The Perfume Library

Bois d'Iris

8.1

Van Cleef & Arpels · 2009

Floral · Sweet · Spicy

Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d'Iris is a unisex scent that sets a floral, powdery character on a woody, lightly smoky base, and it sits close to everyday wear. Its longevity and sillage are both moderate, so it stays near the skin rather than filling a room. Most voters suggest autumn and spring, with winter and summer further behind. Daily wear, work and leisure lead the occasions, with evenings also represented. Voters read it as feminine more often than not, though a fair share call it masculine. The top holds salty notes, iris sits at the heart, and ambergris and vetiver anchor the base. The floral, powdery side is softened by a creamy sweetness, while spicy, resinous and smoky tones add depth to the woody ground. Angela Ciampagna Rosarium and Meo Fusciuni Viole Nere have a close profile.

Floriental

7.8

Comme des Garçons · 2015

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Comme des Garçons Floriental is a sweet, resinous unisex scent that leans towards autumn and winter evenings. Plum liqueur and pink pepper pair fruity sweetness with spice, while sandalwood, labdanum and frankincense settle it onto a woody, smoky base, with vetiver adding a dry edge. The floral and oriental accords come through clearly. Longevity and sillage are rated good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and evening and night out are the favoured occasions. It reads slightly more masculine than feminine, though a fair share see it as feminine, which fits its unisex label. Nobile 1942 Malvs and Rasasi Roohy Tehebak have a close profile.

CH Men (Eau de Toilette)

7.8

Carolina Herrera · 2009

Fresh · Green · Fruity

Eau de Toilette

Carolina Herrera CH Men Eau de Toilette opens on violet and grass, then softens into cashmere, vanilla and suede, balancing a fresh, green side with a sweet depth for men. In the top, violet and grass give a fresh, green start. The heart brings saffron and nutmeg for spice, and the base of cashmere, vetiver, sandalwood and suede sets a woody, leathery ground, sweetened by vanilla and jasmine sambac. Powdery and fruity touches run through it. Longevity and sillage are moderate. Most voters pick fall and spring, and leisure and daily wear lead the occasions. It reads masculine and modern.

212 VIP Men (Eau de Toilette)

7.7

Carolina Herrera · 2011

Fresh · Citrus · Fruity

Eau de Toilette

Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Men Eau de Toilette is a fresh, sweet men's fragrance that sets black pepper, mint and finger lime against apple and ginger. It opens cool, spicy and citrusy with black pepper, mint and finger lime. In the heart, apple, ginger and vodka turn it fruity and lightly sweet. The base of tonka bean, kingwood, leather and amber dries down warm, woody and leathery. Longevity and sillage are rated good. Most voters pick spring and fall, and lean towards evenings and nights out. It reads mostly masculine and modern. Cuba VIP Cuba for Men and Hugo Boss The Scent for Him (Eau de Toilette) have a close profile.

Play Intense (Eau de Toilette)

7.8

Givenchy · 2008

Fruity · Sweet · Gourmand

Eau de Toilette

Givenchy Play Intense Eau de Toilette is a sweet, spicy men's fragrance that suits autumn and winter evenings best. It opens with bergamot and mandarin orange, which give a fruity freshness. In the heart, coffee blossom, pink pepper and amyris bring out the spice and woodiness. Vetiver, patchouli, tonka bean and labdanum in the base join a gourmand sweetness to a powdery, oriental warmth. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate, so it stays close rather than filling a room. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with evenings and nights out leading the occasions. It reads masculine and modern. Layered Devilish and Michael Malul Citizen Jack have a close profile.

Pour Elle

7.3

Annayake · 2000

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Annayake Pour Elle is a fresh, citrusy women's fragrance that suits warm seasons and daytime wear. Most voters pick spring and summer, and everyday wear, work and leisure lead the occasions. Longevity and sillage are moderate, and most see it as feminine, though many also call it modern. Bergamot, fig and elemi resin open it bright and green. Blue lotus sits in the heart, and hinoki cypress, tea, musk, gaiac wood and sandalwood soften the base into an aquatic, woody finish. Its profile is close to Carolina Herrera 212 and Kenzo pour Homme.

