Best Perfumes for Women

Jasmin Noir EDP by Bvlgari

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In this post, I want to share my experiences with a Bvlgari fragrance for her: Jasmin Noir eau de parfum. It was released in 2008. Now, I think that this particular fragrance has been discontinued by the company, but you can easily still find bottles of it online (update: not so much anymore).

As usual, I am going to cover how it smells, what the ingredients are, when it should be worn, how it performs, and if it is worth a purchase or not.

What does Jasmin Noir Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, tonka bean, gardenia, almond, licorice, amber, musk, patchouli, wood

Click here to try: Bvlgari Jasmin Noir by Bvlgari for Women – 3.4 Ounce EDP Spray

My Full Review

Before I get into my own review of Jasmin Noir, let’s see what Bvgari has to say about it: Jasmin Noir is a flower of the imagination, rich and delicate that at nightfall reveals its intriguing sensuality.

The opening of Jasmin Noir doesn’t strike me as too dark, as the name would suggest. It starts off with a floral burst of jasmine and gardenia.

These two notes are surrounded by a sweetness and spiciness. It’s actually a fairly unique aroma, almond and licorice, with some patchouli hanging around in the back.

The tonka bean emerges a few minutes after spraying and adds another layer of sweet smoothness.

This is also when a woody base is revealed giving Jasmin Noir, a center from which to hold all of these sweet notes together. Together, it all strikes me as a rather seductive aroma.

Ultimately, what Jasmin Noir is highlighted by is almond, jasmine, gardenia, and licorice. To my nose, the jasmine and licorice are the strongest notes here, but none are super powerful. It’s well blended and doesn’t drop too much into a straight jasmine fragrance.

Though, it seems ‘darker’ during the dry down than it did at the start. The constant undercurrent of nuttiness provided by the almond note, is one of the highlights.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, this Bvlgari perfume doesn’t have crazy powerful sillage. It is a fairly moderate scent, but one that isn’t weak. In terms of longevity, this one lasted 6-7 hours solidly on my skin, and then some additional time as a skin scent. Not crazy but very respectable.

Seasonally, Jasmin Noir fits right in with autumn and winter. However, it doesn’t strike me as being limited to just then, as it would be fine for springtime too. Really hot and humid days, probably won’t do too well with it. I think that it is also a pretty versatile scent.

Since it’s not overpowering, it is office safe. By the same token, it is not only subtle but also quite sexy and alluring.

Jasmin Noir EDP is actually at its best in the evening, wearing something revealing yet expensive. It is a very inviting perfume, that will catch attention, and draw complements.

Overall Impressions of Jasmin Noir EDP

Overall, do I like Jasmin Noir eau de parfum? Yes, I do. Licorice isn’t my favorite note, as it tends to give me a headache, but it’s not too bad here. The almond is a great little addition and almost always seems to get added to sexy fragrances.

This scent has solid but not amazing performance, but fits a definite role, as something to be worn on certain evenings and versatile enough to make appearances in the daytime.

You’re just going to have to like those particular flowers, almond, and licorice. But, if that’s the case, this one is very enjoyable to wear.

Now, it isn’t as easy to find as of this update. I’ve seen bottles selling for $200+, which is crazy high. Unless it is a fragrance that you already love, I’d pass on tracking down Jasmin Noir.

Oud Essentiel by Guerlain

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I’ve had this Guerlain sample vial for three months or so and knew that I needed to get around to wearing it so that I can post a review. The scent? Oud Essentiel. Released in 2017, this Guerlain fragrance is a unisex offering, for folks who are in search of a great oud perfume. Does it live up to the billing? Please continue below for my full take.

What does Oud Essentiel by Guerlain Smell Like?

Notes include: Bulgarian rose, agarwood (oud), leather, frankincense, and saffron

Click here to try: Oud Essential Guerlain EDP Spray

My Full Review

Before I start with my review, let’s see what Guerlain has to say about Oud Essentiel: To create the new fragrance in the Absolus d’Orient collection, Guerlain Perfumer Thierry Wasser drew his inspiration from the unique and precious oud wood. The fragrance is a majestic celebration of this rare ingredient which reveals its true strength and sensuality. Both mellow and intense, this woody leather fragrance blends the mysterious notes of leather and frankincense and the sweet notes of Bulgarian rose in a subtle alchemy. A unique olfactory encounter between East and West.

