Today we're helping Jeremy, who needs a new "all around scent". Jeremy says he tends to devote himself to a fragrance for a few months and then move on, and he's only just recently started to look beyond department store options. His perfect fragrance will have good lasting power, feel young and fun, and move past the citrus/aquatic scents he already knows and loves. He doesn't care if it is marketed to men or women — he says he'll wear anything so long as it doesn't require shoulder pads. His price limit is $200, and he has excellent access to perfume stores. Here is what we know about Jeremy:
He's in his early 30s and recently moved to Seattle.
His passions outside of work are baking desserts, swimming (he says he's a "beach kid"), art deco and graphic design. His drink: a vodka cranberry.
Jeremy likes ripe citrus, lavender, fruits (especially berry) and leather. He also likes the idea of a sparkling scent, but isn't really sure what it means.
He doesn't like cumin, patchouli, bitter or powdery notes.
Here are his notes on particular fragrances he has tried or worn:
Hermès Eau d'Orange Verte: right now he wears this most days, and he likes it but it is too short-lived (even in the Concentre) and he's bored of the bitter notes and coldness.
Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine: he liked it, but again, it's too short lived.
Hermès Voyage: also too short-lived, and he says he likes it more "around me than on me".
Diptyque's L'Ombre dans L'Eau: he loves the opening of garden greenery & raspberries, but after that it screams NEON GREEN for hours.
Parfums de Nicolaï Violette in Love: likes the top notes, but not the long lasting floral powder.
L'Artisan Dzing!: too "dirty" sweaty.
Lacoste Essential: "citrus/ocean that doesn't have any fun".
Escada Sunset Heat for Men: loved the "fruits mixed with ocean and lavender combination" but also has a "rubbing alcohol background" that ruins it.
What say you?
Note: image is Melaka, Malaysia by yeowatzup at flickr; some rights reserved.
Gris Clair?
Brand is Serge Lutens.
ooOooOooo I love the description of this on luckyscent. ‘cold lavender’ sounds lovely.
I second GC! I LOVE it! It has a wonderful spiciness and is a vaguely dusty lavender but still bright!
Hi Marjorie!
I meant to wear Gris Clair last night, but had an awful headache, so tonight is dedicated to it—I can’t wait to try it, I love the way you describe it!
Yeah, it’s possible I’m a little biased! (I’m becoming a little bit of a GC pusher, I think!. . .Come here, little girl, wanna smell my wrist?
)
LOL! How true
if you like berries and green do try The Different Company Sublime Balkiss, no neons will appear here : D
does TDC also do Tropical Vial? That is another neat one.
No, that is Strange Invisible Perfumes.
Thank you ami, I’ll definitely hunt this down.
good luck with you quest Jeremy
report back about your new loves
Though this one does have quite a bit of patch…
thanks a lot for the comment Karin, I cannot smell the patch, but might be useful info for Jeremy
Thanks for the heads up Karin – for me I think an appreciation for patch may some day be in order, or at least, part of my education. I just have nightmares about this patch incense that used to be burned down the hallway in my dorm in college to cover up other smells, and frankly, it wasn’t an improvement in my book.
Dear Jeremy, how about some shopping mall options like:
beautiful fragrance, fresh and solid;
– Eau de Rochas pour Homme: sparkling citrus, very nice vetiver/mhyrr drydown;
– Guerlain Vetiver: well… no need to explain why
… or some niche alternatives like:
– Lyric for Men Amouage, a lovely rosewood scent;
– Silver Mountain Water Creed, which seems to be spot on with your favourite notes;
– Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Panarea on the weekend and Acqua di Parma Colonia assoluta over the week?
Have fun sampling!
Thank you Lupo! Funnily enough, I actually do have Silver Mountain Water already and it was my first big splurge fragrance purchase. I really like it, but it’s a bit too heavy on me for summer. It does last for days and it has such a metallic edge to it – it’s really quite beautiful.
I haven’t tried anything from AdP yet and certainly Blue Mediterraneo sounds right up my alley! Thanks a lot!
I second the Blu Mediterraneo line.
Also have you tried Lacoste “Style in Play”? It is the red bottle that looks like a granade…
http://www.amazon.com/Lacoste-Style-Play-Toilette-Spray/dp/B000C1VYSE
It has a STRONG ozonic presence and lovely drydown. In my skin it lasts several hours.
