Best Perfumes for Women

Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent

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Rive Gauche is an absolutely classic fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent which dates back to 1971. As a consequence, this became a daily wear staple for a few generations of women. I got a hold of a decant to revisit this one, after probably close to 10 years of not coming across this perfume. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it still worth a try?

What does Rive Gauche Smell Like?

Notes include: peach, lemon, honeysuckle, aldehydes, rose, oakmoss, vetiver, iris, musk, and more

My Full Review

Note: I am reviewing a decant from one of the later bottles of this perfume (not sure what year), after not experiencing it for a handful of years. Probably one that is considered to be ‘reformulated’ from the original 70s offering. 

Rive Gauche opens up with a fresh icy burst of aldehydes, light crisp fruit notes, and a further dewy/greenish sort of aroma. Personally, I tend to pick up a peach note, as the main aspect of the fruit accord. Though, that’s not overwhelming.

It is an interesting mix of dry freshness, the dew aroma, and the floral notes. The opening has an underlying dryness to it thanks to the oak moss and vetiver notes. The aldehydes here, always bring to mind Chanel for me, but Rive Gauche has a very dynamic and distinct personality all its own.

The floral notes do emerge, once we get past the start. I mean, rose comes across somewhat early, but this really becomes about the white floral notes. Gardenia and lily of the valley are going to be main attractions for this portion.

Iris, will help add a powdery smell for a duration, but that seems to disappear on my skin. I get much more powder, if I spray this one on clothing.

As it dries down, Rive Gauche still has that cold feeling, but the muskiness starts to ramp up when I wear it. The floral notes are less distinct from one another. I will say, once the iris has had its little run, its: rose, lily of the valley, and jasmine.

The final dry down is going to be woodier and muskier. Sandalwood, vetiver, and musk are the main trio. The floral note and aldehydes are all that remain from earlier, but sit underneath those notes, and are more of a generic impression than being easy to separate out.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage is actually fairly strong, on the whole. This will leave a trail behind you and can reach pretty far across the room, at least early on.

It does moderate fairly quickly, with a limited amount of sprays. But, Rive Gauche does give you the option of going heavy and getting a much better performance.

The decant that I had, had really a really solid wear time. I could get it to last on skin for between 8-8.5 hours, during testing. Nothing insanely good, but still nothing to be disappointed in.

Seasonally, this could be worn almost anytime. I’d pick something else for the extremes of winter and summer, but outside of that, no worries. It’s ideal in springtime, though.

It’s very versatile as a daily wear. Not really a sexy nightlife perfume, but one with an ability to go more formal, if need be. While still finding a way to be fairly casual, also.

Overall Impressions of Rive Gauche

Do I like Rive Gauche? Yes, this is an example of an aldehyde soaked white floral fragrance that I enjoy. It’s not one of my favorite types of perfume, but this YSL is one, that I’ve always appreciated.

I was reminded of Rive Gauche again by two perfumes, one a Cartier (that I liked, can’t remember which), and one was Guilty Love Edition by Gucci (not a like). Both had a similar style, while not duplicating the Saint Laurent’s exact aroma.

I like the initial cold freshness with the hints of peach and even the greenish qualities. The floral notes are there doing their thing, with an increasing influence as we move along. There’s plenty of depth here and a classic style.

This may not be one for everybody, but it has been appreciated for over 50 years, for a reason. Rive Gauche is likeable and one that you can return to again and again.

Idôle Aura by Lancôme

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Aura is a flanker fragrance release from Lancôme’s Idole line, that came out in 2021. This was one of the perfume samples that I picked up a while back in order to test it out. I was interested to see how this one is distinct from the original EDP. What does Aura smell like? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Idole Aura Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, vanilla, rose, jasmine, salt, musk

Click here to try: From Lancome

idole aura review

My Full Review

Here’s how Lancôme describes it: As unique and unstoppable as the energy that radiates from within every Idôle – share the light of success with Idôle Aura as its ambience transfers from one Idôle to another. From Idôle Aura to you and the Idôle’s who surround you.

