GB Fragrances

A Fragrance Blog

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Daytime Fragrances, Designer Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Seductive Perfumes, Sweet Fragrances, Vanilla Perfumes

VANILLA FRAGRANCES

Want to learn more and discover vanilla fragrances?

At the end of this article you’ll find a top 10 list with some of my best vanilla perfumes.

Vanilla Fragrances

 

Ah, vanilla vanilla!. It is the flavor of dreams, the scent of comfort, and the aroma of home. Whether it’s a milkshake, a cupcake, a room spray, or a candle, it has the ability to evoke nostalgia and bring a feeling of contentment. Vanilla fragrances are warm and cozy, making them great fragrances for any time of year. Whether you prefer a sweet, musky, spicy, tooth-achingly sweet, or fresh scent, I can almost guarantee there is a vanilla fragrance for you, and no matter what type of vanilla fragrance you choose, you’re bound to feel the effects of this warm and cozy scent.

Vanilla will bring a feeling of serenity and peace to even the most hectic of days. From floral and romantic to musky, spicy, and mysterious, these fragrances will put you in a dreamy mood no matter what situation arises.

This post is all about vanilla fragrances.

BEST VANILLA FRAGRANCES

 

FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the links provided, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

Vanilla is by far one of the world’s most popular scents. The vanilla plant is a tropical orchid that produces fragrant and flavorful vanilla pods that are usually used to make desserts and baked goods, but they can also be used in a variety of things including soaps, shampoo, oils, body lotions, home fragrances like room sprays and reed diffusers, incense, and of course, perfumes.

I remember when I was living in Mexico, I went to “El Tajín”, an impressive archaeological site that was  close to a vanilla factory. I’ve always been fascinated by this precious spice. Since I’m a curious, avid learner, I needed to go and see what the hype was about, and let me tell you, the experience was mind-blowing. I learned a lot about the orchid plant, the vanilla itself, the differences between Mexican vanilla and other vanillas from around the world, and the whole harvesting process. If you ever go to Veracruz, Mexico, please do yourself a favor and go to El Tajín and the vanilla factory; you won’t regret. I wish I had a picture to post here but I couldn’t find a single picture of this amazing experience. This is without a shadow of a doubt, one of those tours I’ll take again and again and I’ll never get tired of.

Fragrances that contain vanilla are often described as addictive, gourmand, creamy, sugary, and warm. Vanilla makes a great scent for everyday wear, as it is light and versatile, working well with any outfit or setting, but depending on the blend, it’s also perfect for night time, in fact, most fragrances that will give you that “Femme Fatale” vibe have vanilla in the composition. Vanilla fragrances are an excellent choice for women, teens or men who are looking for a scent that is warm, and sweet, but be careful because vanilla fragrances can also be overwhelming.

Vanilla is one of the most mass-appealing notes in perfumery, and one of the (if not THE) most versatile notes in perfumery. Vanilla is always a safe bet. It can be combined with so many notes and it always smells in the range of good to amazing, but never less than “good”. Another great thing about vanilla-dominant perfumes is that they are perfect for layering.  Layering fragrances in the Western countries became major in the last few years, but in the Middle East layering has been part of their culture basically since they started wearing perfume, and vanilla in my opinion is a magical note and perfect for this purpose.

Different Types of Vanilla Fragrances

 

Let’s step back for a minute and talk about this highly coveted, gorgeous, and complex spice.

There are different type of vanillas. The most common ones used in perfumery are the Mexican Vanilla also known as Madagascar Vanilla, and Tahitian Vanilla. The latter is less common, more floral, and in my opinion less gourmand and more sophisticated. I’m not saying the Mexican/Madagascar vanilla isn’t sophisticated, but the Tahitian Vanilla to me has the power to take a vanilla fragrance to the next level. It’s still sweet and gourmand but usually, it’s not on the dessert / edible level as the traditional Mexican vanilla is.

There are a number of different vanilla fragrances available today, each with their own unique scent and character. Before you start shopping for your new fragrance, it is important to know what type of vanilla smell you are looking for. The following are some of the most common types of vanilla fragrances available today.

Floral and romantic

 

Vanilla floral fragrances are a sweet and floral mix that often contains notes of jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia, and/or rose. This type of vanilla scent is perfect for people who love a sweet, light, and romantic fragrance, however, it’s not uncommon to see other flowers (yellow and white), like ylang-ylang or tuberose in which case you can expect a creamier and more intrusive scent.

This type of vanilla fragrance is great for romantic occasions and day time wear, and they tend to sit close to the skin.

Musky and mysterious

 

These vanilla scents have a rich and creamy base with the warmth and sweetness of vanilla and a cozy musk accord. They often contain spices and woodsy notes, in particular sandalwood and guaiac wood or palo santo. They are perfect for those who love vanilla but prefer a more mysterious scent yet cozy and inviting. This type of vanilla fragrance is great for evening or night time occasions; for people who love a creamy, musky fragrance, while also enjoying a sweet and velvety cloud.

Sweet and seductive

 

These vanilla scents tend to be enveloping and dense. Also very creamy with a subtle sweetness, spiciness, and often times, earthiness because it’s common to find patchouli within this category. They are perfect for those who love a sweet fragrance with the power to knock everyone’ socks off 😉, so I’d say, this type of vanilla fragrance is great for dates or when you want to make an unforgettable impression.

