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The Monday Mail ~ help Melissa find a new perfume

Posted by Robin on 28 February 2011 139 Comments

Kildale Post Box

Melissa is looking for the perfect "beach at night" fragrance. It should call up the beaches in Southwest Florida where she lives: "warm, salty, sandy, with a wash of tropical white flowers". Ideally, it would cost under $100 but she'll go higher for something wonderful if she has to. Oh, and she loves online shopping.

Here is what we know about Melissa:

She's in her early 40s and says her personality can best be summed up with the word "sarcastic."

She likes to read and she likes to sleep; she says if she wrote her autobiography, she'd call it "Wasted Potential."

Melissa loves dining out, shopping, drinks with friends, and wasting countless hours on the internet.

Melissa likes warmer scents, like orientals and florientals. Her floral preferences lean heavily to white flowers and/or anything tropical. The only signature scent she ever wore was Cher's Uninhibited, but that was a long time ago and she doesn't know if she'd still like it today.

Melissa doesn't like scents that are too fresh or green or bright. Please, nothing aquatic or ozonic, no roses or lilies, and nothing too powdery.

Here are a few of the fragrances she has tried so far:

Annick Goutal Songes: very close to what she wants ("just the right balance of sweet and murky") but lacking the salt and sand.

L de Lolita Lempicka: another near miss; not enough white floral.

CB I Hate Perfume Mr. Hulot's Holiday: again, lacking the white floral. Also too masculine, so she gave it to her husband.

Prada: she likes it in the cold, but it's too much for Florida weather.

Tocca Cleopatra: she likes that it's soft and spicy, but it's better for cool weather and has poor lasting power.

Tocca Florence: a lovely spring scent with no lasting power.

Annick Goutal Grand Amour: "smelled like a funeral parlor".

Dior Hypnotic Poison: "root beer".

L'Instant de Guerlain: reminded her of her grandmother. Melissa says she had excellent taste in perfume but she doesn't want to smell like her.

Armani Code: "scrubber".

What say you?

Note: top image is Kildale Post Box by deargdoom57 at flickr; some rights reserved.

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: monday mail

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139 Comments

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  1. Alice says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:26 am

    What about Folavril by Annick Goutal? I can smell some ‘beachiness’ in it!

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    • Alice says:
      28 February 2011 at 11:29 am

      Also, the price point is right. And has that white floral in there…. :-)

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 1:56 pm

      I love it for the name alone. :)

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      • breathesgelatin says:
        28 February 2011 at 2:31 pm

        I’ve only tried Bronze Goddess, not Azuree Soleil, but my understanding is that they’re quite close. I love BG.

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  2. mayk says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:29 am

    Azuree Soleil?

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 1:51 pm

      This one sounds like it could be perfect, but it’s discontinued. Any idea how it compares to Bronze Goddess?

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      • breathesgelatin says:
        28 February 2011 at 2:32 pm

        er, whoops, replied to wrong comment. see above! :)

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        • bowbat says:
          28 February 2011 at 2:39 pm

          HA! Got it. Thank you!

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      • mayk says:
        28 February 2011 at 4:09 pm

        they are very VERY similar – but I still think Azuree Soleil is the better choice. More florals – no citrus or hint of anything besides tropical beachy goodness.

        I think it would be worth stalking eBay.

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  3. sneaky pie says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:40 am

    Hi Melissa,

    I don’t know about beachy frags, but I would like to recommend Jayne Ormonde Champaca, which is a spicy floral, has some real depth, and it is, to my nose, undeniably white as well.

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    • elise says:
      28 February 2011 at 12:59 pm

      OJ Fragipani might work as well!

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      • bowbat says:
        28 February 2011 at 2:02 pm

        These both sound lovely. Anyone know where I can get a sample? Lucky Scent doesn’t seem to carry the line.

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        • egabbert says:
          28 February 2011 at 2:15 pm

          You could get one from the Perfumed Court. Ormond Jayne also sells a discovery set of samples of the whole line, I believe.

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          • bowbat says:
            28 February 2011 at 2:36 pm

            Thank you!!

  4. boojum says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:41 am

    The closest I can think of would be MH Fleurs de Sel, though the floral isn’t very prominent, at least on me. Maybe it could be layered with a white floral, though it would probably need to be a rather sheer one.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:20 pm

      Oh, that does sound good and salty, doesn’t it? Thank you!

