Thursday, May 12, 2011

Oscar de la Renta Esprit d'Oscar: fragrance review & bottle giveaway

It's unusual in perfumery for the start of this century to encounter a modern composition which focuses on that loaded term which is dreaded by so many among the (younger) set: "a powdery fragrance". And yet, Esprit d'Oscar by Oscar de la Renta comes as an eminent sample of a youthful, modern re-interpretation of an age-old theme: the soulful cadenza of Guerlain's L'Heure Bleue. An old-school mainstream fragrance? Rub your eyes really well, perfumistas, this is no joke.

In more parts than it's considered good form to admit when launching a new fragrance, Esprit d'Oscar follows in the footsteps of the original Oscar by Oscar de la Renta from 1977; but that's a good thing! The lineage descending from the iconic Guerlain was evident then as it is now, but whereas the original Oscar was a symphonic floriental with the emphasis on the waft of its bittersweet tuberose message fanned on precious woods, in Esprit d'Oscar the melody is replayed with clarity on a single instrument with multiple keys, like a clavichord. The aniseed and violet accents that give the heliotrope in L'Heure Bleue its wistful, nostalgic character are here substituted by the sweetening of the almond facets of heliotropin. The citrusy top notes which open the fragrance on the other hand provide the necessary freshness to appeal to modern women of both younger and somewhat older age, shopping for a fragrance they can claim their own. Noting that Love, Chloé is also a recent entry operating on unmissable powdery tones, I think we're on to some new trend: old becomes new again!
Perfumer Frank Voekl is known for his streamlined approach which aims at a fragrance that acts as a mantle rather than armoury or clarion-call. On the whole, the axis of the new scent is tilted more to soft floral-oriental or even floral gourmand than to merely floral bouquet, and lovers of both categories are encouraged to sample. The leitmotif of Esprit d'Oscar rests on a fluffy almondy powdery note that supports, like a pampering duvet on which you fall back down on with relief, the floral notes of jasmine. The lemony inclusion lifts the jasmine heart just so, producing a refreshing, effervescent jasmine/white floral note. The white floral heart is rich, sexy and feminine, but non indolic. The synergy of vetiver and sweet (clean) musk (plus I believe a smidge of sandalwood) conspire to enhance the impression of clouds fusing into one another on the late afternoon sky.

So how did the brief begin? Ann Gottlieb, master creative director and responsible for several best-selling classics from the 80s onwards, had a specific context: "To capture the essence of what a woman desires in her fragrance, Oscar turned to his daughter Eliza to help create Esprit d'Oscar, an unmistakably feminine floral-oriental. Esprit d'Oscar opens with a distinct sparkle, realized through a bright, citrus bouquet of Sicilian lemon, bergamot and citron. At its heart remain fresh florals: Egyptian jasmine, orange flower and tuberose. A combination of musk, heliotrope, tonka bean and vetiver give Esprit d'Oscar a warm, long-lasting base."
Whimsical, romantic, beautiful....recommended, I say!

The bottle is even more beautiful up close. Inspired by the original Oscar Parfum bottle design, Oscar envisioned a package for Esprit d'Oscar that would marry the feel of the iconic original, with a fresh contemporary look. Sculptural glass and sleek feminine contours characterize the Esprit d'Oscar bottle. On top of its translucent flower cap, a glass pearl represents a single dewdrop, a symbol from the original Oscar story. When he was a boy, Oscar de la Renta imagined that if he woke up very early, he could take the dew from flowers to create a perfume…and so he did.

Notes for Esprit d'Oscar by Oscar de la Renta:
Top: Sicilian lemon, bergamot and citron
Heart: Egyptian jasmine, orange blossom and tuberose.
Base: musk, heliotrope, tonka bean and vetiver

Esprit d'Oscar is available in the (quite lasting and satisfying in its sillage) concentration of Eau de Parfum in 50ml/1.7oz and 100ml/3.4oz bottles for 78$ and 98$ respectively at select department stores. You can see info on oscardelarenta.com. Right now the code OSCAR10 will get you complimentary ground shipping.

For our readers I have one full bottle to give away!! If you want to be eligible, please comment including what you'd like to read on Perfume Shrine next. Draw remains open till Sunday midnight.

Painting by artbycedar
Disclosure: Sampled scent myself at store; giveaway bottle is a promo.

131 comments:

  1. Ines,

    noting down: floral suggestions.

    Yes, Ed'O is a very fine floral and really leaning to the floriental category. I was very pleasantly surprised!

