Today we're helping Rochelle, who has loved perfume since she was 12 (she started with Love's Baby Soft). She is a creature of habit and doesn't like change, and she wants to find a perfect signature scent — sexy, warm, original, feminine and sophisticated — for around $150 or less.
Here is what we know about Rochelle:
She's in her early 30s and lives in Minnesota.
She's an avid gardener, and she keeps Aarabian jasmines, English roses, and geraniums on her balcony.
She's not a risk taker, and she likes to keep a low profile. She likes to make a statement in an understated way (a red scarf with a classic outfit or a one-of-a-kind silver vintage box purse with a little black dress).
She prefers Steinbeck over Stephanie Meyer and Time over Vogue.
Rochelle likes florals, including rose, tuberose and jasmine. She wore Michael Kors For Women for a few years but her husband says it makes her smell like an old lady. Now she wears Valentino Rock n' Rose. She finds the opening sharp, but then it mellows. She gets compliments on it, but she'd like to find something more sophisticated.
Rochelle does not like fruit, citrus, orientals, patchouli, or heavy musk.
Here are some of the fragrances Rochelle has tried:
Thierry Mugler Angel: no.
Chanel: the line does not work for her.
Vera Wang: the Vera Wang perfumes change on her too much.
Tocca Cleopatra: she owns this, but it is way too heavy.
Lancome Hypnose: she owns this as well, but it is too powdery.
Paris Hilton Can Can: she likes the opening but then it turns too sweet.
Alyssa Ashley Musk: too musky.
Lolita Lempicka Forbidden Flower: she likes it, but there's something missing.
Christian Dior J'adore: too assertive and busy, reminds her of insect repellent.
L'Artisan Drole De Rose: too light and not enough rose, not what she was expecting.
Creed Fleurs de Bulgarie: starts as a beautiful rose scent, but then turns sour and dusty and sickening.
Creed Tubereuse Indiana: her favorite of what she's tried lately, it stays true on the skin, not too soft and not too strong. If there was a bit more rose and a bit less tuberose it would be perfect.
What say you?
Note: image is Richmond Green by Mike_fleming at flickr; some rights reserved.
It seems I’m always recommending it, but once again, I think Mythique would be perfect.
I was thinking Parfums DelRae also…except my idea was for the new Coup de Foudre which is a lovely and fresh rose that is sort of a classic rose done in a modern style. You may also like the Divine line which is done by the same perfumer as CdF. Of the Divine feminines, the one I like is L’Inspiratrice, but there are others in the line that are quite beautiful.
Oops, forgot also to include Parfums de Nicolai–my favorite is Le Temps d’une Fete which is a heartbreakingly beautiful narcissus fragrance. Others in the line are also bottle worthy, and the price is really great for the 30ml size.
Seconding Le Temps.
I absolutely *adore* Le Temps d’une Fete – it’s one of a handful of Never Be Without It scents for me.
But as an avowed patchophobe, I have to point out that there is noticeable patchouli in there. It doesn’t bother me at all – it’s very green and herbal, instead of the dusty-dirty stuff that I dislike, so it may be fine for Rochelle.
Along with Temps dF, what about Chamade?
Oh, yes. Great suggestion.
I was going to say Chamade too! And of course a lot of people say that Chamade and Temps are quite similar, with Temps having the hay-like note (is that the patch?).
Nope! Narcissus.
The Divine line is an excellent idea. Also try L’ame Soeur (my fave) and Divine. The latter might be too tuberose for you, but I feel like it’s a little more abstract than soliflore. And it’s so luscious. It used to be my opera scent.
ahhhhhhhh love divine too Miss Kitty!
Divine is very elegant!
How about Parfum D’Empire 3 Fleurs. It focuses specifically on the 3 notes you like (Rose, Tuberose, and Jasmine).
Exactly what I was thinking! Very floral, ladylike, soft.
My first thought, too!
me too!
yes, me four…or is it five? anyhow, good recommendation.
PdE Eau Suave might be worth a try, too.
I adore PdE Eau Suave but perhaps too much spiced nectar in those roses for her taste, plus it has the fabulous oakmoss drydown.
But Rochelle, do try and explore different kinds of scents, you may find a new love or something else that you didn’t think would work for you, and it now does you know? 🙂 Have fun!
I’ve never gotten anything at all spiced from Eau Suave– that’s really weird. I’ll have to try it again, it’s been a while. I just get sort of a prim English rose, and not much else. Funny, though… time goes by and you re-try something and it smells completely different (or not nearly as appealing) as it did when you last smelled it.
Exactly! Exactly! I commented below before reading through.
I’m starting to want some 3 Fleurs myself every time it comes up in a comment thread!
Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia might work. Or L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons.
For rose, how about Guerlain Nahéma? Or Chant d’Aròmes for a light floral.
Oh and for lovely green, light and modern jasmine, you might want to consider Robert Piguet Futur. It’s very pretty.
Have to second both the Tuberose Gardenia and Nahema. The former is gorgeously refined, the latter voluptuous and slightly unexpected. Good luck!
Rochelle, you might try to sample J’Adore L’Absolu (I see sample vials on ebay occasionally, and the bottle is available for about $75 at online discounters). I too dislike the original’s bug-spray sharpness, but L’Absolu is lovely and much softer. It also adds a touch of tuberose not in the original.
And there’s a new one out, exclusive to Nordstrom – J’Adore L’Or – supposed to have more concentrated jasmine/rose.
A GORGEOUS jasmine – By Kilian Love and Tears – you can get the refill for $125.
I was thinking the Parfums de Rosine line. It’s pretty diverse, so there should be one rose in there. I think someone suggested Coup de Foudre earlier, and while I like it, I feel like Rosine’s Une Zeste de Rose is a brighter, clearer version of the same theme. (And if you don’t like citrus, you might not like either one, although they’re more a vibrant, juicy rose than outright citrus-y.) I know you didn’t like Drole de Rose, but maybe L’Artisan Voleur de Roses or Saffran Troublant. The Juliet Has a Gun line might be too much patchouli and musk and God knows what else for you, but if you’re feeling brave and you do like rose, they’re worth a try. BK’s Liaisons Dangereuse is a nice, jammy rose. (Yes, the price is ridiculous, but you can get the travel refills for a song.) Lastly, even though I am the only person on the planet who likes it, for jasmine you might like Lanvin Rumeur. (I’ve actually got an extra bottle, if you want it. 🙂 You can always message me at MUA.)
I’m a patch-phobe, but JHaG Citizen Queen works for me… definitely worth a try. And the PdR line… maybe Ecume de Rose? Also second your Eau Suave reco above.
Also try the first Salvadore Dali fragrance. I think it’s a big, gorgeous floral, but some consider it a chypre. It’s super cheap at the discounters, and worth trying.
Yes on the Parfums de Rosine, she should try a sampler set.
Hello Rochelle- Heeley Ophelia is Italian orange, green floral notes, jasmine, ylang-ylang, tuberose, moss and white musk. Soft, unassuming, and gentle.
You might want to try Ce Soir Ou Jamais by Annick Goutal, if you like rose. I’ve never smelled a purer, more delicate rose. I also find it quite linear, so if you don’t like your perfumes shifting on you very much, it just might be for you. Personally, I find it far too floral for my tastes, but then I’m a woody aromatics and heavy oriental type of girl. 🙂 If you’d like a sample of Ce Soir Ou Jamais, feel free to message me and I’ll see what I can do.
Oh, and I forgot to add:
You should also try Guerlain’s new Idylle. It’s a surprisingly beautiful floral, light but lingering. Even though I generally dislike florals, I can’t help but be drawn back to it again and again.
(Sorry for replying to my own comment! *doh*)
I reply to my own comments all the time. 🙂 Sometimes multiple times.
Paris by YSL
For a pretty, honeyed true rose, SL Sa Majeste la Rose would be a nice one. If it weren’t outside the price range, I’d say Amouage Lyric would be perfect…maybe a decant? Other random thoughts: Nuit de Tuberose, Guerlain AA Tiare Mimosa, AG Le Chevrefeuille, Kai, or Child.
How about Carnal Flower from Frederic Malle? It’s a wonderful refined tuberose scent, green and yet warm, that can be anything; elegant, sexy, confident, playful, all depending on your skin, I adore it.
Good luck, Rochelle!
Boo~ SL SaMR is gorgeous!
True , bright dew-dropped roses with honeyed petals that linger on your skin and breathe like a garden come to life-How could I forget?! Excellent! And it can had for a good price, hhmmm now I want some..ha. 😛
Eau Suave…I think you’d like it though it may lean a little toward the strong, old-fashioned side; when you say Tuberose, everyone says “Carnal Flower! Fracas!” If you haven’t sniffed them, definitely worth a try. How about L’Artisan Nuit de Tuberose?
And I’m just going to throw out Etat Libre “Like This” because I think it is very neat, something different that you might like.
For Roses, test out the Montale line, esp Damascus. The aoud might throw you off though, and I hesitate to suggest Amouage Lyric because you will fall in love with it and it is outside of price range! 🙂
Have you tried any ambers? I’m thinking a floral amber might work for you…anyone?