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    • lemonprint says:
      28 February 2011 at 5:00 pm

      I love Fleurs de Sel and would recommend it as well.

      Let me also give you a less expensive options (perhaps IN ADDITION to FdS? :-):

      J Lo’s Deseo. I think this is very beachy and underrated for an inexpensive mass-production perfume (you can often pick it up at TJ Maxx. And I think it’s worth it.) I reach for this in the summer when I want to smell light and “beachy”. :-)

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  5. HemlockSillage says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:44 am

    Manoumalia and Amaranthine immediately come to mind. Very heady, tropical. Lovely. I finally bought Amaranthine as a scent memory of my time in Hawaii. They are polarizing scents, and people seem to love or hate them, so sample first.

    Another thought would be Safron James’ fragrances. They are heady white florals inspired by Hawaiian culture. A bit sweet for my taste, but wonderfully lush. Gotta commend the small bottle sizes that are available. I don’t get the salty beach note you mention in those, but I’ve only sampled Nani and Lei’a (sp?). Best wishes on your hunt. Be well.

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    • HemlockSillage says:
      28 February 2011 at 11:49 am

      Oops! One other thought: Hermes’ Eau des Merveilles would be beachy and salty…but not so floral. Hope one of our recommendations is your HG!

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      • Haunani says:
        28 February 2011 at 12:57 pm

        Or the new flanker, Eau Claire de Merveilles. It has a milky-white sweetness along with the orange and salt. Love it!

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        • Fuddy Duddy 101 says:
          28 February 2011 at 1:33 pm

          These came to my mind right away also. And actually as Robin recommends on her review – the 2 of these layered together is a great combo! They are not exactly in the preferred price range but decants are a possibility!

          I also agree with Tamara about EL’s Bronze Goddess and I havent smelled it yet but the new EL flanker for Bronze Godess might be a must try for you as well.

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      • bowbat says:
        28 February 2011 at 1:57 pm

        I actually tried Eau des Merveilles once, and it landed a bit soapy on me. I’ll need to check out if Eau des Claire or a combo of the two works better.

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    • ami says:
      28 February 2011 at 11:59 am

      Amaranthine and OJ Frangipani came to my mind too, though no sand or salt, so go to the beach Melissa, swim first, then apply : D

      you seem to be a lovely personality, based on your description, total like : )

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      • Fuddy Duddy 101 says:
        28 February 2011 at 1:35 pm

        Hi Ami, I am very pleased to find an almost scent twin! :-)

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        • ami says:
          28 February 2011 at 1:54 pm

          hi Fuddy Duddy,
          wow, you remembered my comment :)
          I tend to think (or hope) that perfumes makes my brain work better and help to remember. at least where I can find which perfume
          : DDD

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      • bowbat says:
        28 February 2011 at 1:59 pm

        Or maybe I could just squirt some of my saline nasal spray over top. ;) I kid! I kid!

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        • ami says:
          28 February 2011 at 2:21 pm

          do not kid, explore : )

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:07 pm

      I put Manoumalia and Amaranthine on my “to sample” list. Off to research Saffron James. Thanks!

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  6. Absolute Scentualist says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:45 am

    Hi Melissa. I thought of Chantecaille Frangipane, Ormonde Jayne Frangipani or if you want a really luxe white floral, Fracas? Also Montale Intense Tiare is nice. There is some rose, but it definitely plays second fiddle to the tiare and coconut. Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s original Tiare is like beach in a bottle and I’ve seen it for around $50 or less on Ebay. If you want an inexpensive guilty pleasure beach scent, G from the Harajuku Lovers line smells really beachy to me as well.

    Good luck and happy sniffing.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:09 pm

      Great ideas! Thanks.

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  7. Lexy says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:47 am

    Beige, Chanel 19, Bois de Iles… I know, a bit over the budget, but they started doing 50 or 75 ml…

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    • Haunani says:
      28 February 2011 at 12:57 pm

      I second Beige for its sheer beauty and excellent frangipani note.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:14 pm

      These all sound worth a sniff. Thank you!

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  8. Dawnkana says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:50 am

    I would like a perfume like that too.