The opening spray of Aura shares the bergamot and jasmine notes, found in Idole EDP. It lacks the pear and pink pepper notes of that one, but seems to include a muskier top in their stead.

It is interesting that Aura has a beachy vibe to it, thanks to the inclusion of a salted vanilla note. Sort of reminds me of saltwater taffey from when I was a kid. This does have a nice sweetness to it, but isn’t overwhelming. In fact, the vanilla floral mix has more of a powdery aroma for a good part of the wear.

Like the original, as we move along, the rose note will become more prominent in the mix. Beyond that, the rose and jasmine notes start to achieve a balanced relationship.

Idole Aura is warm, slightly sweet, salty with a nice floral/musk mix that smells like Idole EDP. It’s like they stripped a few things off of that and added more vanilla and that salty flair.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty strong, especially for the first few hours. Not a complete monster, but it leaves a trail and has a solidly far radius from off of the skin. For much of the rest of the wear, it’ll be a 3-5 foot range from skin.

The longevity is good, above average, but not amazing. I get 7.5-8 hours with it. Most of the last hour or so it a floral and faint vanilla smell, but Aura is still there.

Like the original Idole EDP, this one is best served by being used in the spring and summer months. I like this more in the summer, thanks to that beachy vibe. It’s not as good here in the December cold, but not completely out of place. There are just better options.

Aura is more of a casual daytime wear. It can probably be used as a daily wear during the warmer months to the office or something, since it’s not overwhelming or anything inappropriate.

Aura is also more of a pleasant crowd pleaser versus being a sexy nightlife scent. Also, suitable for a wide age range. Teens could wear this, along with more mature women. Vey nice balance and doesn’t feel cheap.

Overall Impressions of Idole Aura

Overall, do I like Idole Aura? I do. To me, it’s a bit better than the eau de parfum. But, from this series, I like Nectar and L’Intense more than this one.

I like the opening act with the jasmine and bergamot. That’s a pretty common combination, but it works well. Add to that, the vanilla and salty beachy aroma, and Aura does deliver a sun-kissed scent that’s enjoyable to wear.

The performance here is above average across the board. Aura was never totally weak, until the denouement, and it gave around a full work day’s worth of wear. Yes, there are better performers, but this one is just fine.

The final dry down is closer to the original with the jasmine, rose, and muskiness. However, it retains a lot of what makes it distinct. Namely, the fresh marine qualities and warmer solar aspects.

Idole Aura is a perfume that is well worth checking out. Not overly complicated, but a scent that a lot of people should like.

9 Best Maison Margiela Replica Perfumes

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Maison Martin Margiela has had some fairly low key hits over the years in its fragrance lineup. The Replica line sets out to evoke different moments in life and just general experiences you’ve had stored in your memory bank.

There’s a whole host of options out there now, but what are the top smelling perfumes from this ‘Replica’ designer line ? Scroll below for my updated list of the best of the bunch.

Favorite Maison Margiela Replica Fragrances

Most Popular

Maison Margiela Replica by the Fireplace Fragrance– The best selling and still one of the top smelling perfumes from the Replica line. By the Fireplace captures that cozy warm feeling with notes of chestnuts, vanilla, and a warm smoky spiced feeling.

It gives you a woody scent with plenty of spice, but also subtle touches of ingredients such as red berries and neroli, to keep you from smelling entirely like a firepit.

But, do expect to have a smoky finish with an almost peppery kick to it. I really like the chestnut in here, as it isn’t something that gets used too often in perfumes.

Unisex? Yep. This one is a crowd favorite for a reason and has a certain attractiveness, dare I say, sexiness to it. By the Fireplace is probably the first one that you’ll end up trying from this brand and creates a great first impression.

Desert Niche

Across Sands– Okay, Across Sands isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. However, it is certainly one of the top fragrances from Maison Margiela, and has more of a cult-like following versus something like Fireplace. 

Here’s how they describe the concept: Across Sands evokes a desert escape, with fruits and flowers blooming amongst the dunes.

Spicy cinnamon, dates, and oud are some of the highlights with this scent. Also, herbal notes like davana (little sweetness) and patchouli help to further solidify the exotic desert atmosphere that Across Sands creates.

