Smell This!
Jan 6th 2010
Claudia DainClaudia Dain & When Goddesses Fall To Earth
I’m on the hunt for a new perfume. I’ve been wearing the same scent for years and, ladies, it’s time for a change. I wear perfume every day. I have since I was thirteen years old. It’s a woman-thing, an “I feel pretty” thing. I started with Heaven’s Scent, a light floral, careened through Emeraude to land on Shalimar. I like the musky, spicy scents; if it has a heavy floral base note, that’ s okay with me.
I skooched out of Shalimar and found Chanel Number 5. From there, it was a hop and a skip to Coco Chanel. I’ve been wearing Coco Chanel every day for almost twenty years. I’m clearly in a scent rut.
Big D and I went out to cruise for a new scent a few nights ago–he has a huge stake in this, after all. There are so many new perfumes! I’m still undecided. Euphoria by Calvin Klein is definitely leading the pack. And have you seen their provocative ads? That doesn’t hurt.
Any advice, fellow goddesses? Do you wear a scent? Do you wear cologne/perfume every day or only on special days? What sort of scent do you prefer? (And telling me ‘the scent of fresh cookies’ doesn’t count.) Do you like it when a guy wears a scent? What kind?
106 Comments »
106 Responses to “Smell This!”
B on 06 Jan 2010 at 3:11 am #
I wear Ralph, by Ralph Lauren (the traditional blue one) for about six years now. Everyone I know just calls it “your perfume” as in “Oh, that girl is wearing your perfume.”
I tried to change it to body splash to give it a break — but my mom hated my poor watermelon body splash. Am I the only person who LOVES the smell of watermelon???
Besides watermelon, I like fruity, citric, preferably, but not exclusively. Love, love the smell of passion fruit.
And guys must wear a scent. When I was a little kid (maybe 3 or 4) I had crushes on guys because they smelled good.
Now I like those men cologne that “smell like men”. I think most of you will understand what I mean, no??? There’s nothing like a great smelling guy!
B on 06 Jan 2010 at 3:13 am #
Oh, that is for every day. On “special occasions” I usually wear “Only”, by Givenchy.
Deborah on 06 Jan 2010 at 3:17 am #
Hi Claudia, I love perfume…. just don’t feel “right” if I’m not wearing any. I like Cerruti 1881 for everyday use and Ange ou Demon for night time. I love it when guys wear a scent, I think it is very very very sexy… This doesn’t applies to all guys mind you, but only those I find attractive… if I discover he is wearing a sexy scent… I’m practically swooning !!!
nancyg on 06 Jan 2010 at 3:53 am #
Claudia:
A topic right up my alley! I’m a perfume “ho” – change my scent about 3-4 times a year with the seasons.
I have a perfume lady at my local Dillard’s I’ve been going to the last 5-6 years. She knows what I like & steers my husband in the right direction during special occasion shopping.
For Christmas, Mr. G gave me an old fave, Very Irresistible by Givenchy. I also really liked the new Dolce & Gabbana, The One. Last year was Prada by Prada.
Last summer, I found a delicious scent by Issey Miyake, A Drop on a Petal, while on vacation. Escada usually comes out with great limited edition scents every summer.
Daughter #1 received Burberry Brit & daughter #2, the new Ed Hardy. I’m a big fan of Burberry. Mom received Parisienne by Yves St. Laurent.
I’m not a big floral person. I like the spicier, full-bodied scents in winter & clean, fresh (but not flowery) scents in the spring & summer.
Did you know that they make men’s & women’s scents of the same name to be comlimentary? Mr. G & I both wore Jean-Paul Gaultier for a couple of years.
nancyg on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:00 am #
btw, lol, I’ve turned Mr. G into a men’s cologne afficianado as well. He was all about the Old Spice & Gray Flannel when I met him.
Currently, he has D&G Light Blue, Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Concrete & Burberry London.
funny, true story:
One of his female employees switched teams within the company. Her new boss asked her what she liked about working w/Mr. G. She said, “He always smells SO good.” I don’t know what that says about his managerial skills, lol.
nancyg on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:02 am #
shnikes! last post, I promise!! When trying out a new scent, ask if they have a sample to make sure it’s the right one for you, since the perfume reacts differently to everybody’s body chemistry. I usually spritz some on, wear it around the store/mall for an hour or two, then have my daughter or shopping partner smell to make sure it “works”. Sometimes something that smells good on the paper card doesn’t work for you.
Archer on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:08 am #
I’ve been using CK Obsession since I was 13. Even though I like a lot of other scents nothing else feels right for me so I don’t think I’ll ever change. Although I wish it had a nicer looking bottle. Its a strong spicy citrusy scent, but I can’t smell it on me so it doesn’t bother me. I like most of CKs perfumes. Contradiction is nice for those who like a softer scent. The only negative thing with CK scents is they don’t last as long as Channel… but I’m guessing most perfumes don’t.
I wear perfume everyday except when I have my tango lessons. My poor teacher is allergic to everything
I also collect the mini bottles. I buy my perfume from Macys either before mothers day or before Christmas because they give a lot of extra goodies.
I like strong clean smells for me and on guys. Anything to flowery makes me twitchy.