Also try, if you can get a hold of it, Chemistry, by Clinique.. I can totally picture chemistry on the beach. It is a very nice scent on itself, but if your skin is compatible, some magic happens and… it is a sex magnet
The same goes for the NEW DKNY men… very sexy.
Thank you Kaos! Love the suggestions & really appreciate it. Hopefully Chemistry will work with my…. chemistry
I have to admit I was turned off by Lacoste in general from the original mens cologne that came out sometime in 2006 or 2007 I think. It felt so generic on me, but I bet they’ve had some time to play and come up with some more exciting by now, so I’m looking forward to trying it out!
Blu Mediterraneo is a great line, try Bergamot di Calabria, you might like it.
Jeremy you must try L’Artisan Parfumeur Traversee du Bosphore!!! It’s got fruit and leather uniquely composed.
If you like salty or beachy scents try Perfumerie Generale Bois Naufrage. It smells likes figs by the oceanside.
Traversee du Bosphore sounds really interesting & adventurous. I can’t wait to give it a shot – the notes all sound wonderful. Bois Naufrage sounds just as lovely, and calmer. Maybe the former for an adventure, and the latter for the reflective trip home?
The notes of TdB do sound like they just scream “adventure” but this fragrance is a lot less loud. It is a very wearable scent and I agree, it sounds perfect for you.
for citrus (bergamot, I think)+ lots of lavender, an expensive option: “a taste of heaven”, by Kilian (travel sizes or samples set recommended)
I’m going to have to seek this out, because I’ve been hesitant to look deeper into the Kilian line given the cost. I wanted to remain ignorant
But if it’s got a good lavender and if the citrus is sweet not bitter, then I may have to take the plunge!
Totally agree – and think travel refills plus your own atomizer.
Thank you for your help!! I’ve been falling down the fragrance rabbit hole for about a year now, and there’s SO much I haven’t tried. I’m really looking forward to your expert advice!
Also – I totally realize having a ‘sweet tooth’ and an eagerness for berry scents might be a little childish, but really, I figure I should just embrace it
Spring is starting to arrive here and I’m hoping the fragrance I settle on will help me have a little bit of fun in what has been a very dreary first 6 months in Seattle.
Jeremy, the Trish McEvoy #9 sexy is a blackberry/vanilla musk which is easy to find and try, and quite juicy, if you’re in the mood for berries.
By Killian Back to Black has sweet berries in the top, and becomes the most divine tobacco note… ah, so heavenly!
Aaaaand, L’Ombre dans Leau (Diptique) has wonderful black currant with it’s green leaves and roses. Yum!
Thanks so much Dee! Trish McEvoy #9 sexy sounds delicious, I’m definitely going to give it a go. Same with Kilian’s Back to Black.
The L’Ombre dans Leau I did try, and I did buy a bottle because the top notes are perfect. But it becomes so epicly flourescent green on me! If it would quiet down it’d be ideal, but for some reason, it seems to gather Hulk-green strength on me.
(Hi, Dee! I know where you sniffed that TM blackberry! :D)
LOL, yes! And I wore it this afternoon, and while it was still a little sweet for my tastes, it was very pretty
Did you try yours yet?
Actually, I chose not to take one. Nice of you to do the research for both of us!
Dee, where did you sniff that one? I’ll get my #5-perfumed hands on the tester if I see it close!
Olga, an SA handed us samples at Nordie’s! Thrust them upon us? That might be a better term
It will get better, in August you’ll think you’ve landed in heaven…but we do earn it getting through the ‘drear’. I’m still in the perfume novice stage and I’m going to borrow some of the suggestions you’ve gotten. My tastes usually run to warm, heavier Orientals, (useful in our long. wet winters), so I could use something lighter as the weather warms. There was a citrus-y Paco Rabanne many years ago, but I can never remember the name…
Jeremy,
sweet tooth is great, and I agree, why not embrace it? It is who you are and what you like, and why would we care for those who cannot deal with who we are anyway?
But I am commenting to recommend Aventus by Creed. It does not necessarily have berries, but… try it! I think you will like it and this might be your sparkling scent that has greenness and freshness and will, at the same time, satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s just great!
Aventus is the first Creed to actually tempt me, and I had a dream about it last night! I dreamed that I was splitting a bottle, I think. Seems like that might be a sign…
Dee, cool dream!
