Today's poll was suggested by capillary, who wants to know what niche fragrances you would consider classics. Name up to 5!
Note: image is up close with a California autumn leaf by Darwin Bell at flickr; some rights reserved.
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Oh shoot. The topic of classics makes me feel like a newbie again! I don’t know the history enough to know how old things are, and I assume longevity of availability is part of the definition of classic?
In any case, my nearly ignorant list, based on the frequent recommendations here (whether I ended up liking them or not) might include:
1. SL Iris Silver Mist
2. SSS Champagne de Bois
3. OJ Woman
4. Tauer Une Rose Chypree or maybe Lonestar Memories?
5. Amouage Ubar (is Amouage considered niche or just high-end?)
These 5 lines seem to be a good start, even if the individual scents aren’t quite right.
Darn. And now I realize I didn’t put in a single beloved Malle. . . :-/
Hello Marjorie Rose!
I want to ask an off- topic question, if you’ ll indulge me.
I noticed you refer to your beau as Mr. Spicebomb.
Could you give a brief impression of that scent, and if it has that
generic men’s fragrance aroma.
Thanks in advance.
I’m wearing Amouage Fate Woman today. Anyone who loves narcissus scents should try this, it is stunning.
Bear
Hey Bear! Always happy to go off topic! 😉
My impression of Spicebomb is that it’s a fairly good, mainstream spicy scent. It’s more masculine than feminine, but certainly unisex enough. It isn’t ozonic or “blue,” which prevents it from seeming too generic. But it doesn’t break huge ground, either. I enjoy smelling it on my new fella, and compared to his other scent-of-choice Bleu de Chanel, it is interesting and a touch unexpected. Granted, I also have a bit of a soft spot for generic men’s scents, as they are nostalgic of early infatuations! So I guess my response men’s fragrance is a bit conflicted!
I haven’t tried the Fate scents, yet. But as a proud owner of 2 Amouages, and with a wish list that includes at least one more, I’m hesitant to sample new ones!
Oh, and I should add that I tried Spicebomb on myself and wasn’t moved to purchase it. It was nice, warm and cozy, but not original enough to warrant a purchase with my many other cozy oriental scents to choose from.
Thanks for your responses Marjorie Rose.
You saved me a trip to Macys – I’ll smell it when I go Christmas shopping – Dec. 24! lol
And I was gifted a bottle of Bleu de Chanel for my birthday a few years ago – it was all ozonic aluminum can on my skin. Awful!
Gave it to a friend with the proviso that he NEVER wear it in my presence. I can’t believe how popular it is.
And not to enable but, Fate kinda reminds me of Ubar, quite possibly my favourite Amouage. Structured similarly, but with daffodil(narcissus) and frankincense instead of the florals and sandalwood in Ubar. Not smell-alikes just really beautiful.
Bear
Not to enable! No, that NEVER happens here! 😉
Happy to help–I know there are perfumista folks who like it well enough to own it, but I guess I’m not one of them. As for holiday shopping, I wimped out years ago and now I just make yearly calendars with my art photos and maybe some baked goods. Although perhaps I should think of something more personal for my new fella, huh? Haven’t had someone special to shop for in years. . .
Does buying scent for a fella seem self-serving?
I would buy him a scent that I wanted to smell on him – I’m sneaky that way.
BUT – a calendar of your photos and baked goods you made would mean more to me than anything you could buy.
This is fun!
Amouage Gold
Serge Lutens Chergui
Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien
Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose
Parfums de Nicolai Le Temps d’une Fête
Chergui, definitely!
I third Chergui, and second Lipstick Rose:)
Hmm, good question. I’ve been around since 2005-6, so I can only date from there. Parfums d’Empire Ambre Russe & Cuir Ottoman, some from Parfumerie Générale, but Iris Taizo was my personal favorite and now it’s changed and renamed. Let’s see, L’Artisan for sure, maybe Mure et Musc. And Keiko Mecheri Loukham was all the rage for a long time.
Yes, L’Aritsan should be included, too! I would maybe suggest Dzing!–it seems very frequently discussed and compared to other scents.
Dzing! is a favourite of mine; I included it in my list below. I think it was my first niche full bottle purchase, actually.