My favorite mens scent was Liz Claiborn Sport (I think its discontinued). My bf uses Davidoff Cool Water… its yum.
Archer on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:10 am #
A nice smelling guy always leaves an impression on me.
Angela on 06 Jan 2010 at 6:12 am #
I wear Inner Grace from Philosphy. I have about 3 others that I rotate throughout the year depending on mood. Inis, Bond Girl and Bond Girl Forever (the last 2 are Avon fragrances).
My dad wore Black Suede (Avon) and he smelled great. Also good for men is anything that makes him smell good but still like a man.
I do not tend to wear anything too heavy as I work and don’t want to annoy co-workers.
Inis is from Ireland and can be had on QVC. Also try Tova from QVC. It can stop men in their tracks.
Deborah on 06 Jan 2010 at 6:45 am #
Hi Angela, I live in Dublin so it nice to see an Irish perfume getting a mention ! Inis is lovely, a really fresh summery type fragrance and excellent value too (well it is in Ireland anyway !!)
LoriHandeland on 06 Jan 2010 at 6:50 am #
I use scents from Bath and Body Works because I like to change monthly and I don’t like anything too heavy.
I remember Heaven Scent! I used that too. And for years I used Cinnabar.
I like a very light scent on a guy too. Too much and ugh. Some of the Polo scents are nice. Some aren’t.
Susan M on 06 Jan 2010 at 6:57 am #
Right now I’m using Victoria’s Secret body spray – Lovespell. I used to use Passionate Kisses but they discontinued it.
My favorite perfume is by Mary Kay and is called Affection. I ran out in September. That’s when I switched to the body spray. My best friend is a Mary Kay consultant and every Christmas she gives me a new bottle. We are supposed to be getting together this weekend to exchange gifts.
I like scents on guys as long as they are not too heavy and they didn’t bathe in the stuff.
Pesky on 06 Jan 2010 at 6:57 am #
Scent is all all powerful thing in the memory department I’d be careful too.
Some of my earliest memories of my Mom and Dad was the two of them dressed to the nine’s with the combination of My Sin and Old Spice swirling around them.
I love perfume…on other people. Something about the base makes it smell like alcohol about 10 minutes after it hits my skin. So I wear essential oils, or oil based scents. Presently I’m wearing Kumquat (which is citrusy) I also like a papaya vanilla mix that I get done for me that has a undertone of spice.
My sister The Bombshell, seems to have followed the same approximate scent path as you and is currently wearing Beautiful.
The men in my life are also of the scent bearing kind. Currently The Brain is rocking Soap, it keeps me clean, The Squid is wearing Nautica, HewhoshallnotbenamedbutwithwhomIshareahouse is wearing Tommy Bahama Cool Breeze, the BIL is wearing a variety of scents and The New Guy is wearing some musk and sandlewood scent that works on him.
MizMacgyver on 06 Jan 2010 at 7:08 am #
At the moment I am wearing Liz Claiborne, it has a fresh clean scent. I also tend toward the musky or vanilla scents. On a guy I prefer the musky undertones too. Like Nancy said some scents just don’t work on a person no matter how good they smell on other people and I have a real problem trying to find something that smells good and lasts. I did have one perfume one time and loved it but have never been able to find it since then. Mandarin Vanilla by Shiara. Loved that scent and I made it last as long as possible.
SuzyQ on 06 Jan 2010 at 7:24 am #
I used to wear Poison by Dior but it has just become too strong for me. Now I wear Lancome’s Hypnose. The first time I smelled this scent I fell in love with it. I kept sniffing the card that I sprayed it on. The store was having some specials since it was the launch of the perfume, so I bought a bottle right there and have been wearing it ever since.
Sometimes I also wear Warm Vanilla Sugar perfume from Bath and Body Works. I love anything with vanilla.
Sabrina Jeffries on 06 Jan 2010 at 7:28 am #
I love cologne and I like perfume, but for some reason I rarely wear it. I forget about it. Plus, hubby is really sensitive to scent, so I’m liable to get a comment like “What’s that stinky smell?” if I wear something too strong or something he doesn’t like. He likes the one I like to wear–Tabu–but I just forget to put it on. I love flowery scents, but he’s not as keen on them. I’d love it if he wore cologne, but that’s not happening. That would bug him too much.
Yes, I have a rather high maintenance husband. But he’s worth it!
I do like scented soaps and use those all the time. I like fruity scents if they smell pretty close to the actual scent (I love orange scent and lavender). I hate rose scent.
Kathy on 06 Jan 2010 at 7:43 am #
I used to wear perfume every going out evening in my 20s. I had to stop when I realised for every spray of perfume, I’d have to use an equal amount of nose spray so I could breathe!
lol
Lily of the Valley is a favourite scent of mine. I have special memories of a family trip to Bermuda when I was 7. We toured the fields and the perfume factory.
I like clean, not cloying scents. Nothing worse than sitting near someone that is wearing so much, it clings to your nose and follows you around for hrs whne you’ve leftt hat person.
Apparently, if you spray it on and can smell it yourself, you’ve put too much on.
