Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › Fragrance Discussion › Male Fragrance Discussion › Help with finding a great Lavender frag
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Help with finding a great Lavender frag

post #1 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:26pm
Thread Starter 
I don't know how many of you shop at whole foods, but i keep my house stocked with the 3 for $6 soap bars they always have on display by the registers. I always get the lavender ones.

I also get this lavender "aroma therapy mist for room and body" from whole foods as well.

So i was washing my hands today, with the aforementioned soap. And i thought, i love this scent so much. I wish i had a great frag that smelled just like this.

So does anyone know anything they can recommend? I don't really want anything too complex. Just Lavender, long lasting, and natural quality. Not lavender in the background. Just lavender lavender lavender.

And yes i have tried the mist on myself. I lasts for about 5 minutes

Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Reply
Reply

Features on Basenotes

Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.
post #2 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:29pm
Lavande by Molinard
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:38pm
Pure Lavande by Azzaro
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:43pm
Creed Royal Scottish Lavender - if you can find it
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:47pm
Caldey Island Lavender
Czech & Speake Oxford & Cambridge
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
I've tried the azzaro long ago, i didnt get a whole lot of lavender.

Anyone try this one "Caron Pour Homme"

Maybe i should just track down some lavender extract oil?
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:57pm
I did a poll on people's favorite lavender fragrance a few weeks ago with almost 140 people voting and over 60 posting comments. The top three turned out to be Caron Pour un Homme, Guerlain Jicky and By Kilian A Taste of Heaven.
You might find that thread interesting or the discussion inspirational: http://www.basenotes.net/threads/320...der?highlight=
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 57
3/1/13 at 3:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aphexacid View Post

I've tried the azzaro long ago, i didnt get a whole lot of lavender.

Anyone try this one "Caron Pour Homme"

Maybe i should just track down some lavender extract oil?

I think the lavender is there in the top notes, I love this scent!
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 57
3/1/13 at 4:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aphexacid View Post

Anyone try this one "Caron Pour Homme"

Yes. It's pretty nice. Not my favorite, but quite good, and you should be able to find it at a very good price.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 57
3/1/13 at 4:29pm
This.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dougczar View Post

Yes. It's pretty nice. Not my favorite, but quite good, and you should be able to find it at a very good price.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 57
3/1/13 at 4:41pm
Acqua Di Parma Lavanda Tonica is my favourite of the more raw lavender scents (it smells masculine, while most others are more uinsex).
Azzaro Pure Lavender and Lanvin L'Homme are my favourite designer lavender scents.
Regards,
Renato
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 57
3/1/13 at 4:57pm
Ysl libre
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 57
3/1/13 at 5:09pm
I co-sign the Oxford and Cambridge.

Max.
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 57
3/1/13 at 5:09pm
Caldey Island Lavender seems to be what you are looking for. Also:
English Lavender
Caron Pour un Homme
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 57
3/1/13 at 5:12pm
L'Occitane Lavender is what you're looking for. You can get a huge 10oz bottle for around $50. It's also worth trying to track down a bottle of Nicolai Pour Homme, great lavender scent.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 57
3/1/13 at 5:50pm
Caldey Island's Lavender is probably the best lavender soliflore. Jicky is a wonderful perfume, like a pared down Shalimar with lavender up top and more civet. Tom Ford's Lavender Palm is also pretty good, based on a brief impression.
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 57
3/1/13 at 6:27pm
Thread Starter 
Ok I ordered Caron pour homme, and Oxford and Cambridge.
I'm going down to visit the L'occitaine store this weekend.

I'm very interested in Kilian taste of heaven. It's a little pricey for a blind buy. I'm going to find a sample.

Thanks everyone! I'm going to go read through that other thread.

Anyone else have any other suggestions keep them coming

Edit:
Just ordered Serge Lutens Gris Clair.
I've never been disappointed by any SL frag. This sounds right up my alley. Maybe not pure lavender, but I know I'll love it anyway.
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 57
3/1/13 at 6:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sjg3839 View Post

This.