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  2. Maureen14:12

    I loved the original Oscar de La Renta, so I would really love to win this. I am looking for a new summer fragrance....most of mine are a little heavy for summer. Whenever I try some really light florals, I cannot seem to smell anything after 10 minutes. Is this because I have extremely dry skin???? Does it just disappear?

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  3. BTW, forgot to say, you can check out my florals reviews by hitting on the tag "floral" (on the Thematic Tags page).
    For ease, here are some of those (technically termed) :

    floral fragrances

    floral-oriental fragrance reviews

    green florals fragrance reviews

    floral woody fragrance reviews

    floral gourmand fragrance reviews

    floral aldehydic fragrance reviews

    floral musky fragrance reviews

    floral spicy fragrance reviews

    I believe the white florals are self-contained within the florals category. Maybe when I have some time I will edit the tags with a clear mention of "white floral".

    Hope this helps!

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  4. Camilla,

    I think it's not necessary to have tested the old perfume, but if you like the new one, it's perhaps advised to check out the other one as well: only try to find an older batch on that one. :/

    I do hope you have already checked out my Shalimar review/history guide article, right? I assume you want guidance as to how differentiate the very recent editions??

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  5. A,

    thank you honey. Much appreciated and I love that you're always so kind to say so.

    I had done lots of orange blossoms in the past (an orange blossom series and a raw material perfumery post), though I do try to focus on scents with orange blossom, as I love the note.
    Myth busting is jotted down for definite treatment. I have a few myth debunking articles you might have seen; they afford to be augmented in volume. :-)

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  6. Sonia Garcia14:28

    I'd love to win this one! And I'd love to read more about the new Etat "Archives 69"
    Thanks!

    lasuperchatis62@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Estella N.14:30

    Thanks for the great opportunity!

    I'd love to read more on perfume myths, like a reader above does, if that's possible.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous15:25

    Very interesting to hear that it is close to LHB, I would really like to get it! What I would like to read here? This blog is very extensive and interesting, just please keep writing on, you are wonderful, many thanks for entering me in the drawing! Alica - alica@cleis.net

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would like to be entered into the draw. I would also like to read your thoughts when it is worth it to seek out a vintage perfume and, in the alternative, what current selections might be comparable to certain vintage or discontinued scents.

    ReplyDelete
  10. london15:39

    I'd like to read about the Prada exclusives as they seem so unsung. But I like a lot of the ideas above as well!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm loving your perfumery materials including scents that have the said material =) Would love to read one on some florals like osmanthus... lilac..

    ReplyDelete
  12. sharyl16:04

    Elena,This Oscar sounds lovely - soft floral oriental with powdery almond could be a true love. I would love to be entered in the draw. As for what I would love to read more of - I have enjoyed your incense/Easter week series so much and would love more of your ideas connecting specific scents to art/music/celebrations/festivals/movies/literature, etc. Thank you for this opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  13. June-bug16:29

    I want to try this one in person. I smelled it in a magazine and it smells LOVELY! Please enter me in the draw. I'm on board with Jen; would love to read about vintage scents and those comparable today.
    It's heartbreaking what has happened to some scents with reformulating, etc. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous16:48

    Yes please Elena ! Please enter me for the draw. I've awlays been a fan of the original .
    I would like to read about gourmand vanilla fragrances if possible . ( on a vanilla gourmand kick - happens every year without fail ! *LOL* ) Perhaps M Micallef Mon Parfum ?

    ReplyDelete
  15. This one sounds pretty!

    I'd like to read a review of the new Guerlain Floral Romantique fragrance and more spring/summer suggestions.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I would like to hear about how you started writing and what quality perfume you loved when you when you first stared your

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  17. OMG! When you started wearing perfume.

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  18. dleep17:54

    I have been so anxious to try this. I wore the original Oscar as a signature scent for years. I would love to be entered in the drawing. This sounds lovely.

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  19. I use to wear the original back in the day, I loved it. Would love to be included in the drawing to try this new rendition, it sounds lovely.

    I've been away from the perfume hobby for a few years, have only been reading and admiring from afar. What I've been finding now is a lot of perfume reformulations, discontinued scents, and "City exclusives" *shudder*.

    So my idea for a future post is something on the frustrations, maybe some possible tips or solutions. Thanks for the interesting posts and opinions.

    ~Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jenny22:26

    I'd like to be entered in the draw. I would love to read about perfume history.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous23:11

    Eek! It looks like all the previous comments have disappeared into the ether after the server problems.

    I'm sure I commented, asking what Andy Tauer's "Zeta" reminded you of when you first tested it, in the hope that I can stop going round in circles trying to pin that scent-memory down. (I have an idea now, which I'll test tomorrow to see if I'm barking up the right tree!)

