Best Perfumes for Women

In this edition of my fragrance comparisons, we are going to take a closer look at two women’s perfumes from Christian Dior, Miss Dior EDP vs. J’adore. Which of these popular ladies’ scents from the luxury designer, smells the best? Which lasts longer? I have worn, tested, and reviewed each scent and will break them down by category before declaring an overall winner.

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Tale of the Tape: Miss Dior EDP vs. J’adore

J’adore

Notes include: jasmine, orchid, plum, rose, mandarin, musk, ylang-ylang, blackberry

Click here to try: Christian Dior J’Adore Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce

My Review: J’adore Review

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Miss Dior EDP

Notes include: jasmine, blood orange, patchouli, mandarin orange, rose, rosewood, pink pepper

Click here to try: Christian Dior Miss Dior, 50ml/1.7 oz.

My Review: Miss Dior

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Opening

Update: Dior changes the formula of the Miss Dior line, every so often, while keeping the name. I’m keeping this page, as is, and will try to remember to create a new page when I fully test the newer Miss Dior. So, this post is based on the previous version of Miss Dior EDP, and not the newer 2021 edition.

J’adore opens with a massive floral accord, which consists of: ylang-ylang, jasmine, orchid, rose, and freesia. It’s got a green/watery aroma underneath the floral notes.

The fruit notes are light within the composition, however, they do add a nice juiciness and a bit of sharpness to the perfume.

Miss Dior starts off with citrus fruits, patchouli, and rose. It’s essentially a blend of orange and lemon, with patchouli, and a hint of rose.

The rose note isn’t too strong in either of these perfumes, at this stage. After about 15 minutes, the rose really begins to take over, and the patchouli flanks it. The citrus notes begin to fade into the background.

Which is better? I like the citrus opening of Miss Dior better than the plethora of floral notes from J’adore. It’s not massively better, but it simpler and juicier.

Edge: Miss Dior

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Projection

Neither of these scents are extremely loud, by any means. Miss Dior is pretty moderate throughout the wear. Meanwhile, J’adore is a lighter sillage fragrance, but isn’t weak. Between the two? I’d say Miss Dior is the stronger scent.

Edge: Miss Dior

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Longevity

Miss Dior lasts on my skin for about 8 hours. J’adore will go for 8 hours, at least, but can go for even longer depending on the climate. Both perform well, but J’adore is a bit better.

Edge: J’adore

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Versatility

This Miss Dior fragrance is best served in the colder temperatures, all the way up to moderate, but not the high heat. J’adore has a springtime vibe, but can fit in just about any season. Outside of that, both of these perfumes can serve as a daily wear option. Smell nice, elegant, but not really ‘sexy’ nighttime scents.

Edge: J’adore

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Overall Scent

Miss Dior is a nice scent. I really like the citrus and patchouli opening. Then, the rose takes over, and you get additional spice and a very solid rosewood note at the base. It’s simple and it smells good. The performance is good and the fragrance won’t give out in the middle of the day. It’s actually a very close competitor with J’adore.

However, I think that J’adore gets the edge, here. It’s bright and pretty. It is a floral fragrance, with the usual greenness thrown in, but you also get some fruit notes. The plum and melon are fresh and give the perfume an underlying juiciness.

The sillage is lighter, but you do get a few more hours of wear, versus J’adore and it can go year round.

For these reasons, I’m going to give it the win against Miss Dior EDP. It’s not that much better, but it has an advantage, and is a great daily wear floral perfume. These are both awesome options from Christian Dior, and it almost comes down to, which scent you prefer. As, both of these fragrance meet expectations.

Update: Again, this is between the old version of Miss Dior and J’adore. I’d probably still pick J’adore versus the modern edition of Miss Dior EDP. However, I only smelled that one time, as of this update, and am not 100% on that outcome.

Winner: J’adore

Ylang-ylang is a floral note that is featured in a whole lot of different perfumes. But, that’s usually as a feature or supporting note, instead of being the star itself. However, for some folks out there, the yellow flower is something that they love and want it front and center in their fragrance. This page is going to serve as my running list of the best of the bunch.

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What are the Best Smelling Ylang-Ylang Perfumes?

Ylang, Fruits and Vanilla

Ylang in Gold– Ylang in Gold from Micallef is a very popular pick out of the ylang-ylang offerings. It’s actually quite fruity and has a nice vanilla/coconut creaminess to it. Then, even a light floral powdery undertone.

