Best Perfumes for Women

Lost Cause by Phlur

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Lost Cause is another of the Phlur fragrances that I got with my sample set a few years ago. It’s also one that I haven’t done a proper review of, until today, after finding that set sitting in the closet.

So, let’s correct that error and see what this perfume is all about. How does Lost Cause smell? Perform? Is it worth a buy?

What does Lost Cause Smell Like?

Notes include: cassis leaves, apple, bergamot, rhubarb, freesia, lily of the valley, jasmine, ambergris, vanilla orchid, orris, mate absolute

Click here to try: Lost Cause by Phlur

My Full Review

The opening of Lost Cause has a lot of rhubarb coming through, between it in the citrus, it’s almost like a green/floral Hugo Red for Men, in the opening. Much more tart with the Phlur.

Also, it’s got a clean shampoo-like aroma, that becomes more prominent after the initial phase begins to dissipate. Part of this can be chalked up to an apple note, it’s not really distinct, just a crisp watery aroma.

Green cassis leaves and dew give it a springtime vibe with hints of being an aquatic perfume. 

The cassis play a dual role with that fruitiness and greener qualities.

The next phase features a calmer rhubarb note, that is paired with freesia and lily-of-the-valley. On my skin, I get a lot more of the freesia for the duration of the wear, but the lily and jasmine are also noticeable. A good blend overall.

Yet, this one is still much more of a bright greenish fragrance than a pure floral perfume. That’s going on the the background. I’m still getting the fruitiness and citrus and the leaves pulling things together.

The back half is less sharp to my nose, when the ambergris and vanilla, round of the composition. There’s still the dewy greenish aroma, but it’s creamier and an interesting way to close out things.

Turns out there is also an orris note in here. If I detect much of it, it’s within a blend between it and the vanilla.

Really changed my thoughts on this one as the wear moved on. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this isn’t a heavy scent, it has the aquatic/ozonic sort of lightness to it. But, that initial hour actually has decent projection. Not a massive beast, but I can smell it just fine.

After that, it is more intimate. But again, I have not trouble smelling it on myself. Lost Cause just isn’t a perfume that is going to wallop you with its presence. 

The longevity is also just okay. 6-6.5 hours, on my skin. 

Seasonally, this is a spring and summertime wear. It really works well in this warmer and even more humid weather. I wore it outside the other day and the fragrance came alive.

This is a unisex perfume. There are stretches where it leans more masculine, but then it’ll move towards being more traditionally feminine. Anyone can wear this one, though.

Within the spring and summer season, it does have fantastic versatility. In the daytime, it’s a staple, and at night it can work as well. Not a club beast, but it’s an attractive scent once it’s settled in.

Basically, this is a perfume that is going to serve as a daily wear when it’s warmer out. 

Overall Impressions of Lost Cause

Overall, do I like Lost Cause? I have to say, yes. But, it’s more of a mixed bag for me. I do like this more than Missing Person, for example, which is probably the more popular of the Phlur line.

I’m not thrilled about the opening act, while I really do enjoy rhubarb as a note, and how it is here. There are parts throughout the wear that I’m not exactly enjoying and then I’ll love other parts of this.

The back half, while pretty weak in terms of performance, is fairly awesome in terms of how it smells. 

So, I’ll say a decent opening hour, with a really good rest of the wear. It’s a difficult fragrance to rate for me, but I’m sure this one has people who are crazy about it. Also, I’ve been trending in the positive direction on Lost Cause.

The longevity and performance overall is decent. Again, not a massively projecting or heavy perfume. A lot of the Phlur scents are like that. Keep that in mind, before grabbing your bottle of the stuff.

Apparently, this one is or has already been discontinued. So, if you want to try it out, you’d better act quickly before it starts becoming scarce.

Missing Person by Phlur

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Missing Person became a very popular fragrance on social media in the past few years. I’ve had a sample vial as a part of a Phlur tester set for quite a while. I kind of forgot about it and never did a full review of this perfume.

