• 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 Lucy find a new perfume

Posted by Robin on 29 November 2010 55 Comments

Post boxPost boxPost box

This week we're helping Lucy, who has been looking for her daily signature fragrance for a couple years without success. She says she doesn't know much about perfume, but she lives in a large city with access to a wide range of stores and is also willing to shop online. She'll pay up to $80-100. Here is what we know about Lucy:

I'm a writer, artist, and university instructor in my early thirties, finishing my MFA. I love farmers' markets, roller coasters, thrift store dresses and old jeans, stationery, leather boots, sea salt, contemporary art and craft, smoky black tea, beach hair, Thai sticky rice with mango, ginger molasses cookies, gardening, and road trips in rusty pickup trucks.

Lucy likes citrus and honey notes, but the scents she has tried in this genre (L’Occitane Honey & Lemon, Lush Honey I Washed the Kids, Mrs. Meyers Geranium cleaning products, Fresh Sugar Lychee or Bergamot Citrus) seem to lack depth, complexity and staying power. She also likes smoky campfire, tobacco or tobacco flower notes. In her 20s, she wore Hugo Deep Red and Burberry Brit.

Lucy doesn't like "fluffy-flowery-cookie-foodie, powersuit-knock-you-over-in-the-elevator, patchouli, or named for a celebrity" perfumes.

Fragrances Lucy has tried in her search include...

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb ~ too sticky sweet.

Kenneth Cole for Women ~ too brassy and sharp.

Ineke Field Notes from Paris ~ the closest she has come to finding her ideal, but it was "a bit too aggressive out of the gate and then faded quickly". She was hesitant to pay the $88, but she might go back to it if she doesn't find anything better.

CB I Hate Perfume line ~ she likes the idea and the look of the line, and particularly enjoyed Memory of Kindness and In The Library, but she finds the line too expensive, and can't decide "whether they're what I want to smell like, or just where I want to hang out".

What say you?

Note: image is Post Box by at Living in Monrovia at flickr; some rights reserved.

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: monday mail

Advertisement


55 Comments

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

  1. Joshua says:
    29 November 2010 at 10:01 am

    This is a tough one!

    I can’t think of any which fit all her preferences, but I’d go with Parfums de Nicolai’s New York! – Bitter orange and that gorgeous amber will evoke the warmth of a campfire… it does for me anyway. Definitely fulfills depth and staying power though.

    Log in to Reply
  2. Prudietwoshoes says:
    29 November 2010 at 10:27 am

    I would suggest L’Artisan Tea for Two (smoky tea and honey) or maybe even Hermes L’Eau de Merveilles which has a sea salt note I believe. Good luck!

    Log in to Reply
    • Minnie says:
      29 November 2010 at 11:26 am

      I second both of those and they are both easy to find in a city.

      Log in to Reply
    • Erin says:
      29 November 2010 at 1:47 pm

      I think the Eau de Merveille recommendation is great. This is not one of my personal favorites, but I know a lot of perfume friends who just love it, and it combines the sea salt, the citrus (orange) AND the staying power/complexity in the drydown. It’s available everywhere, too. Nice suggestion, Prudie!

      Log in to Reply
  3. jirish says:
    29 November 2010 at 10:28 am

    Hi, Lucy, I like your taste! For honey I would suggest Chergui. It’s a little above your price point, but really beautiful and worth it. I’d also suggest Botrytis. For smokey, campfire-ish scents (one of my favorite categories) I would suggest Sonoma Scent Studio’s Fireside Intense, which is very realistic. I also love Tauer’s Lonestar Memories, which is a more complex smokey scent with fabulous staying power. I also think you’d like Parfum d’Empire’s Ambre Russe and L’Artisan’s Tea for Two, smokey tea scents with some honey.

    Log in to Reply
    • egabbert says:
      29 November 2010 at 3:09 pm

      I too thought of Sonoma Scent Studio and Andy Tauer right away. AT is probably too expensive, but SSS is a great value — I recommend trying Winter Woods.