Ylang is the strongest within the composition, but it doesn’t stand alone. The peach note is probably the most noticeable fruity aspect of this fragrance, but even early on the coconut and some citrus gives it a slightly tropical feeling.

The latter stages are vanilla, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, and just a general mix of the sweet and floral notes. Really, those notes smell like an impression, rather than being anything distinct.

There are other editions of this perfume. For a woodier, less vanilla and fruity based version, try Ylang in Gold Nectar.

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Sunny, Salty Floral

Embruns d’Ylang by Guerlain– This one is a high-end ylang-ylang fragrance from Guerlain. The company itself, seems to be the only one selling full bottles right now. With the price, you’d do well to track down a sample on eBay or somewhere else.

Anyway, Embruns d’Ylang is a bright and beach yellow floral fragrance. It has a coastal sea salt/sea spray note that gives this one a nice dynamic with how it plays off of the ylang-ylang note. Though, I didn’t feel this was super salty when I smelled it once.

It’s a bit sweet, but that saltiness seems to pair with the wood, upon first applying. Then, some jasmine. The ylang-ylang feels pretty thick in this and it has a rather strong sillage, at least early. Still, I’d try before buying to see if it vibes with you.

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Citrus Spice and Ylang-Ylang

Ylang Ylang Nosy Be– Nosy Be opens things up with a spice and citrus blend up top. Grapefruit and cardamom seem to be the two main attractions. But, with some lemon and orange blossom thrown in.

The floral heart and vanilla note will really help to smooth this one out and give it a creamier sort of texture to the aroma. Ylang-ylang does dominate the floral aspect of course, but the orange blossom sticks around along with a bit of jasmine.

Yet, even with the vanilla Ylang Ylang Nosy Be doesn’t feel super thick or heavy. It’s fresh with a naturalistic sweetness. Drier once the vetiver and woods show up later on. This is the EDP version. There is a pricier Extrait de Parfum, but I haven’t tried, so it may be somewhat different.

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Ylang and Carnation…with some Vanilla

Aqua Allegoria Ylang & Vanille by Guerlain– So, this offering from Guerlain is actually a fairly simple affair. The ylang-ylang is joined by the title vanilla, but also: jasmine and carnation. Just, those two will come in stronger at different times.

First, the ylang-ylang and jasmine. Later, that carnation really shows up. Even though, it’s actually a top note…whatever.

I don’t find the vanilla to be all that heavy versus something like Ylang in Gold or Nosy Be, even if it’s been given a title listing by Guerlain. Sharp aroma upon opening, but this perfume will soften up within a pretty short time frame.

I think that this has been discontinued now. So, you may need to dig for a bottle.

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Sweet Creamy Ylang-ylang

51 Pour Femme Parfum– 51 Parfum from Roja Dove isn’t a pure stand alone ylang-ylang fragrance, but it does have a strong ylang note and is a fantastic wear.

Up top, you’re going to get raspberry and bergamot, giving it a fruity sweetness. This is joined by our target note, vanilla, and a host of white florals. Early on, it feels more like a bouquet than specifically focusing on the ylang-ylang.

But, as it dries down the white floral mix will take a step back. The dry down will be creamy and smooth, with hints of woods and spice. Vanilla and cashmere wood are here, maybe some light amber and musk.

Another expensive one, though, 51 Parfum is a great fragrance with enough ylang-ylang to grab a spot here.

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Gucci Bloom

Profumo di Fiori– This is one of the entries from the Gucci Bloom series. Profumo di Fiori isn’t a pure ylang-ylang stand alone, but has a definite role within a blend of other floral notes.

Jasmine, tuberose, and Rangoon creeper are all there, as with most of the other scents from the Bloom lineup.

The jasmine has a bigger role early on, in my experience. The Rangoon creeper is lighter. Then, it will be more of the tuberose and ylang-ylang. It’s floral, but has a thicker substance to it, with a tropical vibe from our yellow flower.

It feels bright and has a creamy warmth to it, with enough woodiness to make things interesting. I don’t think that it’s ‘mind-blowing’, but this is a fantastic release from Gucci.

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A Yellow Mix

Poeme by Lancome Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, Poeme, 3.4 Ounce– Poeme isn’t a pure ylang-ylang led scent. It’sa basket of floral notes, lots of yellow and white petals here. Right out of the gate, Poeme comes off strong and bold.