But, today, I’m going to change that and give this scent a full write up. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is Missing Person worth a buy?

Missing Person Perfume Overview

Notes include: skin musk, bergamot nectar, sheer jasmine, cyclamen, neroli, orange flower, sandalwood, blonde wood, white musk

Click here to try: Missing Person by Phlur

My Full Review

Missing Person opens up light, with a blend of musk, citrus, and floral notes. The bergamot citrus isn’t too heavy or juicy, just a squeeze to break up the hold that the musk has on the composition.

Beyond that, I’m mainly getting the jasmine note out of the floral ingredients. That, and the cyclamen, are what stand out to me. The orange flower/neroli is pretty hidden underneath that tart bergamot.

It’s a somewhat sweet musky aroma, at this point. But, you do get a fresher scent at the start then the powdery clean it will dry down to.

The rest of the development? You will get some woods, soft powdery sandalwood, lots of musk and a clean cozy feeling throughout.

Mainly, it’s about the musk and sandalwood with mostly the remaining jasmine as the discernable note. Everything else, just sort of blends together.

Missing Person isn’t too complicated of a fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is light. It’s not going to leave a massive scent trail in your wake, nor is it going to blast itself off of your skin.

Yet, I can actually detect it on my skin pretty well and I don’t have to absolutely press my nose up against where I sprayed. But, I think that I have meshed well with this Phlur perfume, because other people report that they cannot really smell anything after a short period of time.

For me, I can get between 5-6 hours of wear from Missing Person. Not amazing, by any means, but basically hits the mark of being average.

Don’t expect a powerhouse scent.

Seasonally, this is a fragrance that can be worn during any time of year. It doesn’t get cloying and isn’t bad in the cold, either.

The versatility is probably its greatest strength. It’s mostly going to serve as a daytime wear, but within that frame you can wear it basically whenever. It’s not the sexiest or an absolute nightlife beast, but if you want to be clean and lowkey, this Phlur can do the job.

Overall Impressions of Phlur Missing Person

Overall, do I like Missing Person by Phlur? I actually do enjoy this one, quite a lot. For a musk driven perfume, it’s extremely wearable and pleasant to have on.

I like the softness here. The sandalwood is great, the light citrus, and the floral mix that is led by jasmine. It’s simple but effective.

Is the performance great? No. For me, it isn’t terrible either. If you want something bold, get something else besides Missing Person.

This is one that can be a staple in one’s collection, but might not completely stand out unless people really get close to you. The performance is somewhat of a problem. I think that it’s ok, but other people get much worse results than I do with this.

So, keep that in mind, if you decide to pick up a bottle.

Mod Vanilla vs Vanilla 28

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Mod Vanilla and Vanilla 28 are two very popular inexpensive to mid-range priced perfume options. Obviously, the competition is between that signature note, and these can sometimes be the final perfumes under consideration for a purchase.

But, which of these scents is actually the better buy? Which vanilla fragrance smells better? Lasts longer? I’ve tested each of them and here’s my full breakdown.

Tale of the Tape: Mod Vanilla vs Vanilla 28

Mod Vanilla

Notes include: pink freesia, dark plum, vanilla, musk, praline, cocoa butter, orris butter, jasmine

Click here to try: Mod Vanilla

My full review: Mod Vanilla by Ariana Grande

Vanilla 28 

Notes include: vanilla orchid, tonka bean, brown sugar, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Vanilla 28 by Kayali

Read my review: Vanilla 28

Opening

Mod Vanilla opens with a collection of lighter notes that will eventually fall into to the background, though they remain well-balanced even on the first sprays.

The pink freesia becomes immediately apparent alongside the notes of fresh musks.

The musk maintains its presence throughout the fragrance’s development, and while I don’t consider Mod overly reliant on this note, it does stand as the most prominent among the three opening accords.

