• About
  • Login to comment
    • Facebook
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Perfumers
  • Perfume Houses
  • Shop for perfume
  • Resources

The Monday Mail ~ help Sandra find a new perfume

Posted by Robin on 2 June 2008 77 Comments

MailboxThis week, we're doing something a little different with The Monday Mail. Sandra is not a newcomer to perfume, in fact, she comments here as Nile Goddess so some of you may have "talked" to her in the past. But Sandra says she has not fallen in love with a fragrance in a long time, so she'd like our help.

Here is what we know about Sandra:

She lives in Prague, has just turned 40, is brunette and "very temperamental".

She loves Egypt and everything Egyptian, including Egyptian history, music and dance.

She is willing to buy online, so access is not a problem, and she has not asked for any price limits. She is looking for something unusual, and is especially hoping for recommendations from niche brands she might not be familiar with.

And her scent preferences:

She does not like fruity florals, especially very sweet fruity florals. Citrus notes are ok.

She likes deep, magnetic, sensual combinations of woods and musk, or amber and tonka bean.

She likes frangipani and honeysuckle, and sometimes light jasmine or orange blossom, but in general, florals do not "rock her boat".

Almonds and raisins are nice, tobacco is very nice. Leather is nice if not too bitter.

She likes herbal notes if they're not overdone. Guerlain's Herba Fresca is a favorite, but Hermès Un Jardin en Méditerranée is too herbal/medicinal. She does like pepper.

Some fragrances Sandra has liked in the past:

Fendi by Fendi, Calvin Klein Obsession, Contradiction & Truth, Dior Hypnotic Poison, YSL Opium, Nu & M7, L'Artisan Piment Brûlant, Mure et Musc & Ananas Fizz, Serge Lutens Muscs Koublai Khan (needs layering with something peppery) & Sarrasins, Tom Ford Tuscan Leather, L'Eau par Kenzo, Clinique Happy for Men, Lalique Encre Noire (although it stays close to the skin) and Narciso Rodriguez for Her.

What say you? My recommendations:

If Sandra hasn't already explored the Ormonde Jayne line, I'd recommend she try Tolu, Ormonde for women and Ormonde for men.

Juozas Statkevicius Eau de Parfum is also worth a shot, and Sandra can probably get it much cheaper in Prague than we can in the US. Amouage's recent Jubilation XXV also came to mind.

Past Monday Mail articles: Tracey, Lavonne, Rae.

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: monday mail

Advertisement


77 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 9:13 am

    Hi Sandra! How about trying a few scents from Parfumerie Generale, such as Aomassi or Iris Taizo?

    Log in to Reply
  2. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 9:31 am

    Habanita! Or Fumerie Turque. Very nice tobacco, for sure.

    Log in to Reply
  3. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 9:34 am

    Caron Tabac Blond, Tauer L'air du Desert Marocain, Malle Noir Epices, Piguet Baghari, Comme des Garcons Palisander, and Hermes Ambre Narguile.

    Log in to Reply
  4. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 9:47 am

    Hmm…how about Or des Indes by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier? I would also be tempted to say Le Maroc Pour Elle by Andy Tauer, even though it's very sweet and floral, because, imho, he really did capture something reminiscent of the Middle East/North Africa in that one….

    Log in to Reply
  5. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 10:04 am

    Sorry…should be spelled Aomassai!

    Log in to Reply
  6. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 10:07 am

    to that exceptional list I would add Hermessence Poivre Samarcande

    Log in to Reply
  7. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 10:09 am

    Since she likes amber and leather, how about Ambre Russe and Cuir Ottoman from Parfum 'Empire? Two of my very favorites. Also, for deep, magnetic and sensual, I'd recommend Aftelier's Tango or Vera Kern's Onda, also deep and rich.

    Log in to Reply
  8. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 10:48 am

    My vote for Habanita too.

    Log in to Reply
  9. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 11:19 am

    Hi Karin, thanks for writing!