I have tried it several times, since it is clearly a scent that many have strong feelings about. It just doesn’t have any impact at all on me, though! I’m holding onto my samples, though–maybe some day it will finally speak to me? 🙂
That’s so interesting! Doesn’t have any impact in the sense of, you’re just not particularly moved by it, or, it really doesn’t smell to you the way others describe? If the latter, it could be worth trying a fresh sample–I did find that the top notes went off my sample vial pretty quickly, and I think that big kick and then the transformation has a lot to do with why people find it so exciting to wear. I still really enjoy the second half of the scent, but it’s true that standing alone, it might not feel so remarkable!
All that said, of course, no need to force it! (More for me 🙂 )
I don’t percieve the same dimensions that other’s describe. My sniffing notes describe it as “sweet, spicy with a touch of woods in the heart notes.” Last time I tried it, I didn’t get any leather or any sense that it was all that unusual or unexpected. Just sort of pleasant.
Oh yes in that case a fresher sample may make a difference–to me the heart/base smells as you describe, but I find the top notes are in the vein of Bvlgari Black, and that’s the part that disappeared as my sample got older.
Of course not everyone will consider “more like Bvlgari Black” a virtue! 🙂
How interesting! At least one of my samples is a manufacturers carded sample, and I tend to assume those are pretty good at being “fresh,” but who knows how long it sat in a drawer before I tested it. . .
I own and like Black, but I nearly never wear it. I’ve found it more distracting than enjoyable somehow. It never blends in with the background and simmers; it’s always in the forefront!
Oh yeah especially if you have a couple different samples, I’d figure at least one would be fresh enough! Could just be that part of the composition happens to be made of something you’re anosmic to? But the way you describe Black makes me think you would like Dzing, if it does happen to be a matter of old samples–I totally agree about liking Black but finding it a bit exhausting to wear all day. Dzing is kind of perfect (for my money) because you get some of that Black-like kick but it only lasts for like an hour or two and then the scent settles into the sweeter, much-easier-to-wear dimension that you describe.
…fascinating, in any event. These conversations always make me wonder what else I’m smelling totally differently than are others!
Shoot. It’s comments like that that keep me going back to trying it! Maybe next time I’m ordering samples, I’ll give it another go! :]
It would be nice to have something like Black but that doesn’t become too much work after a while.
I completely agree about how nice it is to have someplace to discuss these ideas and experiences! Without this blog, I wouldn’t have even known that there could be such a diversity of experiences with scent. Helps me to appreciate it as the art that it is.
MR I respond in exactly the same way as you to Bulgari Black and Dzing, Other people love Dzing on me, but I find it sweet and somehow a little flat. As with Traversee de Bosphore (sp?) my nose does not register leather – and I don’t get any ‘dirty’ notes at all.
Bulgari Black I love but never wear for the same reason as you – it constantly distracts me from, rather than enhancing, whatever I happen to be engaged with.
Hey Merlin! Good to hear it’s not just me regarding Black and Dzing!! I *do* however own and enjoy Traversee du Bosphore, but it is mostly Turkish Delight with just a hint of leather. It can certainly be too sweet for some days.
My problem is that I don’t get turkish delight so much either – what I get from TdB is sweet clarified apple. I imagine I could like an apple note – but I don’t like that one.
I gave my Bulgari Black to b.f. who does not particularly enjoy frag but does sometimes wear it for me – and I ADORE it on him. So, perhaps you can make a decant of your bottle for yourself and then pass the bottle on to Mr Spice Bomb turned Sir Bulgari Black! lol.
I think we are scent siblings – since our taste largely overlaps, but not quite scent twins:)
Ha! I think you are right! Or maybe just fraternal twins rather than identical ones?
As for Black, I actually first bought it for my former partner and LOVED it on him! When he moved out, I found myself missing that scent and bought a small bottle for myself, but never liked it as well on me. Not sure I could give it to Mr. Spicebomb, though, due to associations! 🙂
I adore Dzing, especially its “circus poop” phase which transitions into caramel corn a little too quickly for my bizarre tastes, but I can always layer with No. 8 by Brent Leonesio. Either way, Dzing is lovely and unique.