Accompanying these two elements is a subtle plum that introduces an additional tart quality to what is already a notably sweet composition. From the very start, you’ll also detect some of the fragrance’s central aromas.

Vanilla makes its presence known, and is joined by praline and cocoa butter. The praline emerges as a significant component that will define much of this fragrance’s character.

As this opening act transitions, the freesia and plum become considerably softer within the overall blend.

Vanilla 28 launches immediately into its own sweetness. The tonka bean and brown sugar really stand out during this initial stage of wear.

While the vanilla orchid maintains its presence throughout, the fragrance clearly emphasizes those other two notes in the opening.

However, this perfume never becomes overwhelmingly cloying or juvenile in its sweetness. It’s more refined to me, than is Mod. The tonka bean does eventually soften, the vanilla becomes more prominent, and the composition develops some musky undertones as it evolves.

Which is better?

I really do like the opening act of Mod Vanilla a lot. There’s plenty going on, it’s more complex, and simply smells quite good.

However, I prefer how the Kayali fragrance starts out more. The tonka bean, brown sugar, and vanilla are really great in this mix.

Edge: Vanilla 28

Projection

In terms of projection, the Ariana Grande perfume delivers some impressive strength during the initial two hours of wear.

I was genuinely surprised by how effectively it projects and creates a noticeable scent trail behind you. While not overwhelmingly potent, Mod Vanilla does perform well above average in this regard.

Following that two-hour mark, the fragrance settles closer to the skin, though it doesn’t become a true skin scent until around the four to five hour point for me.

The projection with the Kayali perfume remains fairly moderate. You’ll experience about thirty minutes of solid strength with Vanilla 28 creating a pleasant aura around you.

After that point, it settles into a light to moderate range. It’s not completely weak, just not the type to fill an entire room.

The Ariana Grande fragrance definitely takes this category.

Edge: Mod Vanilla

Longevity

The longevity of Mod Vanilla proved surprisingly impressive compared to other Ariana fragrances that have been released.

This fragrance keeps up for over 8 hours on my skin, finally becoming undetectable somewhere between the 8.5 to 9 hour mark. For me, at least.

On my skin, Vanilla 28 lasts somewhere in the 5 to 6 hour range. Again, not particularly impressive, but still acceptable. Performance isn’t where this fragrance truly shines.

Another advantage for Mod.

Edge: Mod Vanilla

Versatility

Regarding the seasons you should wear Mod Vanilla, I like this during winter’s colder months. That being said, it works perfectly well whenever temperatures are moderate. Just avoid high heat and humidity, and this fragrance will be fine.

Vanilla 28 also works best during autumn or winter months. If you live somewhere with cooler spring weather, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to wear it. They’re the same in their seasonal use.

Mod Vanilla is a sugary sweet perfume, so don’t anticipate something suitable for formal occasions or office wear.

Mod appeals to a younger demographic, though some older women would certainly appreciate it as well. Mod has a delicious gourmand quality that feels fun, instead of something that is sexy or seductive. The overall vibe is casual and cozy.

Vanilla 28 works across various situations and does so better than the Ariana scent. It maintains its sweet character while still appealing to different age groups.

While it’s not a formal type of perfume, Vanilla 28 functions well in numerous scenarios on its own. Plus, you could layer it with another Kayali perfume to mix things up.

Edge: Vanilla 28

Overall Scent

So, overall which of these fragrances do I actually prefer?

Mod Vanilla is a solid release, though it doesn’t rank as my favorite Ariana Grande perfume or come close to the top of my list.

It shares some similarities with Cloud and isn’t particularly unique, in terms of how it smells.

If you already own and enjoy Cloud, you probably won’t need to add this one to your collection. While they are different fragrances ultimately, they cover much of the same territory.

I like the opening act of Mod Vanilla and the performance is much better than I expected. Really, could be a consideration when compared to the Kayali.

Yet, I prefer Vanilla 28 to Mod. I’m really drawn to the brown sugar note that it has.