Aperitivo Milanese Porta Nuova

7.9

Trussardi · 2020

Citrus · Floral · Sweet

Trussardi Aperitivo Milanese Porta Nuova is a unisex scent that sets the brightness of Calabrian bergamot and Italian neroli against the sweetness of amaretto and vanilla. It opens with Calabrian bergamot, Italian neroli and mandarin orange leaf, giving a citrus lift. In the heart, heliotrope, iris and amaretto turn it powdery and gourmand, and the base of vanilla, benzoin and amber settles into a creamy, sweet warmth. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick fall and spring, and it leans towards leisure and daily wear, with some votes for office and evening. In the character votes, the feminine side comes out ahead.

Black XS for Her (Eau de Toilette)

7.0

Rabanne · 2007

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Eau de Toilette

Rabanne Black XS for Her Eau de Toilette is a floral, sweet scent that suits autumn and winter, most often worn for nights out and evenings. It opens with cranberry and tamarind blossom, which give it a fruity sweetness. In the heart, black violet and Christmas rose build the floral core. The base of massoia wood and vanilla pulls it toward a warm, gourmand, spicy and oriental finish. Longevity is good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick autumn and winter, while summer gets only a small share. Night out and evening wear lead the votes, and most voters find it feminine and modern. Rasasi Maa Arwaak for Her and Omerta Faktz de Femme have a close profile.

Tokyo Bloom

7.6

The Different Company · 2012

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

The Different Company Tokyo Bloom is a fresh, green and floral unisex scent in which galbanum, blackcurrant bud and basil take the lead. Most voters pick spring and summer, and it suits daily wear, leisure and the office. Longevity and sillage are both rated weak, so it stays light and close to the skin. Votes split almost evenly between feminine and masculine, which fits its unisex character. It opens with galbanum, blackcurrant bud, basil and dandelion, a sharp green freshness. Jasmine and cyclamen leaf bring a soft floral heart. In the base, gaiac wood, white musk and amber leave a light, warm woody finish.

Sport Water

7.7

Jil Sander · 2009

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Jil Sander Sport Water is a fresh, aquatic women's fragrance that keeps its citrus and floral notes light, suited to everyday wear and warmer months. It wears at a moderate strength, with moderate longevity and sillage, staying close without crowding the room. Most voters point to summer and spring, and it is picked in similar measure for daily wear, leisure, sport and the office. It reads feminine, with some voters also calling it modern. It opens with yuzu, moves into a soft floral heart of jasmine, rose and tea, and settles on amber and ambrette, which add a gentle sweetness and warmth. The fresh, citrus and aquatic character stays in front, while a fruity, sweet side sits quietly behind.

Majaĩna Sin

7.4

The Different Company · 2017

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

The Different Company Majaĩna Sin is a floral, gourmand unisex scent in which orange blossom, neroli and candied bitter orange melt into a sweet vanilla and tonka base. The top pairs orange blossom, neroli, bergamot and Madagascan ginger in a fresh, lightly spiced opening. In the heart, orchid, chestnut cream, cinnamon and maple syrup turn it creamy and powdery-sweet. Sandalwood, amber, musk, Bourbon vanilla and tonka bean settle at the base. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick fall and winter, while summer plays a small part. It leans towards evenings and leisure time. Voters read it mostly as feminine, though it is presented as unisex. Tesori d'Oriente Vaniglia e Zenzero del Madagascar and Carolina Herrera Good Girl (Eau de Parfum) have a close profile.

Extatic (Eau de Parfum)

6.9

Balmain · 2014

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Eau de Parfum

Balmain Extatic Eau de Parfum is a floral and fruity women's fragrance that opens with Nashi pear, osmanthus and rose and moves on to iris and jasmine; it leans towards evenings and fall. It has been discontinued. The opening pairs Nashi pear, osmanthus and rose into a sweet, fruity floral bouquet. In the heart, iris, jasmine and Sharry baby orchid add a soft, powdery quality. Cashmere wood, amyris and leather settle underneath, giving the scent a woody, lightly spicy, oriental base. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick fall and spring, followed by winter, and evening, night out and leisure are the leading occasions. Most voters read it as feminine. Lancôme Magnifique (Eau de Parfum) and La Perla J'Aime la Nuit have a close profile.