Something tells me you've never smelled a Caron fragrance in your life.

I like the new Atelier "Sous le toit de Paris'. It's a very pleasant fragrance that's not as simple as it initially appears to be. There is a rather heavy lavender opening that's blended well with citrus and orange blossoms, plus a softer leather permeating through. Plus, it's 30 ml for $65 US!
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 57
3/1/13 at 6:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Incontinent View Post

Something tells me you've never smelled a Caron fragrance in your life.

I like the new Atelier "Sous le toit de Paris'. It's a very pleasant fragrance that's not as simple as it initially appears to be. There is a rather heavy lavender opening that's blended well with citrus and orange blossoms, plus a softer leather permeating through. Plus, it's 30 ml for $65 US!

Mmm, sounds amazing!
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 57
3/1/13 at 7:10pm
Creed's Royal Scottish Lavender and Patou Pour Homme Privé are my favourites. I like the Molinard too.
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 57
3/1/13 at 7:24pm
Encens et Lavende for a lavender with incense. I've been out for over a year. I do want to sample some others.
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 57
3/1/13 at 7:26pm
You have found the holy grail with Gris Clair if you want dominant lavender throughout the fragrance along with good projection and longevity.
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 57
3/1/13 at 7:51pm
Thread Starter 
^
That's what it's sounding like. Authentic lavender throughout.

The others I ordered sound very interesting to me as well.

I will say however Caron has me intrigued the most. If nothing else, than just the year it was launched.
I can almost guarantee ill love Gris Clair.

I can't wait!
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 57
3/1/13 at 8:35pm
Lavender, not my fav note

however, enjoy wearing

Serge Lutens - Encens et Lavende - Lavender & Incense
Caron Pour un Homme - Lavender & Vanilla
Kilian - A taste of Heaven - Similar to Caron Pour un Homme
Serge Lutens - Gris Clair - Lavender/Iris,Amber/Woody/incense
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 57
3/1/13 at 9:53pm
If you love Lavender, you should keep a big bottle of Puig Agua Lavanda around. It's super cheap, and its a very nice, simple, unadorned lavender. You can splash it on after bathing, use it as a linen spray, spray clothes, handkerchiefs, etc. with it. Get it here:

http://www.parfum1.com/agua-lavanda-...sp?itm=AGULC25
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 57
3/1/13 at 10:31pm
I can't imagine you not liking Caron pour un Homme if you like lavender and aromatherapy. It's basically a big lavender note that very slowly melds and fades into a big vanilla note.

If you do end of liking it, but want something more complex, I recommend Nicolai Pour Homme. It almost feels like the Caron acts as a sort of skeleton that she adorns with all these extra flourishes: mint and glabanum in the top, extra florals in the mid, and some herbs in the base. It's quite beautiful.
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 57
3/1/13 at 10:44pm
Fourreau Noir - since you said you're fond of Serge Lutens.
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 57
3/1/13 at 11:25pm
Thread Starter 
I just bought Kilian taste of heaven! I love back to black, do hopefully this is just as quality.
I dropped about $500 on lavender scents today ha! I'm not a psycho or anything, but I'm definitely on a lavender kick. If I don't like any, I'm sure my brother or someone else will.

So many amazing suggestions, thank you guys!
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 57
3/1/13 at 11:31pm
http://www.basenotes.net/threads/238006-Best-Lavender

My vote is for Les Plus Belles Lavande by Caron
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 57
3/1/13 at 11:37pm
+1 for Kilian A Taste of Heaven
Reply
Reply
post #31 of 57
3/2/13 at 1:22pm
Seconding especially:

Caron pour un Homme
English Lavender
Reply
Reply
post #32 of 57
3/2/13 at 1:51pm
1725 Histoires de Parfums
Invasion Barbare MDCI
Reply
Reply
post #33 of 57
3/2/13 at 2:32pm
Caron Pour un Homme is a classic scent with prominent lavender. Invasion Barbare is another great one, though much more expensive.
Reply
Reply
post #34 of 57
3/2/13 at 3:53pm
Etat Libre d'Orange "Antiheros" is my go-to perfume when I want Lavender With A Capital L, and lots of it.

