Today we're helping Linda, who wants to find two new perfumes. One should be a daily "signature" scent, and she'd like the other to be a romantic fragrance for special occasions. She can pay up to $100 each. She'd prefer perfumes that aren't too popular or mainstream, although that's not a deal-breaker, and she'd like them to be pretty but interesting — they don't have to be complicated scents. She has good access to perfume stores. Here is what we know about Linda:
She's in her mid-20s and lives in San Francisco, where she works as a pharmacist.
She says she is slow to catch on to new trends — she prefers simple and classic, with feminine touches. Her favorite piece of clothing is a grey draped cashmere sweater from J. Crew.
Linda is shy when meeting new people, but can be bright and goofy once she gets to know them better.
Linda likes notes of osmanthus, champaca, white musk, sandalwood, orange blossom and cedar.
Linda doesn't like tuberose, gourmands, white florals or heavy florals.
Here are some of the fragrances Linda has tried:
The Different Company Osmanthus: almost perfect, but a little too light in the chilly San Francisco winter.
Guerlain Vol de Nuit Evasion: loved it! too difficult to get though.
Ormonde Jayne Woman: almost too womanly.
Ormonde Jayne Osmanthus, and Champaca: both lovely, but out of her price range.
Diptyque Eau de Neroli: pretty and delicate, but didn't make a huge impression.
Narciso Rodriguez For Her: appealing, but again too womanly.
Chanel No. 19: did not appeal at all — no warmth.
What say you?
Note: image is lettres by jenny downing at flickr; some rights reserved.
Hello!
For orange blossom I’d suggest Narciso Rodrigues for Her or V&R Flowerbomb of even Prada Infusion d’Iris.
For sandalwood: Tom Ford Black Orchid or Gucci Flora?
Good luck!
I take Narciso Rodriguez back! I didn’t notice she tried it & didn’t like it.
I recommend Osmanthe Yunnan by Hermes – it’s beautiful and light yet more substantial than the Different Company. It might be a little over your budget but you could do a split. Although you didn’t list leather as a note you like I strongly suggest Bottega Veneta. I have the feeling this might be perfect for you. See Robin’s review here: https://nstperfume.com/2011/10/24/bottega-veneta-eau-de-parfum-fragrance-review/
Forgot to add that while both scents are appropriate for day and night I suggest the Bottega Veneta for special occasions – my boyfriend loves it!
I’m quite addicted to Bottega Veneta too at the moment, it does have an apricotty-note which you could like and it’s sophisticated without being too “ladylike”
I am totally in agreement re OY. And it’s worth every penny. It’s like the Different Co. Osmanthus, but with a bit more heft and far more elegance, polish. In my opinion this is the perfect everyday fragrance.
As far as the “sexy scent,” I would recommend Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleu (I’ll be amazed if I spelled it right), Mitsouko, or Angel. In deep summer, I’d go for Gucci Rush. Four very different scents but all so very sexy!
Okay, I gave her at least two gourmands (L’H B and Angel), so my bad. But I say, get over it if you think you don’t like an entire scent category!! I didn’t think I like “spicy” scents until I actually got to know some good ones. So, I’ll go ahead and add the gourmandish Chinatown to the SEXY list — the prettiest, girliest sexy gourmand I ever wear. LOVE it. And it’s louder, spicy floral peachiness is a wonderful compliment now and then to the quiet, restrained-peachy Osmanthe Yunnan (my everyday go-to).
Would she be opposed to a man’s fragrance as an every day scent?
The Third Man by Caron is relatively inexpensive, not too womanly, but not too manly, and gets rave reviews everywhere. It’s a “pretty man” fragrance.
It’s basically a fougere with a little bit of floral thrown in. So it’s warm, but not aggressively comforting warm. No gourmand notes.
I was thinking men’s too…John Varvatos Artisan
For daytime, I would second Flowerbomb ( despite the name, it is NOT a huge floral) and suggest Hove Parfumeur Creole Days ( a dry warm barely floral fragrance- almost a less womanly NR for Her). A lot of the Hove scents are lovely and very reasonably priced- Verveine is a lovely lemony- marzipan scent and Rue Royale is very elegant. Their customer service has been great both in the shop and over the phone.
For evening, I recommend Samsara for your sandalwood love and
Santa Maria Novella Acqu do Coloni which is a floral with a smidge of spice and Bourbon French Orange Blossom a sweetish Southern citrus n’spice combo.
