Advice sought from the perfumistas please …

[Asafeharbour432]

… I hope it’s ok to start a separate thread.

I would really appreciate your advice please.

I was really delighted to receive a 100 ml bottle of Sisley Eau de Capagne from my dh. He buys me it every January in the sales because I love it and I make it last an entire year!

I’ve decided though that this is going to be my last bottle as, with prices shooting up, I can no longer justify the expense.

Could you possibly recommend some scents for me please that are broadly similar but less expensive? I live in the EU so don’t have access to niche UK brands.

I am over sixty and I like fresh, light, clean scents such as cucumber, lemon, parsley and freshly mown grass.

I quite like a natural fresh rose or lavender, or lily of the valley; as long as the scent is as close to the actual plant as possible.

I dislike heavier scents such as vanilla, musk, and patchouli. (They are great on other people but give me a headache!)

Thank you so much!

It would be ideal if I could have a special tiny bottle of scent to replace the Sisley for special occasions.

And a recommendation for a scent I wear every day,

What do you mean exactly by I can no longer justify the expense? I mean, if one bottle lasts you a year, and you found something thirty or even fifty pounds cheaper, would that really make a huge difference to your finances? Is there something else you would rather spend the difference in price on?

I’m absolutely not saying you shouldn’t find new perfumes to try. I’m your age and have spent my entire adulthood exploring perfumes (and opposing the idea of the ‘signature scent). But the Sisley isn’t vastly expensive, (just an average price) so, in the grand scheme of things I don’t see how you’ll save much by buying cheaper.

https://www.sisley-paris.com/en-GB/fragrance/our-perfumed-products-2/

I agree with what Tocsinsays above ... it does seem a shame having found a perfume you really like, to give it up when you're so good at making it last!

However, if you do want to find less expensive scent with similar notes, take a look at the Fragrantica site:

https://www.fragrantica.com/

This is lots of fun and very informative - you can search by the notes you like and/or look up a particular fragrance to find others which are reminiscent of that, or others which fans also like.

Having said that, and bearing in mind value for money, take a look at the Korres range of perfumes, many of which are light and natural. Think Mediterranean vibes.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea is also affordable and is light and fresh. Over the years there have been several flankers - with added notes of cucumber, lavender, yuzu for example - plus many other variations. It's usually available on Amazon (at least it is in the UK).

Sorry for the late response.

I hear what you are both saying! We just have so many expenses atm that we are cutting back across the board.

Thanks for the recommendations for alternative scents; I will try some samples if possible.

I thought of Hermes un Jardin sur le Nile when I read what sort of notes you like. But I’m not sure about the cost comparison to your original fragrance. Agree with Elizabeth Arden green tea as per pp. Very affordable too as I used to pick it up in tk maxx for less than £10 for 30ml.

Thank you very much! I will try it out!

OP I’ve seen people selling the Sisley you love on vinted, so can possibly pick it up cheaper on there? Seen listing for the £60 mark or travel sizes for much less. Just make sure the seller has good reviews and not just selling 100s of perfumes at ‘too good to be true’ prices.

Thanks’. I didn’t even know you could buy perfume second hand! Presumably it’s unopened? Do they have sell by dates? How old is too old?

There’s loads of Sisley on Vinted and EBay. I’ve bought some recently and it’s not fake.

Some of it is brand new and some is bottles the person has tried and decided they don’t like

Thanks Elektra1 not sure I fancy an opened one from someone I don’t know, but I will definitely have a look.

D and G Light Blue is lovely and fresh,get the intense version as it lasts longer.

Chanel Chance ,the pink one is beautiful.

Can’t help much because I love it too, it is in my top 3 Summer fragrances. Have a look at AllBeauty it is sometimes on offer there. I would also second the Elizabeth Arden Green Tea fragrances recommendation.

That’s a shame. I’ve got loads of perfumes I’ve bought for a tiny fraction of their BNIB price. They smell exactly the same once sprayed onto your skin, whether they came in a sealed box or not.

I think you would like O de Lancome. I only discovered it last year but it is really beautiful and fresh and shares a lot of the same same notes and has a similar profile to the Sisley, according to Fragrantica.

This is all great information! Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it.