Yes, it can be overly sweet or lack sophistication, but I think it works here, and isn’t a potentially cloying as Mod vanilla.

The performance sits in the middle range and trails it’s competitor. If you plan to wear this as a standalone fragrance rather than layering it with others, keep this in mind.

While it wasn’t completely disappointing in that aspect, Vanilla 28 isn’t a long-lasting powerhouse.

Overall, though, I think that Vanilla 28 just smells better and has a better vanilla note. So, it gets the win.

Winner: Vanilla 28

Oriana vs Love don’t be Shy

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Oriana and Love Don’t be Shy are two fragrances with plenty of similarity in terms of style, which are often the final two choices of perfumes, that someone is deciding between. Each of them has their strengths, but which is better: the Parfum de Marly or Kilian scent?

In this post, I want to do a full head to head comparison between these fragrances. Which lasts longer? Smells better? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Oriana vs. Love don’t be Shy

Oriana

Notes include: orange blossom, marshmallow, grapefruit, orange, bergamot, raspberry, black currant, whipped cream, musk, ambrette

Click here to try: Oriana

Love don’t be Shy

Notes include: caramel, marshmallow, jasmine, rose, honeysuckle, orange blossom, sugar, vanilla, musk, and more

Click here to try: Love

Read my review: Love don’t be shy

love don't be shy review

Opening

Oriana opens up with raspberry and citrus up top. Early on, it is more of a light and sugary sweet type of aroma, with some tart qualities.

The light creaminess and powdery aroma will come along more so in the middle act, once some of the fruitiness burns off, and the marshmallow takes on a larger role. Orange blossom and marshmallow with a sweet fruitiness, is the core of what I get.

The opening of Love EDP really comes with the orange blossom, honeysuckle, and neroli, as the floral notes. Those are joined by the sweetness of marshmallow, caramel, and some vanilla.

The main two are going to be orange blossom and marshmallow here, early on. It’s sweet, sugary, and a warm floral scent that is quite captivating.

So, early on it’s the orange blossom. Then, you get a slight powdery aroma from iris and rose (not too much of either), and finally jasmine starts to show up more on my skin.

Edge: Love

Projection

Oriana is solid with it’s projection but has an airy quality to it, for a good portion of the wear. Still one that you’re not going to forget that you’re wearing, just not a powerhouse or a heavy kind of scent.

The sillage here with Love, is stronger for a time. It is ultimately a fresher and lighter kind of sweet perfume, like Oriana, rather than a massive thick cloud. But, the projection is good well into the wear on me.

I think that the Kilian fragrance has a higher high in terms of level of projection. It’s also a somewhat heavier feeling scent, just a tad more noticeable throughout.

Edge: Love

Longevity

Oriana will go for 6.5-8 hours, on my skin. It’s fine, just nothing too crazy in terms of the performance that you’ll get from this PdM perfum. 

With Love don’t be shy, I also get around 8 hours as the max. There’s not too much of a difference here, if any, in my experience.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Seasonally, the Kilian fragrance is best served in autumn through early spring. While Oriana, is more of a spring and summer wear.

So, colder weather goes to Love. While a warmer day, will be advantageous to Oriana. Probably a slight edge to Oriana, as it works fine otherwise, even if it’s not a winter wear.

Both are better served as daytime wears, neither are particularly formal. I’d probably give the edge to Love, don’t be shy in terms of nighttime wear.

Pretty even between them.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these perfumes do I prefer? I do have to say that each is quite likeable and they’re not tooo far apart in terms of just overall enjoyment of wearing them.

With Oriana, you’re going to get a fruitier mix early on, with a bit of a lighter fragrance throughout the wear. The citrus, raspberry, and whipped cream are the most noticeable difference makers between these two fragrances.

For some people, Oriana might make sense if  they happen to greatly prefer those notes. Or, if you want one that’s more usable in the warmer weather.