All I get from Dzing is burning car tire – shame.
YES! To me it’s like I’ve stepped into a barn whose stalls need cleaning. Massive horse manure, but also then it quickly goes to sweet hay, a hint of saddle leather. But it’s comforting in the way that a barn is: warm and horsey and the smell of soiled hay, and fresh hay mixed, is always comforting. I like to sleep in it. Imagining nestling horses around me. Not pooping ON me, of course.
Not sure I’ve ever slept in Dzing! – I’ll have to give that a try.
The other wonderfully horsey one is Cartier IV Heure. I considered putting that on my list but decided to go with earlier niche.
I love Iris Taizo! One of my favorites.
I’m not an experienced enough perfumista to come up with anything like a definitive list, so my approach here is just to work with fragrances I’ve tried.
So these are my classics, I guess:
Dzing!
Ormonde Woman (and Man, really)
Tam Dao
Air de Rien
Feminité du Bois or Ambre Sultan
(Yes, I realize I cheated and included more than 5.)
I almost included Avignon, but I guess CdG isn’t really niche, is it? It just somehow seems niche, if that makes any sense.
My ability to try niche scents is really limited in the small Canadian city I call home, so I’ve relied on ordering decants and occasional vacations to big cities to get my niche fix. I’ve still never tried anything from Malle, Tauer, Amouage, Byredo, and many other niche houses. I’m sure a “proper” list of niche classics would include things like Carnal Flower and Air Au Desert Marocain, but the list above, as I said, is just of my classics.
I had exactly the same thoughts about Avignon or Kyoto. Niche-ish?
My list would include:
1. Chergui
2. Fracas
3. Teint de Neige
4. Luctor et Emergo
5. Anne Pliska.
Fracas *is* classic 🙂 (1948)
So happy to see Anne Pliska! This is one of my favorites as well, especially at this time of year
Lutens, both Chergui and Ambre Sultan. Amouage Jubilation, Coromandel, Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, l’Artisan Fou d’Absinthe, and Bois Farine.
Oooo, Ambre Sultan and Tobacco Vanille are in heavy rotation at my house. Love it that they’re on your list.
This was a challenge! Pondering again what’s really niche nowadays? If you cab buy it a a chain like Boots it’s an obvious no but what if you can get it in a department store like House of Fraser? Is Serge still niche now he’s in the high street…..anyhoo –
My list:
1. L’Air du Desert Marocain
2. Atelier d’Artiste Nez a Nez
3.Sacre Bleu P de N
4. Bijou Romantique EL
5 Dries van Noten Malle
I thought of L’Air du desert marocain as well, good pick. Good to see another fan of Dries van Noten 🙂
Fun question!
Feminite du Bois
Chergui
Tobacco Vanille
Carnal Flower
Knize Ten
Knize Ten – excellent!
Bandit
Timbuktu
Amouage Dia Woman
Bois des Iles
Bois d’Encens
I am feeling particularly bois-ish today, but this is a group I will never tire of.
Tubereuse Criminelle
Une Fleur de Cassie
Odalisque (or Le Temps d’une Fete…tough choice)
Debut (Delrae)
Mito
Did anyone see the interview on Fragrantica with Patricia Nicolai about packaging redesign & new scents? Very curious!
Thank you for the information, I missed the article and it was interesting to read (here’s a link if anybody wants to read it: http://www.fragrantica.com/news/An-Interview-with-Perfumer-Patricia-de-Nicola–4741.html )
What I got from it: thank you, dear fans, for supporting us through the first 25 years but now let’s see some money.
What surprises me is that Le Temps D’Une Fete is… well, practically discontinued. Being a limited distribution perfume, it’ll be gone once the current stock is gone and could be recreated only on demand (read – money first). While this perfume isn’t my most favorite and I won’t be too upset if I cannot get more of it once my decant is gone, but that was the name that in the last 4 years I heard, probably, 4 out of 5 times when the conversation terned to the brand and also often as a favorite perfume in general. Can it really be that people “outside the circle” (wherever the brand sells their perfumes) like it much less than other, not discontinued, scents?
Galbanamgal and Undina, thank you so much for sharing this fascinating interview (and Serguey is a very handsome chap!).