Pure Vanilla Fragrances

 

Pure vanilla fragrances are smooth and creamy, usually blended with almond and coconut notes. This type of vanilla scent is perfect for people who love “edible” olfactory experiences. Very creamy and  yummy, they tend to be simple, linear fragrances perfect for daytime wear.

How to Store Vanilla Fragrance

 

To get the best lifespan out of your vanilla fragrance, it is important to store fragrances properly, and this applies to fragrances in general not just vanilla perfumes. However, I’ve noticed that vanilla-dominant fragrances and green/fougères seem to be more sensitive to light and poor storage conditions.

Make sure to keep the bottle out of direct sunlight, as this will cause the scent to fade and break down more quickly. Also, make sure to keep your bottle in a dark, cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the oils from spoiling, making your fragrance last longer, and whenever possible, keep it in the box.

How to Choose a Vanilla Fragrance

 

When it comes to choosing a new fragrance it can often be difficult to know where to start. With so many different scents available, it can be challenging to know which one is the best fit for you. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get a fragrance that you love. –

Know Your Body: Your body chemistry will have a large impact on the scent you choose, meaning that it isn’t always best to go with your favorite scent. If you would like to find a fragrance that works with your body chemistry, start by researching different scents and then testing them out to see what you like best.

Know Your Mood: The mood you are trying to convey with your fragrance choice will also have a big impact on what you should buy. For example, if you are looking for a fragrance that is sweet and romantic, a floral vanilla will likely be a good choice.

Mind The Occasion: When shopping for a new fragrance, it is also important to consider the occasion for which you will be wearing it. For example, if you are looking for a fragrance to wear to a romantic dinner, a spicy, balmy vanilla may be a good choice. There are no rules and no write or wrong way to choose a fragrance, just go with your instinct and test, test, and test.

Don’t Mind The Season: The type of season you’re in can greatly impact the type of fragrance you wear. If you’re in warmer months, lighter and fresher scents are great for wearing. If you’re in colder months, heavier scents are better for staying warm. However, last year I decided to test cold weather fragrances under hot and humid weather conditions. I brought to Hawaii a few of those “sweater weather” fragrances, and was blown away by the results. Most of these spicy and woody fragrances performed much better under these extreme weather conditions, not only did they smell sweeter but also lasted longer and projected better, so the moral of the story is: there are no rules when it comes to wearing perfume. Wear whatever brings joy to your life.

Top 10 Vanilla Fragrances for Women

 

Trying to narrow down a list to the best vanilla fragrances is like trying to make a list of the best chocolate cakes, but these are some of my absolute favorites. I also tried to put together a list with a nice mix of designer and niche perfumes so it’s suitable for all budgets.

Let’s take a look at my top 10 vanilla fragrances in no particular order:

FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the links provided, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content for you to enjoy at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own, and I’d have the same opinions about these fragrances without an affiliate link . Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

1) Ruby N Vanilla Intense |EBK Paris

 

This is a vanilla perfume that I will always, ALWAYS keep in my collection. It’s the most luxurious vanilla fragrance I’ve ever tried, it’s opulent, velvety, and exudes class and sophistication. Different from the typical gourmand vanilla scents, this is to me vanilla on a whole new level with a beauty second to none. A+. Related post: Ruby N Vanilla Intense . Here you can also watch my YouTube video where I reviewed this stunning fragrance.

2) Shunkoin | Xerjoff

 

 

Shunkoin is a criminally underrated fragrance from the Italian niche house Xerjoff. I’ve reviewed Shunkoin several times when I was on YouTube, and also on my Instagram account (@gb_fragrances) because I truly feel it deserves to be discovered. I’ve recommended this fragrance to many fellow content creators and they loved it and so did many of my subscribers and followers so I wanted to include it here in this blog post for you to discover.

Shunkoin belongs to the “JTC” Collection. JTC stands for Join The Club, and it was meant to bring together people who own the same fragrance. Each bottle comes with a card that belong to this club  is a very soothing, relaxing, very creamy (almost buttery) fragrance, very calming, powdery and just beautiful. The notes are not disclosed by the house but to me this has vanilla, sandalwood, sandalwood, orris, and musk. A very “fluffy” vanilla scent with a beautiful and sheer trail. Related post: Shunkoin Xerjoff

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

3) Libre Intense | YSL

 

Libre Intense is the second flanker from YSL after the original Libre (nowadays there are three: Libre original, Libre Intense, and Libre Le Parfum). YSL Libre Intense Eau de Parfum is a feminine fougère fragrance that is the second flanker after Libre original. YSL added more vanilla to the original Libre perfume, and created this beautiful balmy and resinous juice. It’s a stunner, very sexy, opulent, dark, and misterious, it’s perfect for a night out, it’s the type of fragrance that blooms in colder weather. This is one of those beast mode fragrances, it performs incredible well, at least on my skin.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

4) Mon Guerlain Intense | Guerlain

 

A sugary lavender-vanilla fragrance, very beautiful and very “Guerlain”. I’m not a lavender fan, however, this one and Libre Intense by YSL won me over. In Mon Guerlain Intense though, the lavender is softer than in Libre Intense, and softer than in the original Mon Guerlain, while vanilla is more predominant. You can definitely smell the lavender, but even a non-lavender lover like myself, fell in love with it so don’t be discouraged in case you don’t like lavender either. I’d call this fragrance femininity in a bottle. It’s girly, flirty, a simple cozy and feminine fragrance that is a crowd-pleaser.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