Spicy, earthy, with that familiar oud and incense smokiness…but with the added touch of dates. 

Powdery Make Up

Lipstick On- This one might be discontinued as of posting. Perhaps not, but I was having trouble finding it.

Anyway, Lipstick On gives you that full on make up bag experience, which some folks don’t really care for…but I dig the iris and heliotrope goodness that’s found within. Much more feminine than something like old Dior Homme, which utilized this same style in a more manly way.

Early on, it felt a bit creamier and almost waxy to me. Then, the powdery feeling comes through with the remaining vanilla note playing a back up role to the main iris attraction. The early use of neroli and citrus really give this some more depth and sweetness.

Again, I’m pretty sure it’s gone from their lineup. But, I’ll keep it here for the time being, in case you can find a reasonably priced bottle around.

Soapy Clean

Bubble Bath– Fresh, soapy, musky, with a light milky coconut note. Bubble Bath really matches the name with what it provides in its fragrance.

This is basically an perfume extender of that aroma, when you’ve just emerged from the tub. Lavender, light rose and citrus, give it that further cleanliness vibe. Though, those notes aren’t huge in the mix. Musk, coconut, and a Dove bar-like soap note.

Bubble Bath can be a nice perfume for the right person, but probably isn’t going to have the same popularity or mass appeal as some others.

You might also want to try, Lazy Sunday Morning, which is similar in the freshly bathed feeling that it provides. That perfume has aldehydes and some iris instead of lavender.

Know in advance, that this is one of the lighter Maison Margiela fragrances. The performance isn’t terrible, but it’s certainly not an all-day experience either. 

Tobacco and Jazz

Maison Martin Margiela ‘Replica’ Jazz Club EDT for Men 100ml– Jazz Club is one that leans very much more traditionally masculine than others on the list, but there are still women who will wear this Margiela perfume as well. Though, it’s basically a men’s cologne.

The main attraction here is the tobacco note. But, you get a boost of spice from rum and pepper to play off the overall sweetness of notes like vanilla.

The Jazz Club name to help to bring to mind a certain smokiness of cigars and booziness. Well, the smokiness is here, more like an incense quality than cigar smoke.

To me, the tobacco and rum are the strongest in the early stages. Then, it becomes more about the vanilla note and some of the others play a major support role around it. Performance is good, but not elite. Yes, Jazz Club is well worth a try and a spot on this list.

Winter Cozy

Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break Fragrance 100ml– I used to have a bottle of Rochas Man, that is a very similar fragrance to this, with the coffee and lavender elements, among other things.

However, this one is softer and more unisex than that men’s cologne and less like a cup of cappuccino.

It’s actually not as much of a thick gourmand or pure coffee fragrance, as you’d might expect. Milky, vanilla, and not too sweet with other floral notes poking their heads in as well. Not overly complex and does have a sugary feeling to it, especially early on, for me at least.

Decent performance and not too heavy of a sillage. A nice go to on colder autumn and winter days.

 

Soft Resinous Woods

Whispers in the Library– A bit spicy, resinous, sweet, and wood from the cedar note. Whispers in the Library is a rather unique fragrance. Though, it strangely does share plenty of note overlap with Allure Homme Sport by Chanel…while being a completely different fragrance.

When I tried this out, I got a lot of benzoin and some vanilla sweetness coming through on top of the cedar note. There is a peppery kick up top, but very soft and woodsy in its essence. You get additional cypriol and vetiver notes here which only adds to the main cedar attraction.

Not a heavy scent. Very unisex and pleasing to wear. Just the right amount of sweetness and coziness to set the library mood.

Rich Green Floral

Promenade in the Gardens– Promenade really does have an aroma, as if you were walking through a garden. It’s green and slightly aquatic, mainly from the freesia and patchouli notes. But, you also get a lot of rose coming through the heart of this scent.

Peony is here, maybe a little jasmine, but they aren’t very powerful within the composition. This one does get drier, woodier, and somewhat earthy during the latter stages. Sandalwood and vetiver, with rose, and that patchouli note.

