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Which of these French perfumes do you like best?

post #1 of 40
11/9/12 at 7:57pm
Thread Starter 
I want to find my signature scent for every day-wear (I'm 20). I want a classic and/or exotic, sweet, dreamy, sophisticated scent. I'm going to sample Guerlain Shalimar EDP, Patou Joy EDP, Christian Dior Miss Dior EDT, and Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps vintage EDT. I can sample one more scent. Which one from those listed below should I choose?

Guerlain Jicky EDT
Coty L'Origan EDT
Guerlain L'Heure Bleue EDP
Guerlain Mitsouko EDP
Chanel No. 5 EDP
Caron Nuit de Noel EDT
Lanvin Arpege vintage EDP
Dana Tabu vintage EDT
Worth Je Reviens vintage EDP
Rochas Femme EDP
Carven Ma Griffe EDP
Christian Dior Diorissimo EDT
Gres Cabochard vintage EDT
Rochas Madame Rochas vintage EDT
Hermes Caleche EDT
Guy Laroche Fidji vintage EDT
Paco Rabanne Calandre EDT
Guerlain Chamade vintage EDT
Chanel No. 19 EDT
Christian Dior Diorella EDT
Van Cleef & Arpels First EDT
Yves Saint Laurent Opium EDT
Cacharel Anais Anais EDT
Cartier Must de Cartier EDP
Brosseau Ombre Rose EDT
Yves Saint Laurent Paris EDT
Chanel Coco EDP
Paloma Picasso EDT
Christian Dior Poison EDP
Rochas Byzance EDT
Cacharel LouLou EDT
Nina Ricci Nina vintage EDP
Guerlain Samsara EDT
Lancome Tresor EDT
Christian Dior Dune
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey
Thierry Mugler Angel
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post #2 of 40
11/9/12 at 8:16pm
Wow! That's a list.

And welcome, klah!!

I would go for something light for everyday wear, as some scents might be too heavy for people to notice on a young woman.

Try Anais Anais, a light floral, slight powder and a touch of leather.

Another word of advice, which may go against what I just advised, is wear what you alone like. Forget your age, the company name, and the gender the scent is marketed to--and wear what you like!
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post #3 of 40
11/9/12 at 8:49pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks! I will definitely try it; maybe I'll sample anais instead of L'Air du Temps (I read the latter has a soap smell). I'm not sure though that anais will have the sophistication I'm looking for....also I don't care for powder smells.
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post #4 of 40
11/9/12 at 9:09pm
I would try Caleche and Mitsouko: both sophistcated, but classic, and distinctive. Caleche on me tends to be softer, yet has a good solid personality. Mitsouko is more distinctive. But you already have my choice in your trials: Shalimar.
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post #5 of 40
11/9/12 at 10:36pm
I vote "je reviens" vintage. perfectly well bred. roaring with sex appeal....at the same time. perfect for your age. very effective on many levels. i highly recommend.
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post #6 of 40
11/9/12 at 11:53pm
Going the vintage route will have you obsessively watching ebay to secure precious backup bottles. For an everyday 'signature' scent, that might prove too stressful / expensive to be sustainable.
For that reason, I'd pick No.5 EdP (no surprise, perhaps).
If you could get Jicky in a concentration other than EdT (i.e. EdP or extrait), I'd cast a vote for it, too.
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post #7 of 40
11/10/12 at 12:17am
For the Femme, you need to sample the vintage pre 1989. It is a sugared plums and leather.

Jicky, sorry not what you describe, its herbal and woody with lots of civet. Not sweet at all.

One not on your list but worth a sniff, Serge Lutens Daim Blond. Its raspberry,apricot and suede.
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post #8 of 40
11/10/12 at 12:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by klah9 View Post

I want to find my signature scent for every day-wear (I'm 20). I want a classic and/or exotic, sweet, dreamy, sophisticated scent. I'm going to sample Guerlain Shalimar EDP, Patou Joy EDP, Christian Dior Miss Dior EDT, and Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps vintage EDT. I can sample one more scent. Which one from those listed below should I choose?