However, while it is quite floral, it doesn’t strike as a really ‘green’ bouquet because it is all tied together by the vanilla note and the inclusion of tangerine and plum.

The floral notes do indeed dominate, blend well together, but there is enough fruitiness in Poeme to keep it interesting. Peach really seems to survive for pretty much the entire run.

Lots of tuberose and mimosa fill up this scent, but when all the notes come together you have a clean, somewhat soapy, and sweet fragrance that can go all day.

Add to that, at times rose, ylang-ylang, and other floral ingredients will make an appearance. The ylang-ylang is mostly present past the opening act. Again, it’s a major player here, just not the sole star of the show.

So, if you want a blended use of ylang-ylang to use on other days, this Lancome can be a great fit.

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Over the past few years, Mon Guerlain has become a very popular choice for women’s daily wear perfumes. La Vie Est Belle, has been a big shot, for a lot longer. Nonetheless, there a many ladies, who are trying to decide which one is the best option. In this post, I am going to compare the two in various categories, before declaring a winner as the better buy. 

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Tale of the Tape: Mon Guerlain vs. La Vie Est Belle

La Vie Est Belle

Notes include: patchouli, vanilla, blackberry, iris, pear, tonka bean, praline, and more

Click here to try: Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 Ounce

Read my Review: La Vie Est Belle

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Mon Guerlain

Notes include: jasmine, vanilla, lavender, sandalwood, tonka bean

Click here to try: Guerlain Mon Guerlain Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.3oz

Read my review: Mon Guerlain EDP

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Opening

Mon Guerlain opens up with a sweet, candy-like aroma of vanilla and tonka bean. When paired with its other notes, it actually takes on a bit of a caramel sort of aroma.

With that is a light powder from iris and the brightness of a bergamot citrus note. Neither of them are too impactful, but they are present. 

Somewhat similar to Black Opium with how Mon Guerlain starts off Not the same, however. This is for about 15-20 minutes, before Mon Guerlain becomes a lavender and vanilla, based perfume. 

La Vie Est Belle kicks things off with a blueberry/pear combination. It is tart and somewhat sour, at the start. Then, the patchouli and iris, starts to take more control of the aroma. More of a fruity gourmand than a  sweet candy. It’ll be less fruity, in the dry down. 

Which is better? I really enjoy both. I think that the Mon Guerlain opening act, is probably more tolerable to most women. The tartness of the La Vie start, bothers some folks. I think I lean towards, Mon Guerlain, also.

Edge: Mon Guerlain

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Projection

Mon Guerlain’s sillage is pretty moderate. Not weak, but definitely not a bomb. Very well balanced, overall. Meanwhile, La Vie can really come with the power, and take over a room. Not the strongest scent ever, but packs a punch, and wins this round easily.

Edge: La Vie Est Belle

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Longevity

Both Mon Guerlain and La Vie Est Belle are all day wears. 8 hours seems to be the minimum, on my skin, and each are known to go for 10+ hours.

La Vie is stronger, but they are pretty equal in longevity. 

I tested both of these out, when they were newer to the market, so, I don’t know if either has been weakened since then. But, in my testing, they’re about the same.

Update: Changing this one to favor Mon Guerlain, after more testing. It consistently goes longer than La Vie Est Belle.

Edge: Mon Guerlain

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Versatility

While both are seemingly better in the colder months, Mon Guerlain, can go later into the springtime than can La Vie Est Belle, in my opinion. Neither is a summertime wear.

They are both known for being versatile, in their uses. From casual to office to formal. Extremely popular daily wears. Neither is a club or nightlife scent. I think they’re both really pretty and attractive on a woman, though, not necessarily ‘sexy’. Not sure there’s much of an edge here.

Edge: Push

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Overall Scent

This really is a tough call. It essentially is going to come down to which type of smell you prefer, as the performance is really close.

Mon Guerlain, after its initial candy-like smell, becomes more of a sweet floral fragrance. Vanilla, lavender, and jasmine are the main players here. It’s simple, yet elegant, and beautiful.

La Vie Est Belle, gives you a powerful sillage, with a fruity opening act. Then, vanilla/praline/patchouli, come along to create a gourmand scent, that is surrounded by iris. 

I like the overall experience of the Lancome fragrance and it is a scent that I enjoy quite a lot.