    I did try Aomassai, interesting fragrance, but needs layering, it's not peppery enough. What I could layer it with, don't know. I have the same problem with Shaal Nur from Etro.

    Log in to Reply
  10. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 11:20 am

    From Molinard? Will try!

    Log in to Reply
  11. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 11:23 am

    Oh, thank you! These I have only heard of! How are Andy Tauer's fragrances really?

    I only tried Nuit Noire of Mona di Orio, and did not like it that much on me, even though I really wanted to like it!

    Log in to Reply
  12. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 11:26 am

    Great suggestions thank you! Am having second thoughts about leather, seeing as Kelly Caleche really stinks on me!

    Log in to Reply
  13. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 11:28 am

    Hi,

    I second Robin's suggestion of Amouage Jubilation 25. I love this one.

    I would also like to suggest L'Artisan's Fleur de Narcisse (one of the best tobacco scents in my opinion), 10 Corso Como and Parfums de Nicolai Maharanih.

    Have fun NileGoddess sampling. Let us know which ones worked and which ones didn't when you get a chance.

    Dawn

    Log in to Reply
  14. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 11:45 am

    Sandra if it was still available I would recommend Le Feu d'Issey to you.

    So you love 'peppery' well then how about Le Feu d'Issey Light.. I happen to have it myself and I've always experienced this one as indeed 'peppery'..:) It is available here in Prague and to be sure you find most of the recommended fragrances here you should go to the brandnew Douglas on Na Prikope, for they have more perfumes than any other store overhere.

    This store is a dream.

    Log in to Reply
  15. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:15 pm

    Hi Sandra,

    To all of the above suggestions, I would heartily second Robin's choices, plus Poivre Samarkand, Noir Epices, and 10 Corso Como.

    Two I would add are Feuilles de Tabac from Miller Harris, and perhaps Aqaba from Miriam Miriani.

    Good luck!

    Log in to Reply
  16. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:18 pm

    NileG: I think you would love L'air du desert marocain. A fabulous, *dry* spicy scent, and yet so comfortable and human, too – not hard to live with. It is one of my very favourites. Andy's scents are all really worth trying, and they're very reasonably priced.

    Log in to Reply
  17. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:24 pm

    If you do like pepper, the original Feu D'Issey is certainly worth seeking out! What a weird scent it was. Piment Brulant reminds me a bit of it (I like the L'Artisan, too.) I really like Nicolai's Maharanih, also – you seem like you like many powerhouse scents, and Maharanih is very POW! without screaming, if you know what I mean. Very smooth, but high impact – rather like the OJs.

    Log in to Reply
  18. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:30 pm

    Don't let Kelly Caleche scare you off leather. It doesn't do well on me, either…and I LOVE leather. Try PdE's Cuir Ottoman or, for a lighter touch, Chanel's Cuir de Russie. Both of those have some strong leather notes that are very clean and elegant – CdR, in particular, is great for summer

    Log in to Reply
  19. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:30 pm

    I was thinking Aqaba, too, Ann.

    Good luck, Sandra! I hope you find a fragrance that you fall in love with.

    Log in to Reply
  20. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:31 pm

    Hi Sandra,

    I totally second Pia's suggestion of Or des Indes by MPG. Also have you tried Annick Goutal's Encens Flamboyant? It just smolders on my skin, very sensual. Good luck!

    Log in to Reply
  21. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:35 pm

    For dark and peppery, it's hard to beat Armani Prive Bois d'Encens. I second Cuir Ottoman and Ambre Narguile.

    Log in to Reply
  22. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:48 pm

    Hi Sandra,
    Here are my suggestions:
    -Diam Blonde, by Serge Leutens, suede note
    -Dzongkha, by L' Artisan Perfumer, with notes of stone, incense, spicy chai tea & leather….
    -Regina Harris-fragrance oil, with frankincense, myrrh, & incense

    Log in to Reply
  23. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 12:51 pm

    Ambre Narguile and Tabac Blond are sweeter, by the way.