    Here's hoping that the other comments haven't gone for good - it's too good a draw to miss.

    Fingers crossed that the comments were saved or that the comment-makers come back and try again.

    cheerio, Anna in Edinburgh

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  22. I hope this comes to Oz Helg. I named my dear dog after Oscar de la Renta perfume(that is Oscar on my POL avator :) )

    May I enter your draw and I look forward to a sniff if this newie ever comes here. Verrry interesting.

    * Oh - we just got the Goutal Mimosa here in our shops and what a disappointment that was - weak as water , it just disappeared on me - Back to Champs Elysee - Bang for your buck there LOL!

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  23. Oh wow! Please enter me, too! This sounds sooo perfect. I need a few classic feeling florals.

    I'd like to see the new Etat Libre (Archives 69, I think it is) reviewed. I'm really interested in pursuing more of this line and Le Labo this year. I thought that "Like This" was brilliant.

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  24. I'd enjoy reading about the inspirations and origons of some of the lesser known and no longer available perfumes of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Just a bit of history.

    Thanks for entering me!

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  25. Salutations,

    I tried to comment this morning but the page was not found. Thank you so much for posting this article. I love perfume the more I read which helps me understand what I smell. Please tell us all about the Hermes House and Jean Claude Ellena next!
    Thanks!!!

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  26. Please enter me in the draw. I would also be interested in reading about perfumes in history, I'll bet many of us have forgotten memories of fragrances that were created in the 20s,30s, 40s, and 50s. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  27. All of the reviews of this one have been so positive, would love to try. Thanks for the draw!

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  28. Oops, forgot to say what articles I would like to read next (don't double count me!). Would love to read about the new trend for "chypres" in perfume and how they compare to classic chypres.

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  29. I have tried to sample this at Nordstrom, but the one near me does not carry it. It sounds stunning. I have heard that it is like Quant Vient La Pluie which is an expensive impossible to find HG for me. I would love to try this..Thank you for this great opportunity.

    Tara

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  30. Anonymous01:28

    Please enter me in the draw! I've been reading so many positive reviews of this fragrance, I'd be quite happy to get my greedy paws on a bottle ; )

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  31. I would like to be entered in the drawing.

    In regards as to what I would like to read next, I would like to learn more about significant perfumers like Ernest Beaux or Edmond Roudnitska.

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  32. Valentine02:44

    I'd love to be entered and read more about my personal favorite fragrance family, vanillas and heliotropes, such as Etro Heliotrope, or Fiore di Riso.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I would enjoy reading about the social and psychological reasons people collect perfumes and how and when does the pursuit becomes an obsession. :)

    Thank you for having this draw. This fragrance sounds absolutely lovely.

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  34. Stephan03:03

    Yesterday I spent the day with the accompaniment of L'Heure Bleue, and thought I might like this Esprit d'Oscar as well.
    What I really wanted to read in your blog just came up few days ago, the article about my beloved Sandalwood.

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  35. My daughter shared Sabi perfume with me today, which is very pretty. According to fragrantica, that's a "green floral" and it smells like it's vintage, even though it isn't. I'd like to see articles on frags like that-- and maybe this one fits the bill!! Please enter me.

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  36. Please enter me to win this luscious bottle!
    And this may be nutty but I'd like to read about "almonds" and such.
    Thanks

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  37. OOOH, enter me! I think florals like this sound great. I would like to see more articles on perfumes that couples can share. My wife spends all our perfume budget, and doesn't buy anything that is unisex.

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  38. rosiegreen6203:42

    Please enter me in the drawing. I remember the original Oscar vividly. The new flanker sounds lovely. I would really like to read about any vintage perfumes. I am really enjoying the classics lately.

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  39. I tried it and I couldn't figure it out of which perfume I like it had reminded me of. It is really very similar to L'Heure Bleue. I must say I am very happy finally we've got a mainstream perfume worth buying.
    What I would like to read here is if man can anyhow date the perfume. New or old ones doesn't matter.

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  40. Looks like my original comment is gone. Id love to be entered in this drawing.I wore the original Oscar back in the day and still have a mini and sniff it nw & then.. After being away from perfumes for a few years I'd love some tips on dealing with discontinued, city exclusives and limited ed scents. So annoying lol Thanks! hope this wont be a double post/entry.

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  41. Sounds beautiful!

    I wait to hear reviews of the upcoming Lutens. :)

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  42. Marte12:16

    I would love to read about classics and vintage perfume, how to date your bottle etc.