Good luck and have fun!
Seconding Samsara – especially older bottles that are still fairly inexpensive on ebay.
I strongly second trying scents from Hove’ and Bourbon French – both shops are amazing and affordable and part of the many reasons I love New Orleans! So glad to see another mention of them on here!
Roger and Gallet’s Fleur d’Osmanthus or Bois d’Orage. Won’t break the bank, and although sold as ‘fragrant water’, I have found they wear like EDTs (and in the case of Amande Persane, an EDP).
I recommend Serge Lutens Daim Blond, which is slightly out of your price range but could work for both day and night. It’s apricot and suede.
A cheaper one to try: Youth Dew Amber Nude, a fresher, sheerer version of the original with an osmanthus feel.
For sandalwood and cedar, I suggest ordering some samples from Sonoma Scent Studio. She carries beautiful woody scents for well under $100. Champagne de Bois is popular, but you have to be OK with aldehydes.
Seconding the SSS suggestion. Good stuff!
I’ll add Parfum d’Empire Osmanthus Interdite, which is gorgeous and cheaper than the Ormonde Jayne.
(and deeper than the Different Co version)
I was just going to recommend the same, then I came across your suggestion. I love this scent. I like the slightly citrusy note you initially get.
This was going to be my recommendation too. It’s just lovely; it always makes me want to break out in the “I Feel Pretty” song from West Side Story.
This is the one I thought of, as well. Perfect for day – it’s a unique and gorgeous fragrance that fits the under $100 requirement..
Le Labo Santal 33, Montale Mukhallat, Etro Shaal Nur.
Im laughing at the ‘chilly San Francisco winter’ statement.
I recommend checking out the Ineke line. 75ml for $88 fits your price range. Shes based in Cali. Her ‘Evening Edged in Gold’ might fit the bill. The notes are listed as Gold Osmanthus, Plum, Angels Trumpet, Saffron, Cinnamon Bark, Midnight Candy, Leather , Woods.
It may only get down to the 40s, but I never lived in an apartment in SF that was insulated or had adequate heat.
You can find the Ineke fragrances at Gump’s where they also have other perfumes for less than $100, including $35 sizes of the Histoires de Parfums fragrances. Ineke also did a line for Anthropologie.
I found the Anthropologie line (which is cheaper than those sold under her own name) disappeared on me within twenty minutes.
Just a summary of some available osmanthus frags: Gucci: Flora; Hermes: Osmanthus Yunnan; Parfum d’ Empire: Osmanthus Interdite; Ormonde Jayne: Osmanthus; The different company: Osmanthus. And Ineka:
I only tried the Hermes from a tiny dabber sample and it seemed much too light – but perhaps it needs to be tested with a spray. Flora is pretty and delicate, but not interesting enough – though the new one with citrus in I need to try again (Flora Fresh, or Fraiche or something), Osmanthus Interdite I loved, but alas, on me it didn’t last at all. The Ormonde Jayne didn’t captivate my nose; it seemed a little plain – but far more experienced perfumistas love it. The different Company hardly registered on my skin at all – it was that ephemeral;
And…my winner was Ineka’s Evening Edged in Gold: it has the refreshing Osmanthus, but also something opulent and golden (golden osmanthus? or maybe its the saffron or plum???) Also, on my skin it has more presence than the others, and stays around for longer. But I’m not sure that it works the same way on other people’s skin.
Sorry to wax on about the one note you like, but its the only one I have anything useful to say about!
For orange blossom, try Jo Malone Orange Blossom. It’s lovely. I’ve tried many Osmanthus scents, but really prefer OJ’s, so I don’t have anything to offer in that area. For sandalwood, take a look at Tam Dao, it’s both pretty and simple, warm and comforting, and won’t hurt your wallet. For special nights out, consider Jil Sander No.4. It’s a big floral, but I find it sophisticated and think it would work well on chilly SF evenings. You can find it at Ulta.
Cedar and sandalwood: Diptyque Tam Dao.
Fig Tea Eau Fraiche by parfums de Nicolai. Top smells like osmanthus.
If you like the Ormonde Jayne scents, the current exchange rate would let you get the travel sprays (4 10ml vials) for approximately $103 and they’re currently running a free shipping worldwide promo.