      I also thought of Heeley Sel Marin (citrus + sea air).

      Log in to Reply
    • Dixie says:
      29 November 2010 at 8:23 pm

      I agree with Lonestar! The SSS line is worth sampling period.

      Log in to Reply
  4. samantha says:
    29 November 2010 at 10:31 am

    I second Tea for Two! Also, I would suggest trying Bulgari Black, Bulgari Blu II (it has a sea salt element, in my opinion), and Lalique’s Encre Noir.

    Log in to Reply
  5. SensualistGeek says:
    29 November 2010 at 10:58 am

    I second Samantha’s Bvlgari Black – smoke, vanilla, rubber, leather. Beautiful. Or try Serge Lutens Miel de Bois – it divides a lot of people, but to me it’s a really woody, smoky incense and honey skin-scent. Happy smelling!

    Log in to Reply
    • lenika says:
      30 November 2010 at 8:55 am

      I second Miel de Bois – great perfume.

      Log in to Reply
  6. kristinacologne says:
    29 November 2010 at 11:10 am

    Lucy, you have great taste! I recommend trying Tabac Aurea by Sonoma Scent Studio, a gorgous amber-tobacco fragrance which isn’t heavy or sticky at all. And what about Andy Tauers L’Air du desert marocain? Incense, spices, amber and LOTS of smoke.
    I also second the Tea for two by L’Artisan. Have fun!

    Log in to Reply
  7. ami says:
    29 November 2010 at 11:12 am

    it will be hard to find the light summery citrusy aspect together with the heavier tobacco-smoky wintery side. First type is fleeting, the second usually has more staying power.
    based on the description of yourself the following scents came to my mind:
    Hermes – Un jardin sur le Nil
    Ormonde Jayne – Champaca
    Lancome – Cuir de Lancome

    have fun Lucy : D

    Log in to Reply
    • elise says:
      29 November 2010 at 5:00 pm

      and OJ Woman is worth a sniff too!

      Log in to Reply
  8. Zazie says:
    29 November 2010 at 11:15 am

    I really like the things you like! ;)
    L’amoureuse by delRae and Une Rose Chyprèe by Andy Tauer have a nice green-citrusy opening and a honeyed feel. Both are complex and sophisticated, but they are also powerhouses, so you might prefer to dab them on the firts time, to keep them a bit muted!

    I get a honeyed feeling also in the very elegant 31 Rue Cambon, by Chanel.

    Anyway, your likes made me think of the two most iconic perfumes, and possibly the most beautiful of them all: Shalimar by Guerlain and Chanel n° 5 in extrait. Enjoy!
    And good luck for your quest!

    Log in to Reply
  9. dee says:
    29 November 2010 at 11:48 am

    How about CSP Thé? That has a smokey tea note, and a sweetish note that could be honey… and can be had on eBay for about $60!
    You certainly won’t be smelling it on many other people :)

    Log in to Reply
    • Daisy says:
      29 November 2010 at 10:43 pm

      that’s exactly what I was thinking Dee! CSP The ! definitely worth trying….I don’t know really where you can get samples since it’s long discontinued except for emailing ME….at Daisyloo82 AT gmail dot com. It is available for a great price on ebay …but if you like it, you might want to pick up an extra, because when this stuff is gone, it’s really gone ( they just don’t do sandalwood like this anymore!)

      Log in to Reply
      • dee says:
        30 November 2010 at 12:08 am

        Daisy, I was wearing my sample (from you!) yesterday, and really enjoying it. I found a seller in Kuwait who has 10 bottles… *but* today I bought Ambre Fetiche, and Prada L’Eau Ambree, *and* a batch of samples from Luckyscent… so I’m hoping that his stash will last another month or two. :)

        Did I tell you how much I loved Fifi Chachnil? I think I might get the less offensive looking purse spray ;)

        Log in to Reply
        • Daisy says:
          30 November 2010 at 10:20 am

          ahhhhh…Fifi…..good stuff. Yeah, the bottle is…umm….not my favorite. But you know, I make “travel sized” out of most of my FB’s anyhow. I love to buy the biggest bottle available of most things (less per ml, split off the extra…so my friends gain as well) then make myself 10ml sprays that easily toss in the purse! So mostly it doesn’t impact me if the bottle is goofy–they’re all in closed up cabinets anyhow!