    Suggesting Les Nez Manoumalia. It may not have the salt you are seeking but it is the most intoxicating blend of the lush white flowers mixed with earth. It does have a vetiver which on me can be a bit salty and earthy. Worth a sample.

    And, I know you do not want anything green but…. but… but… Have you tried Estee Lauder’s Jasmine White Moss? It’s a salty jasmine on my skin but it’s lack the warmth. It has a coolness to it but I love that salty jasmine scent that it dries down to.

    ~D

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:15 pm

      I’m a sucker for all things jasmine, so it’s worth a shot. Thanks!

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  9. Zazie says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:52 am

    “warm, salty, sandy, with a wash of tropical white flowers”… sounds wonderful!
    The fragrance that IMO comes closer:
    Bond Fire Island;it’s a beachy/sandy/salty white floral.

    But, I’ll venture providing other suggestions too…
    * Frederic Malle Carnal Flower – one of the most wonderful white flowers on the market, a bit green, but I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s more everglades than miami beach, but a must try!
    *By Kilian Beyond love: a whiff of paradise (again a bit greener and less salty than what you might be looking for).
    * Montale Intense Tiaré: thats the best beach scent I know. Coconut, lots of coconut, white flowers, and the most beautifully textured vanilla drydown.
    * Why not some good jasmine scent? A la nuit, by Serge Lutens, or By Kilian Love and Tears. I see them do wonders on the beach, when the night falls down…

    Good luck!

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    • Haunani says:
      28 February 2011 at 12:59 pm

      Bond Fire Island is the first one that came to my mind, too. Jasmine and BEACH! May be a bit over budget, but eBay or decant a possibility.

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      • mals86 says:
        28 February 2011 at 1:49 pm

        Fire Island is what came to my mind, too. Or Bobbi Brown Beach.

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        • wilz says:
          28 February 2011 at 9:45 pm

          I forth Bond No 9 Fire Island. The only one that comes to mind.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:18 pm

      I’ve been meaning to try both Fire Island and Bobbi Brown’s Beach, but was concerned about some reviews labeling them “suntan lotion.” I need to smell for myself. The other suggestions all sound up my alley — I actually already had A La Nuit on my mental “to try” list, because I love jasmine so.

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      • CM says:
        28 February 2011 at 2:49 pm

        I second Bobbi Brown Beach -I really like it. It’s jasmine – but not too much. Salty but not aquatic, and light enough for hot summer nights. It doesn’t read as ‘suntan lotion’ at all to me. Enjoy!

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      • Haunani says:
        28 February 2011 at 4:26 pm

        Fire Island does smell like fancy suntan lotion, so you might not like it. Still could be worth a sniff for the white florals and beachy “feel.”

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  10. mayk says:
    28 February 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Also – steal the CB I Hate Perfume – Mr.Hulots Holiday back from your hubs and wear it with a spritz of Penhaligon’s Gardenia

    one of my favorite combos…

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:18 pm

      Brilliant idea! Thanks.

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  11. Tamara says:
    28 February 2011 at 12:12 pm

    No one has mentioned EL Bronze Goddess.
    This scent totally evokes a day after being at the beach, winding down, your skin is perfumed in suntan lotion, vetiver and coconut, it smells like the nighttime after you’ve been frolicking in the waves and laying out in the sun…I love it.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 1:54 pm

      I think the only reason I’ve never tried this one is because I’m too embarrassed to march my pale ass up to the counter and ask to smell Bronze Goddess. ;)

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      • Tamara says:
        28 February 2011 at 3:34 pm

        Well do you try it! Pale ass and all! lol ;)
        You’ll probably love it and it’s great because it’s cheap enough that you could perhaps buy something else that floats your boat as well….

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  12. austenfan says:
    28 February 2011 at 12:18 pm

    I can’t think of anything tropical and salty. The tropical one I would recommend that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Fleurs des Comores by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier. L.Turin calls it Vanilia II. It’s much more floral than Vanilia; I like both but prefer the MPG.
    A lovely tuberose is Vamp à New York by Honoré des Prés. It isn’t very salty.
    A very salty fragrance that isn’t at all floral might be Virgilio by Diptyque.
    I do hope you find your ultimate beach fragrance.
    Your description of yourself made me smile. I like it when someone can mock him/ herself.