Caron Pour Un Homme is wonderful, though it's more than "just lavender".
Caldey Island Lavender is great too, but its longevity isn't great on me.
And you certainly made a great choice ordering some SJ Gris Clair, though I prefer SL Encens et Lavande for its more pronounced incense note.

But do give the ELdO Antiheros a try if you have the opportunity. It's one of the better perfumes in the ELdO lineup, and to my mind deserves more attention than it seems to get.
Reply
Reply
post #35 of 57
3/2/13 at 5:27pm
Thread Starter 
^ I actually own Invasion Barbare already. I like it quite a bit, but its not quite satisfying that big lavender note i'm looking for. SO many other things going on in this one.

Etat Libre d'Orange "Antiheros" is one i'm looking into now!


I took a visit to L'Occitaine today. I tested out Lavande. Sadly, it was gone within an hour
Reply
Reply
post #36 of 57
3/2/13 at 5:58pm
Aphexacid, I love a bold AND true lavender scent, too. I grow lavender in the garden just so I can be surrounded by the fragrance all summer long. You'll adore the elegant Gris Clair. I can hardly call it a runner up, but Lutens Encens et Lavande should be sampled, as well. Don't worry, the lav holds it's own despite sharing the bill with incense. Lutens Fourreau Noir, may not compete with the above for a lavender purist as the tonka bean pushes the lavender out of the way after about 10 minutes (still sample it to explore more of the SL line). Caron Pour Homme is likable, but more delicate and fleeting in its lav notes. I wouldn't turn it down, if it were gifted to me.

Another option not listed above is Guerlain's Lavande Velours from their Aqua Allegoria line. I was impressed by it's loyalty to pure lavender without being muddled by woods/spice/greens. Surprisingly strong for an AA offering. However, the slightly powdery drydown releases some violet, which may or may not be up your alley.
Reply
Reply
post #37 of 57
3/2/13 at 6:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schilling View Post

Aphexacid, I love a bold AND true lavender scent, too. I grow lavender in the garden just so I can be surrounded by the fragrance all summer long. You'll adore the elegant Gris Clair. I can hardly call it a runner up, but Lutens Encens et Lavande should be sampled, as well. Don't worry, the lav holds it's own despite sharing the bill with incense. Lutens Fourreau Noir, may not compete with the above for a lavender purist as the tonka bean pushes the lavender out of the way after about 10 minutes (still sample it to explore more of the SL line). Caron Pour Homme is likable, but more delicate and fleeting in its lav notes. I wouldn't turn it down, if it were gifted to me.

Another option not listed above is Guerlain's Lavande Velours from their Aqua Allegoria line. I was impressed by it's loyalty to pure lavender without being muddled by woods/spice/greens. Surprisingly strong for an AA offering. However, the slightly powdery drydown releases some violet, which may or may not be up your alley.


This sounds amazing, thank you!

I'm really foaming at the mouth for SL Gris Clair. I'm kind of wishing i would have just ran down to Barney's to scoop up a bottle so i don't have to wait! Patience...I'll sniff my lavender soap until all my bottles arrive!
Reply
Reply
post #38 of 57
3/2/13 at 7:19pm
You're welcome. I'm so jealous that you've got a full bottle of Gris Clair coming your way. You'll be in purple heaven. Keep us posted on what you think of it, how it compares to the Caron, and if you eventually add any others to the lavender Hall of Fame.

I'm rescinding my suggestion for the Lavande Velours. Great opening, but the drydown sometimes takes a sour note that completely knocks it out of the running with those other Lutens.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh and to clarify when I said earlier about Encens et Lavande being "hardly a runner-up", I meant to say that EL is almost on par with GC only it that it's slightly less "pure lavender" than GC.
EL came out in the mid-90's. To me, it seems like he minimally tweaked its recipe to create Gris Clair a decade later. A very subtle evolution.

