Perfume gurus I need your help please

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

I am pretty clueless about perfume and find the massive selection in department stores and duty free completely overwhelming.

Over the years I've bought several perfumes I thought I liked in the shop but realised after wearing them they weren't for me (Issey Miyake, Ghost, Fragonard Santal and several others I can't remember) so keep returning to Angel which I know is much-derided on here but I do like. However, I need a different scent for summer, as even an Angel fan like me finds it a bit cloying in the heat - I need something fresher.

I bought D&G Light Blue last summer and really liked it but after an hour or so it just vanishes so I am considering yet another change this year. I wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of something with similar fresh top notes but with something else in the scent that lasts a bit longer once it settles. Needs to be reasonable or mid range and readily available in department stores or Boots so I can go and try it on before I buy it. Any ideas? Thank you!

I am an Angel fan, but agree it's not a daytime summer perfume.

I go for classics like Chanel 19, Rive Gauche, Paloma Picasso etc. I haven't found a "new" perfume I like for years. All the trendy new ones that people rave about smell like sherbert dab to me

I'd do a series of trips to department stores and literally try one perfume on each time. As you like Angel, I suspect you will need to look at the top perfume houses which do the complex scents with really good base notes.

The perfumes you've tried I think ( and prepare to be corrected some someone more knowledgeable) have good top notes - the ones you smell first whereas some of the older perfumes frankly smell odd at first but them develop into really good scent. So L'heure Bleu smells like old lady talc when it's first on, but then develops into a totally different sexy smell.

Unfortunately, not cheap.

I am definitely not a perfume guru but love Angel although have moved to wearing Lancome La vie est Belle of late (also probably not a summer scent). Wondered if you have tried any of the celeb perfumes which I have been genuinely surprised about how much I have liked when I tried!

Can also recommend:
Kate Moss (original one) is floral and fresh
SJP 'Lovely'
(M&S) Autograph Isis and the Limited Collection Holly Sharpe one which is next on my list to buy!!

Ppt hanks for your replies. I have to confess I've not tried any of the celeb scents (clueless and snobbish, not a great combination!) but funnily enough a friend recommended one of the other Britney perfumes. I'd always thought cheap perfumes were more short-loved though - I have tried some of the M&S ones and the Isis one seemed to be a copy of Issey Miyake and Azure Blue a copy of Light Blue, but they last even less time than the 'proper' ones which makes sense given the price.

I really want something with good base notes that don't vanish, but the trouble is, I don't know where to begin so I'm just randomly trying things whenever I'm in a store and having very little success. I know I don't like powdery or very floral smells, or patchouli, but aside from that I really don't know what I'm looking for. Perfume buying is supposed to be enjoyable, but I try a few then lose the will and leave the shop!

Jean Paul Gautier ?

www.marksandspencer.com/l/beauty/fragonard

M&s sell fragonard! some of the most beautiful fragrances.

I have Fragonard, Santal, patchouli and vetiver. They are all lovely but the vetiver and patchouli are especially divine.

Diptyque - liberty, various fragrances or Jo Malone lime basil & mandarin, all flavours lovely actually.. Mmmm

The new d&g one 'dolce' is lovely. I'm going to get it for summer time

I have Fragonard Santal Sunday - again, loved it in the shop but less convinced when wearing. Maybe I just need to give them more of a chance. It isn't fresh either - is the vetiver more summery?

O de Lancome is fresh and light for summer, not floral at all

My favourite summer scent is Davidoff's Cool Water

Modern Muse by Estee Lauder is also very nice and lasts well

Ooh didn't know there was a new D&G one, thanks, will try it.

Can you get Diptyque anywhere other than Liberty? (Am not in London.)

I am now scribbling a list for Perfumes To Try When Next in Town. Great stuff. Thank you!

Prada le eau de ambree is lovely its not over powering and just smells lovely and clean and fresh

I am an angel fan and my fave summer scents are marc jacobs daisy and lancome miracle (original). They do not smell similar but just giving you some more ideas for your list.

John lewis sell diptyque

Byblos Cielo is like a lighter version of Angel btw. I buy it from ebay for about £10.

If it disappears on you have you tried 'layering' by using a lotion of the same make? It's likely that your nose just gets used to it rather than it disappearing completely.

Well, I personally don't like angel, but if you are after something fresh, then Chanel 19 is beautiful(green/ fresh/ slightly woody) also miss Dior, if you can find it ( lemony, girly) for summer days you need something that still smells good as it warms up. Wood and vanilla basenotes always smell nice warm, as does amber, although amber can be a little strong ( think obsession!) i like guerlain apres l' ondee too actually. Not sure if they still make that though.

Ooh, you could also try D and G Sicily ( very summery) or philosophy' amazing grace ( clean, soapy)