    Good Luck!

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:23 pm

      Okay, I just had to look all those up, because I had never heard of them. They all sound fabulous! OMG, I’m going to be up to my eyeballs in perfume samples.

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  13. lilydale aka Natalie says:
    28 February 2011 at 12:27 pm

    I don’t have any great suggestions — the best I can come up with is to layer TDC Sel de Vetiver with a white floral (Manoumalia, Montale Jasmin Full, SL A la Nuit, SL Datura Noir, etc.) — but I just wanted to say that the title “Wasted Potential” is priceless! I’m working on “Squandered Talents” myself…

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:25 pm

      Ahhh… a kindred spirit. Come over to my house and we can lay on the couch and do nothing.

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        28 February 2011 at 10:04 pm

        LOL!!!
        Seriously! I wasn’t gonna comment because I don’t have any suggestions, but you’re cracking me up!

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  14. bowbat says:
    28 February 2011 at 12:30 pm

    I’m the Melissa in question. Just want to pop in and say holy cats, you guys are AWESOME!! Such wonderful suggestions here, I’m going to be going nuts ordering samples. So I thank you. And my husband hates you. ;)

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    • ami says:
      28 February 2011 at 12:35 pm

      hehe, everybody’s husband hates us all
      tell him if he continues to hate us we will only suggest Amouages and By Kilian’s…

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      • ami says:
        28 February 2011 at 12:35 pm

        and rare vintage….

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        • Haunani says:
          28 February 2011 at 1:00 pm

          Ha ha!

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  15. Filomena says:
    28 February 2011 at 12:52 pm

    What about Sogni del Mare by Antonia’s Flowers. Very beachy and summery.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:27 pm

      Thank you — I’ll check it out.

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      • Filomena says:
        28 February 2011 at 3:03 pm

        I thought of another one also–Brezza di Mare by i Profumi di Firenze. That one as well as the Sogni del Mare have that salty sea fragrance.

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        • bowbat says:
          28 February 2011 at 3:34 pm

          Nice! Thanks again.

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  16. Suzy Q says:
    28 February 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Everyone has already covered my suggestions. I just wanted to say: I enjoyed your profile. I’d like to be your friend, Melissa. What a nut! Lol.

    Log in to Reply
    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:28 pm

      You’re my new best friend, Suzy Q. ;)

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      • ami says:
        28 February 2011 at 2:36 pm

        give me an application form too : DDDD

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        • bowbat says:
          28 February 2011 at 2:38 pm

          HA! If my IRL friends were on here, they’d probably be warning you away. My charm works best in small doses. ;)

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  17. Tortola says:
    28 February 2011 at 1:10 pm

    Hi Melissa,
    How about Bobbi Brown’s Beach? It has jasmine, sea water, sand and mandarin.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:28 pm

      I do need to try this one. Not too suntan lotion-y?

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  18. Haunani says:
    28 February 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Hi Melissa! You have a lot of excellent recommendations already. I second suggestions of Bond No. 9 Fire Island, Chanel Beige, and Manoumalia. I will add Diptyque’s Do Son, a beautiful humid tuberose by the sea.

    You also might want to try Jo Malone’s Vanilla & Anise. It is based on the vanilla orchid flower. Lovely!

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:30 pm

      More great options! Thanks.

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  19. Thalia says:
    28 February 2011 at 1:45 pm

    How about Lolita Lempicka Fleur de Corail? A very salty tropical floral with a little woodsmoke. And the price is definitely right — it’s at the discount stores now.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:30 pm

      I do love a bargain. Thank you!

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    • selchie says:
      28 February 2011 at 4:11 pm

      I was just about to post that! I, too, love the salty beach smell but hate “aquatics”, and the salty dry driftwood in Fleur de Corail is excellent. Plus, I got my 50mL bottle for $20, and you can’t beat that.

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    • Lucy says:
      8 March 2011 at 6:55 pm

      If you are still checking this thread Melissa…

      I got a sample of the Fleur de Corail last year and when I sprayed it all I could smell was incense (which was weird because no one else seemed to smell that). It gave me a headache and I scrubbed it. Out of complete fragrance blahs today I’ve gone back to it and I think this really might have what you’re looking for. I’m noticing a lot of frangiapani and vanilla, and a little salty/smoky/sweatiness. (Sweaty good, like skin that’s been in the sun, not sweaty like the gym.)