I love Aventus on my husband, it’s better on him than is on me, no ifs ands and buts about that one. I am contemplating buying a bottle for him too, but he is a very disciplined parfumisto and won’t buy until he’s through with decants.
Jeremy, what about trying Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather? I wore it yesterday, and was reminded how truly excellent it was: beautifully leathery like an oiled saddle, but with the most delicious raspberry note woven through it. I know that leather and raspberry sounds like an odd combination, but oh my god it works! The berry softens the aggressively old-fashioned character of the leather; it stops the scent from being fusty and conservative and instead gives it a wonderfully wry sense of humour.
I really love it. Do give it a try!
HI Chanterais – I haven’t tried this, but I love the controversy of this frag – some folks say it’s the smell of cocaine! Your description of it, which was beautiful, and the controversy alone makes me eager to seek this out! Sounds like it may be a special event fragrance instead of a daily one (I would not want to get addicted ;))
I second the Gris Clair by Serge Lutens. And Encens et Lavande in Serge Lutens non-export line might not be fruity but it’s certainly a gorgeous incense-y lavendar. Or even Kiki by Vero Profumo which has lavendar and caramel, it’s delicious!
Thanks KL for the recommendations!!
I meant “Lavender”
Jicky is a great lavender.
I HAVE tried Jicky, but in a rush through an airport duty free where I also think I had 10 other Guerlain’s in a frantic cloud around me. It struck me as cold and sharp, which could have just been the duty free woman staring at me with concern. I think it deserves another shot!
Give it a few minutes. It can start out cold and sharp, but it doesn’t stay that way.
Jicky was my recommedation as well. Please do give it another try as I wouldn’t call Jicky cold and sharp. I agree – must have been the duty free woman.
And for a “sparkling scent” give SSS Champagne de Bois a try. It’s a beautiful scent that I think would work great on a guy.
Oh yeah, and this smells so great on a man too!
Thank you! Anything that gives the idea of champagne would be perfect. I’ll have to figure out how to locate samples from SSS
Easy peasy! Go to Sonomascentstudio.com and you can order sample packs. Laurie’s customer service is excellent!
Recommending Knize Ten by Knize. Lots of notes, but I get delicious strawberry leather.
This definitely sounds worth tracking down. I’ve heard folks say that John Varvatos Artisan has a strawberry leather feel, but that note was so fleeting on me I was disappointed. Hoping that Knize Ten maybe can fufill that dream!
Artisan Black is much more leathery and long-lasting than the original Artisan. It’s sort of a go-between the Vintage and the Artisan. I was actually going to mention that Vintage is a great, semi-sweet leather for a man in his 30s.
Though, having read some of the other posts here, you might want to give some more l’Artisan Parfumeur scents a try. As has been mentioned, the Traversée is nice, but there are so many unique fragrances in their ranks – my faves include Fou d’absinthe (maybe too spicy and green for your tastes?), Méchant Loup (super sweet and bright) and Timbuktu (adventure! mystery!).
Also, I have to assume you’ve tried the grapefruit/vetiver/cedar explosion that is Terre d’Hermès. So great!
Andy Tauer Une Rose Vermeille has a beautiful raspberry note.
You might also try Serge Lutens Daim Blond or an osmanthus fragrance for a fruity (apricot) leather vibe. I get an osmanthus feel from Donna Karan Signature, which is lovely and abstract. It’s similar to Cuir de Lancome, another lovely leather that is not too bitter.
Daim Blond is so good!
Une Rose Vermeille sounds perfect – but I’m wondering just how far the rose will go…. if that makes sense. If it were a white floral or something less distinctive, maybe it’d be better for me? In any event I’m already adding a sample to my luckyscent cart to find out
Daim Blond sounds beautiful. I wonder if it’s good for spring or summer though?
Jeremy, the Tauer I was thinking of for you was Reverie au Jardin—it’s fabulous!
If you like lavender, that is
It’s a light dry leather with the apricot scent of osmanthus. It seems multi-seasonal but I haven’t actually worn it in the summer yet, to be honest.
Jeremy, the first scent that popped into my head as I was reading about you is Byredo’s Baudelaire. I love it. I love the sweetness in what is still obviously a male perfume. Don’t listen to those who knock it; just go out and try it on — chocolate, leather, frankincense. I also smell fruit. God it’s gorgeous; I can’t stop sniffing it when I wear it.