Guerlain Jicky EDT
Coty L'Origan EDT
Guerlain L'Heure Bleue EDP
Guerlain Mitsouko EDP
Chanel No. 5 EDP
Caron Nuit de Noel EDT
Lanvin Arpege vintage EDP
Dana Tabu vintage EDT
Worth Je Reviens vintage EDP
Rochas Femme EDP
Carven Ma Griffe EDP
Christian Dior Diorissimo EDT
Gres Cabochard vintage EDT
Rochas Madame Rochas vintage EDT
Hermes Caleche EDT
Guy Laroche Fidji vintage EDT
Paco Rabanne Calandre EDT
Guerlain Chamade vintage EDT
Chanel No. 19 EDT
Christian Dior Diorella EDT
Van Cleef & Arpels First EDT
Yves Saint Laurent Opium EDT
Cacharel Anais Anais EDT
Cartier Must de Cartier EDP
Brosseau Ombre Rose EDT
Yves Saint Laurent Paris EDT
Chanel Coco EDP
Paloma Picasso EDT
Christian Dior Poison EDP
Rochas Byzance EDT
Cacharel LouLou EDT
Nina Ricci Nina vintage EDP
Guerlain Samsara EDT
Lancome Tresor EDT
Christian Dior Dune
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey
Thierry Mugler Angel

I recommend you forget all of those and try Vol de Nuit EdT, if you haven't already.

The current formulation is just fine. It is all you ask for: classic, exotic, sweet, dreamy, sophisticated. It nails every one. If its a bit too heavy and sweet, you may want to try Dioressence. It has a similar structure, opening like a fruity oriental chyre, and then settling into a sweet cozy confection. It has a more weightless feel (not really lighter, just not as thick). It's the most Guerlain-like Dior I've smelled.
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post #9 of 40
11/10/12 at 12:56am
You want us to choose just one?!?

Ok, "exotic, sweet & dreamy" describes Samsara perfectly. But go for the EDP, not the EDT.
My second choice would be L'Heure Bleue.

Welcome to basenotes!
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post #10 of 40
11/10/12 at 1:25am
There are A LOT of my favorites in that list but if I'd have to choose just one it would definitely be Jicky in EDP strength.
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post #11 of 40
11/10/12 at 4:11am
I would also recommend Donna's suggestion of Daim Blond, although
I don't get any raspberry in it. Iris, apricot, suede yes.
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post #12 of 40
11/10/12 at 4:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by teardrop View Post

You want us to choose just one?!?

Ok, "exotic, sweet & dreamy" describes Samsara perfectly. But go for the EDP, not the EDT.
My second choice would be L'Heure Bleue.

Welcome to basenotes!

+1 for these choices. Tabu is a nice pocketbook friendly choice, too.
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post #13 of 40
11/10/12 at 6:54am
I am quite puzzled here: very difficult for me to put "sweet and dreamy" together with "sophisticated", two very different classes altogether. However, I like your list, please add another 9 fragrances (start with Chanel No.22 and Bois des Iles) and you will get The Perfect 50 Every Perfumista Should Know.
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post #14 of 40
11/10/12 at 7:43am
hmm... classic exotic, sweet and dreamy? ...what about Coco Mademoiselle or Miss Dior Le Parfum, Chanel no. 22, and try Angel, it will be a love or hate. No. 5 is a must try.
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post #15 of 40
11/10/12 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Primrose View Post

Wow! That's a list.

And welcome, klah!!

I would go for something light for everyday wear, as some scents might be too heavy for people to notice on a young woman.

Try Anais Anais, a light floral, slight powder and a touch of leather.

Another word of advice, which may go against what I just advised, is wear what you alone like. Forget your age, the company name, and the gender the scent is marketed to--and wear what you like!

I agree with Primrose and would add start sampling different fragrances and sample as many as you can. It will help to know which types of fragrances you like. You can get samples for free from stores or by them from websites that specialize in samples like Surrender to chance.com, The perfumed Court.com, the Crystal Flacon (they sell samples and decants from all sorts of members of fragrance clubs including Basenotes).
Now, if you asked me which fragrance was my favorite from your list, I would have to say Mitsouko edp for the moment, but I have not tried a lot of the others yet. Even though it's well loved around the board, it may not be for everyone.

WELCOME klah9 !!!!
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post #16 of 40
11/10/12 at 8:09am
Welcome! That's quite a list and I applaud your willingness to try the classics that many people your age would dismiss as too "old-fashioned."

I'll put in a plug for one of my all-time faves, Paco Rabanne's Calandresophisticated, wearable, and slightly edgy. But, you may go broke stocking up on vintage bottles, as this beauty has sadly been discontinued.