      I hope this helps.

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  20. Rappleyea says:
    28 February 2011 at 1:57 pm

    “Wasted Potential” – ROFL! Best line evah on a Monday Mail!

    This one was easy for me – Guerlain Mahora, no question! A soft, sandy white floral with a soft sandalwood base. Now being sold in the Guerlain boutiques for big bucks and called Mayotte, but CHEAP on eBay under the old name!

    Email me at Rappleyea11 at yahoo dot com and I’ll send you some. :-D

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:33 pm

      It’s funny ’cause it’s true. ;) Mahora sounds lovely! Thanks for the suggestion.

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  21. austenfan says:
    28 February 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Thought of this one later: Dune, Dior. It’s not hugely tropical, but it’s beachy and slightly salty.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:33 pm

      Great idea! Thank you.

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    • breathesgelatin says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:52 pm

      that was my suggestion!

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    • Meg says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:17 pm

      Thirding the Dune suggestion!

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  22. odonata9 says:
    28 February 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Don’ t laugh, but you should try Jennifer Lopez Deseo – is is a little sandy and floral and $15 at my Marshall’s, so you can’t beat that! Also, Montale Sandflowers is very salty – it does have a slight marine note, but worth a sample.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:34 pm

      Laugh? Honey, did you not see that I used to wear *Cher’s* fragrance? ;) Both sound worth trying. Thank you!

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      • odonata9 says:
        28 February 2011 at 2:52 pm

        I’d be more than happy to send you a sample of the Deseo and also a Missoni sample if you’re interested – contact me at jasouza9 AT hotmail dot com

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    • breathesgelatin says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:31 pm

      I also wear & love Deseo. It’s not salty, but it’s definitely evocative of a beach trip in other ways.

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  23. egabbert says:
    28 February 2011 at 2:23 pm

    You might try Missoni — I personally can’t handle the chocolate top note (reminds me too much of Tootsie Rolls) but once that fades it’s a nice beachy white floral. Luca Turin loves it so it can’t be all bad.

    Have you tried Narciso Rodriguez for Her? It’s a sexy musk + orange blossom, appropriate for the beach at night even if it doesn’t smell exactly like the beach at night. Dior Addict smells kind of suntan-lotion-y too: orange blossom and vanilla.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 2:36 pm

      See, that chocolate note scared me a bit, too. Guess I should try it and see how it dries on me, though. The other two sound worth a try, too. Thanks!

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  24. Cybele says:
    28 February 2011 at 2:52 pm

    from my own Caribbean salty air experience I would like to highly recommend: Vanille Galante, Hermes and Manoumalia, Le Nez.
    Further: Le Du, Givenchy, Monyette Paris and Kai.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks so much!

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    • Haunani says:
      28 February 2011 at 9:54 pm

      Vanille Galante is another that occurred to me. It IS a lily fragrance, but it’s light and salty, and the vanilla base is sheer. It’s a fave of mine.

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  25. Owen says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:08 pm

    the only thing I can think of to try is Bronze Goddess by Estee Lauder.
    and L by Lolita Lempicka but you’ve alread tried that.
    other than that, I haven’t smelled anything that smells like the beach.

    Jennifer Lopez brought out JLO miami glow and sunkissed glow, I haven’t smelled them but they sound like summery, beachy smells.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:36 pm

      I know, right? It’s seemingly impossible to capture that scent. And yet Kramer did it on Seinfeld, so how hard can it be? ;)

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      • odonata9 says:
        28 February 2011 at 8:03 pm

        I’ve got some Miami Glow as well, so if you’d like some of that and the MIssoni and Deseo samples, let me know (jasouza9 AT hotmail dot com).

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  26. Celestia says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:13 pm

    How about Michael Kors’ Island? It’s warm driftwood. I suppose some of the other Island flankers might appeal too.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:37 pm

      I’ll check it out — thanks!

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    • Owen says:
      1 March 2011 at 11:37 am

      oh how could I forget about Michael Kors Island. there’s different ones of it isn’t there?

      also, Hollywood by Michael Kors smells summery to me, but not beachy.

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  27. Cybele says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:14 pm

    oh, I forgot, so special: Ambra di Venezia

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:38 pm

      Oh, that does sound lovely. Thank you!