I think you’re right, Undina, it looks like there is going to be a big price hike at PdN, and I’m a bit torn about it – on the one hand I don’t want to pay more, but on the other I appreciate the quality of her creations and they probably deserve a higher price tag.
I guess this is inevitable when you see just how much is now being charged for perfume, even when it is really not so special … have you seen what Crabtree & Evelyn are asking for their new Night Garden range??? The price gap between mainstream and niche has been narrowing, and it seems that the niche people are beginning to widen it again so as to keep their elite status. We won’t be able to afford to buy anything!
Huh. Sounds like justification enough to go and buy that Amouage I’ve been eyeing–you know, while it’s still affordable! 😉
Here it is again, the news about My Most Favorite Ever. EFFING DOUBLE TOOTHPICKS.
Gah. Kills me. I probably need YET ANOTHER bottle of LTdF. Just in case. Just so I can sleep at night. I would sell practically all my other things.
Carnal Flower
Tubereuse Criminelle
Lipstick Rose
Rubj
Ormonde Woman
I thought of Rubj too. It’s not very easy to come by in these parts, so I think that will keep it in the aspirational rather than classic category for me, though!
Then, the usual question rears its head again; what is niche? Even looking at my list, Frederic Malle and Serge Lutens may not be considered niche by some, as they are readily available in most parts. 🙂
No, I think you’re completely right to include it as niche. But it is a small enough niche, that I am unlikely to cross paths with it “in the wild!”
Interesting …. what will stand the test of time? I’m using the “test of time” standard rather than the “my personal favorites” standard (and I’m not inclu:
1. Andy Tauer, L’Air du Desert Marocain
2. Diptyque, Philosykos
3. Frederic Malle, Musc Ravageur
4. SL, Chergui
5. PdE, Ambre Russe
If Annick Goutal could be considered niche, then Songes would be in there; if SSS is considered niche rather than indie, then Tabac Aurea or Champagne de Bois would be in the mix.
Don’t know where that unfinished sentence came from!
It should read “I am including:”
Dzing! (my all-time favourite)
MKK
Ormonde Woman (never tried it, but God have I heard about it…)
Fracas
Mona di Orio Vanille (should have got a FB when I still had that kind of money…)
Dominika, where are you located? I could maybe send you a mL of OJ Woman so you could finally get a whiff–assuming I can sneak it through whatever customs. It’s quite a divisive scent, it seems! I love it, but plenty people do not.
That would be great 🙂 I’m in Cairo at the moment, but I think a saner option would be to wait until I’m back in the states in December… maybe you’d like something from Egypt in exchange? I’m dominika99 on MakeupAlley if you’re on there.
Oh, that sounds like a good idea. Shoot me an email when you’re heading back to the States, and I will send you a present! I’m not on make-up alley, so just contact me at marjoriehundtoft at yahoo dot com. I’ll be interested to hear what you think! No need to send something in return, but if you have something you’re excited about sharing, that’s cool, too! 🙂
I’m pretty excited about a few things 😉 I was just on the phone with the SO, and we had another one of those conversations that gets you a bit closer from being regarded as having an “interesting hobby” to being obsessed. He knows people in the old bazaar that sell real Egyptian jasmine oil… I never knew that, as I’ve always just gone there as a tourist who buys cute trinkets. He said it’s expensive, but you know to anyone with a long history of perfume purchasing it seems almost free 😀
Ha! Yes, it’s a fine line between interesting hobby and odd obsession!
Jasmine oil sounds fabulous! I hope you’re at least able to sniff some! 🙂
Haha just want to say how much I relate to the conversation about interesting hobby versus obsession! Recently someone said to me, “Wow so you’ve smelled a lot of perfume. How many do you think you’ve smelled? Like 40? 50?” Hahahaha. Ruh roh!