    Log in to Reply
  24. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 1:02 pm

    Hi Sandra (and Robin) –

    Maybe you would like some of the Lorenzo Villoresi fragrances. They can be a bit “heavy” but if you enjoy pepper notes try Piper Nigrum – although it is REALLY dry (not sweet or floral at all).

    And if your into leather (I mean that in the nicest way….heehee), Angela did a great article on Cuir De Lancome. It's quite nice.

    And lastly, if you like perfumed oils, BPAL has some interesting concoctions with Egypt as a theme – thought this might interest you.

    Enjoy your search,

    Marko

    Log in to Reply
  25. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 1:40 pm

    And Sandra I second Mamabears choices on frags with leather and would like to add Piquet Bandit to that list. :)

    Log in to Reply
  26. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 2:07 pm

    Sandra, I see you like Yves St Laurent Nu. I LOVED that scent! Don't have it any longer (subject of a purge some years ago), but it was so interesting and unlike anything I'd ever worn before.

    I've recently discovered Parfums de Nicolai and am crazy about what I've tried so far. I'm wearing trying Maharanih right now – from a sample. Sweet and spicy, but perhaps a bit too sweet for what you're looking for. I haven't tried it yet, but have you tried PdN New York? Middle notes include pimento and pepper oils.

    Log in to Reply
  27. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 2:47 pm

    I recommend Sonia Rykiel's Woman Not For Men, Comme des Garcons Zagorsk, and Tom Ford's Japan Noir. Happy hunting!

    Log in to Reply
  28. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 2:50 pm

    Hi

    Agree with Robin, the first thing that spring to my mind was Ormond Jayne Tolu. Since you like Frangipani, you might want to try theirs cos it's a very true Frangipani scent (i think). I personally don't like Ormond Woman at all, but it's their best seller and since you like pepper, you might give that a go too.

    I don't know too many fragrance so I can only add one which I happen to know the scent.

    Donna Karen Cashmere Mist: think it's a bit vanilla powdery, I tend to classify this scent with amber / tonka bean category. It's not my kind of scent but it's quite sensual

    Log in to Reply
  29. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 4:05 pm

    Love the suggestion of Ambre Soie — espeiclaly,

    Sandra, if money is no object!

    Also, if you're lookiing for an un-bitter leather and Daim Blond is too suede-like, you might try Heeley's Pleine Fleur, which reminds me of a buttery-smooth glove leather. Blogmistress Robin described it thusly :

    Ambre Soie has notes of ginger, cinnamon, clove, cedar, patchouli and amber. The top notes are lovely: deep, rich and resinous, with a hefty kick from the spices and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sort of finish. . .

    Good luck!! What great taste you have, and you've had some really inspired suggestions — which I must try myself, come to think.

    Log in to Reply
  30. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 4:08 pm

    Darn, typos and more: I should've edited!! Of course, that was not the Pleine Fleur description, which Robin hasn't reviewed. PF — it's Fine Leather in English — has violet, mimosa, birch, soft leather notes and vetiver, and you might like the slight pepperiness that (I suspect) comes from the birch.

    Cheers!

    Log in to Reply
  31. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 4:47 pm

    “She likes deep, magnetic, sensual combinations of woods and musk, or amber and tonka bean.”

    Have you already tried Bois d'Armenie (Guerlain)? I think you would like it, because it's woody, its sensual, it's deep, and, the most interesting, its very ethereal. It's like an aura that surrends you all day with a smoky, light woody and little bit almondy and ambery scent.

    Log in to Reply
  32. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 5:40 pm

    Hello Sandra (and Robin),

    My recommendation is Idole from Lubin.

    Best wishes on finding a lovely scent that suits you!