Freshechelle on 06 Jan 2010 at 7:49 am #
Jo Malone fragrances are my weakness. She makes a variety of scents with names that describe exactly what the fragrance is: Red Roses, French Lime Basil, Lotus Blossom & Water Lily. They can be worn alone or layered to make your own scent. I mix them up every day with the collection I have. And her scents are unisex.
With some scents, the first thing I smell is alcohol, then I find the top note and get to overwhelmed before I get anywhere near the bottom note. Not with Jo.
For men, Kenzo for Men was my fav. Haven’t gotten a whiff of it in too long.
evlqn on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:06 am #
I used to wear Rive Gauche Perfume by Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio and Giorgio Red for years. But in recent years all OTC perfumes and colognes smell like onion juice on me so I make my own body oils. I prefer a citrus smell with a bit of sandalwood and bergamot. I also will go to Uncommon Scents for a special blend when I am in the mood, I like China Rain and Vanilla. When I was in HS and in a rush I would go to mom’s cupboard for her pure vanilla extract or the lemon extract, they are nice clean scents that stay on for hours. Nothing works better for catching teenage guys like the smell of sugar cookie.
My favorite “man” smell is Royal Copenhagen. I dated a guy just because he smelled so good and that was his cologne, shallow I know but there you are.
Sabrina, I use lavender essential oils all the time for so many things. I put it on a wet washcloth and throw it in the dryer, everything smells so nice and it works as a calming agent on people (preteen boys and little nappers)
Lisa H on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:16 am #
Claudia, I used to wear Chanel #5 and I love Coco Chanel, so you might like my current favorite which is Knowing by Estee Lauder. I wear it everday and what’s kind of fun is that my friends recognize it on other people and say things like, “She smells like Lisa.” I kindof like that.
Some of my other favs are Eternity by Calvin Klein ( I think) and Obsession by Calvin Klein.
I like my husband to wear cologne, I really like Polo by Ralph Lauren.
Good luck scent hunting and let us know what you find!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:23 am #
B, my daughter used to wear Ralph, still does I think and also wears Romance by Ralph Lauren; both such pretty scents. I have to admit to being tempted by Romance.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:24 am #
Deborah, I’ve never heard of those perfumes! I’ll have to check them out.
Ditto on scent on a guy. I LOVE it.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:26 am #
NancyG, I’m writing those down! And I think I’m going to become a scent-by-the-season person. That sounds like such fun. Why have I been living in this scent prison? I want to be freeeeeeee! (to wear multiple scents)
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:28 am #
Archer, I feel the same way about too much flower in the scent, too light and singular a flower scent, if you know what I mean. Like, it smells like a rose! Or a lily! Or a carnation! I like it to be more subdued and more complex, even if it is basically a floral scent.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:30 am #
Angela and Deborah, oh, so true. I still want a man to smell like a man, though a really, really nice smelling man. LOL Hello to Ireland!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:32 am #
Hmm, Polo. I wonder if Big D should change his scent? As long as I’m doing it…
Lori, I didn’t even know B&B Works sold perfume! I thought it was all bath stuff. Must go check that out.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:33 am #
Susan M, that’s right! I forgot that Vic. Secrets sold scent. I should check them out. As long as I’m at the mall checking out B&B Works…
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:35 am #
Oooh, Pesky, could I be a Bombshell like your sister? I mean, hey, we followed the same scent path. Maybe we’re part of the same pack? Pleaseeeeeee?
You know, I’d also forgotten about Nautica, which I like. I think Big D is going to have to find a new scent right along with me. Fair is fair.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:39 am #
MizMac, that is SO true. We all react to scents so differently based on our own peculiar body chemistry. To be brutally honest, once I had kids Shalimar smelled like cotton candy on me. All the spiciness of it was gone. I was heart-broken, but that’s when I shifted to Chanel No. 5 for a few years. But isn’t that weird about how we all absorb scents differently? And smell them differently too, I believe. What smells light and citrusy to one person could smell the the bottom of a potpourri dish to another. You just never know.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:40 am #
SuzyQ, oooh Hypnose sounds good. I’ll have to check that out. I love it when you know from the first sniff that this is the scent for you. The love-at-first-sight moment, only with your nose.
It sounds better if you don’t explain it.
kay on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:42 am #
As I get older, I find that my sinuses don’t particularly like perfume. Right now, I occasionally wear Egyptian musk, smells spicy. However, I’ve been through a long period of smells, starting when I was twelve and buying Evening in Paris, then on through Lilac (what a headache), Windsong, Emerald, Jean Nate, Chloe, Lancome and then I started wearing things that smelled like food. I had read somewhere that the pumpkin pie scent was one smell that men really liked. My favorite scent was grapefruit, it really smelled clean. But now, because I get a headache every time some kind of scent enters the room, I don’t usually partake. And, yes Evening in Paris dates me.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:43 am #
Sabrina! They still make Tabu!?! I had no idea! I’m going to go looking for it, just to experience it. I think they had the best ad campaign EVER, still holding the crown, imho. Does everyone remember that photo of the woman playing the piano and the guy just wraps her in his arms, overcome with desire? Oooooh.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:45 am #
Kathy, I think my grandmother used to wear Lily of the Valley! I had totally forgotten that. My mom NEVER wore scent of any kind. My dad wore after shave EVERY day. It’s funny how you are. Either you like it or you don’t. I know my mom was stunned when I discovered perfume at 13 and wore it every day.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:46 am #
Fresh, BLEND YOUR OWN SCENT?! That sounds like the Most Fun In The World!! I’d never leave the bathroom, playing chemist at my sink. Wow. I’m going to have to investigate that. It sounds wonderful!!!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:48 am #
Eviqn, I was very tempted by Rive Gauche at one point in my perfume life, but can’t remember why it didn’t make the cut. OTOH, Giorgio Red (loved the packaging) smelled like rubbing alcohol on me. Isn’t that the weirdest thing?