          Yes–the seller you spoke of is the only place in our galaxy to still acquire CSP The —that’s where I got mine and it’s fabulous. :-)

          Log in to Reply
        • AnnS says:
          30 November 2010 at 12:28 pm

          Dee: I thought about getting that “less offensive” purse spray too, but then realized it’s not a good price for it. Just bite the bullet and go pink! You can always decant and then give the foofy bottle to some young girl to play with!

          Log in to Reply
          • dee says:
            30 November 2010 at 4:54 pm

            Ach, you’re probably right! I can just picture it inside my cabinet with the pipette taped to the side… lol. ;)

  10. Dawnkana says:
    29 November 2010 at 12:10 pm

    For citrus and honey, my vote goes to Prairie Nymph by Smell Bent. You can order a sample from IndieScents.com

    It’s my favorite cheap thrill and it smells so good!

    Perfume Notes:
    honeyed beeswax, carnation, clementine, and soft musk

    ~Dawn

    Log in to Reply
    • AnnS says:
      29 November 2010 at 12:21 pm

      I’ll second this one! I drained out my large sample in the summer time. It was super fun to wear and very happy.

      Log in to Reply
  11. AnnS says:
    29 November 2010 at 12:21 pm

    Hi Lucy:

    Here are my rec’s to you based on your profile:

    Etro Shaal Nur, which is very smooth, minimally herbal, mostly rose, incense and sandalwood. It is gorgeous, seasonless, and easy to wear for day. The drydown is just amazing. It always reminds me of the hippy soap section of the farmers market, and I think is very boho artsy.

    Somoma Scent Studio Tabac Aurea (for the rich honey woods & unsmoked tobacco), and also agree with the above mention of Fireside Intense. You may also want to try the Winter Woods, Ambre Noire or Incense Pure.

    I think the Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is a very boozy, honey like vanilla, and it is out of your price range, but you could always try a decant.

    Dawn Spencer Hurwitz (DSH) Coeur de Vanille has a wonderful rich honey-immortelle-ish vanilla, cinnamon woods. It is NOT gourmand, but it makes me want to eat my skin, lol. It has that savory, aromatic richness of vanilla, cinnamon, woods, etc. Really gorgeous, and it lasts forever. It is also all “natural” perfumery. A bottle of this is on my short list righ now!

    No honey, but I’ll also rec Diptyque’s Eau Lente, which has a very powdery, woody, incense-y, hippy, “aromatherapy” vibe, and is very easy to wear for day.

    Good luck!

    Log in to Reply
  12. Tama says:
    29 November 2010 at 12:42 pm

    These have been discontinued but can be found on ebay – the MAC Naked Honey and Africanimal perfumes. Naked Honey is bright and summery, with lots of linden-y honey, and Africanimal is the sort of sexier version.

    Also agree with Bulgari Black and Smell Bent Prairie Nymph.

    Log in to Reply
  13. Jill says:
    29 November 2010 at 1:03 pm

    I’ll put in another vote for Tea for Two, and I love FM L’Eau d’Hiver — subtle honey and a great warm/cold scent — good for all seasons, IMO.

    Log in to Reply
    • ami says:
      29 November 2010 at 2:34 pm

      yeeeeah, L’Eau d’Hiver is a great one!

      Log in to Reply
  14. boojum says:
    29 November 2010 at 1:19 pm

    I second nearly everything suggested, and would add to the sampling list ELdO’s Like This.

    Log in to Reply
    • SensualistGeek says:
      29 November 2010 at 1:24 pm

      Oh, YES! Good one. This is currently the love of my life. :-)

      Log in to Reply
      • elise says:
        29 November 2010 at 4:59 pm

        That is MY love as well!!! Yes, try this one!