5) Dior Addict | Dior

 

A vanilla that stood the test of time, a classic in any woman’s perfume collection. This fragrance is a heavy hitter, it lasts all day (literally), and I always get compliments when I wear it. It’s a head- turner and a vanilla fragrance that never goes out of style.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

6) The Only One Dolce & Gabbana

 

 

This vanilla fragrance is sweet and seductive, and it is perfect for date nights and romantic occasions. It’s a vanilla/caramel/coffee perfume, very addictive and intoxicating in the best possible way. It’s very comforting and sexy at the same time and it will turn heads every step of the way.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

7) Tocade |Rochas

 

One of my top compliment-getters. Inofensive, cozy, powdery, with a sheer, amazing trail. It’s a crowd pleaser, people ask me all the time what I’m wearing when I wear this fragrance. It’s smooth and well blended, creamy and sophisticated with a bit of freshness in the opening.

An amber vanilla that stood the test of time, a classic in any woman’s perfume collection. This fragrance is a heavy hitter, it lasts all day (literally), and I always get compliments when I wear it. It’s a head- turner and a vanilla fragrance that never goes out of style.

8) Vanilla 28 | Kayali

 

A beautiful sugary and chocolate-y vanilla that I consider the best for layering purposes, it’s my tool, however, it’s really beautiful on its own. It’s sweet and addictive, and sits close to the skin.

9) Vaniglia | Mazzolari

 

A delicate and feminine pure vanilla fragrance with caramel accords. Nothing groundbreaking yet beautiful and if you like sweet vanilla perfumes, you can’t go wrong with this one.

10) Vanille West Indies | Ligne St.Barth

 

I find it similar to Vaniglia by Mazzolari but it’s oilier and not so sweet. Also not groundbreaking but beautiful to wear on its own or layered with your favorite perfume. I haven’t had a chance to try the one sold in the island which many people say smells different and better than the one sold outside of St.Barth. It’s hard-to-find so if you want it and find it available online, get it.

Conclusion

 

Vanilla fragrances are a great choice for pretty much every occasion. They are warm, sweet and rich, and they can have a little bit of spice to them too. These fragrances are perfect for romantic evenings, snuggling up on the couch and even dressing up for a fancy night out. There is a vanilla fragrance for everyone, so it’s only a matter of finding the one that is perfect for you! Once you find your perfect vanilla fragrance, you will love wearing it every single day.

From the sweet, warm aroma of the tropical Tahitian vanilla bean to the more robust and spicy Mexican variety, vanilla has been a beloved scent for centuries. Not only does it evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, but it has also been proven to have calming effects on the mind and body. If you’re looking for a fragrance that will take you away to a dreamy place, then you’re in luck! Here are some of the best vanilla fragrances for women that will help you relax and enjoy the moment. With these scents, you’ll be able to experience the alluring, sweet, and comforting aroma of vanilla every day.

Are you looking for a way to tap into your dreamy side? Vanilla fragrances are an excellent way to bring out your romantic, whimsical side without feeling too overpowering. With its sweet, comforting scent, vanilla has been a popular choice for women for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a light and airy scent or something a bit more intense and sensual, there are plenty of great vanilla fragrances to choose from. From classic, timeless scents to modern, unique interpretations, here are the best vanilla fragrances for women that will put you in a dreamy mood.

If you’d love to find your signature scent or you want to find a scent for a special occasion and you feel lost, re you lost? I’ve got you covered.  Book a fragrance consultation with me. Would love to help you!

This post was all about vanilla fragrances.

 

Other posts you may like if you love the vanilla note as much as I do:

 

Shunkoin Xerjoff

 

Ruby N Vanilla Intense EBK

 

best vanilla perfumes

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Rose Fragrances, Seductive Perfumes

BEST ROSE PERFUMES

Finding the best rose perfumes can be overwhelming; there are so many different varieties to choose from! The right perfume can accentuate your natural scent and transform your everyday normal into an occasion-worthy one. However, finding the right perfume, especially when it comes to choosing rose fragrances, might seem like a difficult task. I’d say rose is one of the trickiest floral notes.

This blog post is all about rose perfumes. Whether you prefer deep, opulent rose fragrances or lighter versions, chances are you’ll find your perfect rose scent that will make you smile, and if you keep reading, at the end of this post you’ll find a list with my top 10 rose perfumes, and a YouTube video where I go over my favorite rose perfumes. Now, not all the fragrances mentioned in the video are the same you’ll see included in the list since the video is two years old, but it’ll still give you an idea of other rose fragrances you can test.

THE BEST ROSE PERFUMES

 

 

best rose perfume

 

If you’ve ever walked past a rose bush, you know what a beautiful sight they can be. Whether they’re in full bloom or in more subtle shades of pink, whites, and reds, roses are a beacon of beauty and the perfume industry knows it.

When it comes to the queen of the garden, there’s a huge variety of blending options, leave it up to master perfumers and they’ll create a magnificent rose fragrance that will make you swoon. Many renowned designers including Chanel and Dior cultivate their own roses in Grasse, in the French Riviera, and for a good reason. There are thousands of perfumes that have rose in the composition, and the variety can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one, not only scent-wise but also in style.

Traditionally, the magical and romantic flower has been associated with sensuality and femininity, and it has always been one of the top notes used in perfumery to make fragrances appealing to a female audience; however, in the Middle East, it’s very common that also men wear rose fragrances and more and more we see men wearing rose-dominant fragrances also in the Western countries. Now, let me tell you, the few times I sniffed a rose fragrance on a man it blew me away… rose smells absolutely amazing on them!.