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:50 am #
Kay, I can really see this happening. Our bodies just keep changing (usually not for the better…bummer) and we have to keep rolling with it.
Deborah on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:53 am #
Claudia, hello back from a freezing cold and snowy Ireland ! Hypnose is nice but I prefer the new one, Hypnose Senses.. it is a lovely fragrance. That’s another one to add to your list! Oh and I forgot to mention in my earlier post that Ange ou Demon is by Givenchy.
cail on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:54 am #
Burberry Touch was my go to for the longest time. I still have a bottle of it somewhere, but I always forget to put it in. I don’t think I’ve worn perfume in like 2 years. I also really like a few of the scents that Fresh does. Especially their Lychee. I was in a store recently with a friend from college and she was like, ooo that smells like you in college. She had found my old perfume. There was another that I really liked but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was called. Oh well.
On men, I like most of Burberry’s scents. My DH doesn’t use any, but is partial to Old Spice body wash and deodorant, so I smell that all the time. I like it.
Paula on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:56 am #
I wear either White Musk by The Body Shop or J’Adore by Dior.
Sorry I have to just say this:
Snow, Snow, glorious snow,
Nothing quite like it for causing shut down everywhere.!!
in HAmpshire UK (in the south) in the town where I live we have had 8-12 ins of snow since last night and it is still snowing and upto another 15 cms is forecast by tomorrow morning. The boys schools and my work are closed today and the DH had to dig his car BACK onto the drive this morning!! he couldn’t go to work. This is highly unusual here but good fun.
Amy on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:57 am #
I used to wear perfume all the time when I was working, but now that I am home, I usually only wear it when I am going somewhere. On normal days I just use scented body creams. When I do use perfume it is either Happy by Clinique or L Lamb by Gwen Stefani. Both are floral scents, but Happy is lighter. I used to wear Ralph by Ralph Lauren, but when I was pregnant with my first child it would trigger morning sickness, now ever time I smell it I am reminded of that.
I love a sexy smelling guy, usually musky scents are my favourite.
The Hugo Boss ad with Jonathon Rys Meyers is my favourtie, talk about hot!
cail on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:11 am #
Oh, i found the other one I wear: Delices by Cartier.
Pesky on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:20 am #
Sure Claudia! From now on I’ll refer to you as The Bombshell formerly known as Claudia Dain.
Sabrina Jeffries on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:30 am #
Claudia, the thing about Tabu is you can only find it in drugstores. They don’t seem to offer it at perfume counters in department stores. When I googled it, I found this really snide review of it: http://www.nstperfume.com/2008/08/11/dana-tabu-perfume-review/
Apparently, it’s the tacky, in your face perfume. So of course it’s my favorite. *G*
I tried Chanel No. 5 years ago, because hubby said it was one he liked, but it didn’t smell good on ME. And he acknowledged that, too. And Emeraude was also something I wore in my youth, so I found it funny that you mentioned BOTH of those!
Sabrina Jeffries on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:32 am #
Paula and Deborah, it’s freezing here, but no snow. Our night time lows have been in the teens, which is not normal for North Carolina. I’ve been going out to walk in 20 degree weather. But it’s pretty as can be–not a cloud in the sky, gorgeous blue skies. It’s just cold, cold, COLD. Brr.
Rachel Gibson on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:33 am #
I have several. My daughter bought me Harajuku last year and I like it a lot. But I just really like to go old school with my Fendi. I also wear a lot of scented lotion.
Remember White Shoulders? That was my first perfume.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:40 am #
Deborah, thanks for the Givenchy info!
Freezing cold here in North Carolina in the USA as well. Light snow predicted for tomorrow. Nooooo!!!!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:44 am #
Cail, I have to admit that Old Spice is my favorite guy scent. My granddaddy wore Old Spice. My dad wore Old Spice (a brief foray into High Karate–he loved the ads). Big D wears Old Spice. It’s been hardwired into my brain: it’s what a guy is supposed to smell like!
BUT. I do think that since I’m changing it up, looking at options, so should he. I’m having so much fun hearing about all these scents! This is such a fun way to spend a freezing cold day (with my heat out downstairs…brrrr).
Freshechelle on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:45 am #
White Shoulders- that takes me back. That was the easy gift to get for my gran who made that her signature scent.
Weather report from Chicago: 6-9″ of snow expected tonight/tomorrow. I’m supposed to fly to Paris tomorrow. Grrr.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:45 am #
Oooh, Paula, I was tantalized by J’Adore once! I’d forgotten about it completely. I’ll have to check that out.
Glad you’re enjoying the snow!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:49 am #
Oh, yes, White Shoulders. I never wore it, but it was so popular and so classy.