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  28. k-scott says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:17 pm

    As a Tampa resident, I am nuts about beachy scents too!

    In addition to all of the other scents recommended here which I second (Bronze Goddess, Fire Island, Amaranthine, Osmanthus, and Eau de Merveilles), you should try Andre Gas Ensolleile Moi, another beachy scent. And maybe give Songes another try, as I really do think it fits the bill and I adore it. Maybe you could layer it with Eau de Merveilles for the salty undertone?

    Happy hunting! :)

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:40 pm

      I’m just over an hour south of Tampa. :) Thanks for the suggestions. That Ensoleille Moi does sound wonderful.

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  29. Samantha_W says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:19 pm

    I was thinking Lostmarch Aod..it smells like salty gardenia with a bit of coconut, one of my favorites.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:42 pm

      Definitely going to check it out. Thank you!

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  30. Meg says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:20 pm

    I haven’t tried it yet… But I would think “At the Beach 1966” by CB may bear a passing resemblance to the smells of the beach.

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    • Meg says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:22 pm

      Oh, and Costamor’s Beachwood! Salty goodness! Really seems to conjure driftwood to me. I know reallize that both of my suggestions lack white floral aspect though, hmmm.

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      • bowbat says:
        28 February 2011 at 3:44 pm

        Both sound like they might work. Thanks!

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        • boojum says:
          28 February 2011 at 5:10 pm

          Having tried both, I think if you didn’t like M. Hulot, At the Beach won’t work either. It was more or less M. Hulot wearing sunscreen.

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  31. Cybele says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:32 pm

    also worth considering if you like it sweet: Datura Noir, Serge Lutens

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 3:45 pm

      I definitely lean towards sweet, at least where my fragrances are concerned. ;) Thank you!

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      • Cybele says:
        28 February 2011 at 5:03 pm

        have you tried Estee Lauder Sensuous Noir?

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  32. breathesgelatin says:
    28 February 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I haven’t tried it, but the new Jennifer Aniston perfume is also supposed to evoke beachiness & warm sand. I am kind of intrigued by it, but I’m not going to order something untested online… I haven’t been able to find it in Sephora yet.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 7:44 pm

      The description alone does sound like it could work for me. I might have to put aside my (irrational?) dislike of JA and try it out. Thanks!

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  33. Aparatchick says:
    28 February 2011 at 4:38 pm

    Joining all those who’ve recommended Manoumalia. I live across the state from you and it works (if sprayed sparingly) even in the summer.

    I wish Ava Luxe still made Venus Sands; that was another tropical floral that felt like the beaches around here.

    I just sampled Tokyo Milk’s Sea and Sky last week and it was a pure, salty just-walked-out-of-the-ocean scent on me. I’m thinking about layering it with a tropical floral and seeing what I get. Hmmmmm…..

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 7:45 pm

      Ooo, maybe that Tokyo Milk one would work for me layered with Songes? Thanks for the tip!

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  34. Dixie says:
    28 February 2011 at 5:18 pm

    Womanity has salty notes, but I’m not sure about the florals. Sounds like you have some awesome suggestions!

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 7:46 pm

      I’ve been curious to try Womanity anyway. Thanks!

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    • Haunani says:
      28 February 2011 at 9:55 pm

      Agree that Womanity is worth a try. I like it!

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  35. Lucy says:
    28 February 2011 at 5:19 pm

    Wow, I think we could be long lost sisters. I too have lots of wasted potential and have mastered the art of doing nothing. Kudos for owning it.

    How about the new Versace Vanitas? I saw it at Nordstrom last weekend. Notes include lime, freesia, tiare, tonka bean and cedar. (I thought I smelled coconut too, but can see how the combo of lime and tonka might have put pina colada on my mind.) I didn’t try it on skin, but on paper I thought it was very summery/beachy.

    Donna Karan Gold isn’t being produced anymore, but if you see a bottle you may want to give it a try. It does have Casablanca lilies in it, but a very wise perfumista once said, “If you’re a huge lily fan, you may find the whole thing too sheer for your taste; if you’re not, it might be just the thing.” :) Other notes include: fluid amber, sparkling acacia, white clove, jasmine templar, golden blossom and patchouli. I find it to be very creamy and lush.