If you're looking for sweet and sophisticated, I'd recommend something not on your list: Parfums De Nicolai Number One

Happy sniffing!
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post #17 of 40
11/10/12 at 8:42am
Agreeing very much with others about the ever-elegant Chanel No 22 which is lusciously sweet, dreamy, and very sophisticated...with an exotic incense note. I also second Hermes Caleche (in any concentration) which has a dreamy key-lime pie note and exotic woods, and Chanel Bois des Iles with sandalwood and gingerbread sweetness. Note: You must like aldehydes to enjoy these three fragrances.

For an equally elegant, less aldehydic alternative, I suggest Hermes Vanile Galante which is a truly novel and sophisticated take on vanilla, with an exotic and dreamy natural-raw vanilla and almost-banana sweetness (believe me, it"ll make you weak in the knees), which translates to a heady, absolutely joyous effervescence.

I also recommend:
Bottega Veneta - Bottega Veneta (plummy suede)
Guerlain Samsara (sweet and exotic sandalwood)

Have fun exploring! And by the way....if you don't find one fragrance to claim as a signature scent...no worries! There's nothing wrong with having a whole slew of gorgeous fragrances to wear
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post #18 of 40
11/10/12 at 8:48am
As others have said, why limit yourself to one choice? so many worthy things in your list.

I'm going to say Rabanne Calandre, a serene rose-cream-spice combo, not too heavy, not too fresh, natural smelling, pleasant at all times. Vintage l'Heure Bleue (with its soft heliotropin and florals) would have been perfect, but I am not sure about the current version. You are right in specifying vintage or not, because some of those in your list are not as good in the current incarnation as the old version (eg Diorella, but also Diorissimo, and others).

Finally, I would drop Miss Dior. the recent Miss Dior wasn't anything particular. But Dior is in the process of scrapping it and substituting it with Miss Dior Cherie (that is, Miss Dior Cherie will be renamed Miss Dior). While Miss Dior Cherie is a nice modern fruity floral, it is just not the stuff of dreams.

cacio
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post #19 of 40
11/10/12 at 8:55am
For a classic/exotic, try YSL Opium. I wore it when I was 20, so why not? Though I haven't tried the new formulation. Perhaps you can try both the vintage and new to see which you prefer. I'm also with Primrose. Where what you like. Forget about brand, gender, age, etc.
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post #20 of 40
11/10/12 at 3:32pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks you guys for all of your suggestions! It looks like I'm going to have to try a lot more than 5 of these scents..plus others not on the list. I look forward to exploring! Thanks so much!

Right now I'm thinking either Guerlain L'Heure Bleue, Paco Rabanne Calandre, or Worth Je Reviens.
......leaning towards a stunning rose/floral I guess...but I plan to try all of the suggestions eventually

- - - Updated - - -

<@gandhajala> Good advice, vintage would be hard to keep up...I just feel attracted to classics is the thing, but I'll have to go with a non-vintage...It's a pity the vintage versions are usually better though (or so I've read).

- - - Updated - - -

<@Twolf> Thanks! I guess what I was picturing was something that would make you think of a beautiful model walking down a street in Paris on a gloomy day...-sophisticated because it's Paris and she's in trendy attire, dreamy because of the gloom and the beauty that make you think it's not real, and sweet because its such a lovely wonderful site...I know that image of perfume is probably way overrated; but that's just my style. That's what I'm looking for.
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post #21 of 40
11/10/12 at 3:52pm
If you're leaning towards rose/floral, try Sa Majeste La Rose by Serge Lutens and Voleur de Roses by L Artisan Parfumeur. The first is a luxurious interpretation of the rose... imaging a huge bouquet of roses, and the second is crushed roses on a wet pavement after a storm. Very gothic.

Quote:
Originally Posted by klah9 View Post

Thanks you guys for all of your suggestions! It looks like I'm going to have to try a lot more than 5 of these scents..plus others not on the list. I look forward to exploring! Thanks so much!

Right now I'm thinking either Guerlain L'Heure Bleue, Paco Rabanne Calandre, or Worth Je Reviens.
......leaning towards a stunning rose/floral I guess...but I plan to try all of the suggestions eventually

- - - Updated - - -

Good advice, vintage would be hard to keep up...I just feel attracted to classics is the thing, but I'll have to go with a non-vintage...It's a pity the vintage versions are usually better though (or so I've read).

- - - Updated - - -

Good advice, vintage would be hard to keep up...I just feel attracted to classics is the thing, but I'll have to go with a non-vintage...It's a pity the vintage versions are usually better though (or so I've read).