Fresh, Paris!! Oooh (la, la)–couldn’t resist–are you going to buy perfume??? Serendipity! Have a wonderful trip, even if delayed.
Judy F on 06 Jan 2010 at 9:54 am #
I wear perfume every day. Depending on my mood that will be what I wear. I tend to go to the spicey smelling ones. My favorite is Cinnabar by Estee lauder. My niece got me hooked on Victoria Secrets Very Sexy hot and Very Sexy Dare.
I also have Candies perfume and I like the curve line of products by Liz Clairborne (I think)
One way for me to try new perfumes is to get those 4 or 4 mini bottles that come out around the holidays in those gift sets. I picked up one from Victoria Secrets this year for 15.00 with a coupon. Not a bad deal for 8 diff ones to try.
On a guy I love J Crew. And another I think it was called Grey or gray something.
SheridanLA on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:02 am #
I change scents every year or two.. then, for some weird reason, never like the one I used to wear again. I LOVED Donna Karan’s in the black and gold bottle.. now I smell it and wonder what I was thinking.. same with Ysatis, Boucheron, Escada and a few others… I am winding down my Chanel Chance phase and in the middle of Hermes Jardin Apres La Mousson… but feel that one winding down as well. I am on the hunt for one how with more vetiver in it.. I love that scent.. course, we will see what happens next time I make the trek out to find a new perfume.
I am wondering if my scent migration is tied to memories.. the ones I wore during rough spots are the ones I am most adverse to now.. hrmmm..
If a man is wearing a cologne that fits him.. oh man… there are some out there that make me weak in the knees. Kenzo Power is hot.. there is one of the D&G scents that a man I used to date wore… was really niiice.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:02 am #
JudyF, I’m going to have to check out Cinnabar; it keeps being mentioned. I *think* I remember when it came out, but I’m not sure I’ve ever even smelled it. It sounds lovely.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:04 am #
Sheridan, well I admire you! I think it’s great to change up your scent! I’ve been in a rut, rut, rut. And that’s never good.
I believe totally that scent is tied to memories and memories to scent. As was mentioned earlier, our brain hold the scent memory longer than any other sensory memory.
Julia London on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:11 am #
Ohmigod, Sabrina, I can’t believe you like Tabu. When my sister died, we found a closet full of it. She’d bought what she could find, saved what she’d gotten as gifts over the years. It was her favorite perfume and she wore it every day of her adult life. It was a huge joke. I didn’t know that anyone else out there even remembered Tabu, much less wore it, LOL.
I wear whatever I get as freebies at the make-up counter. I have no scent loyalty.
elsiehogarth on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:16 am #
Claudia, I love perfumes. My favorite is Y by Yves Saint Laurent. When I was 13, I smelt it on my Aunt Paulette and just fell in love with that scent.
Personally fragrances have to do with your personality, favorite colors, the occasion etc. Like day wear should be like light and airy. Some of the categories for fragrances are: 1. Oriental which are spicy with heavy scents of cinnamon, clove, vanilla, lavender etc. (I favor these scents); 2. Florals like greeny forals are breezy and outdoorsy scents like grass, chamomile, hyacinths etc. fresh florals are light, romantic, soft powdery scents and orange blossoms;fruity florals contain the blends of essences of specific exotic flowers and oriental ingredients; 3. Chypre-earthy and sensual essences patchouli, gardenis, musk etc. 4. Citrus-light, fruity, fresh, clean (I favor these in the summer).
Color wise: Purple & Violet (sensitvity) oriental scents; pale blue(romantic, dreamy & sensual) floriental: florals & orientals spices; Green: (harmony, earthiness) scents which include the citrus & chypre a blend of woody floral and citrus; red: (dynamic, passionate & extroverted) might like fresh flora; yellow( elegance, wisdom
TrishD on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:16 am #
I’m not a perfume wearer. It gives me a headache. I even have problems being around people who like to go a bit heavier with their perfume. But, there is NOTHING better than a good smelling man. There is a frequent customer where I work who is quite good looking and he always smells awesome!!
I’m in a lake effect snow belt on the Michigan side of Lake Michigan… we’ve been getting snow, snow, snow and our long term forecast is for more snow. The sun is shining right now, wonder how long that’s going to last?
Fresh… I hope the snow holds off long enough for you to fly out!!
Karen Rose on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:23 am #
Claudia, I’m like Sabrina and forget to wear perfume most of the time. My hubby is also very sensitive to scents and I have to be careful what I choose.
I was Chanel No. 5 for years, too, then Coco. Now I use Miracle by Lancome. I love their bath gel. It makes me smell nice, but isn’t overwhelming to hubby.
Freshechelle on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:37 am #
Sheridan, just got an email from Jo Malone uk that their next scent is Black Vetyver. Don’t know yet if it “stinks good”.
Catherine Mann on 06 Jan 2010 at 10:41 am #
I like to try new scents out and will sample just about anything in the stores – as long as lavender is the main ingredient.
ladydawgfan on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:14 am #
I can’t wear perfume due to being allergic to alcohol (even the supposedly “alchohol-free” versions have some alcohol in them). I am also extremely sensitive to chemically created scents, so most perfumes leave me sneezing and give me a headache.