The performance with Promenade is actually very good. A nice amount of power, while not being overwhelming, and has an ability to really stick to the skin. This may be discontinued now, as I had some trouble finding it, so skip it if it is too expensive nowadays.

The Aquatic Option

Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day Eau de Toilette 3.4 fl. oz./100ml– Sailing Day is another one that might be more niche. But, if you’re somebody who loves fresh aquatic/marine perfumes, this can absolutely be one to check out.

When I say oceanic, I mean full on seaweed notes and seawater. Very much along the lines of Bvlgari’s Aqva series of fragrances. Very aquatic up top with some light coriander spice and the ambergris coming up from the base.

Clean, light, but with a somewhat masculine edge. The Aqva Bvlgari line is for men and this is similar smelling to Aqva Marine. Though, I don’t think this one is as heavy as that. There is a slight sweetness in the mix, with a touch of floral notes, and a woody amber base.

Performance is actually pretty good for a summertime scent, such as this. Just don’t expect a non-stop, all-day kind of wear.

Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid by Viktor & Rolf

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Ruby Orchid is another flanker by Viktor & Rolf from its insanely popular Flowerbomb line. This one was released in 2021 and became quite well known in its own right, a short time after. But, how does it actually smell? Does Ruby Orchid perform well? Is it even worth a buy?

What does Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid Smell Like?

Notes include: peach, vanilla bean, ruby orchid accord , peach vine

Click here to try: At Sephora

My Full Review

Here’s how V&R describes it: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid Eau de Parfum Spray is a sensual floral perfume that’s inspired by the glamour of burlesque. This passionate women’s perfume blends ruby flower orchid, juicy peach, and red foxy vanilla bean to create a magnetic fragrance perfect for any confident woman.

The opening of Ruby Orchid is somewhat similar to the original Flowerbomb. It is certainly sweet, but we get a more immediate and greater focus on the orchid note itself. Plus, we lose the osmanthus and replace it with a peach note, which lends a jammy quality to this perfume.

Interestingly, this includes a ‘peach vine’ that does come through somewhat in the very early stages. A greenish aroma, not overly noticeable, but it is there if you focus your nose. Patchouli is also totally here, I don’t know why it isn’t listed.

The light greenish aroma does fade and you are left with the sweet peach note. The vanilla will begin to creep in, to a greater extent, like a thick syrupy vanilla extract.

The opening is much more of a fruity sweet fragrance, just like the original. Then, the dry down will be more focused on the orchid and vanilla. Still fruity/sugary sweet, just toned down, with a lighter use of that patchouli messing about.

The vanilla and orchid combo has a powdery aroma, the further we get into things. On me, Ruby Orchid never goes fully into hyper powder territory, but it certainly is there. The original has this as well, but Ruby Orchid has the greater use of powder than its predecessor.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here starts off bold, but settles fairly quickly into something that is much softer. I don’t think that it ever reaches the same ability of Flowerbomb, in terms of how it projects off of the skin.

It does get close initially, but Ruby Orchid is a much softer scent than the original.

On my skin, Ruby Orchid will last around 7-7.5 hours. Again, it doesn’t match the staying power of Flowerbomb, but it wasn’t completely terrible by any means.

Seasonally, it’s mostly for autumn and winter, but it can also make an appearance in the springtime. If it’s too hot and humid, I’d skip out on Ruby Orchid, but it’s fine for the more temperate days.

Ruby Orchid is sweet, playful, and skews younger. But, it isn’t one that is only for teenagers. However, it is still more of a casual perfume than anything formal. Daytime or nighttime and it is pleasant enough for dates. But, I think the original is the sexier of the two.

Overall Impressions of Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid

Overall, do I like Ruby Orchid? I do. It does share plenty of commonalities with Flowerbomb, so, if you like that one…you’ll probably dig this one too.

Personally, I don’t enjoy it to the same extent. But, it does have some aspects that I do like. The peach here is particularly nice, I like the lighter green touches. Plus, I like that the orchid gets some more attention.

The performance is solid, not amazing, but I didn’t find Ruby Orchid to be disappointing in this regard.