A beautiful orange scent is Gaultier’s Fleur du Male. It too has a Baudelaire connection:
https://nstperfume.com/2007/04/11/jean-paul-gaultier-fleur-du-male-fragrance-review/
As for leather… there is no more stunning a leather scent than Andy Tauer’s Lonestar Memories. (my idea of Taylor Kitsch in a bottle, but that’s just me)
I’m fascinated by frankincense – I know it only on its own and it’s be interesting to see it woven into other notes. I’ve tried Fleur du Male before, and I did really like it, but the drydown felt a bit like a sport cologne to me – kind of bitter wet green leaves or something. Can’t wait to try the Baudelaire – thank you TallulahRose!
Oh — and two more notes:
— Ineke’s Field Notes from Paris has an absolutely irresistible beeswax note.
— You may not want something that sweet, but today I went perfume hunting, and tried many great (or supposedly great) frags, but the one home run was Keiko Merchi’s Loukhoum. It is not sickeningly sweet (like Serge’s version of Turkish Delight), just delicious. There is a lovely fresh note running through it which prevents it from becoming cloying. Made me happy all day — and I never thought I’d want to wear anything so gourmand. Chances are it is too sweet for you, but it is worth some skin time.
Thanks for the additional ideas! I haven’t really found anything “too sweet” on me yet, but I’m eager to find out if Loukhoum could be the one
It looks like there’s a flanker of it – Du Soir – but that it’s heavy on rose and vanilla which I don’t think will work as well for me.
Yes, among the Keiko Mecheri’s Loukhoums Eau Poudree is the one least sweet. I did not find it powdery, I did find it sparkly and fresh, but experiences may vary, of course.
I agree with Dee on BK Taste of Heaven. Parfums de Nicolai’s Nicolai pour Homme is in the same vein and less expensive. Definitely try the Heeleys, such as Verveine and Cuir Pleine Fleur, and, for berries, why not L’AP Mure et Musc?
I’d also love to find a scent that replicated the topnotes of Violette in Love. This is completely different, but do sample SL Bois de Violette.
Enjoy the chase!
Isn’t the name ‘Taste of Heaven’ reason enough to love it! I certainly hope I do – can’t wait for my sample to arrive. The ONLY L’AP that I’ve tried for more than a brief sniff was Mure et Musc in a little tester. It was mostly musk on me, which is so sad because I was hoping the berries would stand out more. I think I should give it another shot, maybe i just got a bum sample.
Never tried an SL, so I will eagerly add the Bois de Violette to the batch to try!
Yay, a Seattle man interested in scent! Do have a sniff of Guerlain’s L’Instant Pour Homme — it’s assured and beautiful.
Assured and beautiful is something to aspire to, so I’ll certainly check it out, thank yoU!
Caron Yatagan!
It’s stunningly beautiful—the perfect lavender scent, and can be had for a criminally low price (below $50). Give it a try, it’s worth it
I’ve always wondered about Caron frags – they seem to be everywhere I look and then nowhere when I actually go ‘out hunting’. And the price sure is right! Looks like the internet will be my best bet on this one.
The great thing about Yatagan is that if it doesn’t work with your skin chemistry, you have a really nice linen spray—and you aren’t kicking yourself for having spent >$100!
Thank you for jogging my memory – I was trying to think of a ground-breaking lavender I’d just decided I liked, and it was Caron Pour un Homme. I think it might smell a little old-fashioned to Jeremy, but it really is special, still one of their best sellers but not something that every single person is wearing, and a great creative switch-up from a basic citrus. I’ve just recently gotten turned on to Carons!
Though I still like my wardrobe of Jo Malones idea better.
Funny, I was writing my suggestion of Pour Un Homme (below) at the same time you were. I sprayed some on so I could describe it accurately, it really is lovely.
I don’t know that I’ve ever recommended this before, but a thought: since you’re used to changing things up every once in a while, but want to be a little more upscale, and since you’re a baker and a lover of vodka cranberries, let me suggest that you go to a Bloomingdale’s and sample a few Jo Malones. The small bottles are only $55 each, and they combine well, so with three or four you could have a very interesting scent “wardrobe”. I would suggest the Lime Basil & Mandarin, the Pomegranate Noir, perhaps Vanilla & Anise (I hate Anise so I would get the Amber & Lavender instead), and one of the new limited edition tea blends. A great wardrobe, mix and match, always smell great! Some people say JM doesn’t last but it lasts a lot longer than Atelier, at least on me and my skin is dry.