    Please enter me in the draw!

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  43. Anonymous12:17

    I would love to try this! Please enter me in the draw. I remember the original Oscar from when it first came out and it was so beautiful. I miss the original so badly.

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  44. Thank you for an informative and very interesting blog and thank you for including me in the draw!

    As Taffy above I'm also curios in what I think is a psycholgical phenomenia: The "heard behavorial" of the perfume community. As an example: Five years ago when Montale started the oud trend the house and its fragrances where highly tributed in different communitys. But the last one-two years most commenters seems to dislike almost everything Montale creates and nearly ridicule the house. An other example is Mona di Orio. Probably beacause the guru Luca Turin has something against Mona (all her fragrances rated "1" in The Guide) it seems as her (in my opinion) beautiful, artistical fragrances are ignored by some and by others reviewed by harder standards than for example creations of the "beeing everywhere" perfumer Duchaufour or "the nice guy" (which he really is) Andy T.

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  45. sonia garcia14:22

    Hi, I'd love to enter the draw, and I thought I left a message before but it is not here, but anyway I'd love to read more about the new Etat"Archives 69"
    Thanks

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  46. carolina girl14:47

    Would love to be in the draw. I wore Oscar back in the day and loved it. I enjoy your reviews and would like to know your top fragrances of all time, and how to find them. And how you got them in order to make the assessment of them.

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  47. Please enter me in the draw. I would like to read reviews on older perfums.

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  48. I remember the original Oscar well, I wore it in Junior High School! While many gals wore Clinique's Sport or (horror of all horrors) that horrible "Sweet Honesty" by Avon, I wore Oscar. How is that for bucking the JHS trend! I would love to read a review by you for "Cabaret" by Gres. I know that many of their frags stink to high heaven, but I think Cabaret is just heavenly....

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  49. Eva S15:33

    Please enter me in the draw!(my previous comment seems to have disappeared). I'd like to read a review by you on the new Jardin-scent by JC Ellena, I love his perfumes but haven't had a chance to try this yet. Thanks for pointing me in the direction of Andy Tauers perfumes (quite different from JCE!), my favorites at least for now are Une Rose Chyprè and Zeta. For some reason I couldn't stand Une rose vermeille though- I think maybe the rasberry?
    Eva S Sweden

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  50. Asali15:35

    Just in case, since clearly all of the previous comments were lost, I write again :-) The EdO sounds just beautiful. Thank you for a great blog, and my wish regaring posts, you already replied that you are granting, so I'll just be lurking around your blog til it arrives...

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  51. HI all!

    I am glad you stepped to repeat your comment, some of you. And I thank the new commenters as well.

    I will try to manually retrieve the rest of the comments and rest assured that those who have commented but do not see their comment here (yet?) will be counted towards the draw for the bottle.

    In the meantime, please pray Blogger doesn't have any more down times... ;-)

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  52. This sounds quite appealing. For an upcoming post, how about a material focus on patchouli? I don't think you've done that one yet.

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  53. I would love to be entered and I would love to have you write about Music & Perfume....more specifically, any song that has lyrics that speak about perfume (either a specific perfume, or a general mention of perfume/cologne......I can only think of 2: Journey's "Don't Stop Believing'" - "....a singer in a smokey room, the smell of wine and cheap perfume..." and the Flirt's "Jukebox" - "....little things remind me of you, cheap cologne and that damn song too..."). Funny how both examples talk about perfume/cologne as smelling "cheap"!!!

    There MUST be other lyrics that mention perfume besides the 2 I could think of.....

    Thanks!

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  54. Eva S.16:34

    Your description of E d'O sounds lovely, I'd very much like to be included in the draw!
    A review by you on the new Jardin-scent from Hermès would be interesting- I'm a great fan of the work by Jean-Claude Ellena but I've haven't had a chance yet to smell it myself.
    Also thank you for poitning me in the direction of Andy Tauers perfumes, I'm enjoying Zeta as I write this!
    Eva S Sweden

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  55. I use to wear the original back in the day, I loved it. Would love to be included in the drawing to try this new rendition, it sounds lovely.

    I've been away from the perfume hobby for a few years, have only been reading and admiring from afar. What I've been finding now is a lot of perfume reformulations, discontinued scents, and "City exclusives" *shudder*.

    So my idea for a future post is something on the frustrations, maybe some possible tips or solutions. Thanks for the interesting posts and opinions.

    ~Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  56. I have a small bottle of this and am tearing through it at top speed, so I'd appreciate the opportunity to win a replacement bottle!