However, I do have a wonderful skin cream, Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Hand & Body, that I use that is all natural oils, has no alcohol in it, and smells so wonderful that people around me actually ask what cologne I am wearing. The scent lasts all day, and is a mixture of rose, white camillia, geranium, lavender, bergamot, Sunflower, and several other oils. It smells fresh and clean, and makes my skin oooh sooo soft as well.
BTW, while we are discussing perfumes, as an allergy sufferer, can I make a request of perfume wearers? PLEASE tone it down!! When I could wear perfume, I was taught that no one should be able to smell your scent unless they were embracing you. Apparently this lesson has not been taught widely since a lot of perfume wearers, my sister included, prefer to announce their approach by their scent. Not cool when you are on confined spaces like airplanes or elevators!!!
Kathleen on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:33 am #
I don’t wear perfume everyday. Mostly because I have psorasis and should not wear anything with perfume in it. But when I go out I like to spray on just a bit.
I wear Allure by Channel. I wore Giorgio for many years and before that a fragrance by Paco Raban.. I got a sample of Allure in a magazine and just fell in love with it..
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:47 am #
Pesky, I like it! The Bombshell formerly known as Claudia Dain. A little long for a book cover, but does any book *really* need a title?
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:47 am #
Julia, I’m thinking a big gift box full of Tabu for Sabrina…what do you think?
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:50 am #
ElsieH, okay, wait, wait, wait. Scents and colors? Mix? They indicate something when combined? The color we prefer somehow should match the scent we prefer?
Tell me more!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:51 am #
TrishD, I know there are a lot of people who get headachy around perfumes. What is it about the perfumes? The alcohol? There’s some basic ingredient in scents that is like poison, but does anyone know what ingredient that is? Or does it differ from person to person?
I find this sort of thing fascinating.
Julia London on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:52 am #
Claudia, I know where I can get a whole bunch of it
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:53 am #
KarenR, Big D is very particular about scent, though not actually sensitive. This shopping together to find something we both like is HUGELY important. He likes a more floral scent than I do, so we’re always schlepping from counter to counter to find something that works for both of us.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:55 am #
Ladydawg, that sounds WONDERFUL! I’m going to look for that. It would be nice to use a perfume that doesn’t give anyone a headache.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:56 am #
Kathleen, I’ve never even heard of Allure! And here I am practically hanging out at the Chanel counter year after year. I don’t know how I missed that. I do like that the Chanel scents last all day. I figure it’s a quality product.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 11:57 am #
Julia, I was counting on that!
Split the postage?
nancyg on 06 Jan 2010 at 12:41 pm #
Claudia:
another hint for something I do – I use the scented bath gel & lotion after I get out of the shower. It’s not so “in your face” as far as spraying the perfume right on you & lasts throughout the day. I always ask for a sample, vial size of any perfume I wear. I keep it in my purse & dab a little behind the ears, pulse points, etc., especially after a day on the golf course when I’m a little “ripe” after hitting the golf ball a 100+ times
GSM on 06 Jan 2010 at 12:43 pm #
You missed my favorite scent by Chanel–No. 19. Have you tested that one? My daughter is a real perfume fan and she loves Dolce & Gabana and Givenchy.
Gannon on 06 Jan 2010 at 12:59 pm #
I love perfume! I wear it even if I’m not leaving the house. LOL My current scent, which I’ve been wearing for about a year is Tom Ford Black Orchid. It is divine, and I get more compliments on it than any other perfume I’ve ever worn.
My husband smells good with anything he wears, but my favorite is Halston 1-12. It’s not easy to find anymore, but it’s worth it!
SheridanLA on 06 Jan 2010 at 1:06 pm #
GSM.. I wore No 19 a long time ago.
Fresh… I will keep my eyes open for the Black Vetyver.. thanks!
PJ on 06 Jan 2010 at 1:09 pm #
I have an allergic reaction to many scents. Just walking through the perfume area of a department store can set me off. Ironically, it’s often the very expensive scents that I react to. Good for my bank account, I guess.
I used to wear CK Obsession all the time. Loved that scent. Now I mostly wear Bath & Body Works. Right now I’m in love with their Sensual Amber.
Janae on 06 Jan 2010 at 1:50 pm #
I’ve a super sensitive nose and find many scents overwhelming. I don’t like perfumes that have a super sweet smell to them. It seems that the people who like those scents douse themselves in them. I remember one time when I was pg with my daughter, and I was in a meeting that I really couldn’t leave. There was a man there, who must have dumped his cologne on him. It took all my willpower to keep from vomiting during the meeting. As soon as I could leave, I did.
I like scent, but I don’t wear it every day. My favorites are Chanel No 5, Red Door, and some rose and jasmine perfume oils that I mix. In middle school and high school I wore Charlie and Heaven Scent. In my twenties I loved Ralph Lauren’s Safari for women. I still love RL’s Safari for men, but I can’t get my dh to wear any kind of cologne. On more than one occasion I wore the Safari for men. I, also, love Chanel No 22, but it’s hard to find.
Claudia and Sabrina, my mom used to wear Emeraude. I haven’t thought about that in ages.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:00 pm #
I wish I could help, but I’ve been wearing #5 for over thirty years. Now my oldest daughter wears it. (Isn’t it amazing how different the same scent can smell on different women?)