Thank you – that sounds like fun! I have to admit, I’m a little hesitant to approach the great wall of Jo Malone in Bloomingdale’s – it just seems really imposing! But now that I’ve got a couple ideas in mind (lime basil & mandarin, and pmoegranate noir sound good!) I feel braver already
I was thinking the same as Lemonprint. Pomegranate Noir is an interesting fragrance, if not a little bit schizophrenic. It starts off fruity and then heads in a completely different direction once the camphorous notes kick in. One of my favourite fruity fragrances is Maitre Parfumeur Et Gantier’s Bahiana. You will find it in their women’s section but don’t let that put you off. For a more masculine fruit you could try Carthusia’s Uomo. It has a nice raspberry leaf note. And the addition of sea kelp gives it an interesting twist. Not fruity, but Lubin’s Gin Fizz is a great citrus/aldehyde… Hope you find something Jeremy. Looking at everyone’s comments you will not be short of suggestions : )
Pomegranate Noir reminds me of Vicks Vapor Rub, in a good way. It’s very unique and was wonderful when I had a cold last winter.
I don’t think I’ve ever admitted this, but I love vicks vapor rub! Well, I did (it’s been maybe 10 years since I’ve last smelled it). Now I’m doubly excited about this one!
Also – whatmenshouldsmelllike – thank you for your unique suggestions. I’m eager to try Bahiana out now!! And the Gin Fizz – sounds perfect. Maybe I could layer a little something to give it a fruity edge, but maybe it won’t need it. And yes you’re right, I’m getting great suggestions!
You’re welcome Jeremy. You have inspired me to try some layering with Gin Fizz! I’m going to experiment blending it with a bit of Givenchy’s Insense. Lubin’s citrus might disguise some of the 1990s trademark Calone overload. I saw your interest in Chanel’s Christalle. I have Chanel’s Christalle Eau Verte which is great. Similar notes to the Eau De Cologne from their exclusifs range, minus the price tag and the rosemary. More of a candied lemon and the usual Chanel jasmine/aldehyde thing going on. It makes a great summer fragrance for guys. Along these lines, Frederic Malle’s Outrageous! is another one to try. It has abstract green apple notes. It’s one of those love or hate fragrances, I love it : ) All the best with your shopping. Great thing about perfume shopping is if you buy a dud, you can always go back and buy another one!!
Hi Jeremy, I have three suggestions
Eau Sauvage Fraîcheur Cuir : lemony with d a whiff of fruit and a smidgen of leather.
Cuir by Lancome: A light floral leather. A leather scent that doesn’t wear *you*, like so many of the stronger ones tend to do..
Mugler Cologne by Thierry Mugler: a “fresh” citrus scent. Not fresh like the sports colognes but like streamed shirts. Really worth a try.
Thanks Bjorn, I love the suggestions. Eau Sauvage itself felt a bit cold and ‘hard core’ for me. This one sounds better, particularly the fruit aspect could make it right up my alley.
Looking forward to trying the Lancome – I’m often think of leather being heavy so this sounds really nice.
Mugler Cologne sounds lovely but not necessarily what I’m looking for – but still, I don’t have anything like you describe it so it could still potentially find a home with me
Caron Pour Un Homme is an oldie but goodie. There’s no review here, but Luca Turin gives it 5 stars and calls it possibly the best lavender around. I bought it unsniffed based on his rating and it did not disappoint. It is similar to Jicky but I find the opening to be much brighter (possibly sparkling – I’m not sure what that means either) and the middle slightly herbal. As much as I love Jicky I can’t wear it when the weather is above 70 degrees. Pour Un Homme has a beautiful freshness about it and is an easy summer replacement. The price is great too – I found a 6.7 oz. bottle online for less than $50.
Also, you may want to check out Guerlain Insolence. It can be found pretty easily at the women’s counter and has lots of berry but retains the classic Guerlain drydown.
I like the idea of Jo Malones too. It is intimidating, but if you spend about 15 minutes with a knowledgeable SA you’ll get the hang of the layering system real fast. With your budget you can buy three or four of the small bottles and have several combinations to choose from when you get bored. They are very generous with samples too. The Amber Lavender is my favorite – it’s great on its own and as a base layer. I even bought the Nectarine Blossom and Honey, which I don’t like at all on its own, but every other fragrance in the line smells much more amazing with it underneath.