    What would I like to see on PS next: How about a week where you highlight the works of only natural perfumers?

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  57. dleep16:35

    I have been so anxious to try this. I wore the original Oscar as a signature scent for years. I would love to be entered in the drawing. This sounds lovely.

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  58. Anonymous16:36

    Every review of Esprit d'Oscar tempts me more and more. My mother wore Oscar de la Renta so it is one of Her Scents, in my thinking; if Esprit d'Oscar is equally as lovely without being Her Scent then that would be great! (Wouldn't like to tread on her toes.) Please include me in your very generous draw.

    I'd know what I'd really like to read right now: when I sampled Zeta, a memory of another scent pinged into my head but I cannot pin down what that scent was! The memory went "Oh, this is like ...." and got no further. Did any scent bells ring for you in your initial Zeta testing, please? (I'm going around in circles but not closing in on the precise memory.)

    The detailed recipes you occasionally include are also a treat, especially the sweet ones.

    Many thanks,

    Anna in Edinburgh

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  59. OMG! When you started wearing perfume.

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  60. This one sounds pretty!

    I'd like to read a review of the new Guerlain Floral Romantique fragrance and more spring/summer suggestions.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'd love to win this bottle!

    What I'd like to read about next---a fleshy, ripe fig perfume! I love figs, but the green figs in perfume go sour on me. I'm hoping to try some perfumes with the fleshy note...

    Thank you so much!

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  62. Yes please Elena ! Please enter me for the draw. I've awlays been a fan of the original .
    I would like to read about gourmand vanilla fragrances if possible . ( on a vanilla gourmand kick - happens every year without fail ! *LOL* ) Perhaps M Micallef Mon Parfum ?

    ReplyDelete
  63. June-bug16:39

    I want to try this one in person. I smelled it in a magazine and it smells LOVELY! Please enter me in the draw. I'm on board with Jen; would love to read about vintage scents and those comparable today.
    It's heartbreaking what has happened to some scents with reformulating, etc. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would love to try this perfume. There are few florals in my collection and I like all the Esprit d'Oscar notes, so it would be great to win. The bottle is beautiful, btw.

    I'd like to read about the best scented candles in the market :)

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Sharyl16:40

    Elena,This Oscar sounds lovely - soft floral oriental with powdery almond could be a true love. I would love to be entered in the draw. As for what I would love to read more of - I have enjoyed your incense/Easter week series so much and would love more of your ideas connecting specific scents to art/music/celebrations/festivals/movies/literature, etc. Thank you for this opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I'm loving your perfumery materials including scents that have the said material =) Would love to read one on some florals like osmanthus... lilac..

    ReplyDelete
  67. london16:41

    I'd like to read about the Prada exclusives as they seem so unsung. But I like a lot of the ideas above as well!

    ReplyDelete
  68. I would like to be entered into the draw. I would also like to read your thoughts when it is worth it to seek out a vintage perfume and, in the alternative, what current selections might be comparable to certain vintage or discontinued scents.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Anonymous16:42

    Very interesting to hear that it is close to LHB, I would really like to get it! What I would like to read here? This blog is very extensive and interesting, just please keep writing on, you are wonderful, many thanks for entering me in the drawing!
    Alica - alica@cleis.net

    ReplyDelete
  70. I would love to be enterd the draw, please. I hear a lot about Ed'O in the past few weeks and I won't be able to try it otherwise, not for a long time
    I would be glad to read a comparison between the "exclusifs" of Chanel, Guerlain, Dior and Hermes
    many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  71. Estella N.16:43

    Thanks for the great opportunity!

    I'd love to read more on perfume myths, like a reader above does, if that's possible.

    ReplyDelete
  72. A,

    thank you honey. Much appreciated and I love that you're always so kind to say so.

    I had done lots of orange blossoms in the past (an orange blossom series and a raw material perfumery post), though I do try to focus on scents with orange blossom, as I love the note.
    Myth busting is jotted down for definite treatment. I have a few myth debunking articles you might have seen; they afford to be augmented in volume. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Camilla,

    I think it's not necessary to have tested the old perfume, but if you like the new one, it's perhaps advised to check out the other one as well: only try to find an older batch on that one. :/

    I do hope you have already checked out my Shalimar review/history guide article, right? I assume you want guidance as to how differentiate the very recent editions??

    ReplyDelete
  74. Asali,

    entering you, good luck.