    Arwen

    Log in to Reply
  33. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 5:52 pm

    I would recommend the oud fragrances from the Montale line. Some have rose notes, but they are not floral fragrances. I happen to like the spicy rose scent combined with oud wood, but some of the Montales de-emphasize the rose, so it is not something which is off-putting to a non-rose lover. :)

    Log in to Reply
  34. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 6:34 pm

    And on the Guerlain l'Art et la Matiere tack (pricey but scrumptious), howzabout this description from our Robin (not me, the Real one) re: Cuir Beluga (Sandra, does this sound good???!!):

    Cuir Beluga, with notes of mandarin orange, immortelle flower, leather, amber, heliotrope and vanilla. It starts with sweet but mild citrus, and dries down to a creamy cloud of vanilla suede. It is extraordinarily soft and well-mannered; I have always thought of Serge Lutens Daim Blond as the pale, buttery leather interior of a new, very high end car — the sort of car that the salesman is likely to call without irony a “motorcar” — but next to Cuir Beluga, Daim Blond smells positively edgy.

    Like VIP Room, or like the softest, most expensive pair of leather gloves, Cuir Beluga manages to smell of leather without evoking any thought of actual animal skins. The longer it is on skin, the more abstract and cloud-like it becomes; if you can imagine a comfort scent based on leather, this is it.

    Log in to Reply
  35. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 6:53 pm

    Hello Sandra, have you tried Commes des Garcons (the original)? Unique, complex — worth a snif!

    Log in to Reply
  36. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 7:01 pm

    How about Tom Ford's other Private Blends Tobacco Vanille (sweet tobacco and vanilla), Oud Wood (dry woods) or Amber Absolute? And I second Hermes' Poivre Samarkande and Villoresi's Piper Nigrum. I haven't smelt if myself but perhaps Pascal Morabito's Or Noir might be suitable as well? Also have a look at http://profumo.it/perfume/index_anima.asp some of the scents there are highly thought of and might be something you like. Lastly, I don't know how easy it will be for you to sample, but Aesop's Marrakech and Mystra sound suitable to you too.

    Log in to Reply
  37. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 7:55 pm

    I checked out Idole, and the bottle looks like Angel Alien in some respects….

    Log in to Reply
  38. Anonymous says:
    2 June 2008 at 7:56 pm

    From reading your description, now I'm intrigued….

    Log in to Reply
  39. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 2:16 am

    How about these:

    Antaeus – Chanel (Sweet leather)

    L'air du Desert Marocain – Andy Tauer (one of the greatest scents ever and Andy Tauer is a pleasure to deal with on-line)

    Feuilles de Tabac – Miller Harris (sweet tobacco, great compliment to Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. Bit linear though)

    Zino – Davidoff (dirty leather, very sexy indeed)

    Voler de Roses – l'Artisan (Don't mind the name, this is no floral – just dirty, gothic and oddly sexy)

    Black Jeans – Versace (Warm but dirty black tea-based scent)

    I know that these are considered men's fragrances, but I think they would be AMAZING on a woman, especially a “temperamental brunette.” (My favourite kind!)

    Aslo, a couple of them can be found cheap on-line…

    Log in to Reply
  40. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 6:39 am

    NileG. and since you like YSL Nu so much, so will go and get myself a spritz now! :) Never tried Nu in my whole life.

    I know that you like Poeme and I like Poeme too and it has been at least 10 years since I have smelled P., so on my other hand a spritz of Poeme then..

    What a great way to start the day.

    p.s.: I agree with everyone who recommended Andy Tauer L'air du desert marocain.

    Log in to Reply
  41. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 8:19 am

    oh yes, big 2nd for both of these gorgeous scents. i would add Annick Goutal Nuits D'Hadrien for citrus with a deep ambery base, a lovely summer scent :)

    Log in to Reply
  42. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 8:46 am

    I second the recommendation for Aesop's scents. They are fab. Check out the entry in perfumes, the guide.