Aoud Damascus is beautiful, uncomplicated rose and no aoud at all on me. Perfect to go scent. I also really like Montale Taif Roses. and for something special you can try Ormonde Jayne Taif.
Hi Rochelle,
Here is my list to sample for you:
Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au The Vert: Notes: bergamot, orange blossom, cardamom, coriander, pepper, rose, jasmine, green tea, oakmoss, tonka bean, and beeswax.
Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan: Notes: tea, orange, freesia, osmanthus and apricot. A very suprising light but lasting fragrance.
Please do revisit the Dior counter- they still have out Dior ‘J’Adore L’Eau’ edp – It is described as sheer, light and soft. Notes: the magnificent white magnolia flower surrounded by top notes of Calabrian bergamot and citrus, rose mid-notes and gardenia base notes.
I also agree with the EL Tuberose Gardenia – very beautiful. Beware the sillage and although this may be too heavy a hitter for you also please sniff Robert Piguet Fracas: Notes: Tuberose, Jasmine, Jonquil, Gardenia, Lily of the Valley, White Iris, Orange, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk You may love it as an evening fragrance!
I highly recommend sampling:
– Parfums d’Empire 3 Fleurs (or possibly Eau Suave)
– Guerlain Idylle (edp or edt)
– I Profumi di Firenze – Caterina de’ Medici
All beautiful, dewy florals.
I Profumi di Firenze is such a wonderful line
I think Valentino Rock n Rose is nice. though it’s not very strong and fades rather quickly.
and that is the first time I’ve EVER heard J’adore being compared to insect repellant 😮 my couins’ sister in law wears J’adore.
hmm, try the Prada line Rochelle, they have a tuberose scent, Infusion de Tuberose or something I think it’s called. Prada perfumes are nice, in a quiet way, they’re not too assertive but they don’t make a statement of any kind :/ but I do recommend you try them. 🙂
I read somewhere that there is a J’adore le jasmin. but that might not help since you don’t like J’adore. though I’d never heard of it, let alone tried it. :/ it might not even exist :S
they’re the only things that sprang to mind.
How about Amouage Gold A GORGEOUS Floral a decant maybe.., or a bottle of Parfums DelRae Amoureuse…Maybe Robert Piguet Fracas…buttery Tuberose also try Ormmonde Jayne Ta’if for a dewy red spicy Rose.
sorry..! I mispelled Ormonde Jayne.
Maybe
Histoires de Parfums Tubereuse 3 Animale- soft cuddly tuberose with honeyed tobacco
i Profumi di Firenze Miele Rosa- realistic honeyed rose
Cologne pour le Soir- cuddly rose with vanilla, honey, and soft incense
Hermès Hiris- lovely iris with touches of hay and rose
Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey
or J’adore L’eau, sweet magnolia that’s bright without citrus
Saffran Troublant came to my mind right away,I see other have mentioned it also so maybe worth a try? 🙂
How about Montale’s Aoud Roses Petals? It’s got roses, geranium, amber and oud.
My second rec would be Montale’s Aoud Queen Roses, rose is more front and center.
Hi Rochelle! For a good rose scent I think Kelly Caleche EDP is beautiful & elegant w/o being fussy. It works very well with the fall season. Also the original Stella by Stella McCartney is a good one. I enjoy it very much and it never fails to draw a compliment from others when I wear it. For a rose scent with hint of berries Bvlgari Rose Essentielle fits the bill.
For some reason I have Cacharel’s fragrances on my mind and I’m thinking of Anais Anais for Rochelle.
Frederic Malle-Une Rosee
Frederic Malle-Lipstick Rose
Sonoma Scent Studio- Cameo (rose)
Sonoma Scent Studio – Jour Ensoleille
Stella (woodsy rose)
Guerlain Apres L’Ondee
Tiempe Passate by Antonia’s Flowers
Salty rose. Not musky. Not gourmand. Different. And it lasts.
I’m a Steinbeck, red-scarf gardener in my 30s……I like florals, too, and ones that don’t take over the whole room for me are:
Brulure de Rose from Parfumerie Generale
Definitely Guerlain Apres L’Ondee, or maybe Champs-Elysees
Ineke Balmy Days and Sundays, or Chemical Bonding
Parfums d’Rosine Rose D’Ete
For mainstream perfumes, I think Flowerbomb might work nicely.