Good luck.
Thank you Lucy! I’m excited to hear of 2 Caron’s to find. If Pour Un Homme is sparkling & good for summer, we’re definitely on the right track. I hadn’t tried Insolence yet, but thank you, it sounds great!
Hi Jeremy! Some great ideas here. Just wanted to throw this in – for berries, hop on over to Perfume Posse. Post by Nava last Thurday on berry scents with lots of ideas in the comments – enjoy! And hope you find some fragrances that you love.
Thanks Karin! I’ll check it out!
Thanks everyone who’s commented so far! I cannot wait to hit up Knows Perfume in Seattle to try out what I can, and order samples from Luckyscent for the rest, and Ebay for the others
Also – I’m learning a lot with every suggestion and still eager to get more suggestions, so if you haven’t posted yet please do
Just yersterday I tried Chanel Egoiste, and it’s absolutely gorgeous and just may be up your alley! It’s a scent that Luca Turin describes as “candied fruit” with notes of lavender, thyme, and other herbs. LT calls it “strong stuff” but my little sampler spray comes across sheer on me. . .not sure if it’s the “dosing,” my nose, or a different formulation. In any case, worth a try and I think lovely for spring/summer!
Seconding Egoiste… it has to be tried to be believed—it’s both interesting AND sophisticated, and smells completely genderless (which I consider positive!)
I keep looking for Egoiste – I’ve heard great things – but only come across the Platinum Egoiste which I wore in high school and although I guess it’s not HORRIBLE, I certainly can’t bear the stuff now
Actually, I bet I could find it a nice airport duty free instead of a department store….
I’m also curious about Chanel Cristalle. It sounds pretty and “sparkling” just not sure if that also means rubbing alcohol.
Liking that Egoiste, ladies, eh?
Jeremy, if you are interested in Cristalle, try all three different ones — EDT, EDP, and eau Verte, they are all different. That can easily make for one trip! I did not find rubbing alcohol in any of them. You might enjoy the fruity opening of eau Vert.
I came back today to say the same thing…Cristalle’s concentrations are all quite different. Several people on this blog have said they prefer the edt over edp. (funny, same thing was said about Jicky too). I don’t know about the eau vert.
My first thought on the berries theme was L’Artisan Mure et Musc, a lovely combo of blackberries, musk and citrus and a classic unisex scent. Then on the theme of young and fun, nothing beats the Etat Libre d’Orange line up. Maybe Anti-hero (Lavender), Encens et Bubblegum or the new Archives 69 (Tangerine, Pink Berries etc.). Lastly on the Vicks Vapor Rub theme, how about Heely Esprit de Tigre (camphor, mint, clove etc.) Good luck and have fun trying it all out.
Mure et Musc oh how I wanted it to work out! It’s all musk on me – all the other notes are totally absent on my skin. Archives 69 sounds beautiful, it’s on my list to try for sure! Thanks a lot!
BTW has anyone mentioned Byredo Pulp? A ripe, sweet, shapeless mass of fruit – blackcurrent, fig, apple etc.
I love the name – Pulp! Sounds fun, I’m looking forward to trying it!
I’d like to recommend a really beautiful but not-so-often recommended scent by Andy Tauer, Reverie au jardin. Notes on Luckyscent include Lavender (high altitude mountain lavender from France, galbanum, fir balm, bergamot, rose absolute, frankincense, ambrette seeds, orris, vetiver, tonka beans, oakmoss, vanilla, ambergris, sandalwood and cedar wood. This is a very bracing, bright, sparkling lavender, not like the possibly bitter or more mellow, dry scent of Jicky. It has a lot of sillage and staying power, at least in my experience.
Another option to try is Dawn Spencer Hurwitz Jitterbug for men. It’s a fun scent with a real mix including some of the things you like with lemon and blackberry plus incense and a lot more. Patchouli is mentioned but not very prominent at all. For some reason I find it a very happy scent. Her website is a bit daunting with so many choices, but you can get any of them in a sample size for $4, she sells sample packs in various combos, and I have found their service very fast and good. Also on the website you can do a note search for things you like. Here are the Jitterbug for men components:
Top notes: Bergamot, Blackberry, Blackberry Leaf, Lemon, Pimento Berry
Middle notes: Benzoin, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Clove Bud, Egyptian Jasmine Absolute
Base notes: Ambergris, Atlas Cedarwood, Ciste Absolute, Frankincense (Olibanum), Labdanum, Musk, Patchouli.
