank you very much.

 

[Tasha1]

FYI. Guerlain will produce Vol de Nuit, L'Heur Bleu, Jicky, Mitsouko and Shalimar in Limited Extrait Version, 30 ml.

Tried original Nahema and the latest production, what a difference.

Valmont produces nice scents, worth attention.
Sampling--- got about 10 today. Write down what I am interested in, show my list, sniff and ask 3-4, then go to another department store, show the list and I am taken seriously, as I don't waste SA's valuable time

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

OMG you remember that?!!! (btw, I also remember that discussion because we were talking about the signature colour in Chloe bags and how it reminded me of the colour of the original perfume). This has made me extraordinarily happy, lol! Thank you!

Edit: @Kimbashop was part of that discussion, if memory serves. I think she also wore the original Chloe perfume? I'll need to run a search now to see if I'm totally misremembering, lol.

It is still my favourite scent on this planet. It's considered vintage now and I hoped that I'd find a bottle somewhere in my search, but no such luck. The new Chloe scents are nothing like the original.
It holds a world of memories for me, because as you rightly recalled, it was my mum's signature scent. Just thinking of it takes me back to my childhood and envelopes me in warmth.

I can't think of any other perfume I liked the way I did this one. I wonder if there are any current perfumes similar to it from different houses...

Tangentially, I have just ordered samples of Maison Margiela (Matcha Meditation) and Comptoir sud pacifique (Vanille Abricot). Hopefully these will be easier to figure out than the Kilian sample was.


Very kind of you! Thank you very much.

Ha, ha yes, I do remember that discussion although I didn't contribute anything to it. If memory serves me correctly, @Molly0 matched a bottle of Hypnotic Poison to the color of her bag, and that led to further discussion. I thought I had a mini bottle of the original Chloe but I can't seem to find it, so perhaps I am mistaken. If I find it, I will sniff it again to refresh my memory and maybe that will give me some ideas with regards to making recommendations about any current perfumes that might be similar.

FYI. Guerlain will produce Vol de Nuit, L'Heur Bleu, Jicky, Mitsouko and Shalimar in Limited Extrait Version, 30 ml.

Tried original Nahema and the latest production, what a difference.

Valmont produces nice scents, worth attention.
Sampling--- got about 10 today. Write down what I am interested in, show my list, sniff and ask 3-4, then go to another department store, show the list and I am taken seriously, as I don't waste SA's valuable time

I noticed a little while ago that their classic extraits seemed sold out in many places. Glad to hear that they are still in production. Any word on Nahema extrait? I have a very tiny bottle of Nahema extrait and a little bit of parfum de toilette. Need to do a comparison with my current day Nahema EDP (although even my EDP is about seven years old, so not really the latest version).

 

[Chanbal]

I've changed my mind about MFK-baccarat rouge 540. After my previous disappointments, I've used it again and as they say third time's a charm! I'm starting to see why the hype about this perfume.

Disclosure: I used it a few hours after applying Byredo Gypsy water, which I absolutely love. Byredo perfumes don't last long on my skin, so when I was about to reapply GW, I changed my mind and sprayed BR540. Wow, I was able to enjoy it this time. Not sure if potential remains of GW played a role on it. I'll have to try it again after showering.

 

[Kimbashop]

OMG you remember that?!!! (btw, I also remember that discussion because we were talking about the signature colour in Chloe bags and how it reminded me of the colour of the original perfume). This has made me extraordinarily happy, lol! Thank you!

Edit: @Kimbashop was part of that discussion, if memory serves. I think she also wore the original Chloe perfume? I'll need to run a search now to see if I'm totally misremembering, lol.

It is still my favourite scent on this planet. It's considered vintage now and I hoped that I'd find a bottle somewhere in my search, but no such luck. The new Chloe scents are nothing like the original.
It holds a world of memories for me, because as you rightly recalled, it was my mum's signature scent. Just thinking of it takes me back to my childhood and envelopes me in warmth.

I can't think of any other perfume I liked the way I did this one. I wonder if there are any current perfumes similar to it from different houses...

Tangentially, I have just ordered samples of Maison Margiela (Matcha Meditation) and Comptoir sud pacifique (Vanille Abricot). Hopefully these will be easier to figure out than the Kilian sample was.


Very kind of you! Thank you very much.

You have an amazing memory! Yes, I used to where Chloe perfume (in the late 70's/early 80s, I think) and loved it. I have wonderful memories of it too, as it takes me back to childhood and high school, when I was finally able to buy my own bottle. The new scent is NOTHING like the original.

 

[chowlover2]

I wore the original Chloe as well. I really don’t understand all of these reformulations. Rarely are they as good as the original.

 

[Bag peace]

You have an amazing memory! Yes, I used to where Chloe perfume (in the late 70's/early 80s, I think) and loved it. I have wonderful memories of it too, as it takes me back to childhood and high school, when I was finally able to buy my own bottle. The new scent is NOTHING like the original.

Hello! Glad I remembered correctly!
Actually, there are 2 things I remember discussing with you: Chloe's perfume and the story of your visit to Marco's workshop when you were in Italy (I sincerely hope that latter one was you because I'm feeling very confident in that memory!)

Yes, the new stuff is so far removed from the original scent.

I wore the original Chloe as well. I really don’t understand all of these reformulations. Rarely are they as good as the original.

I didn't know that it was so popular!
Totally agree with you; they really shouldn't mess with something that isn't broken. I wish I could get my hands on a bottle today. It was a perfume that really suited me (as well as having an emotional resonance).

 

[Pimpernel]

FYI. Guerlain will produce Vol de Nuit, L'Heur Bleu, Jicky, Mitsouko and Shalimar in Limited Extrait Version, 30 ml.

Ohhh, do you happen to know when, and where will it be sold?
Vol de Nuit extrait is my HG, I still have two 15 ml flasks from the '70s in their last throes, and need to replenish.