Perfume for an older lady- ideas?

[takehimjolene]

I'd be really love some ideas on a perfume to buy for my mother (late 70s). She and my Dad are both not in the best of health and I have been tasked with buying perfume for her birthday as a present from Dad (who is not well enough to shop even online). She has asked for perfume, and I think her idea is that wearing something new will make her feel a bit better as she's dealing with some tricky times. However, their poor health and the stress/worry is making them both pretty cranky and they have told me in no uncertain terms that they don't want any involvement in choosing something (I had suggested I get some samples for her to smell) but they really want it to be right. I'm not very familiar with perfumes (I have a go to perfume that I have been wearing for years, but she doesn't like that so clearly going by my taste is not the best idea!).
The only pointers they will give me are:

1. Not a 'heavy' perfume
2. Not cheap shit! (her words, I think she means no dupes, M&S, gift selections etc)
3. Not an 'old lady' perfume

In her younger days Mum always preferred heavier perfumes, but she doesn't want that now. One lighter perfume that I know she did like was Eternity, but she's made it clear that she wants something she's not had before. If anyone can give me any ideas on potentially suitable perfumes to try that would be amazing! I've had a look at a few shops but am struggling to work out where to start amongst the hundreds of options.

I always get compliments with Tiffany ( the original) or
Eau des Jardins by Clarins.

Wow! Thanks so much for taking the time to offer your ideas everyone. This has made what seemed like an impossible task far more manageable.

I wore Rive Gauche 40 years ago!!

I wouldn’t thank you for it now!!

Jo Malone - Earl grey & cucumber

I’m also wondering about Dior J’adore - because you mentioned CK Eternity, I like that one, and florals, & would say one of my favourite recent discoveries is J’adore.
I have the EDT which is quite light but just gorgeous. I think it’s a timeless classic.

Now I like this idea. Might get one myself.

Hermes 24 Faubourg or one of the Elie Saabs, similar warm white florals vibe (IMO)

I agree J'adore would be a good option. I wore it a few years ago and have just bought another bottle. (I'm 68.)

I also have Coco Mademoiselle which I love, but to me it's moderately heavy and very strong on patchouli so I wouldn't buy it for someonelse. I don't think you can ever have enough patchouli but not everyone agrees!

My gran always wore Youthdew so I love the memory of it, but I would not in a million years wear it myself. If she was still alive she'd be 112!

What is your budget? If you’re prepared to spend over £100 Gris Dior would be lovely.

www.dior.com/en_gb/beauty/products/gris-dior-Y0840550.html

My nan used to wear Oil of Ulay and she loved he smell. I know its changed name now but maybe this could be considered?

I agree J'Adore is a good shout. It's a likeable floral that smells expensive.

It is quite challenging when someone wants to spend a lot of money on a blind buy. I suggest OP try to find a deal where they send a sample along with the main bottle do if she doesn't like it, it can go back

Oil of Ulay (as it was) was an anti ageing lotion so might not be too well received!😂

Another recommendation for a selection box and then she can chose her favourite. And then a voucher to buy the one she prefers
https://www.joloves.com/products/a-fragrance-discovery-set

Clinique Happy is one I've bought for my mum for the last 15 years. She's now 85 & absolutely loves it.
I've also recommended it to several friends for their Mum's & they all without exception really like it.

@Arrestedforit thanks for that - it’s a great idea- I’m getting it for myself !!

L'air du Temps

Ask her what notes she likes.

Then, check out indie perfumer Crow and Pebble, based in Scotland. You can order a set of samples and your mom can have a variety of small bottles to choose from and you support a woman owned small business rather than the LVMH conglomerate.

I would buy something light and fresh and would go along to a perfume counter to find it. However if she is stressed and has some cognitive decline (as you describe) I am not sure I would buy perfume - it is expensive and very personal. I must admit I came onto the thread to discover what we class as old - lady - I'm not that much younger. I was also waiting for someone to suggest Blue Grass. I like Kenzo Flower and cologne from Jones Road (but that would be too cheap). Please not Aromatics (now that is old lady).

I’m 73 and I love Boss Femme, lightweight and lovely. I also still wear YSL Rive Gauche, fifty years after being given some as a gift!

@RachelRosing my mum used to wear Blue Grass and Rive Gauche - I remember blue grass smell really well - quite distinctive- my ex husbands gran used to wear Esther Lauder cinnobar I think it was called and her house smelt constantly of cinnamon !!

@SaySomethingMan that's so weird. I received a bottle of Chanel No5 when I was around 23 from DH (not married at the time but he was trying to impress me with all sorts) 😁
I was actually impressed because I did like the fragrance, never smelled it before but obviously knew of it. I favour fresh and herby, not floral and not sweet fragrances. I would not have chosen it myself partly because of the cost and partly because it leans more on a heavier side to my sense of smell. But I have been wearing it since then at every single fancy occasion I've been to. It is a big bottle and still have lots left after all this years and I've always kept it in its original box in my wardrobe. It is my going properly out scent. Sometimes I mix it with a strong sharp fresh fragrance to tone it down and modernise it a bit.
I do use the eau de toilette version on occasions because I do find it lighter.
Day to day I'm a Guerlain fan for fresh scents which don't overpower and Issey Myakey for that lift, modern feel and staying power.
Sisley used to do the most amazing fresh green scent 20 years ago, can't remember the name, but they discontinued it a while back.

@Crikeyalmighty - I still have a very old bottle of my mums Blue Grass.

If she like Eternity, what about Eternity Moments? It’s lighter

I'm 71, and I wear Elizabeth Arden Eau Fraiche (the original one) It's a light, crisp floral.

@RachelRosing we have a heritage pharmacy here in Bath that sells all those ‘old’ brands- Tweed, Blue Grass, Coty l’aimant , Anais Anais etc