- - - Updated - - -
Reply
Reply
post #39 of 57
3/2/13 at 7:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hednic View Post

Lavande by Molinard

Agreed, also try Agua Lavanda by Puig.

Both dirt cheap to boot.
Reply
Reply
post #40 of 57
3/29/13 at 10:58pm
Well, what were the results?

I just read that Frank Sinatra's favorite fragrance was Agua Lavanda by Puig, according to his daughter Tina, who said he always smelled of lavender.
Reply
Reply
post #41 of 57
3/30/13 at 12:08am
I find Le Male and Amouage Reflection to have tons of it.
Reply
Reply
post #42 of 57
3/30/13 at 1:48am
Thread Starter 
I was actually going to post my opinions after i got to know them a bit better, but here is what i think so far:

Caron pour homme: I haven't got to this one yet ....The first bottle came with a broken atomizer, so i had to send it back, and i have the new one sitting unopened.

Czech & Speake Oxford & Cambridge THIS STUFF IS POTENT! Huge lavender note! But its got this underlying mintyness that creeps up. But it does something to the lavender i think, because it transforms it into a different kind of lavender scent towards the middle. I love it, but again, not quite what i was looking for when i'm reaching for a pure lavender.

Serge Lutens Gris Clair This is pure SL. But shockingly, not what i was looking for. I do love it though. It does have lavender, no doubt. But its got this certain sweetness to it that i don't want if i'm looking for a pure lavender. Its got that signature SL "thickness" to it as well.

Kilian taste of heaven This is almost exactly what i'm looking for. Its a beautiful lavender in the opening. Very authentic. Then later transforming into something a bit more like lavender/amber combo. I really feel like theres some amber in it. I've only worn it once, and i was a bit disappointed with the longevity at this price point. But the smell is absolutely amazing. Almost exactly what i was looking for.


Whats funny, is i revisited some frags i already own, and comparing directly to the room spray, i think i like Invasion Barbare for the best dry straight to the point lavender.

It's hard to explain, but the room spray has no sweetness to it at all. Its just lavender, slightly soapish.

So far, lavender without any sweetness, or messing around is Kilians and mdci for sure.


I also see "Agua Lavanda by Puig" mentioned a couple times now. I'm going to seek this out now!
Reply
Reply
post #43 of 57
3/30/13 at 2:08am
I see your wardrobe lacks some Guerlain, and you like orientals. Perhaps you should give Jicky a spin?
It is not all about lavender, but it is a classic and a beautiful fragrance I myself sorely need in my wardrobe.
Reply
Reply
post #44 of 57
3/30/13 at 2:10am
Thread Starter 
^ the only Guerlain i've got is LIDGE. very far from lavender lol. I have sniffed Jicky....not my cup of tea
Reply
Reply
post #45 of 57
3/30/13 at 2:32am
Laura Tonatto's Albi is a wonderful peppery lavender frag. The lavender lasts well into the drydown. slightly sweeter than Eau de l'Occitane which is another peppery lavender. My favourite though is Oxford and Cambridge.
Reply
Reply
post #46 of 57
3/30/13 at 2:57am
...hidden gem...

Reply
Reply
post #47 of 57
3/30/13 at 3:15am
Caron pour in homme forever.
Reply
Reply
post #48 of 57
4/8/13 at 6:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aphexacid View Post

Whats funny, is i revisited some frags i already own, and comparing directly to the room spray, i think i like Invasion Barbare for the best dry straight to the point lavender.

It's hard to explain, but the room spray has no sweetness to it at all. Its just lavender, slightly soapish.

So far, lavender without any sweetness, or messing around is Kilians and mdci for sure.


I also see "Agua Lavanda by Puig" mentioned a couple times now. I'm going to seek this out now!

The room spray you're talking about is it Aura Cacia "Lavender Harvest" Mist? That has lavender proper (lavandula angustifolia), lavandin and spike lavender. And water. It's herbaceous, a bit camphorous, but it also has a slight tea-like note very much like the lavender my mom's garden. And yeah, it's hard to get that pure lavender smell, without musks, other florals, or a strong balsamic or vanillic base. I've read that the less camphorous varieties of lavender are considered "higher quality," which might be an additional factor. Personally, I like that raw edge to lavender.