This is the second review I’ve done from the Absolus d’Orient collection, the first being of Santal Royal. Obviously, this whole line is going to be more of a niche luxury collection, than anything that will ever appeal to the mass market and usually focuses on a singular note of that part of the world.

Oud Essentiel opens up with a really sharp/sweet mixture of the rose and oud. Underneath that is saffron and just a peak at the leather note, which emerges later on in the wear. This stuff is an absolute monster at the beginning, very loud, and in your face.

You know right off the bat, that this is a fragrance that isn’t going to appeal universally, and won’t have a place in everyone else’s collection.

I don’t feel that the oud note is ever totally dominate in this composition. It is most certainly there, however, it is blended expertly with the other notes. It super sweet, dark, and resinous.

One can tell that the quality of the ingredients is very high, as each note, smells absolutely wonderful. Very bold but very wonderful.

As it dries down, the composition is still lead by the oud and Bulgarian Rose. It is fairly linear, in that regard. However, the frankincense, leather, saffron, and other woody notes each seem to take their turn being a highlight.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage is huge for the first half of the wear or so. Two sprays is more than enough and one spray will be all that is required many times.

Think half of the wear isn’t long enough? Well, this one hits 12 hours or so on my skin. So, half or more of that time, it’s a beast. Then, calms down into something more moderate. Either way, performance is top notch.

This is billed as a unisex fragrance, but leans more masculine. A woman can wear this absolutely, but it requires confidence (for anyone) to put this on. When you consider what most modern fragrances are, this one stands out totally.

Seasonally, I’d stick to this in fall and winter. Colder weather only, for me at least. I wouldn’t want to have this on in the humidity of the summer months. This is more for semi-formal to formal wear. It’s loud, so, it might be out of the question for some folks to wear to work.

I could see throwing this on at night, though. Wouldn’t call it sexy, as many women would probably think that it’s too loud. This is one perfume that you’ve got to wear for yourself and not solely to draw complements.

Overall Impressions of Oud Essentiel

Overall, do I like Oud Essentiel? For a oud scent? It’s got one of the best oud notes, I’ve ever come across. It’s not my kind of style, since I’m not a huge fan of wearing oud. But, I still think that it smells good.

For those who love the note, love bold fragrances, and can afford the Guerlain prices; go for it. It’s a great blend and the performance is utterly magnificent.

Coco Mademoiselle EDP by Chanel

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Coco Mademoiselle has been a best seller for a long time. It’s been one that I’ve enjoyed, when I’ve encountered it in the past. Since I recently set out to acquire a bunch of Chanel samples, I made sure to grab this one to finally post a full review on the site. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Coco Mademoiselle Smell Like?

Notes include: orange, neroli, may rose, patchouli, vetiver, jasmine

Click here to try: Coco Mademoiselle

My Full Review

Coco Mademoiselle opens up with a hard hitting orange note and neroli paired along side. It’s bright and juicy, at first, with enough warmth provided by the underlying patchouli.

The next phase, is where the other floral notes become apparent. The orange note tones down and jasmine and the rose emerge. The rose isn’t super powerful, but it’s there. Mostly, jasmine and the continued neroli come through.

Mademoiselle feels clean and enveloping, but kind of too dynamic for me to call it cozy, exactly. The floral notes hang around, but this gets drier as it moves forward. Patchouli, vetiver, and musk with sweetness/creaminess from vanilla and the still present citrus.

The final dry down is a much softer affair. I get more of the vanilla, patchouli, just the impression of overall sweetness and slight woodiness. Not super easy to pick out individual notes, but it’s a great smell.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Mademoiselle is definitely a strong fragrance. It isn’t on the extreme end (the Intense version is for sure, though), but it is well above average with how it projects and hangs around. It isn’t one that you’ll need many sprays of, for it to be effective.

The longevity is even better. Coco Mademoiselle EDP will go for over 10 hours on my skin. It’s to the point that it gets washed off before it quits usually. Plenty of another Chanel scents, especially the men’s, don’t hold up nearly as well as this one.

Seasonally, this perfume can work year round. Maybe avoid during the heat of summer, but it’s fine in any other sort of climate. Not necessarily as good in the dead of winter, but it’s not completely useless.