 

The Most Common Roses Used in Perfumery

 

By far, the most common ones are the Rose de Mai which is the one cultivated mainly in Grasse, France, also called “Rose de Grasse” and “Rose Centifolia” because it has 100 petals. This rose is harvested only during May, hence the name.

It’s pink, sweet, and clean, and together with the Damascena Rose also known as “Damask Rose” or “Turkish Rose” mainly cultivated in Egypt, Turkey, and Bulgaria, is the rose preferred by the perfume industry.

The Rose de Mai is extremely delicate, in fact, it’s harvested in the early morning hours before the sun rises to avoid damaging the precious flowers. As soon as they’re harvested, they are first treated with a solvent and then distilled using a vacuum distillation process to obtain a substance called “Concrète”, which is then further processed to obtain the “absolute”, the coveted rose essence used in perfumery.

It’s sweeter with a light honeyed, dewy aspect than the Damascena or Turkish Rose which is fruity and more powdery, in fact, most powdery rose fragrances that remind us of a make up powder case have Damascena Rose in the composition. These type of  rose which is steam-distilled, it’s richer in oils than the Rose de Mai, and its essential oil is called “Rose Otto” which is has a very rich concentration, and it’s also used in the cosmetic industry, for therapeutic treatment, and aromatherapy, given it’s healthy anti-inflammatory as well as calming properties.

 

Best Rose Perfumes
Did you know that to produce only 1 oz of rose absolute requires around 60.000 roses ?

 

What Makes the Perfect Rose Perfumes?

 

In all honestly, there’s no right or wrong. The best rose perfume is the one that’s best and perfect for you, just for you, nothing else matters.

Now, “rose perfumes” is a topic of its own, that’s why I wanted to write this article since it can get a bit controversial because there are many people who love the flower but not necessarily the rose note including myself a while ago.

My mom and I have very similar taste in fragrances, but there are two notes that set us apart: leather, and rose. She never liked leather fragrances, and I’ve never been a fan of rose perfumes. However, over time, I realized that what I didn’t like was a very particular type of rose perfume and not so much the note itself.

I was convinced I didn’t like rose fragrances, but what I didn’t like were what I call the typical “rose-y rose” perfumes, those that are super clean, ethereal, more like tea roses; like a watered-down rose essence, or when they smell like old tapestry; you know when you start wondering if it’s actually the fragrance that smells that bad, or if it’s spoiled due to exposure to light or bad storage conditions? THOSE were the type of rose scents I never liked.

Over time, as I dove deeper in the perfume world, I discovered a myriad of fragrances that have rose in the composition that I LOVED, and I couldn’t even pick the rose, so I realized that most of my favorite rose perfumes (as ironic as it sounds), are those where you can’t smell the roses. I became an “expert” in these type of fragrances, and I can even write a list of “rose fragrances for non-rose lovers”, but here is where it gets tricky.

If you know someone who likes rose fragrances and you want to buy this person a gift, the safest way to go is with a typical rose fragrance because most rose fragrance lovers like the typical, photo-realistic rose scent, so my best advice is to never blind buy a rose fragrance, especially when it’s for someone else, if it doesn’t smell like roses. In this case, it’s safer to stick to the classics that you know for a fact, are rose-prominent perfumes.

Now, in the “rose perfumes for non-rose lovers” realm you have to be careful because it can get extreme. There are many extremely artificial rose perfumes where you can’t smell the roses at all, but you can’t smell anything in particular either, like a wishy-washy sweet-smelling thing and that’s it. They tend to be heavy, often times sickly sweet, bubble-gummy (especially when they have tuberose in the composition), or like hard candy, sugary drinks, and desserts, crossing the line to the gourmand territory. For this reason, it’s important to point out that if you buy a rose perfume with the rose note in disguise, highly likely a typical rose-lover won’t like it.

Here’s a list of my top 10 rose perfumes. They are all different, in fact, very different, but all of them have a dominant rose note.

Take into account that this is a 100% subjective opinion based on my experience and what I’ve tried over the years. These are just a few of my favorite rose perfumes. I have no doubt that I’m leaving off of this list many amazing rose fragrances,  but I have to narrow it down to my top 10, and here they are in no particular order:

MY LIST OF TOP 10 PERFUMES

 

FTC DISCLOSURE: I use affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through my links I’ll earn a small small commission at no extra cost to you, but will help me keep creating content for you to enjoy. Opinions are my own. Thanks for your support!. Read full disclosure here.

 

1) Oud Bouquet by Maison Lancôme – A strong Jammy rose fragrance, very sweet yet not tooth-achingly sweet, syrupy and addictive. I’ve heard the entire Maison Lancôme has been discontinued including this beauty, so if you find it, grab it before prices go up due to scarcity.

Click the image below to shop.

2) Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly – An ultra-feminine perfume that became a cult favorite in the last couple of years, just like the original Delina. It’s very addictive, sexy, flirty, and slightly bubble-gummy, and it’s almost guaranteed that whenever I wear this fragrance, someone will ask what I am wearing.

Click the image below to shop.