    Also, have you tried any of the fragrances from Key West aloe? Their entire line is beachy/tropical and I would think you’d have very easy access to them in south Fla. They don’t have the best lasting power, but you could buy a handful of the small bottles with $100 and spray lavishly. My favorites are Frangiapani and White Ginger, which smells just like Coppertone to me.

    Finally, I’ll second Guerlain’s Mahora. I tried it once and could not stop sniffing my wrist and put off showering the next day because I didn’t want it to wash off. Not all reviews of it are good (Luca Turin is NOT a fan), but it worked very well for me. It is on my must buy list for next summer.

    Apparently I’ve also mastered the art of rambling. Good luck!

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 7:48 pm

      Vanitas does sound good. I’ll have to see if Saks carries it (no Nordies near me here, to my never-ending dismay). And I’ll have to keep my eye out for that Key West aloe line. Thanks!

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  36. maggiecat says:
    28 February 2011 at 5:25 pm

    I also love jasmine! You might try – and don’t laugh – Jennifer aniston’s Debut fragrance (decant available from The Posh peasant, available online at Sephora). It’s got loads of jasmine and was meant to mimic the smell and feel of the beach. I like it quite a bit, and I’m not a celebrity scent sort of person.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 7:49 pm

      You weren’t alone in this suggestion, so no laughing from me. I’ll draw the line at any Paris Hilton fragrance recommendations, though. ;) Seriously, glad to hear you liked this one — I’ll give it a sniff. Thanks!

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  37. mough says:
    28 February 2011 at 7:05 pm

    I’m a bit late to the game, but I thought I’d offer up a sample of my CUSTOM mixed Aftelier fragrance that might be right up your alley. I had it made while I was in Vegas, and it worked there, but in WY, it flies in the face of the essence of Corral #5 and Eau de Cow Pie. I go for more of an indolic, cuminy mix here so I blend with the horse puckies. BUT, the notes are, in descending order: jasmine grandifloram, lemon, mimosa, vanilla, blood orange, agarwood, sandalwood and linden blossom. It’s VERY tropical, all natural and creamy. I’d be thrilled to send a fellow sarcastica a sniff of it. Let me know if this concoction sounds fun and I’ll get right on it to add to your 127 other samples. LOVE the Squandered Talents descriptor. I’m in that party as well, Abandoned Dreams and Flushed Pride.
    Mough.

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    • bowbat says:
      28 February 2011 at 7:51 pm

      Oh, I just might take you up on that — sounds lovely! I have a friend in Wyoming. It’s beautiful country, but I’ll take Florida winters any day. ;)

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      • mough says:
        1 March 2011 at 6:59 pm

        Look for me at “mough” on MUA. I’m a member. And, really, I’m happy to send you some of this.

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  38. bella says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:02 pm

    Hi Melissa,
    My husband has always said that he enjoys ‘salty, musky, earthy’ scents on me as opposed to florals etc. Even though I’ve always been an avid perfume collecter, I admit I didnt always understand what he meant by that and would nag him incessantly with my wrist under his nose…’is THIS salty??’ :)
    Of course I get it now, although some ‘salty scents’ do not actually have salt listed as an ingredient. Some fabulous salty scents in my arsenal are:
    Lys Mediteranee by Frederic Malle…salty gingery floral…tickles the nose in a good way. i think you would really enjoy this!
    Tiempe Passat by Antonias Flowers- salty and musky skin scent..faaaabbbuulous
    Moschino Glamour- salt listed as note.. instant compliment getter!
    Eau des Merveilles-perfection in a bottle
    Idylle by Guerlain- sweet and salty, very easygoing and extremely wearable.
    All of these have my DH saying..”whatever that is its salty! i like that!”
    We women wield so much power..:) :)

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    • bowbat says:
      1 March 2011 at 9:35 am

      I’m impressed by your husband! The most I ever get out of my husband re: fragrances are “that’s nice” or “that’s too strong.” :P Thanks for your recommendations — off to read up on them!

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  39. kindcrow says:
    28 February 2011 at 11:10 pm

    I don’t have any suggestions, but I enjoyed reading your profile. A friend of mine came up with the term “Gifted Underachiever.” When I want to try a perfume that has an embarrassing name/celebrity face I lean in and point and say “I want that one.” :-) Happy sniffing!