For me, I still lean more towards the Kilian scent.

I like the use of the orange blossom and caramel especially. The floral dry down with the sugary sweet finish playing the background is also nice. 

I don’t have a massive preference for either of these perfumes. I think that they’re both quite good, but just short of amazing. Though, Love is the slightly better bet, if I have to pick.

Winner: Love don’t be shy

Oriana vs Delina by Parfums de Marly

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Oriana and Delina are two of the most popular women’s perfumes from Parfums de Marly. As such, they are many times the two final choices, that people will decide between buying.

I have tested each of them and actually really like both of these scents. However, which of them actually smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy? Here is my full breakdown of this competition.

 

 

Tale of the Tape: Oriana vs Delina

Oriana

Notes include: orange blossom, marshmallow, grapefruit, orange, bergamot, raspberry, black currant, whipped cream, musk, ambrette

Click here to try: Oriana

Delina

Notes include: rose, rhubarb, litchee, musk, vanilla, peony, and vetiver

Click here to try: PARFUMS de MARLY Delina, 2.5 fl. oz.

Read my review: Delina

Opening

Delina starts off with a very pleasant fruity and powdery blend. The rose is already out and prominent alongside that litchee note.

It’s sweet, yet also tart and juicy. The litchee is joined by a bright bergamot citrus aroma and a tart rhubarb bringing it all together.

Later, the peony and vanilla will ascend, but this is what I get early on with this PdM fragrance.

Oriana opens up with raspberry and citrus up top. Early on, it is more of a light and sugary sweet type of aroma, with some tart qualities.

The light creaminess and powdery aroma will come along more so in the middle act, once some of the fruitiness burns off, and the marshmallow takes on a larger role. Orange blossom and marshmallow with a sweet fruitiness, is the core of what I get.

So, Delina is more powdery in the front end of things, and Oriana in the back half.

Which is better? I like both of them. I think that I have a slight preference for what I get out of Delina, at the start.

Edge: Delina

Projection

Neither of these have too heavy of a scent, but do a good job at hanging around and projecting themselves.

With Delina, it hangs out in the 4-6 foot range from the skin. Pretty moderate, for the most part, but definitely not weak.

With Oriana, it’s somewhat lighter and more airy than is Delina. Not so much so, but I feel like it’s a step behind its competitor in this category.

Edge: Delina

Longevity

Delina gets me in the 9-10 range, on skin. It’s a very good performer, but just shy of being an elite one.

With Oriana, it’s not a beast performer. 6.5-8 hours or thereabout. I’ve never found it to be totally lacking, but it doesn’t last super long, and doesn’t match what I’ve gotten with Delina.

Edge: Delina

Versatility

Seasonally, I think both of these are more suited for the spring and summer months. But, anything from a temperate climate to higher heat works.

Each of them is more of a daily wear and potential signature scent. But, I think that Delina is more well put together and ‘mature’, I feel like it’d fit in better in more places.

You could wear them at night, but both are better served in the daytime. Not really sexy ‘night club beasts’, though they are attractive.

I’d give a slight edge to Delina in more formal situations.

Edge: Delina

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Parfums de Marly perfumes do I enjoy more?

In actuality, these are two of my favorites from the women’s side of things by this brand. As such, the competition is closer than it seems.

With Oriana, I enjoy the lightness and the fruity/sugary sweetness that it provides. The whipped cream and powdery dynamic is awesome.

Hints of soapy clean. The marshmallow, orange blossom, musk are really great in the back half. However, that also might not be for everyone.

The performance is decent, but not spectacular for the price.

Between them, I’d say that Delina gets the nod for me. I think that it smells somewhat better overall. The rose and peony are used better than the orange blossom or Oriana. It’s got more of a balance and I also enjoy what it develops into.

Plus, the performance is better. 

For most people, I’d say Delina. Unless that sweet fruitiness of Oriana sounds like more your style, go with Delina.

Winner: Delina