Play (Eau de Toilette)

6.3

Givenchy · 2008

Fresh · Citrus · Fruity

Eau de Toilette

Givenchy Play Eau de Toilette is a fresh, citrusy men's fragrance that leans towards spring and summer days; it has been discontinued. Mandarin orange, bitter orange, grapefruit and bergamot give it a bright, fruity start. Black pepper adds spice and coffee blossom softens the sweetness, while amyris, patchouli and vetiver build a woody base. A sweet, synthetic edge runs through it. Longevity and sillage are moderate. Most voters pick spring and summer, then fall, and daily wear, leisure and business come up most often. It reads masculine and modern. Dunhill Icon Racing and Lacoste L'Homme Lacoste Intense have a close profile.

Serpentine

7.5

Comme des Garçons · 2014

Fresh · Floral · Green

Comme des Garçons Serpentine is a unisex scent that sets a fresh, green character against a smoky, woody shadow. Most voters recommend it for spring and summer, and winter is the least chosen season. Leisure, daily wear and the office are the occasions named most often. Longevity is moderate and sillage is weak, so it stays close and quiet. Votes for masculine and feminine are almost level. Grass, leaves, iris leaf and galbanum give it a green freshness, which aldehydes and ozone make brighter and airier, while smoked cedar, gaiac wood and juniper wood add a dry, woody edge. Benzoin and labdanum bring a resinous warmth, nutmeg a light spice, and black musk a soft base underneath.

Brit Sheer

6.4

Burberry · 2007

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

Burberry Brit Sheer is a light women's fragrance that opens with mandarin orange, lychee and yuzu and softens into peach blossom and pink peony. Its longevity and sillage are moderate, so it stays close to the skin without crowding the room. Most voters pick spring and summer, and daily wear, leisure and business come up most. Half of the voters call it feminine, and some also find it modern. The top notes of mandarin orange, lychee, yuzu and pineapple leaf give a fresh, citrusy start. In the heart, pink peony, peach blossom and nashi pear add a floral, fruity and lightly sweet touch. White musk and blond woods leave a clean, woody finish. Jo Malone Nashi Blossom and Karl Lagerfeld Fleur de Pêcher have a close profile.

South Bay

7.3

The Different Company · 2013

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

The Different Company South Bay is a fresh, citrusy unisex scent built around mandarin orange leaf, grapefruit and freesia, suited to spring and summer days. It opens with mandarin orange leaf, grapefruit and tamarind, a bright citrus with a green edge. In the heart, freesia, grapefruit tree and rose hip add a soft floral, slightly fruity note. Vetiver, suede and sandalwood then dry it down onto a warm, woody base. Longevity is moderate and sillage weak, so it stays close to the skin rather than filling a room. Most voters pick summer and spring, and it leans towards daily wear, leisure and the office. Votes for feminine and masculine are close, so it reads as truly unisex. Clinique Calyx and Sospiro Vibrato have a close profile.

Gardez

7.5

Mind Games · 2022

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Mind Games Gardez is a unisex scent that leans towards fall and winter evenings, setting a sweet, floral side against a leathery, woody base. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Most voters pick fall and winter, while leisure, night out and evening are chosen in near-equal measure. Masculine and feminine votes sit close together, so it reads as in between. It opens fruity with blackberry leaf and apricot. Orris root, jasmine sambac, blackcurrant and rosewood add a powdery, floral depth to that sweetness. In the base, cedarwood and leather build a woody, leathery footing, and popcorn adds a soft gourmand note. Acqua di Parma Vaniglia (Eau de Parfum) and Nishane Hundred Silent Ways X have a close profile.

Amber Elixir Mystery

8.0

Oriflame · 2020

Citrus · Floral · Fruity

Oriflame Amber Elixir Mystery is a sweet, gourmand women's perfume that suits fall and winter evenings best. Its longevity and sillage are rated good. Most voters pick fall and winter; evenings and nights out come first, though it also works for daily wear. It reads feminine, with some voters calling it modern and others classic. It opens with vanilla and orange, where the citrus freshness is softened by vanilla's sweetness. Red lily adds a floral touch in the heart, and amber settles in the base. The overall feel is oriental, spicy, powdery and creamy, with a fruity sweetness alongside. Essenzialmente Laura Ambra Antica and Tipton Charles Orange Vanilla have a close profile.