Seconding OsmantheYunnan as a deeper osmanthus than The Different Co’s (Hermes gives really generous sample sizes by the way–3 or 4 ml)
Seconding Gucci Flora–warm, citrusy with osmanthus. For a light, easy frag to wear daily, Lancome O de l’Orangerie–straight-up orange blossom with a touch of citrus.
O de l’Orangerie!! This is good!
Seconded! I love O De L’Orangerie, which is reasonably priced. You could then go get an Ormonde Jayne.
Ah, sunsetsong! Good to see you just under my comment! In LWP you wrote you can send me some samples, I asked for a way of contact, but I didn’t get your reply. Does your offer still stands?
If you loved Vol de Nuit, you might try L’ Heure Bleu, another early Guerlain. The Eau De Toillette can sometimes be found at discounted sources.
Ormonde Jayne has free shipping now for Valentine’s Day. I say if you love the Champaca (it’s a perfect daytime fragrance for the Bay Area–I live here) splurge on it; you won’t be sorry. The Hermes Osmanthe Yunnan is more expensive, I believe (but go to the boutique and ask them for a sample–they’ll give your 4 mls).
How about Chanel Bois des Iles for a beautiful sandalwood fragrance? It now comes in a smaller size (get yourself to Maiden Lane!).
Actually, I just noticed that Parfums Raffery (see above right) has Vol De Nuit refills for under $100.00, so if you are willing to accept a plain bottle, this might be a good choice.
Hmmmmm – a daytime scent that is uncomplicated, pretty, classic, interesting……..how about these: Passage D’Enfer from L’Artisan, a very pretty yet interesting light floral mixed with incense, white musk and aloe. It is light enough to be discreet, but fun and bubbly in personality too!! I was also thinking that Guerlain Eau Imperiale would be a classic day scent that contains neroli. Another good day scent that suits all weather conditions would be Eva from Santa Maria Novella – it’s a great citrus, undercut with a fabulous cedar note.
As for a romantic scent for special occasions, I was wondering about Apres L’Ondee from Guerlain, and i see people have been suggesting Guerlains! They are certainly evocative, romantic and classic fragrances fit for special occasions!
Osmanthe Yunnan Hermes and Le Labo Musc 25 (out of your price range but the samples go a long way), Chanel Cristalle EDP concentration (different scent from EDT or Eau Vert) still have to think about the romance part
What about Ineke Field Notes from Paris for everyday? It has your orange blossom and cedar, and it’s such a warm comfort scent. Plus, only $88 for a full bottle, and the company has a great sample option.
This is a bow drawn at venture:
Hermes Voyage which you should be able to find online at a reasonable price.
Too expensive, but you may win the lottery:
Malle’s L’Eau d’Hiver
very romantic: Bois de Violette Serge Lutens
and you might like Chanel Egoiste
Bois de Violette has lots of cedar
Get thee to the Men’s fragrance counter, I say! Try Terre de Hermes. Beautiful orange blossom with a lovely minerally dry down. You say you do not like fruity fragrances but I dare you to try Dior Homme. Beautiful candied fruit notes are tamed by iris. I wear the criminally under rated Davidoff Zino, Encre Noire pour Homme, Halston Z-14 and always receive compliments, For special occasions, there is nothing like Chanel 5. I find it warm and lovely and never the same fragrance twice.
The next time you’re in a department store try Prada Infusion d’Iris. Forget about the name and just try it. There’s orange blossom and neroli and woods. I like many of your same notes and and recently fell hard for this one. It may also appeal to you for the day–and it’s in your price range.
It’s a bit out of the price range, but I wonder about how the Mona di Orio Oud would do for you. It’s oud + osmanthus, and to my nose is pretty heavy on the osmanthus portion of that.
Just read the comments on Angela’s review of Vol de Nuit Evasion, which is discontinued. The general consensus was that there is nothing else quite like it, but that Parfumerie Generale Iris Oriental was a good alternative. That line is a good value at under $100, and it would be worth trying some of their other scents, too, such as Indochine.
Rick mentioned that Gump’s has $35 bottles of Histoires de Parfums – I’m so jealous! I love 1969, and the leather one has many fans.
Osmanthus & Champaca might not be out of the price range because i just got Ormonde Jayne’s email promotion saying there is free shipping until 14 Feb. I have osmanthus by Ormonde Jayne and i find it goes much further than some of their other scents, it’s really long lasting & the drydown is just gorgeous…