Delina Exclusif perfume

3) Rose Poetique by Manos Gerakinis – One of the best rose fragrances I’ve ever tried. Sweet, luxurious, and super sophisticated. Its previous formula was considered one of the top 5 best rose perfumes in the world, and the house went above and beyond to create something equally beautiful. I think Rose Poetique has been the blueprint and inspiration for many rose fragrances we find on the market.

4) Oud Satin Mood EDP and Extrait by Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Luxurious rose/oud combo, opulent, voluptuous and one of the most expensive-smelling rose fragrances on the market.

5) A Kiss From a Rose by Kilian – A green, dewy rose that smells like a fresh plucked rose from your backyard; a very photo-realistic rose perfume.

6) Radical Rose by Matiere Premiere – Exquisite and strong rose fragrance with great lasting power. If you love roses, this is a MUST try.

7) Rose D’Arabie by Armani Prive – The epitome of sophistication and class, and just like I mentioned above when I briefly described Rose Poetique, this fragrance in my opinion has also been the inspiration for many rose perfumes in modern perfumery.

8) Les Sables Roses  by Louis Vuitton – An absolutely stunning, unisex rose fragrance. If you like Radical Rose by Matiere Premiere, or Rose D’Arabie by Armani Prive, highly likely you’ll like this one. It’s drier, less feminine, stronger, and slightly more astringent than the typical rose perfumes, and also incredibly long lasting. I’d say it’s the longest lasting rose perfume I’ve every tried.

9) AERIN Rose de Grasse – One of the most photo-realistic rose fragrances you can find. In terms of scent, I haven’t found a more realistic rose perfume than this one. Simply stunning.

10 ) Black Rose Oud by Trish McEvoy – Dark, misterious, sexy, and velvety; a night time fragrance that I’d wear when I want to knock everyone socks off and then some more 😉

 

 

Conclusion: Which Rose Perfume is Right for You?

 

The rose is one of the most popular flowers for growing in gardens, and it’s one of the most popular flowers in perfumery. With the right rose perfume, you can experience the romance and beauty of roses all year round because it’s a very versatile note that fits in all age groups and occasions.

While many rose fragrances can be considered classy perfumes, other rose scents are more edgy and contemporary. Some are delicate, angelic, and bride-appropriate, while others are perfect for teenagers or for a more mature population. Others instead are dark, velvety, and mysterious, or gourmand jammy, sticky and even syrupy. The possibilities are endless, and luckily for us, we live in an era where scents from nature are celebrated as much as artificial, lab-created ones which allows to expand the perfumer’s creativity.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and what’s your favorite rose fragrance. Looking forward to hearing from you! 😉 – By the way, if you like floral perfumes, and if you haven’t yet, check my previous post about the best floral perfumes .

 

 

 

Categories: Floral Perfumes, Gardenia Fragrances, Jasmin Fragrances, Orange Blossom Fragrances, Tuberose Fragrances

Best Floral Perfumes

Best Floral Perfumes For Women

 

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh-cut flowers, but, when you don’t have access to your garden or local florist? Floral perfumes are your next best option.

When it comes to florals, there’s no shortage of stellar scents. From the freshness of lily and the sensuality of rose to the exoticism of orchid, there are countless floral options that have us swooning. One of the most notable aspects about floral perfumes is how universally appealing they tend to be. That’s because these fragrances are intended for all types of people, whether you’re into blooming flowers or not, and regardless of gender.

Floral fragrances have been part of perfumery for centuries, and have become an important part of many cultures thanks in part to the first-century Roman emperor Claudius’ love of perfume.

Today, more than ever, people are looking for fragrances that expresses who they are. Perfumes have become a trend in recent times, in fact, I feel that fragrances are living their “golden age” thanks to social media, and people are more conscious than ever about what the perfume world has to offer.

What is a Floral Perfume?

 

“Floral” is an olfactory group that includes several sub-categories that have flowers as the main component in the composition. This olfactory group includes woody florals, fruity florals, musky floral, and green florals. Usually, floral perfumes include a variety of notes and accords although in some cases we also find “soliflores” which are perfumes created around one single floral note that could be rose, gardenia, jasmine, etc.

The most common flowers used in perfumery are rose (Rose de Mai or Centifolia,  Damascena or Turkish rose), tuberose, peony, lily of the valley, jasmine, gardenia, and orange blossom just to name a few.

When many people think of florals, they think of beautiful, delicate scents for spring and summer, but this is not always the case. Although floral perfumes are typically light and sweet smelling, making them a great option for those who like to exude feminine energy, they can be heady, strong, and even animalic depending on how the floral notes are blended, making them also suitable for colder weather, especially amber florals and woody florals.

Floral fragrances fragrances are age-less, and that’s what makes them so versatile and a great option when it comes to make a gift. Now, that being said, given the huge variety of flowers used in perfumery, there are a few things to take into account before buying a floral fragrance.

When it comes to floral perfumes, there’s no one size fits all. We all have different tastes and we don’t have to like what everyone likes or what’s hyped on social media.

You might love the smell of a clean jasmine while your friend can’t seem to get enough of aldehydes in their perfumes. Some people are always in the hunt for the best clean floral perfume while others love the intoxicating, indolic and even animalic smell of white florals. However, there is one thing that everyone can agree on: floral scents are universally intoxicating, and are among the most seductive perfumes you can find. From soft and delicate to sexy, vibrant, and lively, floral perfumes are a joy for your senses.

Now, before buying I want you to take a few things into consideration.