Though I do like to reassure myself by thinking of the Alec Baldwin character on 30 Rock and his cookie jar collection 🙂
And no, is Amaranthine really being discontinued? No! I don’t have access to it where I’m staying now, and I won’t be in the states until xmas and… just no 🙁
I was just emailing my mother last night asking if she could order that for me online, along with some Daim Blond, but I don’t know if she’s got credit cards anymore and I’m not sure if it will still be in the shops when I go back to the US in December… And today I find that it’s being discontinued… Sorry to rant, but I once went through 5 ml of that gorgeous stuff and haven’t got over it since and it’s been on my to-buy list for two years. Why didn’t I just get it then and there… some stupid excuse about not enough space in my luggage ;(
I’m not sure I understand your problem: yourmother lives here,so she has the U.S. address. You have access to a computer. Why can’t you order it from wherever you are to your mom’s address and pick it up once you’re back?
But in any case, I don’t think it’ll be gone within the next 2 months.
I’ve only got a European bank account… can’t send a payment anywhere because that requires an SMS confirmation code thingy, which I can’t get because I left the country and no longer have that phone number. Anyways, maybe I’m just freaking out. Hope it doesn’t sell out before Dec.
I’m assuming Persolaise knows what he is talking about, but I did not verify.
That’s a tough question Capillary!
I would consider the following few as classics:
MDCI Chypre Palatin
Amouage Lyric Man
Histoires de Parfums 1725
Serge Lutens Fourreau Noir
Carner Barcelona D600
Maybe these types would change with time but I can’t see my future wardrobe without some of those.
My SotD is Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue. Have a good weekend!
Did you find the absolue sufficiently different?
I hope you don’t mind if I answer this question as well.
I love the original perfume (EdP,not EdT) and like Absolue but I don’t think they are different enough to have two bottles in the collection – unless it’s an actual collection, not just for use.
Once I’m done with the original bottle, I was thinking about replacing it with Absolue – but we’ll see.
Not at all, thanks for the answer. 🙂 It settles it for me as well. Looks like I will only get the absolue if I ever finish my bottle of the edp.
I think I’m in the minority but I adore the Edp and dislike the Absolue. But, we don’t have the Absolue here so I’ve only tried it at an airport once which is not really a fair trial.
Not just you Merlin. I adore the EdP too, so much that my bf bought me a vat in case I ran out. I was excited to try the Absolue when it came out, but it was a real scrubber on me – I can’t think of any other way to describe it than (the french) ‘gras’. Just shows how high the influence of individual skin can be on the whole experience.
I don’t like I will replace Infusion d’Homme with Infusion d’Iris Absolue.
Fumemad, yes! While I find first Infusion d’Iris EdP to be a powdery take on iris with incense, Infusion d’Iris Absolue smells more rooty and buttery to me. It really is golden like its packaging.
Feminité du bois
Mohur
Bois de Paradis
Alahine
Songes
Do we count Les Exclusifs are niche? If so:
Philosykos
Carnal Flower
Cuir de Russie
Bois des Îles
Feminite du Bois
Incidentally, these are not necessary my top 5 niche scents, just the ones that I’d consider classics regardless of my own feelings about them.
I also tried to include scents that I don’t necessary wear/own, but I recognize that they have made an impact and seem to be well-loved. But it’s so hard when you think a scent *should* be recognized as classic! 🙂
Soivohle Underworld, Riverwalk, Meerschaum and Leather Krem.
Feminite du Bois
Ambra del Nepal by IPDF
SSS Champagne du Bois
TDC Sublime Balkiss
Parfum de Therese
I find it hard to pick 5 fragrances. Instead I’ll suggest 5 houses:
Goutal
Lutens
Malle
Amouage
L’Artisan Parfumeur
Better – but we also need Diptyque, which would make six! 😉
I agree.It would have been there had there been six places. Hesitated for a while between L’Artisan and Diptyque. Chose the former as their more recent output seems more interesting.
It would be hard to leave out L’Artisan – so many niche greats, and such a range. If I had to pick a desert island line, L’AP would do.
Le parfum de Therese
Dzing!
Philosykos
Timbuktu
Cuir Russie
Feminite du Bois
Carnal Flower
Amouage Gold
Une Rose Chypree
Iris Silver Mist
I’m underqualified to name a definitive five (many of the scents mentioned above are still on my to-smell list–will have to push them to the top!), but I did think someone should at least mention En Passant, so, I’ll be that someone!