It’s very versatile. Can be a daily wear or one to wear out at night. It has a certain level of sexiness to it, while remaining modern and stylish. Not super ‘girly’ or feminine, but doesn’t quite meet in the unisex area, in my opinion.

Overall Impressions of Coco Mademoiselle

Do I like this perfume? I do. It’s always been one of my favorites from Chanel’s women’s line of scents. The bold orange opening is great. The floral heart, with vanilla and musk. It just works well.

The performance is pretty top notch on me, for whatever reason. It seems to be well above average for most folks who try it, as well.

Really not too much to complain about with Coco Mademoiselle. It can be too much for some, but most people like it, as proven by the sales. If you don’t like a bold orange, the floral notes, or maybe the patchouli…you might at least want to sample before buying blind.

7 Best Smelling Estee Lauder Perfumes

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Estee Lauder is an absolutely authoritative name in the world of beauty and cosmetics. The company’s products have been around for decades and still appeal to women from each successive generation.

For this list, I have selected seven  of the scents from its line of perfumes, which I feel are the best of the best. I have updated this post to include a new entry, take off an older one that got too reformulated, and expand a bit on each scent.

What are the Best Smelling Estee Lauder Perfumes?

Classic Peony and Rose

Pleasures By Estee Lauder For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 Ounces -A classic floral perfume that is soft, pleasant, and never overpowering. Pleasures features dewy outdoorsy notes which provide a green aroma, combined with, floral notes led by lily of the valley and lilac.

Then, as it dries down this Estee Lauder perfume, begins to have more influence from the peony and rose notes within. Those are just the two main floral aromas, found in the heart, but it really is an array of differing petals.

This is a great performer, which will last all day, and is safe enough to wear at the office or casually. Quite fresh with enough floral sweetness to be very attractive, but not obnoxious.  Notes include: roses, violets, lilies, woody notes, peonies.

Best Seller

Beautiful Belle by Estee lauder eau de parfum spray 3.4oz/100ml, 3.4 Fl Oz– Beautiful Belle is a very nice floral fragrance with a juicy lychee note up top. This has become one of the best sellers for Estee Lauder over the past few years.

It’s not your typical bouquet or greenish floral mix, as there is a smooth suede and sweet gourmand note of marzipan in the base.

Beautiful Belle is a lighter fragrance and the floral notes are dominated by gardenia and tuberose. Rose, orange flower and mimosa play a supporting role. This is an easy to wear fragrance with nice performance and can venture out into spring and the milder days of summer.

One Tropical Option

Beyond Paradise By Estee Lauder For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 1.7 Ounces–  Beyond Paradise is a bright and youthful floral fragrance that is best worn on warmer days. It is more of a tropical floral fragrance with citrus and berry to balance things out and create a deeper exotic feeling.

White floral notes with some fruity influence throughout and a bit of underlying spice. As it moves along, the flowers such as lily, honeysuckle, and gardenia dominate and the fruits fade to the background.

Hyacinth eventually comes to stand above the rest, but really hangs around for the entirety of the life of the perfume. It initially, gets placed in the opening with a bunch of citrus notes. Nonetheless, the is a group effort among the floral notes, and the result is great.

Best Summertime Fragrance

Estee Lauder ‘Bronze Goddess’ Eau Fraîche SkinScent 3.4 Oz / 100 ml New In Box– Bronze Goddess is one that has been around for a while and occasionally gets reformulated. Nonetheless, the perfume gives you a beachy and somewhat tropical vibe during the wear.

Up top, you have citrus note and a light ginger note giving it spice. Underneath that is coconut and vanilla, that provides the creamy and somewhat lotion-like vibe. Jasmine and frangipani petals make up the floral heart of the scent and complement that summertime feel.

The link above is the Eau Fraiche version. It’s got more of the floral notes being dominant and is a lighter scent. The EDP is creamier with the heavier use of coconut and vanilla.

Top Winter Scent

Sensuous by Estee Lauder for Women – 3.4 Ounce EDP Spray–As its name suggests, Sensuous is sexier and more alluring perfume than the previous two entries. It is still not a heavy scent, but one that is really intriguing to experience with its notes of amber, black pepper, sandalwood, magnolia, and ghost lily.