Good luck!
Thanks for the great suggestions! Reverie au jardin sounds lovely and Jitterbug sounds totally up my alley. Thank you!
Oh, just thought of another one, the divine Bois de Paradis by Parfums Delrae. Notes listed on Luckyscent are Citrus, French rose, blackberry, fig, spices, woods, and amber. This is very potent stuff and some people hate it, describing it as overwhelmingly “Jammy.” I think it’s heavenly. Not sure how it would smell on a guy but it’s definitely one to check out!!
Interesting idea!
Thank you – I love the idea of JAMMY, I’ll definitely check it out!
So Jeremy likes lavender? Great. The only thing is… I don’t think Gris Clair is suitable for Jeremy. Sorry, that’s just my opinion. It would be the complete opposite of what I’m reading Jeremys likings are. I don’t think he would enjoy a cold, incensy, ash-drenched lavender. Gris Clair… not only it has too much ash and incense for Jeremy, but also there is not a bit of warmness in it. It’s just as cold as Iris Silver Mist is. Jeremy please trust me on that one, Gris Clair is beautiful but just definitely not for you…
SO as far as LAVENDERS go:
I’d definitely go with Lavandula by Penhaligon’s. If Jeremy enjoyed the opening of L’Ombre dans L’Eau, he will definitely love Lavandula. It has some beautiful, herby “garden greenery” but… NOT too much that it screams NEON GREEN. It’s just perfectly-blended. A very mood-uplifting, fresh and cheerful lavender with just the right touch of green. Beautiful! That is definitely a lavender for Jeremy.
For CITRUS: I’d go with Jo Malone Grapefruit cologne. First of all it’s the easiest, nicest, cheerful grapefruit I’ve ever tried. It never turns into any of the “cat urine” stuff. It’s just a deliscious, summery grapefruit that makes my mouth water. The best part of it? Lasts a long time! Lasted way longer than any of the citrus Acqua Allegorias and many other fragrances with fruit/citrus notes I’ve tried. Not to mention that it never loses it’s delisciousness and it never turns bland. Just grapefruit done right, oh did I say “right”? no it’s grapefruit done PERFECT!
How about FRUIT? Definitely Bond no.9 Bryant Park! Oh what a beauty that one is! It’s mentioned that Jeremy likes Fruit notes and especially berries and raspberries. Bryant Park is all about the most GOR GE OUS, ripe, deliscious, mouth-watering raspberry. The most beautiful fruity fragrance EVER. It opens on a sheer, juicy citrus note. Turns into ripe raspberries. And it never loses that beautiful “ripeness” of the raspberry note. Sheer, cheerful, playful and just deliscious. This is actually mu NUMBER ONE suggestion for Jeremy. Also the patchouli in Bryant Parks base is definitely not prominent at all. It almost doesn’t even exist. I think it was just added to the base just to “strenghten” the composition. It’s definitely far, far from being a “regular” patchouli scent. If you don’t like patchouli as a note – don’t worry, Bryant Park has just the tiniest touch of it that makes zero statement as a patchouli fragrance. Just candied. sparkling rose and muchos raspberries. Bryant Park is the most sparkling fragrance ever, trust me! Berry, berry berryliscious. An absolute must for Jeremy!!
For something a bit DEEPER in feel for Jeremy I will defintely suggest Osmanthe Yunnan by Hermes. This I would suggest for something more sensual to add to his collection. Something to wear on a special occasion. Since Jeremy doesn’t seem like he likes anything too heavy nor too serious, for Jeremy Osmanthe Yunnan would become what Ambre Narguille is for a typical perfumista. Next to his choices of citrus and sparkling fruit, Osmanthe Yunnan would be the comfort, more sensual one in Jeremys collection. It has a very sheer, mood-uplifting osmanthus note, which definitely fits the bill for Jeremy BUT it also has a very nice woody base. Now the woods here are never too heavy. Just very sensual, transparent and really beautiful.
For LEATHERS: I was just about to say Lancome Cuir. Ooops I forgot we have to find something fresher, less heavy. I think the perfect one would be Kelly Caleche. It has a rather sparkly, uplifting, juicy rose and a very nice, easy to wear leather. Way to go, Jeremy!