    Yes, the aroma allegorias, haven't forgotten. Will sit down and do it one of these days, promise.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Maureen16:45

    I loved the original Oscar de La Renta, so I would really love to win this. I am looking for a new summer fragrance....most of mine are a little heavy for summer. Whenever I try some really light florals, I cannot seem to smell anything after 10 minutes. Is this because I have extremely dry skin???? Does it just disappear?

    ReplyDelete
  76. Fernando16:45

    I hope you're right that we're getting into an "everything old is new again" phase. I like the old stuff! This sounds quite good.

    I love your reviews of new perfumes, but I think I love the articles about older stuff even more. Perhaps you could write something about how one might go about finding bottles of the old classics. Mostly I just dream about them.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Ines,

    noting down: floral suggestions.

    Yes, Ed'O is a very fine floral and really leaning to the floriental category. I was very pleasantly surprised!

    ReplyDelete
  78. That's definitely interesting to me ... in terms of what I'd like to see next ... well, I love your blog, so normally I'd just say "whatever you want to write about", but that's a cop-out. So ... anything about orange blossom, LOL! Or maybe some myth-busting about the "right" way to apply perfume. Was it Chanel that started all of those beliefs that you can't rub perfume or your will burst the molecules? Is it true that fragrance lasts longer on well moisturized skin? I know fragrance lasts longer on hair or fibers etc. etc. etc.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Camilla16:47

    It sounds very nice, I love l'heure bleue, though admittedly I don't know anything about the original de la renta.

    As an answer to your question, I'd love to see a focus on recent versions and packaging of Shalimar... The very last reformulation (2010) ruined it for me....

    ReplyDelete
  80. Asali16:47

    That sounds really beautiful, I would love to be entered in the draw.
    And an easy question that is, since I'm so looking forward to reading that 'aroma allegoria' write up you spoke about. I do hope that's still on?

    ReplyDelete
  81. This sounds good, and I'm on a lookout for a new floral. Well, actually it wouldn't be a new one as I realized my collection seriously lacks florals (if they aren't of the white lush kind).
    So that's what I would love to read more about - floral suggestions. :)
    Now, I'm off to check just in case if there already was such a topic here but I missed it.

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  82. I'd love to try this, everybody seems to like it
    please, enter me the draw
    I'd like to read some articles comparing the "special" lines of several houses

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  83. BTW, I'm taking notes in black & white on what you people want, so that we're covered just in case :-)

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  84. maureenC16:51

    Please enter me in the draw. I would like to read more about the reformulation of established perfumes such as YSL Opium and Lancome Magie Noire.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Anonymous17:01

    I would love to win this! :)
    I am mostly interested in your wonderful material and notes series, I love them.

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  86. I love your reviews. Even though they occasionally lead to poverty, at least I smell divine.

    Please enter me in the draw.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Smaranda17:41

    Please enter me in the draw. I love your blog material exactly as it is, but if I were to choose a topic, I'd like to read as many reviews as possible (the new Givenchy Dahlia Black sounds interesting and the Elie Saab by Francis Kurkdjian), interviews with perfumers and maybe also buying information, online stores for Europe, where some things seem so hard to find.

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  88. Anonymous17:48

    How wonderful to read about a worthy modern mainstream perfume - I'd love to be in the draw for this!

    I'd appreciate your take on the new Duchaufour Frapin (1600 something). I am grateful for the quality and range of your reviews - new and old fragrances plus analysis of notes, themes, questions - great work!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Anonymous17:52

    Oh, I forgot to note that I'm nozknoz (who hope you will review the new Duchaufour Frapin). ~~nozknoz

    ReplyDelete
  90. Malena19:15

    Dear E. :-)

    Thanks for this lovely review! It makes me incredibly curious about this scent, so please enter me in the draw :-)

    I'd like to read a review of the new Guerlain Idylle Duet.

    Wishing you a lovely rest of the weekend :-)

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  91. Anonymous19:17

    Do please enter me into your draw.

    The original Oscar was my sister's favourite scent for many years, but she stopped wearing it when her daughter-in-law adopted it as her signature scent. Having moved to lighter scents now, I think she would love this and I would enjoy being able to give it to her.

    As for what I'd like to read next on Perfume Shrine: do continue the materials and notes articles. I will also second Jen's suggestion about noting current fragrances to replace vintage/discontinued scents.

    Thanks for all the great info on your site and the generous draw.

    --Lindaloo

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  92. Oscar de la Renta is such a elegant man & almost everything he does is defined by effortless charm. So please count me in, I would love to get to know Esprit d'Oscar

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  93. diky s22:21

    Please count me in to the draw.

    I really enjoy reading the article here, hopefully perfume shrine will also review perfumed soap and more home fragrances.