        Log in to Reply
  15. lilydale aka Natalie says:
    29 November 2010 at 1:26 pm

    Excellent suggestions above… I’ll add Comme des Garcons Series 1 Leaves: Tea to the list, and have you tried Russian Caravan by CB I Hate Perfumes? And as long as you’re trying Tea for Two, you might as well give L’Artisan’s The pour un Ete (light, lemony tea) a shot too.

    Log in to Reply
  16. Dolly2 says:
    29 November 2010 at 1:28 pm

    For smoky I like Czech and Speake, if she is into church type smokiness from incense.

    Log in to Reply
  17. SuddenlyInexplicably says:
    29 November 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Another vote for Tea for Two! Le Labo Patchouli is a great smoky scent, but it is expensive (and hard to imagine wearing it every day)

    For honey, how about Honey and the Moon by Tokyo Milk? I tried it a few days ago at Anthropologie, and it really does smell like honey. I liked it a lot, and it is quite inexpensive (and comes in a tiny bottle).

    Log in to Reply
  18. Kate says:
    29 November 2010 at 3:11 pm

    Andy Tauer’s L’air du desert marocain, which I know busts the budget, but is so gorgeous, and maybe for summer EL Bronze Goddess?

    Log in to Reply
    • elise says:
      29 November 2010 at 4:59 pm

      LdDM came to mind immediately!

      Log in to Reply
  19. cressetma says:
    29 November 2010 at 3:44 pm

    I’d second Eau d’Hiver, and the JCE Hermes scents, but what about Dune for a different parallel on your themes? It was very fashionable, and is now very passe but has a salty intensity you might like, and is (I think) still quite widely distributed.

    Log in to Reply
  20. PetronellaCJ says:
    29 November 2010 at 3:55 pm

    I always second Etro Shaal Nur ;) and adding Ulrich Lang Anvers (very soft) and Donna Karan Black Cashmere (a bit more spicey).

    Log in to Reply
  21. TallulahRose says:
    29 November 2010 at 4:04 pm

    ELd’O’s Divin’ Enfant (check out the whole line);
    Penhaligon’s Sartorial;
    L’Artisan’s Dzing!;
    Comme des Garcons Odeur 71 and Odeur 53
    LesNez’s Let Me Play the Lion (may as well try l’Antimatière too… I love it)

    Log in to Reply
  22. RusticDove says:
    29 November 2010 at 4:48 pm

    There are great suggestions here. I’d like to add Soivohle Purple Love Smoke and Estee Lauder Sensuous [which is easy on the wallet].

    Log in to Reply
  23. elise says:
    29 November 2010 at 4:58 pm

    Have you tried:
    Tauer’s L’Air du Desert Moroc
    Soivohles new one Meerchaum
    and I’ll suggest an off-beat (found on etsy)
    Alkemia Miel de Sauvage et Tabac

    You can never go wrong with Coromandel too!

    Log in to Reply
    • RusticDove says:
      29 November 2010 at 5:06 pm

      Meerschaum is a great suggestion – probably even better than Purple Love Smoke!

      Log in to Reply
    • SensualistGeek says:
      29 November 2010 at 5:53 pm

      The magic word: Coromandel. Be still my heart… (though Lucy might not like the dirty patchouli opening)

      And how exciting are the 75ml releases next year?!

      Log in to Reply
  24. CM says:
    29 November 2010 at 5:36 pm

    Try By Kilian Back to Black. I realize it’s outside of the price range, but you might really like it. I found it incredibally long lasting with prominent honey-tobacco notes, esp. in the dry down. A decant might just fit the bill!