    Log in to Reply
  43. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 8:49 am

    I agree about the men's scents. Don't let the fact that they are marketed to men stop you. If you like spice how about Egoiste? LOVE LOVE LOVE this perfume. Also, Amouage Gold cologne for men is delicious.

    Log in to Reply
  44. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 9:03 am

    Very hard to get here, the Aesop's scents. Does anyone know how to try them in North America?

    Log in to Reply
  45. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 9:39 am

    Sandra, I'm home from work and spritzed on a couple in my stash to see how they might fit it. Nobody's mentioned Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan, and, goshdarn it, it's got SO much of what you might like: the raisin-almond, amber-sexy, peppery-leathery thing galore!!!

    Also, if you just wanted the sleekest, most ridiculously luxurious leather-amber scent, Prada's Cuir Ambre is DYNAMITE. Just destroys you for other leathers. I'm SO not kidding!!!!!!

    Good luck. You're curiously quiet. Did we overwhelm you? Underwhelm you? Neither, I hope. I love these exercises, and — Robin, are you listening? — I'd just LOVE to have more challenges. Somehow, it makes the gillions of bucks I've spent on high-end samples all worthwhile, if it helps another perfume lover find more things to love. . .

    Log in to Reply
  46. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:19 am

    NileG. what about Shalimar?

    YSL NU is good and different… I do like it.

    Poeme is a fragrance from another era. Used to really like it but now it smells like a triple shoulderfilling '80s jacket.

    Log in to Reply
  47. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:21 am

    Hi Dawn,

    Fleur de Narcisse, a tobacco frag? I MUST try this, I avoided it because of the name, but now I'm curious. THank you!

    Log in to Reply
  48. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:26 am

    To both Marianne and Erin: YES Feu D'Issey was a big hit with me and I wore it with a passion! Very unusual fragrance, but very me. Why oh why did they discontinue it? I mean, our perfumers make watered-down super light fragrances for delicate Japanese women, can Japanese perfumers not allow us our fiery passions?

    Lovely lovely frag. The Light version doesn't quite cut it for me am afraid. And Marianne, you are absolutely right about Parfumerie Douglas, it's where I tried Shall Nur. Wonderful place. Shaal Nur is wonderful too, but same as anything from L'Artisan Parfumeur, it's too simple for me. I layered Shaal Nur with Poivre Brulant actually, it works quite well.

    Log in to Reply
  49. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:29 am

    Well come to Prague Karin, you can still find Nu here, albeit in discounters and small stores, but Prague is a joy to discover and any lovely frag you can pick up on your way is a bonus!

    The only fragrance reminding me of Nu was DK Black Cashmere but that one is discontinued as well.

    Parfums de Nicolai, I heard so much about them, but don't know where to sample them, let alone buy.

    Log in to Reply
  50. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:33 am

    OK will try both. Armani is not a big hit with me, I only ever liked Aqua di Gio (who doesn't?) and Sensi White Flowers. The Code and Mania series are too commercial for me. Mania seems like a cheaper but better marketed version of CK's Contradiction – which I love.

    But a Private Collection is surely well worth a try, if I can find it. Thank you!

    Log in to Reply
  51. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:37 am

    OMG guys I feel like a kid in a candy shop now! So many lovely fragrances! Am checking all of your suggestions right now!

    Log in to Reply
  52. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:53 am

    I used to wer Antaeus every now and then so you are right on the money. I'll try again ;-)

    No problem with wearing men's fragrances. A friend of mine – a also a temperamental brunette – has been driving guys crazy for the last 10 years wearing Opium for Men.

    Log in to Reply
  53. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:55 am

    Wow NileGoddess, you do have an interesting taste..

    I have been spritzing mens' fragrances today…to discover that those are a totally different pot of soup? piece of cake?

    It now feels like I've only discovered half of what there is out there to smell.. What were those men complaining about?!

    Log in to Reply
  54. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 11:57 am

    Yes! I have tried Aoud Lime it is way too strong for me. By the time it calms down I can only think of washing it off.