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  94. please enter me in the draw.

    i always love to read about more perfume history

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  95. I'm excited about the prospect of a return to an older style of fragrance. When I first smelled Love, Chloe, I was shocked that it wasn't simply a sad white floral with a huge dollop of ethyl maltol--I'd love to give this one a try!

    I'd love it you would post more on individual perfumers. I love reading interview with them, but I'd also love to read analyses of their bodies of work!

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  96. Sharyl04:17

    Hi Elena,
    Just noticed the comments deleted problem so I'm back to comment and re-enter the lovely draw opportunity. I very much enjoy your incense/Easter week series and would love to hear more of matching certain scents with art/literature/movies/music/celebrations, etc. This Oscar scent sounds like a possible love - powdery almond and soft floral oriental. Thank you for this opportunity and for your inspirational and educational blog.

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  97. Please enter me in the draw! As a relative newbie to perfume wearing and collecting I would love to learn more about how to properly store bottles. Thanks for a great giveaway!

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  98. Amazing to hear of a modern perfume paying homage to the classic L'Heure Bleue, one of my all time favorites. would love to win a bottle after your lovely review. Thank you for the giveaway.

    As for next week, I'd love to read a review of Shalimar Parfum Initial, as I've seen so many mixed thoughts so far. It'd be interesting to have your take on whether or not it is likewise respectful of a Guerlain classic and strong scent in its own right.

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  99. I would love to be entered in the draw... And so many great suggestion already, should keep you busy forever.:^) And I'll love reading them all!

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  100. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  101. Hi Elena, I have just joined fragrantica.com and discovered your wonderful blog recently! I have never smelt any of Oscar de la Renta's perfume but Esprit d Oscar seems like a perfume that I would like since I love powdery scents and this one seems to be for the younger set. I assume it would be more wearable? I would really love to be included in the draw. Also I would like you to review Panthere d Cartier please =) and how it differs from Panthere de Cartier Eau Legere. Oh and I am wondering whether perfumes made from natural ingredients would last as long as regular perfumes? How do I store them to conserve their scents? Thank you very much for taking the time to read this =)

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  102. I'd love to read about the process of developing the cofrette that went along with the film Das Parfum.

    Please enter me into the draw. Thanks!

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  103. Kittyj19:00

    Thanks so much for the opportunity for a bottle! It was only a few years ago when I was frantically searching for any information on the original Diorama - not only could I find nothing most people told me there was no such fragrance even though I still have my mothers bottle! Dior acknowledged it's existence but that was all. In my renewed search I found your amazing blog! THANK YOU! Love the mix of what you do - I would love to read more on fragrance history and the lost classics!

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  104. krizani19:07

    I'd love to be entered in the draw!

    I've been reading very nice things about this perfume.

    I'd love to hear about some of the lesser known big, brash 80's perfumes that have fallen by the wayside. I'm finding that after years of not wearing any perfume at all those are the ones I gravitate to.

    Thanks for the draw!

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  105. Nancy C.19:54

    L'Heure Bleu is one of my favorites so I'd love to be entered in the draw for this.

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  106. Calvados21:06

    i'd love to try Oscar. reading about perfume history and noses is always fascinating.

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  107. Helg, whatever you write about is interesting. I might not like the fragarances themselves but I always enjoy your take on them.

    And, since powdery tends to mean oakmoss, enter me in the draw, too.

    (Greetings from Madeira!)

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  108. Asali22:23

    Oh, just one more thing; I was looking for posts on sport scents, especially some history, and couldn't find anything. I was thinking that there are so many eau de sport that just smell like cheap-room-freshener/ or supermarket deodorants, but then there must be good ones too, especially nice for a hot summers day (whether you want to do sport or not)? I should like to read a post about the history of this particular kind of perfume/ cologne, and honorary mentions of the good ones.

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  109. DRTVrMoi23:07

    This sounds lovely. Thank you for the contest.

    I am just beginning my perfume sojourn, so as a longtime discophile, I'd love to read an article on 'desert island classics' of perfume.

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  110. That bottle is beautiful! It's shapely like I wish I was! Maybe if I was able to put it on everyday, I would be inspired to be more shapely and pretty like that!!

    Sounds sooo good!

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  111. Today is my birthday, and I hope I win this LOVELY sounding perfume!!

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  112. Please enter me, and I'd like to read reviews of the upcoming Serge Lutens releases... and thoughts on Tubereuse Criminelle joining the export range.