I’ll try to answe first and then read other people’s answers. Not all of the picks below are my personal favorites in the corresponding brands but these felt closer to my mental definition of a classic perfume.
Here’s my list (sorted alphabeticaly):
1. Amouage Ubar
2. Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
3. Neela Vermeire Creations Trayee
4. Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman
5. Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan
Niche classics?Hmmm, here goes:
Malle’s Carnal Flower
Vero Profumo Onda
Vero Profumo Rubj
Amouage Gold (though I prefer Dia)
Are the Chanel Exclusifs considered niche (limited distribution and all)? If so:
Cuir de Russie fo sho
if not then . . . . .
Andy Tauer’s Lonestar Memories
and I’m addin’ Jubilation just because I can!
Chinatown
Paestum Rose
Lipstick Rose
Avignon
Une Rose Chypree
I would have included Timbuktu and others mentioned above, but since I don’t have to:
Shiseido Zen (original)
Demeter Tomato
Diptyque L’Eau
Comme des Garçons 2 Woman
Annick Goutal Passion
Hmmm let me see (and I am trying to avoid the niche exclusives of the major houses) …
1. Would have to be an Ormonde Jayne and purely because I wore it last night, Ta’if, but could just as well be Ormonde Man.
2. A L’Artisan needs to be in there and there’s so many of them that are great, but would be Voleur de Roses in ahead of Dzing, Premier Figueir and Vanilia
3. Diptyque Tam Dao
4. Maison Francis K – Lumiere Noire pour Homme
5. Annick Goutal Mandragore tieing for 5th place with Les Nez’s Vetiver editions…
My 5 niche classics:
1. Bvlgari Black
2. Chanel Coromandel (sorry Lucas :-p)
3. L’Artisan Tea for Two
4. Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist
5. Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman
5. SSS Forest Walk
5. Slumberhouse Pear + Olive
5, 5, 5 😀
By which I mean, I especially like suggestion #5!
and you have 3 #5s to choose from 🙂
Oh, I forgot Coromandel… If it makes someone like me consider a trip to Las Vegas, you know it must be good.
I haven’t been around long enough to know if these are niche “classics”. I just really like them:
MH L’air de Rien (I’m running out of test vials and may request fb gifty from santa)
SL Amber Sultan
PdE Cuir Ottoman
AG Eau du Sud
FM En Passant
Amouage Interlude Man
Is it weird that I feel both elated and beamingly proud that ‘my’ (lol) beloved Chergui has received so many votes?
Not weird at all – I feel the same about “my” Dzing! and Feminité du Bois!
Lol! Another proud mommy:)
I’m just going to list what I feel are the classics in my collection (meaning that I wear them year in and year out, without growing tired of them!) that I think of as niche.
The Party in Manhattan
Prima T ( Bruno Acampora )
Jasmin et Cigarette and Noël au Balcon from Etat Libre d’Orange
Back to Black, By Kilian
If Bvlgari counts as niche, I think the original Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert is a classic for sure, and I think Fifi Chacnil will stand the test of time, too. (although I never hear anyone talking about it and since it’s her only one, I don’t suppose it really counts as an entire line)
I love Fifi Chachnil!
No list is complete without Chanel No. 5.
Even a list of *NEW* classics? 😉
To me on 1: Black by Bulgari, 2. Ambre Sultan (Serge Lutens) 3. Bois Blond (Parfumerie Generale) 4. Chanel 19, 5 Feminite du Bois (Shiseido/ Serge Lutens
1. Le Parfum de Therese (Editions de Parfum)
2. Philosykos (Diptyque)
3. Magazine Street (Strange Invisible Perfume)
4. Forest Walk (Sonoma Scent Studio)
5. No. 19 Warm Carrot (Cognoscenti)
I guess I’m stuck with the definition..so I’ll list what I consider the 5 niche “incontournables” (as the French say), not all favourites of mine and alphabetically:
air du désert Marocain
dzing!
Iris silver mist
ormonde jayne woman
tubéreuse criminelle
1) Indochine by Perfumerie Generale
2) Hermes Ambre de Merveilles
3) Serge Lutens Une Bois Vanille
4) Malle Musc Ravageur
5) Parfum d’Empire Ambre Russe and/or Cuir Ottoman
As you can see I am fixated in cool weather scents right now. I just wish “five” was a larger number because I have a few more I would like to add to my list, including Shalimar, Bvlgarie Black, Daim Blonde, Tabac Aurea, 7 Billion Hearts…oh, the list goes on and on and on…!