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    • bowbat says:
      1 March 2011 at 9:36 am

      Please let your friend know I’m totally stealing that “Gifted Underachiever” thing. ;)

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  40. Mpuff says:
    1 March 2011 at 12:55 am

    Mmmmmmnnnnn. Salt and sea. My quest. Try Hilde Soliani Aquiliiiisama or Comptoir Sud Pacifique Aqua Motu or Aqua De Sal…delish. I would mix on top of a white floral like Joe Mobe Gardnia perhaps….but thats just me. Good luck!

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  41. Mpuff says:
    1 March 2011 at 12:56 am

    Mmmmmmnnnnn. Salt and sea. My quest. Try Hilde Soliani Aquiliiiisama or Comptoir Sud Pacifique Aqua Motu or Aqua De Sal…delish. I would mix on top of a white floral like Jo Malone Gardnia perhaps….but thats just me. Good luck!

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    • bowbat says:
      1 March 2011 at 9:41 am

      More great suggestions! Thank you.

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  42. Vetiveria says:
    1 March 2011 at 7:52 am

    I’ve been reading/lurking for months now but couldn’t help but register and comment now because I thought I was the only one who thought “root beer” when smelling Hypnotic Poison.

    I haven’t had a chance to read all of the suggestions- I’m supposed to be working. Have you tried At the Beach 1966? I also think Carnal Flower might be sort of what you’re looking for, as it’s the white flower (tuberose) with musk. Reminds me of the beach, anyway.

    I don’t think I understand yet what people mean by a salty note. Still learning…

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    • bowbat says:
      1 March 2011 at 9:45 am

      Hypnotic Poison is actually the second scent I’ve tried that smelled straight-up like root beer on me; the other is Acqua di Parma Blu Meditterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia.

      Thanks for your suggestions. Carnal Flower keeps tempting me then scaring me away (I’m afraid it might be too loud). Looks like I need to man up and try it.

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      • boojum says:
        1 March 2011 at 11:34 am

        If it helps… I’m not a white floral kind of girl, and even I like CF.

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  43. violetta says:
    1 March 2011 at 7:56 am

    Jasmin de Nuit – The Different Company. It is a European summer delight!

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    • bowbat says:
      1 March 2011 at 9:48 am

      Sounds like it could work — thanks!

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  44. Mary says:
    1 March 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Pioggia salata by il profumo: six different kinds of perfumed salts andseaweeds, cananga, hibiscus, muskrose white oleander etc.
    Does enyone know this?? I like it a lot.

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    • bowbat says:
      2 March 2011 at 3:00 pm

      I’ve never heard of that one, but it does sound interesting! Thanks.

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  45. Mary says:
    1 March 2011 at 12:45 pm

    I mean anyone

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  46. TallulahRose says:
    2 March 2011 at 10:04 am

    Melissa, you crack me up! Yeah, “Wasted Potential”… I can relate…

    Anyways, the two immediately came to mind were Manoumalia (stunningly gorgeous) and Bobbi Brown Beach ( fun, but not exactly fascinatingly complex).

    And I’m probably thirding, fourthing and fifthing suggestions, but here is the rest of my list:
    -Profumum Acqua di Sale
    -DSH La Plage Sea Spray
    -Leslie Blodgett Bare Skin
    -Cote d’Amour L’Artisan Parfumeur
    -Acquiilssssima by Hilde Soliani
    -Dulcess by Costamor
    – Fire Island Bond No. 9
    – Andre Gas’ Ensoleille-Moi

    (and Pioggia Salata sounds interesting…!)

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    • bowbat says:
      2 March 2011 at 3:01 pm

      Wow, so many great ideas! Thanks so much.

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  47. cassieflower says:
    2 March 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Mad late here, am playing catch-up as I’ve been away for a couple of days. I think Melissa could be my scent twin. All my favourites have already been mentioned here, so I’ve nothing to bring to the party, but I’ve gotten some great new ideas myself here. Thanks everybody. Now for my next step: win the lotto.

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    • bowbat says:
      2 March 2011 at 3:04 pm

      I know, I’m really blown away by the response. So many really, really great ideas, most of them things I never would have thought of myself. This site is the awesome. :)

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