    Log in to Reply
  55. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:00 pm

    Tobacco Vanilla seems to be the type doesn't it? It was the first one I reached for. Alas, close, and with cigar, but no pepper.

    The only fragrance I liked from that collection was Tuscan Leather, but then I had little time for all of them so in order to do them justice I need to try them once again. Thank you!

    Log in to Reply
  56. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:02 pm

    WOW where can I find Bois D'Armenie? There is an Institut Guerlain in Prague but they don't carry it, I called them as soon as I read your post.

    Log in to Reply
  57. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:04 pm

    Good for her!

    Log in to Reply
  58. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:04 pm

    On that note, I've worn Fendi for men, and it's very nice! I don't know if they still make that one though….

    Log in to Reply
  59. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:06 pm

    Marianne, do you know Palac Korunni at the bottom of Wenceslas Square? Next to the Oilily shop thee's a small fragrance store. They carry some discontinued lines, small packages usually – 30 ml or 50 ml. That's where I bought Nu.

    Log in to Reply
  60. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:09 pm

    Nile Goddess, you can purchase samples of PdN at Lucky Scent and also Beauty Habit. I've worn Sacre Bleu and Number One for years.

    Log in to Reply
  61. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:11 pm

    I AM overwhelmed if the truth be told. That, and a very busy day kept me from answering, but now I've peppered this deliciously rich thread with answers.

    So many new fragrances, it will take me a long time to find them … looking forward to it!

    Log in to Reply
  62. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:14 pm

    There is one mannish note, can't define it, but it spoils things for me if present. I can't wear Chanel Egoiste and not even Allure Blanche, because of it.

    On the other hand, Lalique Encre Noire is a dream come true. But it does stay close to the skin. Too close.

    Log in to Reply
  63. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:15 pm

    As usual, this has been a fun and informational blog. I've added to my list of new frags to sniff!

    It's fun trying new scents. Many thanks!

    Log in to Reply
  64. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:21 pm

    I know where it is but never went in there. Thank you!

    Log in to Reply
  65. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 12:30 pm

    Did some more serious homework for you:

    *Jil by Jil Sander from the '90s,

    *Le Baiser Du Dragon by, Cartier

    *Miyako by Annayake and…

    *****Pi Metallic Collector by Givenchy – this one should come really close.

    Log in to Reply
  66. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 1:42 pm

    I was going to suggest 10 Corso Como as well, but lately I feel like it's my answer to any question anyone asks me… about anything at all. But I agree it is an excellent choice.

    Log in to Reply
  67. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Opium PH would be GREAT on a woman, so could see why your friend has been driving men crazy with it!

    Here are some other men's scents that would work just fine on temperamental brunettes:

    Palisander – CdG (Boozy wood or woody booze – who cares? This is magnificent. Just wished it lasted longer)

    Michael for Men – Michael Kors (More booze, this time golden)

    Nicole Miller for Men (Recently back in production. Boozy, but with a vegetal heart that makes it very exotic)

    Heritage – Guerlain (Similar to Zino, maybe easier to find. Raunchy stuff, redolent of the cover of a Jilly Cooper novel)

    Equus – Lalique (Cedar and more cedar)

    Fracas for Men – Robert Piguet (This can be found cheap on-line. Smokey and rich, and far better than you might think looking at the bottle)

    Witness – Jacques Bogart (Cinnamon and wood, another pich hitter)

    Declaration Essence – Cartier (more chocolate and a darker scent than Declaration. How can you lose?)

    Plus I'll second Encre Noire and Ambre Sultan. The former is one of the true greats, the latter a sweet, rich powerhouse.

    I'll also add my vote for Amouage XXV, which is sweetened incense and magically rich.

