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Choosing a fragrance for my wife's birthday

post #1 of 18
10/2/10 at 11:16pm
Thread Starter 
Wonderful Basenoters,

Greetings from Chennai, India!

The last plea of mine was for help to choose a 'professional' fragrance. This time its help for choosing a fragrance for my wife who will be 34 on Oct. 16th.

Points to note:
  • Evening wear.
  • Not too strong. Strong ones give her the headaches.
  • Longevity of 6-8 hrs. Decent sillage.
  • Should smell sophisticated.
  • She practically doesnt wear any fragrance. You know, Indian women wear only jasmine flowers in their hair.
  • This may well be her 'first' perfume.


So, help me Lord!

Thanks and Regards

Dr. GTS
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post #2 of 18
10/3/10 at 12:05am
Hi Dr. GTS! Hermes Kelly Caleche edt fits your criteria. It's a light, sweet floral kept completely under control by a refined leather note. Hermes perfumes tend to whisper as a rule, I've found, but they don't sit so close you have to do the wrist-to-nose thing in order to detect them. Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere might be worth checking out, as well, although longevity might be an issue-- I'm talking max 6 hours, on my skin.
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post #3 of 18
10/3/10 at 1:59am
I would suggest she tries Guerlain's Shalimar or Apres l'Ondee.
Both are classics and quite sophisticated.
She might also like Aomassai by Parfumerie Generale -
sweet caramel and toasted hazelnuts!
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post #4 of 18
10/3/10 at 3:46am
+1 Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere
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post #5 of 18
10/3/10 at 4:21am
Chanel Bois des Iles -- sandalwood with flowers.

Hermes Rouge -- ylang-ylang, roses, sandalwood.
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post #6 of 18
10/3/10 at 7:14am
I would choose L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain, it's a very soft and romantic fragrance and comes in a gorgeous bottle.
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post #7 of 18
10/3/10 at 7:44am
Given your criteria I'd recommend scents that are gentle and floral- suitable to a warm climate as well. Adding that a gentle fragrance will not necessarily last 6-8 hours so that may be a trade off. For that I'd suggest an elegant atomizer for her purse that she can fill to refresh her scent

Perhaps:

L'Artisan Parfumeur The Pour Une Ete- gentle green tea with a whisper of jasmine

Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint- soft almost powdery jasmine with mint tea

Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia- soft watery gardenia with a touch of cardamom

Creed Tubereuse Indiana- tuberose & rose with a dash of spice & amber, soft & feminine

Prada Infusion de Tubereuse- Indian tuberose with blood orange, very airy & soft with a gentle woody drydown

Chanel No5 Eau Premiere- classic Chanel jasmine & aldehydes but toned down and very soft
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post #8 of 18
10/3/10 at 8:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jane Daly View Post

Given your criteria I'd recommend scents that are gentle and floral- suitable to a warm climate as well.

Chanel Allure fits the bill l think; a gentle, sophisticated & long-lasting floral. My SO loves it on me!
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post #9 of 18
10/3/10 at 9:24am
If you think your wife would like to stick with jasmine, what about Bulgari's lovely Jasmine Noir?

And the top tip we give to anyone buying a beloved a gift of perfume is to gather a collection of samples you think they would like to try, put them in a beautiful box or bowl, wrap it lovingly and give it with an explanation that they get to choose what perfume you will buy them a bottle of. It is a gesture that has been well-received in the past. And also it enables you to discuss your perfume obsession with them.
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post #10 of 18
10/3/10 at 9:32am
I would say get lots of samples for her and let her decide.
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post #11 of 18
10/3/10 at 12:01pm
Even the initial formulation of Caleche by Hermes might be suitable

Also, sophisticated classic Le Dix by Balenciaga, a very discreet and distinguished leathery-floral, also suitable for evening/formal wear might be worth considering
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post #12 of 18
10/4/10 at 6:22am
Thread Starter 
Sunnyfunny, kewart, petruccijc, Twolf, Kiliwia, Jane Daly, teardrop, Wordbird, DavidBond007, Ken_Russell

Thank you all kind people for the lovely suggestions. I have made a note of all the fragrances and will ask my wife to check them out. The problem here in my place is that samples are not available from the stores for most perfumes. A few hours ago I went birthday shopping for my wife and zeroed in on the Bulgari Jasmine Noir. To my nose its quite classy and elegant. A very sophisticated jasmine. I'm sure she will love it to bits. But I am keeping my fingers crossed on the longevity and sillage thing.

Thanks and Warm Regards from Chennai.

Dr. GTS
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post #13 of 18
10/4/10 at 8:38am
Nice choice! Jasmine Noir is lovely. A very Happy Birthday to your wife!
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post #14 of 18
10/5/10 at 11:13am
You made an excellent choice Dr. GTS!
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post #15 of 18
10/5/10 at 10:07pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you very much!
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post #16 of 18
10/5/10 at 10:08pm
Thread Starter 
I hope I have! Lets see if she likes it!
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post #17 of 18
10/5/10 at 10:51pm
She'll just love it.
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post #18 of 18
10/6/10 at 1:41am
Thread Starter 
Daryl, I'll let you know if I get 'lucky' enough that day! LOL
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