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Original poster

Favourite perfumes always discontinued

28 replies

MimiArm · 04/12/2022 00:32

Hoping some experts can come along with some helpful suggestions ...

Every perfume I've ever loved has been discontinued or was a limited edition and now I need to find my new signature scent.

It started years ago with Sculpture by Nikos. Then it was Sheer Obsession by Calvin Klein. then Michael Kors Sheer and now my absolute favourite of favourites, Bottega Veneta L'Absolu. When I couldn't get a hold of anymore L'Absolu, Eau de Velour filled the gap and it's gone now too! I'm using the original Bottega Veneta now but it doesn't have the wow that L'Absolu had.

In my collection I have:

  • Obsession, the original which is a bit too heavy
  • Chanel Allure, which is so sweet that I have to be in the mood for it
  • Shalimar - the original one. Just remembered I also loved the light one which is also gone now
  • Lacoste por femme - I love the wax jacket smell of it but it's so weak, you can't smell it 5 minutes later
  • Alaia - love it but it's quite heavy for everyday wear
  • J'Adore - boring
  • Michael Kors Wonderlust - like it but tend to go to it in summer time
  • Clarins - the red and blue ones - summer use only

I seem to go for perfumes which include Bergamot, amber, musk, vanilla.

Given L'Absolu is my absolute favourite, can anyone recommend some others that I might like?

OP posts:
DramaAlpaca · 04/12/2022 01:20

How annoying for you.

Have you looked at the Fragrantica website? You can put in the fragrances you like and it suggests others that you might like.

BashfulClam · 04/12/2022 01:37

I’m the same. Right now I’m loving YSL Libre

LadyOfTheCanyon · 04/12/2022 06:06

They won't be exact copies but have a look at Perfume parlour who often do dupes of discontinued fragrances.

IAmTi · 04/12/2022 06:56

Check out Tom ford. Seems obsessed with bergamot

Original poster
MimiArm · 04/12/2022 08:55

@DramaAlpaca - I've tried this but can't do it for L'Absolu as that's the one I really want to find something similar to!

OP posts:
Original poster
MimiArm · 04/12/2022 08:56

@BashfulClam au bought Libre a while ago as I liked it in the store but then when I got home and sprayed it on me, I just didn't like it!

OP posts:
Original poster
MimiArm · 04/12/2022 08:57

@LadyOfTheCanyon - thanks. Unfortunately they don't have a suggestion for L'Absolu.

OP posts:
Original poster
MimiArm · 04/12/2022 08:58

@IAmTi - I've had Tom Ford perfume before and tried most in the range. They are ok but I don't love them.

OP posts:
JustCakeInDrag · 04/12/2022 09:07

I think you’re drawn to leathers. Tom Ford Ombré Leather is an amber leather. Maybe Hermès Kelly Calèche for a floral leather, or Bvlgari Black.I also smelled this Zara cheapie the other day and thought it was well-made. It has bergamot, cedar and leather.

NooNakedJacuzziness · 04/12/2022 09:08

Have you thought about going to a place where you can mix your own perfume? You know what you like and they can probably advise you as well. No idea how much that would cost though!

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 04/12/2022 09:12

Try a Penhaligons store-they ask you what you like to wear normally then start suggestions around that.

Original poster
MimiArm · 04/12/2022 09:12

@JustCakeInDrag Yes I agree with you. I went into the perfume shop yesterday and tried Tom Ford Ombré Leather but I only got the leather smell from it, and didn't notice the amber. That's what I loved about L'Absolu. The leather was there but it had a real strong pinch of something else to lift it.

I will try the others you've suggested. Thanks!

@NooNakedJacuzziness - I've thought of this but am afraid of what it would cost. Not even sure where I could go as I don't think we have anywhere that does this here in NI.

OP posts:
Housewife2010 · 04/12/2022 10:09

Miller Harris l'Air de Rien is lovely in the coolerr months and has amber, musk & vanilla.
If you go on www.fragrantica.com and search for your favourite perfumes it will also show what scents other fans of your fragrances like and you can read the reviews.

eveoha · 04/12/2022 11:01

Anyone come across MAHORA by Guerlain ?

DramaAlpaca · 04/12/2022 17:36

@MimiArm you could try Mad Madame by Juliette Has A Gun if you can get hold of it - unfortunately it's also discontinued but you can still find it online. It might be a bit more floral than L'Absolu, but it does have leather and patchouli notes. It's one of my own favourites.

DramaAlpaca · 04/12/2022 17:49

DramaAlpaca · 04/12/2022 17:36

@MimiArm you could try Mad Madame by Juliette Has A Gun if you can get hold of it - unfortunately it's also discontinued but you can still find it online. It might be a bit more floral than L'Absolu, but it does have leather and patchouli notes. It's one of my own favourites.

Another suggestion is La Panthere by Cartier. I've not tried it myself (would love to) but it has similar notes to L'Absolu, but with a fruity opening

Thatsasmashingblouseyouvegoton · 04/12/2022 17:52

Check out 4160tuesdays sexiest scent on the Planet ever imho

Don't let the name put you off!Its bergamot, vanilla and musks

It's a real any occasion scent

Thare also an extract version

Wineinthegarden · 04/12/2022 17:57

I like the same perfume notes as you and one of my favourites is Liz Earle no 15. Quite distinctive and lasts well.

bellac11 · 04/12/2022 18:03

This happens to me all the time

My absolute favourite of all time was Escada Sport - Country Weekend. Discontinued around 15 years ago I believe, I bought up what I thought was the last lot on ebay some years ago and now only have one bottle left

Then I fell in love with Blu Mediterrano products from Acqua di Parma and that got discontinued

Im really fussy, I like spicy but not peppery and find it really difficult to describe what I want so havent really been able to find replacements

DramaAlpaca · 04/12/2022 23:39

I've thought of another possibility - Citizen Queen by Juliette Has A Gun. It's on my list to try, it has leather, musk and powdery notes.

RosesAndHellebores · 04/12/2022 23:44

Another vote for La Panthere.

Haffiana · 05/12/2022 14:47

Mahora is now sold as Mayotte. You may need to purchase it direct from Guerlain in Paris as I don't think it is sold elsewhere.
It is a tropical white floral with a hefty note of sweet woody earth, and I honestly can't think of anything similar. The nearest in 'vibe' is Serge Lutens Datura Noir.

CrinchyGrinchy · 05/12/2022 15:03

I was livid when my favourite Jean Paul Gaultier Classique was reformulated a few years ago. They changed the EDP bottle from the one with a beautiful lace corset to a boring red corset when they did it. Frangranitica has the formula down differently for the bottles, but every sales person I spoke to while trying to hunt down one of the old bottles said they weren't made away of any changes. It 100% smells different though

Original poster
MimiArm · 16/12/2022 23:39

Update: I ordered two small samples of La Panthere off eBay and I really don't like it at all and don't think it's anything like L'Absolu unfortunately.

Next stop is Liz Earle no15 as recommended by @Wineinthegarden .

If that doesn't work out, I will work my way through the above list!

OP posts:
LadyEloise1 · 17/12/2022 00:29

@MimiArm
I too loved Sculpture by Nikos.