    I would love to smell any of these on a woman…

    Log in to Reply
  68. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 2:36 pm

    I am loving this comment thread because Sandra's tastes are very like mine, although I may tend a bit more towards “masculine” fragrances…second Robin's recommendation of Ormonde Jayne Woman (I haven't smelled Tolu). Also, try something with oud wood, which I am really loving right now…Tom Ford is good but I love wearing YSL M7, which is quite a masculine fragrance, but it's my favorite perfume for oud. Three of my other favorites are Bandit, Bulgari Black and Jicky – do you like Jicky?

    And have you tried Bond No. 9 New Haarlem? It might be a little different from what you are looking for – the first blast is fairly sweet, with coffee, chocolate and maybe coconut in the top notes – but I have a feeling you would love the drydown, which is rich and spicy and ambery and wonderful.

    Oh my, you will have so much fun trying all these recommendations. And then I will have so much fun trying all these recommendations. Good luck!!

    Log in to Reply
  69. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 3:24 pm

    Existentialist, just read the description of 10 Corso Como and that is an interesting fragrance. Had never heard of it before.

    Maybe I can get a sample..

    Log in to Reply
  70. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 6:30 pm

    Whoa, ditto on loving this thread!!! My tastes are quite similar and I'm both learning about new frags and revisiting ones in my collection which have been unloved of late. Will check out reviews here and on MUA, basenotes for the new ones….

    This started as a reply to the first comment but then I realized the thread was huge, sorry if I repeat others' suggestions but hey, great taste thinks alike ;)

    I had a lot of luck with bois blond and l'ombre fauve from parfumerie generale, they're not quite as sweet as coze and aomassai although they are linear, as well as a harder-to-find one I got on the perfumed court called cuir d'iris which is a very differet take on spicy musky leather. from tpc:

    A special “by invitation only” private creation fragrance, Cuir d'Iris is a deep and complex woody, leather fragrance with notes of cardamom, Iris Old Black, leather, woods, vetiver, Rizophora tannin, amber, and incense. This is a parfum extract

    and I really must second jubilation xxv(note xxv not 25) and ormonde woman, they are amazing, unique fragrances you should definitely experience.

    SL Miel de Bois is worth a retry even if it didn't work the first few times–it was a scrubber at first but then I retried randomly at a store and fell in love. SL Santal de mysore if you can handle cumin-ish notes, and Ambre Sultan too.

    Also, based on the similarity of our preferences, maybe try

    nasomatto duro (not sweet, sorta musky-woody-soft-strong but interesting to me. like jubilation xxv's base notes, kinda. I love it on me but would go crrrrrazy in a good way if I smelled it on a guy—like SL MKK that way)

    tauer l'air du desert marocain ( I see I'm not alone in this! )

    biehl.parfumsgewerke(Sp??) mb03 (love!!! but very similar 'feel' to l'air du etc)

    Carons: En Avion, Tabac Blonde–leathers, interesting. Also Poivre (spicy but not sharp, evolves into a musky deep carnation-rose-yummy), Parfum Sacre

    all three parfums d'imperfiction: eleven minutes, o alquimista, and alice in wonderland

    Dior: Eau noire (similar to SL Santal de Mysore), bois d'argent

    Shalimar parfum, especially vintage

    Profumum Santalum

    Etat libre d'orange: Charogne (the one non-carnation floral that 'does it for me') and secretions magifique, because it is original and skanky like MKK but in a totally new way.

    le labo santal 26

    gourmand-ish but to me not too much:

    Frapin 1270

    l'artisan tea for two

    diptyque: eau lente, and the musc room spray

    whew Thats all for now! have great fun sniffing!

    Log in to Reply
  71. Anonymous says:
    3 June 2008 at 6:47 pm

    meant to add that the Carons, esp Poivre and Coup du Fouet edt, are *peppery* and that Parfum sacre has a great balance to me of more subtle but still very present and persistent pepper, and that I find the caron-heart somewhat musky-leathery-deepfloral not vanillic or flowery. They're all worth trying and re-trying esp in parfum extrait (but edp works too)

    Log in to Reply
  72. Anonymous says:
    4 June 2008 at 4:47 am

    Wow that is a humongous reply thank you so much!