    Log in to Reply
  25. mough says:
    29 November 2010 at 6:02 pm

    I would also say thumbs up to “L’Air Du Desert Marocain” as it IS my SOTD and I also thought of Jardin Sur le Nil.
    Also, it’s way pricey, but for honey, and something smokey I can NOT say enough raving things about Kurkdjian’s Alsolue Pour Le Soir. She could try the earlier, less colossal version, which has a great honey feel to it. Like powdered horse dust and honey.
    AND, another personal fav, which is SO reasonably priced and easy to find is the fabulous Habanita by Molinard. Smokey, leathery, little bit of rose, vanilla-vetiver mix. She MUST try it! Major bang for the buck, there, IMHO.

    Log in to Reply
  26. kaos.geo says:
    29 November 2010 at 6:20 pm

    I strongly recommend Blu Mediterraneo’s Arancia Di Capri (a line from Acqua di Parma..
    It lists “caramel” as one of the notes, but for me it evokes honey.

    http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P163801

    There/s the sephora link (Robin please delete if the link is inapropriate, I never remember if it is or not)

    Log in to Reply
  27. Dixie says:
    29 November 2010 at 8:27 pm

    L’Artisan Bois Farine for a bit of smokiness. Dzing for leather and just uniqueness. Sensuous is just a great everyday scent.

    Log in to Reply
  28. jo says:
    29 November 2010 at 9:18 pm

    Czech & Speake used to have a very inexpensive sample offer. If it is still available, I would strongly recommend trying these. I concur with the Sonoma Scent Studio recommendations–they are great!!!

    Log in to Reply
  29. TallulahRose says:
    30 November 2010 at 2:54 am

    Also try Noel au Balcon by Etat Libre d’Orange…

    Log in to Reply
  30. Tortola says:
    30 November 2010 at 4:58 am

    Hi Lucy,
    I’m rather late here but I’d just like to add Serge Lutens 5 o’clcok Au Gingembre. It’s at the top end of you budget but has most of the notes you like i.e. ginger, honey, smoky tea and a lemon citrusy opening. It also has the depth you’re looking for.

    For some reason I’m also thinking Diorella; it’s a citrus chypre with brains that is defo signature scent material and can be found relatively cheap on ebay (in the UK anyway). Otherwise ditto Bulgari Black.

    Log in to Reply
  31. hongkongmom says:
    30 November 2010 at 5:18 am

    sicily…soir de lune

    Log in to Reply
  32. Mary says:
    30 November 2010 at 12:57 pm

    Has any of you ever tried Pioggia Salata; http://www.ilprofumoshop.com
    it is aeau de parfum haute concentration. you could layer it whit something else or use alone,
    Bulgari black is also one of my favourites

    Log in to Reply
  33. raluca says:
    1 December 2010 at 8:03 am

    Santa maria novella – Tobaco toscano
    Balenciaga – Paris
    Hermes – Un jardin sur le Nile
    Annick Goutal – Ninfeo Mio
    Cristiane Celle Calypso – Marine

    Log in to Reply
  34. mayk says:
    2 December 2010 at 1:42 pm

    Tea for Two or Havana Vanille from L’Artisan.

    Log in to Reply
    • mayk says:
      2 December 2010 at 1:43 pm

      posted before I could add
      Daim Blond – SL

      Log in to Reply
  35. Cybele says:
    5 December 2010 at 7:52 pm

    Cologne Pour Le Soir -Maison Francis Kurkdjian
    Cristalle EDP – Chanel

    Log in to Reply
  36. bluenote says:
    5 December 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Fresh Tobacco Flower is also very similar in note structure to your Ineke. Would also would recommend Bulgari Black

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement


Luckyscent

Search

Browse by…

Topic

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

Date

December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 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

  • "Jo Loves adopts refillable technology for Fragrance Paintbrush" (cosmeticsbusiness) https://t.co/sn2tZ1cguT,
  • @robini71 And my favorite honeysuckle is also limited edition -- Goutal Le Chevrefeuille. They do bring it back eve… https://t.co/MFGwHJK0Ji,
  • "Juliette Has a Gun Gets Minority Backing" (wwd via aol) https://t.co/7EdL3TyXKO,
  • @MrsCollins1787 Good, hope you love it!,

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

TBA April ~ freebiemeet

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.