That said, I have some minor allergy issues, and some of the more astringent scents can knock me on my keester for a day or two. It seems people have forgotten that frangrance should be subtle. Odor is overwhelming. Why would anyone want to turn a $100 per oz fragrance into an odor?
Sabrina Jeffries on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:24 pm #
Hey, I’ll take it, Julia and Claudia!
Heather on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:25 pm #
I love Philosophy’s “Amazing Grace” and “Falling in Love.” But if you like a more musky, heavier scent you would probably love Vera Wang’s “Princess.” It’s light, but it has heft. Great for everyday wear.
readerdiane on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:38 pm #
My perfumes have changed over the years and I have worn many of the same. Chanel #19 was a favorite. I did like Liz Claiborne for several years. I don’t like very floral perfumes. When we were in France I did get some special perfume for my daughters but never found one that I liked. I am writing several of these down to try out later. There have been some “amber fragrances” that have interested me and I just might look at some of those.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:49 pm #
I’ll tell you what I love to do with those tiny samples: take them on trips. Those samples of perfumes I may never buy become my travel perfume. Not only do I enjoy being somewhere new, I get to smell like someone new!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:50 pm #
I barely remember hearing about Chanel No 19. I can’t think why it drifted off my radar! I’m really going to have to check out the Chanel counter more thoroughly during my search. Thanks for the tip!
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:51 pm #
Gannon, me too! I put on perfume every day, and most days I don’t leave the house. I even sometimes put it on before I go to bed.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:53 pm #
PJ, I am just overwhelmed with curiosity as to why some people are allergic to fragrance. Any doctors out there?
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:55 pm #
Janae, I think Emeraude was *the* perfume for awhile, at least for women of a certain age. I’m so sorry you have such a strong reaction to fragrance! Long elevator rides could get really gruesome.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:57 pm #
Gwynlyn, you are so right! Delicately applied is the Rule! OTOH, Number Two Son has a much more sensitive nose than Big D does. Number Two Son will walk into the kitchen and say, “Mom! Too much perfume!” Big D will walk in five minutes later, hug me and say, “What? No perfume today?”
It’s a balancing act.
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 4:58 pm #
Heather, writing it down…Princess by Vera Wang. I didn’t know she’d branched out into perfume! Has anyone tried the new Sarah Jessica Parker perfumes? I think she has two out now.
Solveig on 06 Jan 2010 at 5:08 pm #
Hi Claudia :Ö) That is sooooo weird ;Ö) My dad used to wear Old Spice tooo! But they´ve stopped
but the perfume is lovely, mellow and comforting with
selling it here :Ö( so he does not anymore. I´m not a big perfume girl but I love “naomi cambell” right
now. Not the person (way to over the top for me
a tad of sweetness. Just like me ;Ö)
Claudia Dain on 06 Jan 2010 at 5:13 pm #
Solveig, that’s horrible! I wonder why no more Old Spice? I heard once it was the best selling men’s cologne of them all. I wonder if that’s still true?
Alicia on 06 Jan 2010 at 6:08 pm #
I am probably too late to get in on today’s post.
TGB was BLOCKED at work!!!! Can you believe it? I teared up! LITERALLY! It is my escape….don’t they know?
I have a perfume collection. Yes…I have such a vast array I can call it a collection. I cannot pick a favorite because I wear it according to my moods. I may put one on in the morning and wear a different one if I go out at night. My newest “spicey/wintery” scent is ED HARDY LOVE & LUCK. Another “spicey/wintery” smell to me is VERY SEXY by Victoria Secret (the red bottle).
Polo Black and Very SExy for men by Victoria Secret is a tie for me! Makes me want to crawl all over my husband!! *g*
Deb H. on 06 Jan 2010 at 6:53 pm #
I used to wear Far Away by Avon, but my DH became allergic to it this fall. He sneezed all over the place when I wore. I like Rare Gold by Avon, Cashmere by ?, and Giorgio. I love Knowing by Estee Lauder, but it’s expensive….
Good luck on finding a scent.
Lyvvie on 06 Jan 2010 at 7:05 pm #
I’m a Coco fan myself – it’s my go-to scent. I also love Red by Giorgio Beverly Hills. But I find, mixing scents a bit of fun. I like to mix Coco with Calvin Klein’s One. They shouldn’t work but they do! I also wear Acqua di Parma with a dash of patchouli added to it. some scents are too strong to mix anything with, but a light and a heavier scent seem to do nicely. I’ll also wear anything with Egyptian musk in it.
Then again, there’s always Prada Milan, Narcisso Rodriguez Her or anything by Creed. Also, if you love Chanel, have you been to a boutique to try some of the scents from their Exclusifs range? The Cuir De Russie is lovely as are a couple others but I forget them all just now.
One last thing – have you tried just buying samples of scents that you think you’d like to try? there are a few online shops that will let you buy small vioals of the scent to try for a while to see how the scent suits you. It’s a great way to find “The One”
For men, I get gucci for my husband or Cerruti 1881 – it suits him to a T.
Michelle B on 06 Jan 2010 at 7:56 pm #
What a really fun blog, Claudia! I’m popping in late today as it was a very busy day around here and I missed my morning computer time.