    So glad there are so many similar tastes in this forum – I feel like an OL (old lady) sometimes asking for such fragrances in Sephora.

    One colleague just told me she has a mega-migraine from my fragrance (Hypnotic Poison – it's cold today in Prague). Funny migraine since she wears Coco Mademoiselle and that gives me a migraine

    Log in to Reply
  73. Anonymous says:
    4 June 2008 at 7:33 am

    Your admiration of Encre Noir made me think you should also try Le Labo Patchouli 24… both have a similarity which I can't directly pinpoint…

    Log in to Reply
  74. Anonymous says:
    4 June 2008 at 8:24 am

    For Aesop stockists, got to http://www.aesop.com.au and go to the stockists heading. There are a few stockists in America. Alternatively, just try emailing them and see if you can snag a sample.

    Log in to Reply
  75. Anonymous says:
    4 June 2008 at 11:27 am

    Now am trying to order Bois D'Armenie. I only noticed it was developed by Annick Menardo who is also behind Hypnotic Poison. Problem is I can't sample it, I must buy it unsniffed and it's expensive for such an experiment. Should I?

    Log in to Reply
  76. Anonymous says:
    4 June 2008 at 3:39 pm

    Sandra – I think you would find lots to explore in Nocturne Alchemy, a range of perfumes inspired by Ancient Egypt. The creator brings out new scents regularly. http://www.nocturnealchemy.com

    Log in to Reply
  77. Anonymous says:
    4 June 2008 at 11:53 pm

    would you be willing to order a sample or decant from a seller like fishbone or the perfumed court? or go on basenotes/mua and buy/swap? Bois d'armenie is a bit of an investment both $$ and size

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

Browse by…

Topic

Perfume talk New fragrances
Shopping Books :: News
Body products Home fragrance
Polls Another subject

Date

February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
Prior months

Author

Robin Jessica
Angela Kevin
Erin Guest Author

Tag

Celebrity perfumes
Cheap thrills
Collector bottles
Perfumista tip series
Video
The complete tag index

From NST at Twitter

  • "Cartier Perfumer Mathilde Laurent Shares Her French Beauty Essentials" (vanity fair, hat tip to kevin!) https://t.co/qsMjKpmme3, 16 hours ago
  • "What's that smell? New 'Corpse Flower' in full bloom at Nashville Zoo" (fox 17) https://t.co/QlPVyWVOq1, 18 hours ago
  • Updated info on Costume National Supergloss https://t.co/fDSO0qQHen, 18 hours ago
  • I am a day late but you can still enter: "Kraft Singles is giving away grilled cheese-scented incense to celebrate… https://t.co/8T64EZUJmy,
  • @Counselor_Gal44 I don't always, but I really like these bottles so I hope I like at least one of this set!,

Recent reviews

Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
Moschino Toy Boy
Arquiste Misfit
Diptyque Eau Capitale
Zoologist Bee
Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
Chanel 1957
Gallivant Los Angeles
Amouage Portrayal Woman

Blogroll

Bois de Jasmin
Grain de Musc
Perfume Posse
The Non-Blonde
More blogs...

Perfumista lists

100 fragrances every perfumista should try
And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

Favorite posts

The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
Why I Love Old School Chypres
New to perfume and want to learn more?
How to make fragrance last through the day
Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
How to get fragrance samples
Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

Upcoming

List of upcoming Friday projects

24 April ~ swapmeet

Back to Top

Home
About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy

Shop for Perfume Online
Perfume Shopping in New York
Perfume Shopping in London
Perfume Reviews
New Perfumes
General Perfume Articles
The Monday Mail

Glossary of Perfume Terms
Perfume FAQ
Perfume Links
Perfume Books
Fragrance Awards

Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
T :: U-Z

Copyright © 2005-2021 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.