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks! I guess what I was picturing was something that would make you think of a beautiful model walking down a street in Paris on a gloomy day...-sophisticated because it's Paris and she's in trendy attire, dreamy because of the gloom and the beauty that make you think it's not real, and sweet because its such a lovely wonderful site...I know that image of perfume is probably way overrated; but that's just my style. That's what I'm looking for.
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post #22 of 40
11/10/12 at 4:17pm
What you described sounds really like Tresor by Lancome. Maybe try that.

Ones I like from the list that I have sniffed: Dune, Must De Cartier, Coco...but your description sounds like Tresor a bit...which is worth a sniff. And ya, I would say maybe to try Coco Mademoiselle EDT.
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post #23 of 40
11/10/12 at 4:18pm
I'm disconcerted that the vast majority of your choices are what I think of as "acquired taste" fragrances - fragrances that are lovely but that don't immediately appeal to a nose that isn't already fond of old-style fragrances. I'm worried that if you aren't fond of that class of fragrances you might not like any of them, and that as a result you might abandon the whole effort.

That said, my favorite "acquired taste" fragrance is Chanel No. 19, in the parfum/extrait strength rather than the listed EDT. It's all but impossible to get more than a sample/decant in the US, but it is still made.
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post #24 of 40
11/10/12 at 4:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by klah9 View Post

I want to find my signature scent for every day-wear (I'm 20). I want a classic and/or exotic, sweet, dreamy, sophisticated scent.

Classic
exotic
sweet
dreamy
sophisticated

already trying
Guerlain Shalimar EDP, = yes ticks all the above and is powdery woodsy
Patou Joy EDP, = yes ticks all the above and is highly floral, but for a 20 year old?... only if you love power flowers
Christian Dior Miss Dior EDT, = I wouldn't say this was sweet, but dry and green, nice, but not the middle three things
Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps vintage EDT = quite spicy and goes dryish for a young girl

Hard to choose, but I would choose this five off the list for a 20 year old to try first before those.

Shalimar is fine, Tresor is nice and gentle for an everyday frag, Cacharel Lou Lou is full bodied, Anais Anais has a younger feeling than L'air du Temps, Dune is lovely, sweet, spicy, exotic and young.

Many of those on your list can be scrounged. Get some empty vials and blag samples from older friends and family first. They may well have many of these around. Don't fall too in love with discontinued for a daily frag unless you can see lots on ebay for a good price and can afford to stash.

Happy sniffing.
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post #25 of 40
11/10/12 at 7:04pm
Thanks for the explanation. I think I know what you are looking for.

Anyway, please add the two Chanels to the list. Please also add Laura Biagiotti Roma, Acqua di Parma EdP, YSL Paris, Anne Pliska, Penhaligon's English Fern, one Creed of your choosing (Angelique Encense, perhaps?) and one Serge Lutens (Touberose or Orange Blossom?) and we are set with the Perfect 50.

Good luck.

Please sort of look what Lady M, Evangeline and PerfumedLady are wearing on a daily basis, they do wear some dreamy classics.
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post #26 of 40
11/11/12 at 12:32am
+1 for YSL Paris.

And a dreamy, rosy incense fragrance that l love is the original Ghost fragrance (not the flankers!); still easily available & affordable, & it doesn't get enough love around here IMO.
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post #27 of 40
11/11/12 at 2:02am
If you're after sophistication, it's hard to go wrong with a Chanel. Seems to be a house signature style. Sample them and find one that matches your personality.

Welcome to Basenotes!
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post #28 of 40
11/11/12 at 4:30am
Teardrop, I went through the bottle of Tanya Sarne Ghost some seven years ago and loved every moment of it: soft, cozy, dreamy. I have retried it recently and the fond feeling is still there. Thanks for mentioning it. It is getting harder and harder to come by on this side of the Pond though.
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post #29 of 40
11/12/12 at 10:13am
Because you say you want "sweet" and "dreamy" - from your list - I'd choose:
L'Heure Bleu or Paris. If you don't like powder - I would think Ombre Rose would be too powdery - actually L'Air de Temps may be too.
2nd choices from list, for you: Lou Lou and Angel.

I love Anais Anais, Caleche edt, and No 19 (only tried parfum) - but wouldn't really describe them as sweet - Anais is the most sweet of the three.
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post #30 of 40
11/12/12 at 11:04am
Well, first I think you need to ask yourself if you generally like classical scents or newer ones. Of course you may have both in your collection, but if you're specifically looking for a signature scent, you have to be careful including Angel and Mitsouko on the same list, as they are truly worlds apart. Any, I'll make picks from the moderns and a pick from the classics:

Classics:
Jicky EDP
Chamade


Modern:
Chanel Coco (just smells fantastic, spicy yet sweet)
Dior Dune (certainly fits the exotic and sweet criteria...totally unique)

ANd I agree with Mumsy above...Miss Dior does not really it with your description of what you're after.
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post #31 of 40
11/12/12 at 11:20am
I think you should try Jean Patou Joy, one of the best perfume classics out there. Very elegant and classy.