Also try all the un Jardin series from Hermessence. Especially Un Jardin Sur Le Nil. It’s a bit high-pitched and rather citrusy. The mango note is juicy thouch. Perect for the summer. However I still think for Citrus you should go with Jo Malone’s Grapefruit first. It’s less high-pitched and a bit more fruity. I think it’s so easy to find a citrus fragrance at any time nowadays, and harder to find a ripe, fruity perfumes.
Also for startes I’d definitely suggest that Jeremy research some of the Jo Malone colognes. First of all, the word “cologne” doesn’t even fit the bill most of the time. I found most of her scents to be suprisingly long lasting. Her fruity colognes never turn bland. They just sparkle and sparkle on the skin.
Lavandula – thank you so much for your thoughtful suggestions! I love them all – VERY excited about Bryant Park! Lavandula and Grapefruit cologne sound great, and I’m intrigued by Osmantha Yunnan and Kelly Caleche too! Thanks for the wonderful recommendations.
In regards to Gris Clair – you are probably right that it’s not up my alley. Ash and cold and incense don’t sound like what I’m looking for, but, I’m eager to try things that I shouldn’t like, because I’m hoping it will broaden my horizons
But I’ll let you know how it goes!
If you hope something will broaden your horizons – try Jo Malone Black Vetyver Cafe. It has incense but it’s warmed up by the sensual coffee note and the earthy vetiver is actually very smooth here. If you generally are not the “super-cold-incensy” type of a person, try out with something that is not iron-cold, and has at least a touch of warmness in it, you know what I mean? That’s why Black Vetyver Cafe sounds good for an incense/spice/dark fragrance that you can start with. Trying the ashiest, driest and coldest one out there might just scared you away! Try something a bit smoother and when you see you are able to get along with some incense, jump to the next level.
Maybe Jeremy should try Bigarade Concentrèe.
It looks like this is Frederic Malle? If so – I’ve added it to my list to try. Sounds like it could potentially be a bit bitter for me, but you never know.
BTW, Jeremy, I haven’t actually tried it, but Luca Turin describes Eau de Cartier in a way that makes it sound very appealing and worth trying.
I can’t thank everyone who has commented enough for their thoughtful suggestions and wonderful insight. Do you know I now have a list of FORTY-FIVE fantastic fragrances to sample? I’m completely over the moon. Right now I have about 10 bottles to my name. All I can say is that this is going to be a beautifully fragrant spring and summer and I have the amazing NST community to thank you that!
Thanks again & I will send an update out after I’ve made progress on the list to let you know how it went.
Ooohhh wait. One more! Hermes Eau de Pamplemousse Rose. Robin gave it a very nice review if you want to look it up. It’s very bright, citrusy, and green (rhubarb! You don’t see that everywhere.) Don’t be discouraged by the rose. It’s just enough to give it a little extra edge and isn’t too floral. The sparkle doesn’t last as long as Jo Malone grapefruit, but it’s definitely a more full fragrance.
Good luck shopping.
Hey Lucy! This one I do have, and it’s one of my favorites. I stuck to Hermes pretty exclusively when I first started my frag journey
I don’t actually get much rose, like you say, and it does have that little extra edge. But it disappears on me pretty quickly 
I suppose that’s the nature of the beast though on these things?
Ha, good to know my suggestions are on the right track. The opening doesn’t last as long as I’d like either…if only citrus could be a basenote.
Not only does JM Grapefruit have a longer opening and staying power, but can be reapplied more often without offending those around you. Even if you don’t like any other JMs or the layering system, you may want to use it as a booster for the Hermes or any others that are short-lived.
I second the Malle Bigarade Concentrèe and Hermes Kelly Caleche (citrus and leather- perfect for you). I find that they both have good lasting power. I also suggest Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, which has great sillage and lasts FOREVER. There’s also Bulgari Green Tea Extreme.
Jeremy, Just a thought…have you tried Eau d’Italie Paestum Rose? It supposedly has patchouli, but I don’t smell it at all. On me (anyway) it is all about fresh rose and cedar- one of my go-to fragrances that always cheers me up.
Hi Jeremy,
many of my top favorites were mentioned:
Sparkle:
Bois de Violette
Cristalle
Outrageous
Fruit:
Osmanthe Yunnan
Lavender:
Pour un Homme also Brin de Reglisse or Kiki
Leather:
Cuir Pleine Fleur
Late thought: Funny! by Moschino. Citrus and red berries. Very carefree and cheerful.