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Original poster

I’d like a perfume that makes me feel like Dame Maggie Smith is offering me a scone and telling me kindly that I’m doing a great job and everything’s going to be OK.

285 replies

Stoechas · 10/02/2023 16:23

For clarification I do not want to smell
like Dame Maggie Smith (although I bet she smells lovely) or a scone.

I have a sometimes grim job in a grim part of the world interacting with sometimes grim people and I’d like to be able to put my nose down my top in private and smell something that makes everything a bit better.

No idea about perfumes. Perfume people scare me. Going to JL next week and would like to have a sniff of maximum 5 perfumes and buy one of them.

Do not want anything remotely sexy, rude, obnoxious, syrupy girlie flowers, loud antibacterial sunshine or clean sheets in the rain I just mowed my lawn in a long dress bullshit.

Anything that fits the bill?

OP posts:
mewkins · 19/03/2023 17:57

Stoechas · 18/03/2023 18:09

Grin at the Mitsouko ferry smell. Fine by me I have great memories of the Hull-Rotterdam ferry.
Thankfully I get no trace of vomit whatsoever.

Today I finally managed to get my wrists under L'Heure Bleue. The dry down as promised is very lovely but the journey to get there was an unpleasant journey through the land of monster parma violets. So that’s another perfume and note crossed off the list.
Also had testers of Jicky (a punch to the throat by an anthropomorphised meth-head lavender bush).
Chanel No 19 (too green and spiky)
Chanel No 19 poudre (green and spiky hidden in my lady anti monkey butt anti friction powder
Youth Dew (good Lord no)
Pleasures (more no)

The journey continues.

Have you tried Portrait of a Lady? Sure it must have been mentioned on here. To me it's a lovely Turkish rose but there isn't a bad note in it. It's very smooth. Diptique Eau Capitale has a similar fancy evening rose smell with maybe more patchouli. Neither are harsh in a way that some older perfumes can be. If you can get to john lewis and smell some diptique you may find something.

poundshoptealights · 19/03/2023 20:34

I thought of Chanel No.5. Partly because it was always my mum's 'best' perfume when we were growing up and so very reassuring in that sense. I also think it is an elegant, subtle smell and not too sexy/whimsical/anything else you have listed.

I haven't worn it for ages and you have inspired me to repurchase OP. Love the idea of wearing a perfume to reassure oneself.

SirVixofVixHall · 19/03/2023 20:55

mewkins · 19/03/2023 17:57

Have you tried Portrait of a Lady? Sure it must have been mentioned on here. To me it's a lovely Turkish rose but there isn't a bad note in it. It's very smooth. Diptique Eau Capitale has a similar fancy evening rose smell with maybe more patchouli. Neither are harsh in a way that some older perfumes can be. If you can get to john lewis and smell some diptique you may find something.

Show quote history

Mmm yes, both those are lovely. Grown up and timeless.

beachcitygirl · 13/10/2023 01:22

Did you come to a conclusion OP & is it working @SirVixofVixHall I feel in the need of such a perfume .

The world is awful right now x

beachcitygirl · 13/10/2023 01:23

@Stoechas sorry tagged wrong Op x

Ostagazuzulum · 13/10/2023 05:43

One of my favourites is Glossier You.
It was recommended by a beauty journalist and I love it. I've run out now so it's on Xmas list. You won't be able to buy at John Lewis but it's worth it. They do a cheaper rollerball version if you want to try it first.

https://uk.glossier.com/products/glossier-you?utmcontent=151314233486-670743069060&gbraid=0AAAAADk7FTNdV494nytlUe83Zm8cR9XOj&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyoPeqprygQMVwe3tCh299AgXEAAYASAAEgItrfDD_BwE

This is the write up. It's designed to smell different in individual apparently.

Glossier you. is formulated to be a personal skin-scent enhancer—primarily made up of base notes to let more of you. shine though, meaning it smells a little differently on everyone. Sparkling top notes of peppercorns, white florals, with a warm, slightly-sweet center, this eau de parfum melts into your skin for a scent impact that is uniquely you. soft, warm and familiar.

Their make up is really nice too (I'm buying some for DD for Xmas)

alltheevennumbers · 13/10/2023 07:00

Stoechas · 13/03/2023 17:48

Update:
Two book purchases, multiple episodes of Persolaise on YouTube viewed, pathological lurking on the Perfumista’s thread, purchase of a new diary just for perfumes with daily notes supported by the magnificently geeky info from Fragrantica and 20 actual perfumes tried upon my person later and I have made my first ever perfume purchase.

I am planning to wear Mitsouko, sprayed from my lovely new bottle to my graduation ceremony on Friday. I like to think that Dame Maggie would approve.

Many thanks again to all the suggestions on the thread.
I have a long, long list of more perfumes yet to smell.

For those who haven't seen OP's update, the reveal is here....

JaceLancs · 13/10/2023 07:49

Great choice
Dior addict always makes me feel strong, in control and grown up (I’m 59!)
JPG Madame brings out my passionate side
I have many others in my collection - perfume is either a mood thing for me, sometimes chosen for an occasion, or who or what I want to be on a certain day

StoatofDisarray · 14/10/2023 08:42

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 10/02/2023 16:40

Hermes Eau Des Mervelles is what you're looking for.

Not Ambre, not Elixier. The plain one.

This is what I wear and I completely agree.

tintinandhisdogsnowy · 14/10/2023 11:17

Good choice OP. Mitsouko is my absolute favourite. I've been wearing it for years.

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