The sandalwood note dominates and is joined by other wood notes in the base. This is then brought together with enveloping amber and thick, sweet honey. Add to that a peppery spice in its heart and floral undertones, and you’ve got a well-balanced gem.

Jasmine Led, Floral Dominant

ESTEE LAUDER Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– Modern Muse opens up with jasmine and a light mandarin orange note. This is a floral fragrance and the jasmine is the main ingredient, but which flower accompanies it, changes throughout the wear.

Sometimes, it is tuberose, others honeysuckle, and lily. Musk and amber sit gently at the base and create a warm embrace of the flowery aroma. Ultimately, the lily and jasmine win out as the final two floral notes. With musk and patchouli, also hanging around in a diminished state.

It is moderate in its sillage, with bits of vanilla or patchouli peaking through, and a pleasing scent that is good to wear on a daily basis. Good springtime wear, but versatile for most of the rest of the year. White floral with light musk, for the most part. Modern Muse Review

Mature Woodsy Floral

Knowing By Estee Lauder For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 2.5 oz– This one has more of a woodsy profile to it but still brings in the floral notes like jasmine, rose, and sandalwood. Up top? It’s mimosa, in spades. Has an intensity that is best suited for the colder months. This one has been around forever, a mature scent.

Lots of oakmoss, leather, and other seemingly dark feeling notes. Yet, Knowing comes through with enough sweetness to avoid becoming too dour and a wonderful rosy heart. It’s ultimately very deep complex, but you get a very clean and sophisticated, classic scent.

Gabrielle EDP by Chanel

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Gabrielle is one of Chanel’s more recent line of women’s fragrances. Thus far, they’ve only released two under this banner, but it may expand further if the sales are worthwhile. Gabrielle is a white floral perfume, named after the founder of the brand. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is this perfume worth a buy?

What does Gabrielle Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, tuberose, musk, citrus, pear

Click here to try: Chanel Gabrielle For Women Eau De Parfume Spray 3.4 Ounces

My Review

The opening of this fragrance was kind of difficult to distinguish the first time I tried it out. It felt like a mass of notes, floral and fruity, but just clumped together. However, the next time I tested this one, I liked Gabrielle much more.

It’s a sparkling blend of citrus notes, with a nice amount of the orange blossom and ylang-ylang up front. Grapefruit, some pear, orange, and a little pink pepper spice.

Even with giving this Chanel another try, I still think that the opening act is definitely the weakest point of this fragrance. I’m not even a huge floral fan, but when those notes take over, this is a much better wear.

Luckily, that doesn’t take to long. The other two floral notes come in about 30 minutes in (jasmine and tuberose). It’s a floral bouquet that isn’t very green at all. More about the white petals, than the stems, and it has a sweet and bright undercurrent throughout.

Gabrielle is one that I’d recommend trying at least a few times to see if you like it. There is plenty of depth here, that can take time to reveal themselves fully. Mostly, it’s a very lovely white floral fragrance, with just a touch of earthiness at different intervals.

The final dry down, I mostly get jasmine and the tuberose, and they’re sitting on top of musk. The fruity notes are all but gone and it smells like a very clean floral perfume.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Gabrielle is a moderate fragrance. It’s decent at projecting during the first few hours of wear, then, it will stick closer to the skin. I will say, that it isn’t a super performer. For me, it was pretty good, but not one that’s going to amaze.

The longevity is in the 7-7.5 hour range, on my skin. Again, for much of the wear it isn’t going to radiate very much from wear you sprayed. It does stick around, though.

Seasonally, I’d say that it’s absolutely the best in spring. Summer and autumn work too, but that springtime bouquet effect is great.

Gabrielle EDP is a versatile daily wear. It isn’t super formal and can actually serve better as a casual or semi-formal scent. It’s pretty, not really sexy, and not a club beast. But, you really wouldn’t ever offend anyone while wearing this.

Overall Impressions of Gabrielle by Chanel

Do I like this fragrance? I do. It actually grew on me, the more time that I spent with it. I still think that opening is kind of messy, but the end result is pretty darn good.

Is it a must have? Probably not. I don’t think that the performance is all that great. The fragrance itself smells quite nice, so, it isn’t a terrible or useless release from Chanel.

It does some things very well, but isn’t elite or super captivating. At the very least, it is worth a shot to see if you personally enjoy it, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.