Anyway, you could try mixing those three essential oils, and diluting in a carrier oil, but that could get pricey and frustrating. (Aura Cacia sells the oils as well, but I swear that they're not as good as the ones they put in their spray grr)

I'd be curious to hear if the inexpensive Puig cologne isn't just the thing.

PS: every time I pass those lavender soap bars at Whole Foods, I sniff them.

- - - Updated - - -

Just read more about lavenders, and now I'm befuddled. Terpenes, camphor, grrr.
What accounts for that muted rosemary smell of L'Occitane dried lavender, as opposed to the menthol-y quality of the soap at Whole Foods? GAH.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula#Nomenclature_and_taxonomy
Reply
Reply
post #49 of 57
4/8/13 at 10:47am
Caron Pour un Homme
A Taste of Heaven by Kilian
Oxford & Cambridge by Czech and Speake
1725 by Histoires de Parfum
Encens et Lavande by Serge Lutens
Reply
Reply
post #50 of 57
5/2/13 at 5:45pm
Thread Starter 
Everyone, I have found my ultimate Lavender!

Tom Ford Lavender Palm.
100% pure lavender. Absolutely amazing.

I bought a bottle at Neimans today. WAY too expensive. But worth it.
Reply
Reply
post #51 of 57
5/2/13 at 5:54pm
L'occitane Eau L'occitan!
Reply
Reply
post #52 of 57
5/2/13 at 9:27pm
Attachment 20544
Bulgarian Lavender EDT

Edt made with Bulgarian Lavender essential oil. 2oz (60ml) $21.00

Saint. Charles Shave makes some nice frags
If you like lavender and want only lavender this is really nice.

- - - Updated - - -

Attachment 20546
Lavender Eau De Toilette, a classic crisp, clean, Lavender floral. 2 oz – 60 ml. $14.00
They also have this. At these prices its a pretty safe blind buy.
LL
LL
Reply
Reply
post #53 of 57
5/2/13 at 9:59pm
Calder Island Lavender, Caron's Pour Une Homme, A Taste of Heaven, and Jicky are some of the best lavenders you can buy.
Reply
Reply
post #54 of 57
5/3/13 at 3:13am
I haven't tried it, but Caldey Island Lavender is basically lavender and some alcohol in a bottle.
Reply
Reply
post #55 of 57
5/3/13 at 4:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aphexacid View Post

I've tried the azzaro long ago, i didnt get a whole lot of lavender.

Anyone try this one "Caron Pour Homme"

Maybe i should just track down some lavender extract oil?

You won't be disappointed:

Reply
Reply
post #56 of 57
5/3/13 at 4:56am
Got a sample on this yesterday and really enjoying it!

Quote:
Originally Posted by chopwet View Post

You won't be disappointed:

Reply
Reply
post #57 of 57
5/3/13 at 7:34am
Lots of suggestions for fragrances with all kinds of other things going on. I know how you feel I went on the same journey. Lavender just does not last, it's way too volitile, and most of what you will be smelling is the other notes. Caron goes really sweet vanilla really fast, Gris Clair goes sweet as well, Jicky is lavender creme-brulee, Czech and Speake is probably the best of the lavender heavy fragrances with other notes, at least it's dry. I'd suggest staying with cheap stuff like Agua Lavanda-Puig, Aneja Lavanda, Caldey Island Lavender, Taylor of Old Bond St-Lavender Water, Yardley Lavender, St. Charles Shave-Lavender, etc., probably more what you are looking for, mostly just refreshing dry lavender soliflores...buy a big plastic jug of Agua Lavanda Puig and use it with abandon.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Male Fragrance Discussion

Features on Basenotes

Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.
Basenotes › Basenotes Forums › Fragrance Discussion › Male Fragrance Discussion › Help with finding a great Lavender frag