My first perfume was Heaven Scent too! I hadn’t thought of that perfume in years. Brings back fun memories. Then when I was around 16 my great aunt said that every girl should have a special, and expensive, perfume. She gave me Channel #5 and I have worn nothing else serously since. It is still my hands down favorite. DH gives me a bottle for Christmas, Mother’s Day and my birthday. I wear it every day. Some day, when I am gone, my kids will smell Channel #5 and maybe think of me.
So while I don’t change, my daughters do. One of them loves DNKY’s Delicious. Looks like a glass apple and comes in Green, Red and I think it is Black. The green one is my favorite on her. My other daughter likes several too, but I like her in Lucky 7. I do the supplying for them, after all, “Every girl should have one special, expensive perfume.”
Louisa Cornell on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:18 pm #
Currently I wear L’airs du Temps. My brother has been giving me that scent for my birthday for the past few years. I like it.
When I was in college I wore Halston, which my late DH loved. Then after we were married he went shopping and discovered White Shoulders. He bought it for me for Christmas because he said “It just smells like you.” But after his death I couldn’t make myself wear it. I wore Sand and Sable for a while, but I think it had a lot to do with missing my grandmother. That was her scent.
I do love scent on a man IF he knows how to wear it. If he is wearing it and it is not wearing him, great! My policy is your scent should not enter the room 15 minutes before you do, nor should it remain 15 minutes after you leave. A scent should be that certain something that evokes a memory of you and even better, world of possibilities!
Barb Chansky on 07 Jan 2010 at 10:18 am #
I am a total parfume addict:) ( I got about 15 different parfumes right now) – well, I wear it according to my mood:) I personally prefer light florals, but if you would prefer someting in a differnt venue, I would suggest poison or tendre poison by Dior
jackie on 07 Jan 2010 at 1:22 pm #
Have you tried Happy by Clinique? It is a light citrus scent and it makes me feel happy when I am wearing it, so I wear it most days to work!
GeorgiaGirl on 07 Jan 2010 at 7:16 pm #
My last perfume (real perfume) were a dozen little samplers my daughter bought in Europe. They lasted for YEARS~!
However, the best scent in the world is a “lotion” by Este Lauder called “Spellbound”. It’s a keeper
PJane1031 on 08 Jan 2010 at 12:04 am #
I have two scents that I use/love. .. my sister has a Tack Shop (equine needs, etc.) and carries a couple different perfume and cologne lines. . . .
I absolutely LOVE ‘Indian Musk’ by Annie Oakley and the other one is called ‘Cruel Girl Perfume’ (Cruel Girl is a western clothing line). One of my friends had a perfume card she showed me a year or so back. . . I think it was for a Calvin Klein perfume, and the Cruel Girl perfume smelled JUST like it, and much friendlier on the budget, too!!
Claudia Dain on 08 Jan 2010 at 6:42 pm #
For you late posters, I didn’t have internet for a day and missed responding to your GREAT suggestions. Please know that I am WRITING THEM DOWN! I have *never* gotten so much great advice in so short a time.
THANK YOU!!!
A. Bluestocking on 09 Jan 2010 at 12:42 pm #
I LOVE ‘Josephine’ by Rance.
It was created for the Empress Josephine, I not only love the history but it smells wonderful!!! Though the company moved from France to Italy, the formula is the same.
I always get lots of complements.
They also did one for Eugenie which I like in the summer time as it has a citrus scent.
Madeline Hunter on 09 Jan 2010 at 4:10 pm #
Adding this very late. I love Diorissimo. Floral, sophisticated, sometimes hard to find.
Patricia Barraclough on 09 Jan 2010 at 10:00 pm #
Perfume is a very personal thing. The same scent will smell different on different people.
Most of the perfumes I have liked through the years have been discontinued. It is rather upsetting to have one you really like not be available anymore. In college I used Old Spice for Women and loved it. 3 years after graduation, it was gone. I’m using Imari by Avon most of the time now.
Laurie Loth on 10 Jan 2010 at 2:37 pm #
By far you will adore Flower Bomb!
Claudia Dain on 10 Jan 2010 at 2:43 pm #
Patricia, that is so true, and what makes finding the perfect scent so difficult. Smelling it from the bottle isn’t enough. I have to try it on, let it sit, sniff, let is sit for at least an hour, sniff again, sit a few more hours, sniff again. It has to smell *right* at every stage.
Uekiya on 14 Feb 2010 at 1:32 pm #
Fragrance on a man is great as long as it “fits” him and his body BUT some of the guys tend to ‘bathe’ in it and their scent lasts long after they have left.
I have stuck with “White Musk” for many years (sometimes Vanilla Musk as he likes anything vanilla)…they are light and lasting. I don’t care for the overpowering scents on myself or others…they are just too much! Some people tend to wear the ‘current’ fragrance whether it blends well with their body or not. They can’t seem to smell it on themselves so they think ‘they’ smell exactly like the sample in the bottle does…Wrong! Too bad someone they know well hasn’t told them that it isn’t a good choice for them.
From all these great comments, I think I shall go out and try some of the suggested ones. Thanks everyone….and “Happy Valentines Day!” to all.