In the last few years I became aware of a huge misconception when it comes to floral fragrances: I’m talking about aldehydes. For many people aldehydes smell like “your grandma’s fragrance” (btw, a friend of mine became a grandma in her early 40’s and no true fragrance lover will ever refer to a fragrance in such a derogative, negative way), but back to my point, thinking that all fragrances with aldehydes smell like an old curtain or a piece of Victorian tapestry, would be the same as saying that all people from certain origin have blue eyes.

Aldehydes smell different depending on how they are blended, for example, Byredo is a very modern, urban chic perfume house from Sweden, with an incredibly clean and minimalist aesthetic from the design of their bottles and  lids to their fragrances.

Byredo uses aldehydes in their fragrances and if you’ve ever smelled their perfumes, they are anything but vintage, conversely, most of their fragrances are very modern and contemporary as I mentioned above.

Conversely, other houses use aldehydes blended in a way that could smell vintage depending on the fragrance, for example, Chanel, but not all Chanel fragrances smell vintage.

Vintage is neither wrong nor negative, conversely, many perfumes that have a vintage vibe are very elegant, classy, and sophisticated, and exude an unbeatable “old Hollywood” glam.

Aldehydes can smell sparkly, bubbly, clean, and even soapy so please next time you hear that a fragrance has aldehydes and it’s said in a negative way, think twice before trusting that review and always try it first before making any decision. You don’t have to like aldehydes, but let your own judgement say that, not someone else’s.

Best Floral Perfumes for Women

 

A floral perfume is not just for women. In fact, in the Middle East it’s very common that men wear rose perfumes and there are many other options for men looking for a subtle, yet pleasant floral scent. Furthermore, floral perfumes are ideal for anyone who wants to wear something sweet and light, but also wants to avoid fruity, “barbie-like” type of scents. These are just a few reasons why floral perfumes are such a great option and in my opinion are gender-less.

If you’re looking for the best floral perfumes, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the top floral perfumes on the market, so you can find the one that’s right for you. # Green Irish Tweed by GIT Green Irish Tweed is a classic floral perfume for both men and women. This scent is derived from the Irish Mist soap, which is based on an old recipe. The perfume is a blend of green notes that are complimented by white flowers, vanilla, and tonka bean. What makes this fragrance so unique is that its notes are blended together in a unique manner, resulting in a floral perfume unlike any other.

# Flora by Shiseido If you’re looking for a floral perfume with a bit more oomph, then consider Shiseido’s Flora. This light and sweet scent is derived from Bulgarian roses and Japanese yuzu, which give it a fresh and fruity scent. What makes this perfume so appealing to women is its gentle pink flowers, which are perfect for complementing Flora’s fruity scent.

Tips for Buying a New Floral Perfume

 

When shopping for the best floral perfume, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to consider the scent itself. What is the scent like? Does it smell like fresh flowers? Does it smell clean? Or does it smell fruity sweet and candy-like? Once you’ve taken a closer look at the scent itself, you’ll want to consider what are the brand’s other scents like? These are just a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when taking a closer look at which floral perfumes are best for you.

Although floral perfumes are one of the best types of scents for everyone to wear, there are some floral scents that are better for certain people. If you’re looking for the best floral perfume for you consider these questions:

  • Do you like smelling flowers at all? If the smells of flowers in general is off-putting, then floral fragrances are just not for you. Even though there are synthetic notes in the mix and usually floral fragrances have other notes involved unless we’re talking about soliflores, you’d still smell the flowers at some level and you won’t enjoy it so as basic as it sounds, ask yourself if smelling flowers is something you truly enjoy.
  • What type of woman are you? Are you a bossy woman? Are you shy? Do you want to feel confident through your scent? Are you a sassy woman who wants to wear something that is a little more flirtatious? Do you want to smell sweet, floral, and feminine?
  • Do you prefer delicate white flowers like gardenia, tiare, tuberose, orange blossom, magnolia, and jasmine, or are you more a rose type of person who also enjoys orchid, tulips, and other velvety and “fleshy” type of flowers?

I’ve compiled a list of what I consider five of the most beautiful floral perfumes for women. I’m not reviewing each fragrance individually; I’m just giving a brief overview of each one so you have an idea what they’re about. This is just my opinion and I’m sure I’m leaving out thousands of amazing options. Here are my suggestions in no particular order:

  • Delina Exclusif

Delina exclusif

An exquisite and intoxicating rose fragrance from Parfums de Marly that will make you feel sexy, feminine with just one drop. This is one of my top head turners and for a good reason, it’s a mass appealing type of fragrance and especially men love it. There’s not one single time when I wear this fragrance that I don’t get asked what I am wearing.

  • Rouge Malachite by Armani Prive

rouge malachite armani

Even though I don’t like tuberose, this is one of the very few fragrance with tuberose in the composition that I truly enjoy and if you like tuberose, this is a must-have. Creamy and intoxicating, this fragrance smells luxurious and will make you feel ten notches above.

  • Terracotta Le Parfum by Guerlain

Guerlain terracotta

Guerlain Terracotta is an absolute must for those (like me) who enjoy tropical, creamy, addictive, and intoxicating scents. Usually fragrances in this category tend to smell cheap and synthetic. Guerlain nailed it here because this fragrance smells anything but cheap. It’s perfect for extreme weather conditions like high heat and high humidity because it’s when this gorgeous scent truly blooms. This is vacation in a bottle.