When, I think of which is better, my mind tends to say Mon Guerlain. I really love the way this perfume smells. I sprayed some before this post, and now, my room smells excellent. When compared to the La Vie, I think the lavender paired with vanilla, is just a bit better. You get more floral notes and the Guerlain is blended amazingly well.

Winner: Mon Gueralin

Moving right along with my complete backlog of perfume reviews that I need to post, we have an entry today from Elizabeth Arden. This is a newer addition to the brand’s lineup of fragrances and was released back in 2018, with Reese Witherspoon, as the face of the campaign. My Fifth Avenue takes on the name of the classic Arden scent, but goes in a completely different direction from its predecessor. How does it perform? Is it worth a try?

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What does My Fifth Avenue Perfume Smell Like?

Notes include: lotus, jasmine, pear, musk, cedar, lemon, mandarin, orris root, amber wood, violet leaf

Click here to try: Elizabeth Arden My Fifth Avenue Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.3 oz. 

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My Full Review

Before we get into my personal review of this scent, let’s see how Elizabeth Arden describes it, “This fragrant celebration of a woman’s rightful ambition and limitless possibilities embodies the energy, culture and sights that are quintessentially Fifth Avenue. An invigorating floral, it blends citrus notes, musks, and wood notes for a fragrant reminder of the sparkling scent of success.”

My Fifth Avenue opens up with an initial blend of bright citrus notes and a floral bouquet. I can pick up lotus, violet, a bit of jasmine, and an array of flowers that I can’t quite grasp.

The citrus notes are clean and don’t come across as sharp, on my skin. I wouldn’t even call those fruit notes ‘juicy’, because they are held in check by the abundance of floral notes. Nonetheless, My Fifth Avenue, doesn’t have a super green or watery vase type of aroma just the petals.

As it develops further, this perfume takes on more of its floral character, think white flowers (overall aroma). The lotus note is the strongest, of the lot, and light muskiness creeps up from the base of the fragrance.

At this point, the citrus has weakened quite significantly. However, there is still the pear note, which I can’t really pick up in the opening.

Yet, it will come to play a fairly major role in the totality of this perfume. It adds a crispness to the composition and a sweetness to play off of the floral ingredients.

Midway through the wear, the pear and lotus notes are fully developed as a tandem, and this is when the scent has an aquatic air about it. It’s not completely watery, but that sensation is there, for at least a portion of its life cycle.

Ultimately, what I end up with from My Fifth Avenue is: a lotus and pear top, with a floral blend and musk underneath that, with a very very light woody base. It’s a pretty simple scent, for the most part. Nice and definitely not a mess of ingredients.

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Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

I don’t find this Arden scent to be incredibly powerful, but it definitely has a solid projecting ability. The sillage won’t clear out a room, but you don’t need to spray the heck out of it, to make this scent work.

The longevity here is good, but not elite. It’ll seem to do about 6-8 hours, for me. Nothing beyond that, but quite acceptable for a daily wear.

Is this a versatile scent? It is to an extent. It’ll work in most any climate, but doesn’t come across as a winter wear. My Fifth Avenue is better suited toward mild to warmer climates.

Still, you could wear it indoors for any seasons. Casually or in an office, since it isn’t a massive or overpowering fragrance.

This is a casual, daily wear, or office sort of scent. It’s attractive and fairly chic, but not what I’d call sexy. Also, isn’t a nightlife or romantic wear. This perfume is an easy to wear and simple fragrance, that will smell nice, and won’t offend those around you.

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Overall Impression of My Fifth Avenue by Elizabeth Arden

Do I like this perfume? Yes, I find it to be quite pleasant. It’s nothing that special or mind-blowing, but as a daily wear, it does it’s job perfectly. You get a nice and attractive smell, good performance, and something that is easy to spray on without much thought.

It is a pretty simple perfume, nothing ground breaking, but one which is well blended and has its strengths.

The citrus accord gives this one a nice start, bright, with that sparkling pear aroma. I like the duo of the lotus with the pear, neither gets a big edge over the other, and the notes underneath just work well.

I’m not a particularly big fan of violet, but it isn’t too much of a factor, especially in the latter stages.

My Fifth Avenue is a solid pickup, if you have the right expectations about what it is. It does everything above average, just not much more than that. Never spectacular, so, I might try to get it for a discount if I really wanted a bottle.