Off your list I'd say Guerlain L'Heure Bleue.
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post #32 of 40
11/12/12 at 1:54pm
From your list I'd go for Ma Griffe and also second the votes for Calandre. But I'd also urge you not to limit yourself! You're young and you have plenty of time to devote yourself to one fragrance. Enjoy what's out there.
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post #33 of 40
11/12/12 at 4:41pm
Mitsouko - incredibly beautiful
however
I think a young lady wearing Chamade would be head-turning. Perhaps not for every day wear, though.
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post #34 of 40
11/13/12 at 8:12am
Oh, I love me some dreamy classics! Make a hobby of it and try all those on your list, plus the suggestions you've received. It's quite an enjoyable trip to explore the classics!

Shalimar and No.5 probably get the most love from me but your entire list is great and I agree with each rec you've already had here. Will add:
The Balmain line- Ivoire, Jolie Madame, Balmain de Balmain(all of them and quickly before reformulation ruins them)
Chanel Cristalles- EDT, EDP and Eau Verte
Jean Desprez Bal a Versailles (a bit challenging but so worth trying)
Guerlain Chant d'Aromes, Nahema, Samsara and Sous le Vent
Robert Piguet Calypso
Coty- vintage Emeraude, very sweet and dreamy, I know Evangeline will agree. And so many others in vintage form but I'll throw those at you another time, if you do indeed turn out to be a classics lover.

Lots of modern scents have been released in recent years with a vintage, sweet and sophisticated Parisian feel, at least in niche:
Tauer Tableau de Parfums Miriam
Le Labo Aldehyde 44
Montale Powder Flowers
Parfums MDCI Enlevement au Serail
L'Artisan Drole de Rose
Many of the Histoires de Parfums, especially 1889 Moulin Rouge, 1876 Mata Hari, Blanc Violette and one I happen to be sampling now, Tubereuse 1 La Capricieuse.

These are not all sweet but all are certainly dreamy! And very classic French in feel, even my modern suggestions. I envy you for being able to examine these with your fresh nose! I wish I could learn the classics all over again, was one of the most enjoyable parts of my perfume journey. But now I get to re-trace my steps and sample those I missed! Hope you will have a great time sampling and maybe even find some true loves!
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post #35 of 40
11/13/12 at 9:43am
L'Heure Bleue- Guerlain soft, powdery, dreamy, definitely "classic", sophisticated.
Samsara- Guerlain exotic and mysterious (although I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for every day wear; it can get a bit too much sometimes).
Diorissimo- Dior beautiful, green, suitable for day wear
Chanel 19- Chanel for daily wear, only the EDT or, even better, Chanel 19 Poudre. Green, classic fragrance with a touch of French sweetness.
Dune- Dior for every day as a signature. This is my utmost favourite; intriguing, dreamy, never cloying or offensive (I am subjective here though :-)) ).
Let us know what you decide- so exciting :-)
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post #36 of 40
11/13/12 at 4:46pm
You have a wonderful list, and so many incredible suggestions in the posts too - I'd second the L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain, Chanel
Coco, Dior Dune, YSL Opium, I'd wear anything at any age! Do let us know what you like, you'll have so much enjoyment getting acquainted with all of these perfumes. Or at least some of them!
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post #37 of 40
11/13/12 at 6:03pm
I have literally not put my nose to ANY of those on your list. And my collection collection is currently 150+

I suppose my tastes lean far more toward the modern and contemporary scents. I do appreciate the feedback shared here though, as I am now inclined to search some of these out and smell them!
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post #38 of 40
11/13/12 at 8:32pm
Look no further: Shalimar (Parfum). Chamade, Apres l'Ondee (dreamy...) and Femme, too. But Shalimar, yes, Shalimar..... On a 20 year old Shalimar in extrait form is formidable, chic and sexy. Seduissante.
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post #39 of 40
11/13/12 at 10:34pm
If only because it's so different from the others you decided to sample, I strongly recommend Diorella. It might be the most beautiful chypre ever.
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post #40 of 40
11/27/12 at 12:58pm
By all means STAY AWAY FROM SAMSARA (the recent formulation, anyway). Vile, vile coconut shampoo.
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