i want a warm, wintery, woody, comforting scent

[Pheasantlysurprised]

I don't like masculine or unisex stuff, dont know why, it really doesn't suit me - even though 'masculine' is a silly way to describe a scent if we are honest.

But i don't want anything sharp or too sweet either.
I don't like Byredo or Dyptique, and i really cant stomach jo malone. Also not a fan of many mainstream designer fragrances such as chanel, Dior, etc.

What i do like - gingerlily by molten brown, Seychelles by white company and fresca-something in orange by guerlain.

I want something warm, like a memory blanket, soothing, but like soft spice/wood mixed with something soft, warm, seasonal. Memorable, lasting but not showy. As comforting as mother, but also individual, slightly mysterious....I cant be arsed with lavender or lime.

Im trying my best to evoke something here, but it is pointless because fragrance shifts around so much and we all react to it so differently - but worth a try!

Not bothered about price - i am happy to check out cheap scents as many are as lovely as expensive ones. It all depends. Price doesnt always predict whether i will love it.

Are there any other au de parfums by guerlain or scents by the White Co that i might like? Or should i try something different?

I haven't been to shops for ages

Will Selfridges, or anywhere, allow trying testers?

OP, this thread asked a similar question to yours

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4404013-To-think-perfumes-arent-strong-anymore

@Celtictyke I was under the impression she wore Penhaligon's Bluebell. Please don't ruin Mitsouko for me! I also heard Jacki O wore Jicky which is rather nice.

Jackie not Jacki. Sausage fingers

I would suggest Like This by Etat Libre d'Orange. It was created by Tilda Swinton and her description of how she wanted it to smell is very similar to what you're looking for

It's warm, spicy, comforting etc. Some descriptions make it sound as if it could be sweet and syrupy (mentions of gingerbread etc.) but I don't find it that way as I don't like sweet scents.

Thanks everyone! i am still googling myself to death here!

If only i lived close enough to an enormous store to try on.

Mainstream but I like Obsession I prefer the mens and The One by Dolce and Gabbana

I echo all the posters recommending Mitsouko, it's gorgeous. I also always recommend Coromandel by Chanel Exclusif for people looking for this type of thing

Slightly off topic , but for anyone really interested in perfume (and to save you all that googling!) I recommend buying a copy of Luca Turins book - Perfume , an A to Z guide. It's brilliant, and reviews all the big ones plus many more.

@MissBattleaxe I just can’t believe mrs T would have worn a French fragrance. Bluebell sounds more likely.

I have Bluebell! Haven't worn it for years. I remember Sadie Frost used to wear it

Miss Battleaxe,
Yes, I see more recent posts say she did wear Bluebell (as does Kate Moss) but I am going back to articles from the late 70s/ early 80s. Besides, Im sure she would have had different fragrances for different occasions

Ahem, you could also buy The Perfume Companion by Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven. It's brilliant and the writers are really lovely.

I love Coromandel but it's so expensive. Anyone know if PP does a dupe?

@Pheasantlysurprised

Thanks everyone! i am still googling myself to death here!

If only i lived close enough to an enormous store to try on.

I am getting totally carried away with looking up perfume, it's mad because I don't have the money anyway.

I can technically get to Selfridges but I find Oxford Street pretty hellish so I will probably arrive there and say "why the hell did I do this".

I buy dupes from PP and if I like it I buy the real one.

Narciso rodriguez is another one OP - doesn't last on me though

@MissBattleaxe

Ahem, you could also buy The Perfume Companion by Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven. It's brilliant and the writers are really lovely.

Naughty girl

@JollyJoon

I love Coromandel but it's so expensive. Anyone know if PP does a dupe?

I don't think they do...they started doing dupes of some of the Esclusifs, including Sycomore and Bois des Isles but I don't think they got to Coromandel. In honesty- Chanels are IMO maybe their one "need to try harder". I've had several, and unlike some other fragrance houses, they don't quite seem to get the exact replica. It's obviously that Je Ne Sais Quoi of Chanel!

My favourite perfume book is Scent and Subversion by Barbara Harman- vintage scents mapped over a century. It's wonderful! Love the Turin/Sanchez ones too. Have yet to read Sarah and Samantha's but undoubtedly will.

PP don't do dyptique either but you can buy samples, I bought a full bottle of orpheon after buying a sample

sorry, can't keep up
what is PP please?

@PAFMO
Thanks for the info!

OP you might like to try YSL Manifesto Elixir. Its like a deep, incensy floral scent that smells "cashmerey".

Perfume parlour

They do very good dupes.

@Kikkomam

Perfume parlour

They do very good dupes.

thank you!

Most of my favourites have been mentioned already, but to entice you further, Chergui (Serge Lutens) is another honeyed warm spicy wrap of fragrance. It's a bit deeper and headier than Femininite du Bois which I also love. Cardinal (Heeley) and Avignon (CdG) are my picks of the incense scents.

What about Bramble Smoke or Kindled Rose by Abbey Perfumery? I think you can get a sample box with both of those in - you just pay for postage.

If you like by the fireplace try L’artisan parfumeur Noir Exquis. It’s still woody and wintry but more towards the gourmand. It’s pricey but you can buy as a travel size to see if it’s for you.