Romantic sophisticated perfume that's not overly sweet

[stirling]

Hi can anyone suggest a really fine perfume that's elegant, not citrusy, not over powering or sweet like chanel 5, and where should I go in London to buy it because...

Not sure if I'm going mad but in the last few years my sense of smell is so incredibly heightened, that a lot of perfumes on the counter at Boots, John Lewis often smell "off". Hard to describe but really like an old perfume that's been sitting there for years.

I have loved in my time : Diorissimo (but slightly too delicate), Ralph Lauren Romance (but can't find one in the last few years that doesn't smell old) and Clinique Happy but it's too citrusy and overbearing.

Thank you in advance

French lime blossom was my wedding perfume - v nice. Check out the freebie game on jo Malone at mo....

It’s pricey but Le Labo is gorgeous. Sold in Liberty.

I have just bought Jo Malone earl grey and cucumber. It's really different and a change from the citrusy fragrances I normally buy.

When I think of gentle, romantic perfumes I think:

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre
Bvlgari Pour Femme
Dior Forever and ever
Chloe de Roses
Guerlain Love is all
Oscar de la Renta Something Blue

But it depends on what notes you like or dislike.

Le Labo! :)

Chanel Chance?

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Chanel Cristalle. Love love love it.

Narciso Rodriguez perfumes are lovely. Their signature note is musk. The rouge one is my favourite

Agent Provocateur signature perfume is lovely

Was just going to suggest Chanel Chance Eau Tendre. It's gorgeous, perfect for summer.

Or you might like Shay and Blue Almond Cucumber, that's less flowery and more crisp/fresh.

Atkinson's 24 Old Bond Street is one that I don't see in a lot of shops but it's so sophisticated and warm. It's made in London so I'm sure it can be found there too!

If you're in London or a major city, the most upmarket department store is your best general sniffing bet. Les Senteurs and Liberty would be good. Outside those, you're talking online niche. Ormonde Jayne, Galllivant to name but two, make really different, distinctive scent; a specialist store/website is your best bet for Andy Tauer and the really exotic niche stuff. I'd start at Les Senteurs, personally.

Or, if you're a cheapskate, like me, Perfume Parlour following a trip to said upmarket destination, is generally good for a cheap dupe. Some are great, but not all of them. Reviews/stars are worth reading.

Hi everyone,
A big thank you for these suggestions. I'll head into Central London next week for some sampling with above list. Really excited. Forgot about Liberty!

First by van Cleef.

I would go for Ormonde Jayne - they have an incredible range that smell different from all others. Once you start, it's difficult to even consider others - Champaca is my favourite, it's a chypre with basmati rice, so it's different from citrus/overpowering/sweet - and I also like Ta'if which is a rose, but smells entirely different from rose, with dates & saffron and amber. THey are super generous with samples so if you go to the boutique in Manchester or london, you can try it out for a few days before committing to a bottle. Lush at the other end of the spectrum also have some surprisingly nice ones!

I love all of the fragrances by Lancome.

You might like these

TRÉSOR IN LOVE

MIRACLE

LA VIE EST BELLE LÉGÈRE

Ô DE LANCÔME

LA VIE EST BELLE EAU DE TOILETTE FLORALE

Those are the more summery ones.

Hermes Eau des Merveilles :-)

Eau de Soir - Sisley

Thank you!
Don't know where to start. So many tempting suggestions, looks like I'm going to end up buying more than one....

Oscar

this is the one available from Superdrug

How about heading to Penhaligons? They do a personalised curated service in their new store to match you. I know Dior do similar with their exclusive scents.

Try Tom Ford. I really love Vanille Fatale and Santal Blush

DD has Stella by Stella Mc cartney
Starts off with a rose top note but subtle

Have you got a budget in mind?

I love Narciso Rodriguez but also some of the Hermes ones are great too. Un Jardin Sur le Nil is beautiful