  • Déjà Vu White Flowers | 57 by Kayali

Kayali perfume

Déjà Vu is hands down one of my absolute favorite floral perfumes in my collection (can you see the dent? 😉 ). It has several of my favorite notes including gardenia and patchouli, and it has the right amount of sweetness I like in floral perfumes just enough to make it addictive without making it tooth-achingly sweet and gourmand. It’s very sexy and intoxicating, and this is one of those fragrances I’ll always keep in my collection (I hope the beautiful Mona Kattan never discontinues this beauty! ).

Fun fact: the number 57 means the number of formulations this fragrance went through until they got the final and glorious juice we find today.

Kayali offers this beauty in 10ml sizes and the nicest thing is that it’s not a sample, it’s a miniature, it looks just like the bigger bottles. Click here to check it out! . (Disclaimer: this is not an affiliate link. I’m linking the website to help my readers discover this amazing floral fragrance).

  • Rolling in Love Kilian

rolling in love

Rolling in Love is an amber floral fragrance. This is a floral perfume, no doubt, but it doesn’t smell like a fresh bouquet of flowers so it’s a bit tricky and I highly encourage you to try it before committing to a full bottle. It’s very creamy, nutty, lactonic, and sexy, absolutely gorgeous! But I wouldn’t say it’s a typical floral perfume. It has moderate projection and an incredible sillage which is the trail you leave behind when you walk.

Final Words

 

Floral perfumes are a great option for men and women, however, most floral fragrances lean on the feminine side unless they’re combined with oud and woodsy notes, and this olfactory group offers a huge variety to choose from.

These are just a few things you’ll want to consider when taking a closer look at which floral perfumes are best for you, the rest is just trial and error, testing testing and testing! Even within the same type of flowers you might like some while you might dislike others. Personally, I struggle with tuberose.

I do have a few fragrances with tuberose that I enjoy, but for the most part, as much as I love white flowers, tuberose is my nemesis. Same with jasmine, I love jasmine, but the jasmine that’s clean and more like tea jasmine rather than the indolic, thick, and heavy jasmine, so as you can see, this olfactory group is very uneven and offers a lot of options to choose from and this is the good part: if you like floral scents but you haven’t found the perfect perfume for you, just keep testing because I’m sure sooner or later you’ll find the best floral perfume that fits your taste, lifestyle and personality.

If you want me to make lists of more floral perfumes and/or review them in more detail, please let me know in the comments or send me an e-mail.

In case you want to learn more about floral fragrances, here are a couple of links to floral perfumes I’ve reviewed:

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense

Parfums de Marly Delina

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Daytime Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Most Complimented, Niche Fragrances, Sweet Fragrances

DELINA

Delina : The Queen From Parfums de Marly

 

Delina Perfume
Delina Parfums de Marly

(FTC DISCLOSURE: this post has an affiliate link. This means that if you click and make a purchase through the link you’ll find at the end of this post, I’ll earn a small small commission that will help me keep creating content for you at no extra cost to you . Opinions are 100% my own, and I’d have the same opinions about this fragrance without an affiliate link . Thanks for your support!). Read full disclosure here.

 

When I tried Delina Parfums de Marly a few years ago when it was launched, it wasn’t love at first sniff. That said, I fell in love with the innovative packaging since the bottle alone looked like a Renaissance piece of decor, and I also fell in love with the name because it reminded me of my daughter whose name is Delfina, (like Delina with an “F”).

My rational self rang a bell, and I thought “is it smart to buy a 2.5 oz bottle, at that price tag, just for the name and the looks? Of course, the answer was a big no, and I didn’t buy it.

Fast forward a few years later, the hype started, and conversely to what happens to many people who have the “next shiny object syndrome”, I’m quite the opposite. I never rush to buy hyped items because in my experience, only a small percentage of what’s being hyped lives up to it; the rest dies over time, let alone when something new takes center stage putting the previous queen or king of the moment in second place.

When something becomes so popular, I’ll test the object in question even deeper. My thought process is basically, I need a reason to be sold to it. Since I fell in love with Parfums de Marly back in 2010 when I bought my first bottle of the house (Darley), I decided to give Delina a chance. Now I can tell a different story. This ultra feminine fragrance stood the hype test, and my appreciation for this Delina, this beautiful girly perfume, definitely grew. I reach for it way more often now, and it has the power of making me feel pretty even in moments when I’m not feeling that way.

THE NOTES

 

Top Notes:

Rhubarb and Lychee

Middle Notes:

Turkish Rose and Vanilla

Base Notes:

Cashmere Wood and Musk.

Fragrance Profile

 

Delina is pure beauty, it’s like a bouquet of flowers with Turkish rose as the star together with three amazing fruity notes: Lychee, rhubarb, and bergamot, and a soft and depth base composed by cashmere wood  and musk.

The fragrance opens with a sweet, aquatic tartness thanks to the rhubarb and lychee that makes it truly unique. Slowly, it transitions into the middle notes where we have the star of the fragrance as I mentioned above: the Turkish rose exquisitely blended with a sweet yet not cloying vanilla, which transforms this fragrance into a gorgeous, ultra-feminine scent. The dry down is an absolutely stunning musky concoction, and it’s when the fragrance starts siting close to the skin with an enveloping and cozy cashmere wood note, and highly likely will remain unchanged for the time it lasts on your skin.