After Midnight

6.8

The Different Company · 2012

Fresh · Citrus · Floral

The Different Company After Midnight is a fresh, citrusy unisex scent that leans towards spring and summer days, with a soft floral and powdery layer on top. It starts clean and bright with bergamot, neroli and angelica root. In the heart, iris and jasmine carry the floral side while cinnamon and mastic add a spicy, resinous depth. The base of labdanum, Siam benzoin and white musk sweetens it and settles it into a powdery finish. Longevity and sillage are rated weak, so it stays close to the skin and keeps quiet. Most voters pick summer and spring, and leisure, daily wear and the office are the most chosen settings. Nearly half of voters read it as feminine, though its unisex build sits easily on anyone. Chabaud Eau Ambrée and Santa Maria Novella Rosa have a close profile.

Bois de Yuzu

6.5

Karl Lagerfeld · 2018

Fresh · Citrus · Green

Karl Lagerfeld Bois de Yuzu is a fresh men's fragrance of citrus and green notes that suits spring and summer days. It opens with mandarin orange and ginger, a citrus brightness with a light spice alongside. In the heart, yuzu wood and clary sage give it a green, fruity turn. Patchouli and papyrus settle into a dry, woody base. Longevity and sillage are moderate, so it leaves a fairly light trail. Most voters pick spring and summer, and it leans towards leisure, daily wear and the office, with evening a much rarer choice. It reads mostly masculine, with a modern feel.

Play for Her (Eau de Parfum)

6.0

Givenchy · 2010

Fresh · Floral · Fruity

Eau de Parfum

Givenchy Play for Her Eau de Parfum is a light, feminine scent that pairs a fresh, fruity opening of bergamot, pink pepper and white peach with magnolia and tiaré; it has been discontinued. It sits close to the skin, with moderate longevity and weak sillage. Most voters pick spring and summer, and choose it for leisure, daily wear and the office. In the character votes, feminine and modern lead. It opens with bergamot, pink pepper, sweet pea and white peach, fresh and fruity. In the heart, tiaré, amyris and magnolia add a soft floral note. The base of musk and sandalwood settles into a woody, powdery finish. Its profile is close to Jōvan Musk Oil Tropical Musk and Christina Aguilera Woman.

Paris La Havane

8.3

Carven · 2019

Sweet · Spicy · Woody

Carven Paris La Havane is a sweet, spicy and smoky men's fragrance, woody, resinous and leathery in feel, best suited to fall and winter evenings. It opens with elemi resin, mandarin orange and black pepper; the heart brings Cuban tobacco, lavender and rose. Patchouli, amber and leather settle underneath. The sweetness is balanced by an earthy, smoky texture. Longevity is rated strong and sillage good. Most voters pick fall and winter, and lean towards evening and night-out wear. Most see it as masculine and classic. Davidoff Leather Blend and Amouage Interlude Man have a close profile.

Sound of Donna

7.3

Trussardi · 2018

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Trussardi Sound of Donna is a sweet, powdery floral with a feminine character, which most voters place in fall and winter. Its longevity is rated good and its sillage moderate, so it stays close rather than filling a room. Voters pick it mostly for fall and winter, across leisure, night out and daily wear, while spring and summer come well behind. It opens with magnolia, green almond and mandarin orange, and the heart brings rose, heliotrope and tuberose. In the base, patchouli, chestnut purée and sandalwood turn it woody and creamy. Fruity and gourmand shades sit behind the florals. Pegador Rosy Dreamscapes and Juliette Has A Gun MMMM... have a close profile.

Her Majesty the Oud

7.6

Atkinsons · 2016

Floral · Fruity · Sweet

Atkinsons Her Majesty the Oud is an oriental fragrance for women that sets floral and fruity sweetness against spice, leather and a woody depth. It opens with red berries and osmanthus, a bright, fruity start. In the heart, saffron, iris and Turkish rose balance the floral side with spice. As it settles, vanilla sweetness, leather and Assam oud darken it into a warm, woody and leathery base. Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick autumn and winter, with spring not far behind, and it is seen as better suited to evenings and nights out. Most voters read it as feminine, while some find it classic or masculine. Xerjoff Deified Tony Iommi and Nishane Nefs have a close profile.