As some above have mentioned, Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia is an absolutely beautiful floral scent, with the gardenia predominating. Amouage Lyric Woman (though out of the price range) is a gorgeous, deep, dark sophisticated rose scent with great longevity and amazing development. But here is one that has not been mentioned yet, and it is a very lovely delicate floral scent and is within the price range, with good longevity and nice development – Juliette by Juliette Stewart. It would be a beautiful signature scent. Searching for something special is like a treasure hunt. Have fun.
lanvins arpege, estee lauder tuberose gardenia, tiempe passate antonios flowers , love chloe and balenciaga paris
I would second the recommendation of Stella by Stella McCartney and add a strong rec for Lierre Rose by Parfums 06130. It’s a lovely green floral that might appeal to the avid gardener and tick the boxes of “sexy, warm, original, feminine and sophisticated”.
Someone else mentioned L’Inspiratrice by Divine. While I love, love, love this fragrance, I think this dark, sweet honey, rose might make a louder statement than what Rochelle is looking for (especially with the patchouli note.)
Rochelle, I have a few suggestions for you…
First off, Andy Tauer’s Une Rose Vermeille, which is gorgeous and unusually beautiful. I’ve just discovered it this week, and can’t stop smelling it… roses and raspberries, without ever veering off into gourmand territory.
Next, I would suggest Serge Lutens — Bas de Soie. It has iris softened with hyacinth, and is cashmere luxe.
Since you love rose, why not also try Sa Majesté La Rose: truly a regal rose, probably the most true and perfect rose I have ever smelled.
Lutens’ Nuits de Cellophane is an effortless signature scent… osmanthus balanced with a lovely warmth.
I’d also suggest trying a few more traditional scents on for size… The perfumes of Jean Patou, in my opinion at least, are far more beautiful than those of Chanel, which have never worked for me. I’d therefore suggest Jean Patou 1000 as a very traditional floral (the epitome of traditional florals), as well as Joy.
Next, Teo Cabanal Alahine. On my skin, it doesn’t last long, but is incredibly beautiful. It is warm, sophisticated and sexy, and the first perfume I thought after reading your description.
Have fun searching for a scent!
I love love love Alahine! It is strongly ambery behind the rich florals, which is why I didn’t suggest it – it’s very much a floral oriental IMO and I get at least 6 hours’ wear out of it (most edps last about 4 hours on my skin). But it is unusual and sophisticated, Rochelle, and it may grow on you, so do try it if you can.
I find Alahine so well blended that I don’t smell it as “ambery” per se, but “warm”… Body chemistry plays such a key role in how a fragrance smells, that I find it just has to be tried on skin.
If you want a sexy and warm fragrance, you are going to have to have some sort of ambery, musky or perhaps woody, basenotes. My interpretation of Rochelle’s description is that she doesn’t want something that is strongly identified as an amber or musk fragrance, but there has to be something to make it warm…
Annick Goutal’s Songes is also a very lovely jasmine floral.
I love a rose scent myself. Some you might enjoy are Bulgari’s Rose Essentialle, YSL’s Parisienne (rose and violet – I get the former more than the latter but that’s not the majority opinion), Stella and Stella Nude, and Jon Malone’s Red Roses (which is delightful mixed with her French Lime blossom, incidently). Jo Malones Jasmine and Honeysuckle is also a beautiful floral. Have fun sniffing!
Seconding L’Artisan Safran Troublant and Goutal Ce Soir Ou Jamais and Songes.
In general, I’d recommend browsing the L’Artisan, Goutal, Parfums de Rosine and Jo Malone lines. No “old lady” florals there, and those brands tend not to have the loud openings of many departments store scents, and the florals in the lines all have a very feminine feel.
For someone who finds Tocca overwhelming, I’d be careful with Carnal Flower and Fracas. Do try–one never knows–but with a light hand please, and knowing you might have to take a few deep breaths in the opening…
Try Cabaret by Gres! I think if you have geraniums in your garden, you’ll love it 🙂
I think you are a Prada girl. Both L’Eau Ambree and Infusion D’Iris are worthy of your attention, choose your favourite. They are both subtle and elegant and absolutely meet the brief of “sexy, warm, original, feminine and sophisticated — for around $150 or less.” Both are delightfully wearable and while my collection includes beloved classics and sillage monsters, I wear the Pradas again and again.
Hi Everyone!
To Robin and all who replied, THANK YOU! I appreciate everyone’s comments and input. I mentioned to Robin that as much as I love perfumes I’m beginning to see how much of a “newbie” I am. I’ve got a notebook next to me, jotting down everyone’s suggestions and I can’t wait to start testing. Thank you all for all your knowledge and sharing your love of perfumes.
Best Wishes to All, Rochelle
Estee Lauder Tuberose Gardenia
Hermes Vanille Galante
Edition Frederic Malle Fleur de Cassie
Edition Frederic Malle Lys Mediteranee
Juicy Couture Juicy Couture
Donna Karan Gold
Givenchy Le Du