I wish I could join this poll. Unfortunately, I am not a true perfumista, because I refuse to even try what I can’t afford to buy. That includes almost all of the niche houses named so far.
Sonoma Scent Studio has these wonderful 17 mL bottles that make the overrall price pretty darned affordable. And Laurie’s sample packs are well-priced too.
You know, just in case you’re feeling left out. 😉
I’ll second that SSS recommendation; her prices are very reasonable. I’ll add that Parfums de Nicolai’s 30 ml. bottles are also very reasonable.
This might make an interesting follow-up weekend poll: how to assemble a reasonably-priced collection.
Sorry Priscillae, but if you’re on Now Smell This on Saturday night reading comments on perfumes and offering some comments of your own . . . . . it’s official. . . . you ARE a perfumista regardless of what you do or don’t buy! 😉 And I second Marjorie Rose especially with Pure Distance samples, last foreverrrrr. No need to deny yourself. Oh yeah and Bruno Acampora too
In principle I am the same in that if I cant afford to buy a certain brand, and don’t think it likely I ever would lay out that amount for a perfume, I do lose interest in sampling from them. Sometimes this makes me wonder if my interest is really perfume appreciation or the thrill of buying…
There are many niche brands out there that do not require paying arm and leg for their perfumes. Also you might spend an equivalent of a mainstream perfume price on 2-3 decants of niche scents (through splits) – and they will last you longer than said bottle.
Fun topic!
Mary Carol, Agree on Luctor et Emergo.
Also second from Marjorie Rose and others:
Amouage Ubar
Serge Lutens Chergui
Malle Lipstick Rose
And add
Serge Lutens Daim Blond
Hmm. I agree with everyone as to what is classic. But what is niche? Some of the brands people have suggested are carried by national department stores.. BVLGARI is in Sephora. On the other hand some Guerlains are almost impossible to get in the US.
Hereis my list.
Lutens “exclusiffs” (Now available in NY and by phone at Barneys) Iris Silver Midst.
Omonde Jayne Woman
L’Artisan Perfume Chasse Au Papillions (Yes, this brand is carried in Dept’ stores, but it is an exclusively fragrance brand and is not part of a larger cosmeticsl ine)
Essentrical Molecules 1
ELO Like This (Hey I listed a celebrity scent).
1. Roja Dove Diaghilev
2. Amouage Beloved
3. Amouage Ubar/Gold
4. OJ Woman
5. L’Air du Desert Marocain
Amouage Gold/Dia
Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady
Guerlain Rose Nacree du Desert
NVC Mohur
Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazrena
(I know last two are not three yet but they have the right ‘feel’)
Mona d’Orio Violette Fumee
SL Iris Silver Mist
Le Labo Rose 31
Andy Tauer un Rose Chypre
Tableau de Parfums Loretta
I know Violette Fume are newer but they smell classic to me.
I thought I typed Violette Fume and Loretta but guess I only thought I did.
Picking five is tough. I realize I forgot my beloved Rubj .
SL Silver Iris Mist
Mona d’ Orio Violette Fume
Vero Perfumo Rubj
Andy Tauer un Rose Chypre
FM Dans tes Bras
I know Violette Fume is new but it is so beautiful I had to include it.
Oops I thought my other comments did not post. And I changed my five but I love them all.
My heavily biased list:
Philosykos- Diptyque
Ambre Sultan- SL
Woman-Ormonde Jayne
L’Air de Rien- Miller Harris
Songes- Annick Goutal
1 – Bulgari Black
2 – L’Air du Desert Marocain
3 – Ormonde Woman
4 – Iris Silver Mist
5 – Carnal Flower
God, that was hard.
A man’s choice:
1. Tauer Lonestar Memories
2. L’Artisan Timbuktu
3. Lutens Arabie
4. Ormonde Man
5. Pd’E Fougere Bengale
If AG wasn’t considered a classic, I’d add Sables.