If you don’t like the original Flowerbomb, I’m not sure that there is enough here that would change your mind. It’s still very sweet and there’s enough overlap between them, that might bring back bad memories.

Overall, though, this is a nice release and one of the better Flowerbomb flankers.

Flowerbomb vs Gucci Bloom

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Flowerbomb and Gucci Bloom are two fragrances that are quite different, but for some reason often get compared. I think it’s the names, associating each with floral scents. Nonetheless, they are both very popular perfumes, so let’s break them each down. How do they smell? Which lasts longer? Which fragrance is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Flowerbomb vs. Gucci Bloom

Flowerbomb

Notes include: Centifolia Rose, Sambac Jasmine, Cattleya Orchid, India Osmanthus, tea, bergamot, patchouli, musk, and vanilla

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz

Read my review: Flowerbomb EDP

viktor rolf review

Gucci Bloom

Notes include: jasmine, gardenia, Rangoon Creeper

Click here to try: Gucci Bloom

Opening

Bloom starts things off with it’s jasmine really coming out to play. To me, I also get a hint of honeysuckle, which is found in some of the other Bloom fragrances. But, it doesn’t seem to be officially listed.

Underneath that, you will get the tuberose note, which will be the main focus of this Gucci perfume. But in the opening, it is a jasmine led affair, with a greenish stem aroma and a bit of spice for what it’s worth.

This one is much more of a flower garden sort of experience. Naturalistic white flowers, stem and all, not just the petals alone.

With Flowerbomb, you get an initial burst of sweetness and fruitiness. The osmanthus flower gives you a jammy sort of aroma, sweet almost-peach like that is paired with bergamot citrus.

Tea, patchouli, and vanilla are also present coming from the heart and base notes. The rose and orchid will have their moments, but very early stages it is osmanthus, tea, and patchouli taking turns.

Which is better? I really like the sweet and fruity open of the Viktor & Rolf perfume. Some may not care for it, but I like the jam-like finish and the gradual emergence of the floral notes.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Projection

Both of these fragrances start off strong, will leave scent trails behind, and can command attention. But, Flowerbomb hits a higher peak, and stays up there for a longer time.

With Bloom, I get a bold start that will dissipate and be more of an intimate scent bubble. It’s not weak (or a skin scent until the end), will have nice projection, but it doesn’t go quite as hard as Flowerbomb can.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Longevity

With Bloom, it will stick around for 5 to 7 hours, depending on the day. The seven hour mark seems to be rare on my skin, but it does happen. Is it a long lasting fragrance? Eh, maybe slightly above average, but still very much in that range.

Flowerbomb, goes for over 10 hours. On clothes, it goes for days. The actual amount of time falls somewhere between, 10 to 12 hours, on skin. It doesn’t really go beyond that, but it is better than Bloom with its performance.

Edge: Flowerbomb

Versatility

Flowerbomb is better suited for autumn and winter. Meanwhile, Bloom shines in the warmer months, and can do the cold too…just not as well.

So, I think the Gucci has more versatility based on climate. It’s also more low key and might be the better bet for daily office wear.

That being said, I also think that Flowerbomb is a great option casually, date night, or other nightlife events. It has a more dynamic range, in that way.

Ultimately, both serve different functions, in a lot of ways. So, I’ll call this even.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

For me, it’s Flowerbomb all the way. It’s just a more interesting and fun fragrance to smell. Plus, I think that it’s much sexier on women.

Bloom is a rather straightforward floral fragrance. Jasmine open, with tuberose and a slightly powdery Rangoon creeper in the base.

Yes, both of these fragrances have flower names, but the more floral-centric of the two is Gucci Bloom. So, if you want a jasmine and gardenia party, that’s the scent that you should go with out of these.

Bloom is fine. I’ve never been all that impressed with it.  I don’t dislike it though and can see why some people really do.

I also like the floral notes in Flowerbomb more. The orchid and rose with jasmine, is superior to the jasmine and gardenia of Bloom. Add to that, spice and muskiness, and the V&R runs away with this one.

Winner: Flowerbomb