This is to give you (and the rest of the guys who gave their suggestions) an update on my fragrance purchase.

I was excited to test both Eau De Gentiane Blanche and Eau De Pamplemousse Rose. I am aware that Ellena’s creations are generally light but to my nose these 2 fragrances are just too muted. After a couple of sprays, I can only smell myself when I put my wrist on my nose. It was a disappointment. What added to my disappointment was the fact that the Hermessence Collection was not available at my location (I work and get to travel in the Middle East but presently in Saudi Arabia where the only big stores are Saks Fifth Avenue, Harvey Nichols, and Debenhams).

My next stop was the Chanel counters but this also was a disappointment since all of the Chanel counters nearest my place do not carry the Les Exclusifs collection. Oh, and you did mention Frederick Malle right? No, it is not available in Saudi. So now, I have a list of recommended fragrances but without a store to check them out. I needed to change my strategy. I have decided to trust my nose, check every counter which I find fancy, and decide from there. And I am very happy with all of my purchases, as follows:

Mandragore by Annick Goutal – It is not really a “wow” fragrance but there is something in it which I like and which made me decide to buy it. I like it the first time I sniffed it both on paper and on my skin. It has become one of my casual scents.

Satin Rose De Mai by Victoria’s Secret – I guess it is my nose’s preference which default is the flower rose. The moment I sprayed this directly on my skin, I loved it. Yes it is not niche but what the heck, I like it.

Rose Alexandrie by Giorgio Armani – Now this fragrance hits the nail in the head. This is the “eureka!” fragrance and I think I just found a new holy grail as far as my mini perfume collection is concerned. It is not too light like an Ellena creation; to my nose it has only the right richness I want in my perfume. It is very elegant, very sophisticated that the only words I said after spraying it on my wrist were “Oh, my god…” In Saudi Arabia, a 50 ml bottle is much cheaper than in the US. I bought my bottle for SAR 580.00 or about US$ 154.00.

I left the Armani counter with my last purchase for the day which is Rose Alexandrie. I did smell Pierre De Lune and I knew I had another one on the list of “must buy”. I still look forward to the Chanel collection which the SA said will arrive anytime soon (as well as the Hermessence). Meantime, thank you all for the suggestions. I really appreciate your suggestions and look forward to trying them all.

I’m also sold on L’Artisan’s “Tea for Two”, CB I Hate Perfume’s “Walking in the Air”.

From your description of the things you love and dislike, I think it would suit you to a “T”, so give it a try and see what you think…

It is a work by one of your favourite noses, and has a naughty dirty edge to it that I find endlessly fascinating. I love Chandler Burr’s review of it:

http://www.chandlerburr.com/newsite/content/emperorofscent/columns/aug27column.htm

First of all, thank you Robin for including my letter in your Monday Mail. My big thanks also go to those who recommended for my next potential purchase. Appreciate your help, guys! Here is an update:

Allow me to “remove” from the list the following not because they are not good but because I smelled them and they are not just to my liking:

> Sisley Eau De Sisley 3
> Eau De Merveilles
> Donna Karan Black Cashmere
> Creed Spring Flower
> Costume National 21
> Amouage Tribute
> Diorissimo

On the remaining suggestions, I grouped them all per perfume house or maker so I will save time on my visit to malls and/or boutiques which I plan to do next weekend. Based on the frequency of suggested fragrances, I will prioritize and check The Different Company, Chanel, Hermes, Frederick Malle, and MDCI. Based on your brief descriptions, I have this feeling I will love TDC line. Will give you an update soon.

BTW, I purchased three weeks ago L Eau Ambree (Prada) and my bottle is now half-full! Hey! It was Robin’s positive review that made me bought that bottle! Thanks again. It was a good buy! =)

We share the same taste – so I might add Nahema by Guerlian (on men it is POWWW! COOOL!) and the latest Penhaligon Amaranthine, which is said to have flowers, but depending to your skin is a incense-vanilla mess, understatment with quirkiness.

Of course Rose Ikebana and all the Hermessence by Ellena are a must-try.