Delina is an all year-round fragrance, and it’s a pretty safe gift if you want to buy something special for someone who’s girly and like all things pink. I’m not saying pink just because the bottle is pink, but if you smell this fragrance you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. If Delina’s DNA had a color, it’d be pink; in fact, if I had to describe how Delina smells in a figurative way, this is how a baby pink, sweet and slightly tart rose water macaroon would smell like.

It’s very long lasting (around 8 hours if not more), with an impressive sillage and above average projection that I’d describe as more than an arm-length.

Wearability

 

Delina is just the perfect fragrance you can wear during the day, during the night, for formal or informal events, however, it leans more on the formal side while still remaining youthful. Not that fragrances are tied to age, but I point this out because there’s a big misconception out there and it seems that if a fragrance is formal, then people think it smells “old” which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Love rose fragrances? Check my blog post about what I consider the most beautiful rose fragrance in my collection, and one of the most beautiful rose perfumes in the world: Rose Poetique by Manos Gerakinis.

If you want to buy this beautiful perfume or try more from the house of Parfums de Marly, click here and you can use the code GISELLE10 to get 10% off as many times as  you want!   (FTC DISCLOSURE: this is an affiliate link. This means that if you click here and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small small commission at no extra cost to you that will help me keep creating content for you. Opinions are my own. Thanks for your support!.

Categories: All Year Round Fragrances, Amber / Spicy Fragrances, Daytime Fragrances, Floral Perfumes, Hidden Gems

Poudre D’Or | Mizensir

 

The Power of Seduction, the Essence of Femininity

 

Let’s talk about the nose behind this glorious Mizensir Perfume Poudre D’Or.

Mizensir (pronounced Mee-Zan-Seer) according to the house, is a luxury niche perfumery house based in Switzerland, founded in 1999 by master perfumer Alberto Morillas.

The line has several fragrances including travel and discovery sets, and also candles which was actually the origin of the brand. It all started when Mr. Morillas couldn’t find candles in the market that could fulfill his expectations.

Alberto Morillas is not only a master perfumer, but also one of my favorite perfumers of all times. I love his approach to fragrances and the understated luxury DNA that you can easily recognize in all of his creations.

His fragrances are stylish, timeless, wearable, and make for the perfect gift when you don’t know what fragrance to buy.

He’s the nose behind several renowned perfumes such as Bright Crystal by Versace, Saharienne by YSL, 212 by Carolina Herrera, CK One by Calvin Klein, Byzance by Rochas, and Flower by Kenzo just to name a few.

Note from the house: “This warm and sensual fragrance is an ode to the calming beauty of a sunset. The combination of Paradisone® and soft tiare flower is balanced out with powdery iris and sensual sandalwood. Warm and relaxing, Poudre d’Or is the perfect scent to wear with your coziest clothes”.

To be honest, I was expecting a more traditional, old-fashioned powdery scent. I was pleasantly surprised! When I first sprayed this Mizensir Perfume I was reminded of an expensive Parisian boutique. The scent is so feminine and beautiful, ethereal beyond words. It’s light, powdery, floral and musky, absolutely inoffensive, and a crowd-pleaser. Every time I wear Poudre D’Or, I receive tons compliments.

This Mizensir perfume is an amber floral skin scent; do not expect a massive head-turner or people chasing you to ask that famous question we love: “You smell so good, what are you wearing?”. Now, once they come close to you, yes, it’s a WOW type of scent; it does have the wow factor that I love in fragrances and make them unique.

 

What do I love about Poudre D’Or?

 

Aside from its beautiful scent, I love the bottle, it’s so sleek and pretty!

However, I keep it in a dark place. As much as I love fragrances and I’d love to store them in shelves to proudly expose them, since I’ve been in the game for many years I know this is THE sure way to spoil them. Light is like kryptonyte to fragrances, let alone direct sunlight.

For this reason, to avoid spoiling fragrances, unless they come in dark and matte/opaque bottles (which is not the case of Poudre D’Or), I always store my perfumes in a dark place and in some cases even inside the box.

There are fragrances that are more sensitive to light than others, and Chanel fragrances are some of those fragrances you’d better not keep them out on a shelf without a box, especially the “Les Exclusifs”. I spoiled three of them in one year (yes, ONE year) just because I put them on my vanity (of course, without a box) and it wasn’t even direct sunlight. Back to Poudre D’Or, hadn’t it been for its preservation, this is one of those bottles I’d proudly add to my vanity tray because it looks stunning.

Mizensir Perfume Poudre D'Or

THE NOTES

 

Top Notes

Tiare Flower, and Paradisone® (jasmine)

Heart Notes

Exaltone® (musk) and Iris

Base Notes

Sandalwood and Vanilla

 

WEARABILITY

 

This scent is musky, powdery, creamy, warm, and sensual. It’s not overpowering, which makes it great for daytime wear, or anytime you want to smell amazing. It’s a rather simple and linear composition yet smells luxurious and sophisticated with a sleek, minimalist, and stylish bottle.

This enchanting Mizensir perfume is an all year round type of fragrance, and given it’s inoffensive nature can be used during the day even in an office environment. Personally, I think it’s very luxurious and sophisticated and for the office I’d wear something more simple. Instead, I’d wear Poudre D’Or for a daytime event.

However, wear fragrances whenever you want. There are no rules as for when to wear a fragrance, you create your own rules.

If you want to learn more about this house or buy Mizensir fragrances, click here (Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you that will help me keep creating content for you. Thank you for your support!).

If you love florals, check out my review of Coco Mademoiselle Intense here!