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  113. Mmm, I hear "powdery" and my ears perk up. Let's see...you might have already discussed this topic, but I'm interested in children's fragrances now that I have a child of my own. I've always loved Petits et Mamans and would like to find some similar fragrances.

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  114. Perfumenut11:57

    I'd love to win this! I had the chance to find a small sample and it is lovely, can't stop thinking about it ever since! I'd also like to read about upcoming Serge Lutens fragrances or updates on what he's doing next.

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  115. Hi! I thought I left a comment the other day but can't seem to find it.

    Anyway, please include me in the draw, I would love the opportunity to try this. Smelled a magazine strip and that was lovely.

    I would be interested in learning more about perfume history, cultural uses of perfume/fragrances, and perfume storage.

    Thanks!

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  116. This does sound lovely must really give it a try. I am really looking forward to some articles on affordable niche lines. I value your articles they are always insightful and a delightful read.

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  117. I got a sample recently of Tocca Colette. Colette is one of my favorite writers. I would love to read a review of this perfume by a perfumista. I myself found that I didn't care for the violet note, but a more sophisticated nose's review would be edifying for me. :)

    I would be quite happy to win this Oscar de la Renta perfume. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.

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  118. I would love to be entered in the drawing. You've written some interesting individual reviews of some of the older designer fragrances. Maybe I've missed it, but I would love to see a post with listings and mini-reviews of some of the best designer fragrances of the seventies and eighties.

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  119. ElizabethC22:26

    This perfume sounds like everything I like! Please enter me in the drawing!
    It would be fun to read something about cocktails/perfume. What cocktail should I order if I'm wearing Shalimar? What should I wear if I'm planning on getting a gimlet? If anyone can think of a cocktail that would complement Angelique Noire, please let me know!

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  120. I haven't found my comment.

    Well, I'd love to read about perfumes which smell "mineral", cold and earthy, like the pebbles in a stream. Something like that :)
    I have only smelt a perfume which makes me think of that: A Scent by Issey Miyake, but I'd like it less floral.

    I'd love to try Esprit d'Oscar too, of course, so please enter me in the draw :)

    Thank you!

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  121. Anonymous04:01

    I love Oscar De La Renta Please enter me in the draw. I am interested in reading about Niche lines that are affordable and your reviews on them. Thanks for the chance
    Paul H

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  122. Tnx for the draw!
    Would you tell us about Mazzolari line?

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  123. Anonymous05:59

    I would like to win in this re-opened thread. Please enter me, many thanks. Alica - alica@cleis.net

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  124. Oh dear, I hope this isn't a duplicate, as Blogger is giving me attitude.
    Yes, I would love to be entered in the draw. I would enjoy reading about how people organize their collections and anecdotes about what lengths one might go to, to find a certain frag. It would be interesting as well to read how people got started.

    Thank you for the generous draw!

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  125. I would love to try this. I've really enjoyed your perfumery materials posts; they are very informative. I would also be interested in seeing posts on fragrances similar to discontinued classics. Thanks for the draw.

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  126. Barbara15:22

    I too wore Oscar back in the day and Charles of the Ritz which I loved while others wore Sweet Honesty and Love's Baby Soft. Please enter me in the draw. I would love to know if you have ever heard of Charles of the Ritz??

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  127. Wow, your review has left me seriously needing to try this! Lemony jasmine and heliotrope sound like a good pairing. So I would of course love to be entered in the draw.

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  128. Hi Elena, I would love to try this new Oscar. I'd like to see more on the restricted ingredients controversy and learn (if anyone knows) why the French, among others, are allowing the art of perfume formulation to be ruined by these "voluntary restrictions". Thank you so much for continuing to pass on all these new fragrances to the lucky winners.

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  129. Candice Gombard12:35

    Hi there, I am a Oscar fan and love their fragrances, I grew up with Oscar because my mom is a lover of these fragrances and began buying Oscar for myself, my mom still wears Oscar, its almost like a tradition and I would absolutely love to win a bottle, of the new Oscar de le Renta fragrance.

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  130. Thanks for the draw!
    I'd like to read about Etat Libre d'Orange fragrances.

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  131. Elizabeth Singh14:13

    First...GREAT BLOG!!! I just discovered it a few minutes ago and I think I'm hooked. I'd love to see information on hard to find perfumes from the former Iron Curtain nations. My parents used to bring beautiful cobalt bottles of Pani Walewska from Poland back home from their visits to Warsaw and Krakow, and for months afterward my mother smelled like an empress.

    I received a deluxe rollerball of Esprit d'Oscar in a Sample Society box and love it. thank you for the opportunity to win a full size--please enter me also!

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