Caecilie

Exactly what I have always wanted:
to find a wearable fragrance that is intense, highlights my distinctive personality, and is simultaneously feminine and a bit lush. A scent that is heavier than I look (but that’s misleading), that is noticeable without dominating the room, that is floral and still contains mysterious notes that are transparent in a dark-sweet-bitter way. A fragrance with which I feel confirmed in my personality both as a deep person and as a feminine woman.
A scent that allows and emphasizes elegance.

I had tested the old J'adore L'Or by François Demachy sufficiently a few years ago. It met the aforementioned criteria to a large extent for me. However, what I found lacking was transparency. I found this fragrance olfactorily absolutely “covering,” which, in my opinion, also gave it a somewhat outdated and matronly note, which I would have accepted at the time in favor of the floral-oriental richness. As a long-time wearer of the classic J’adore EDP and its various variants, I really wanted to like it.
However, the decisive factor for my non-purchase back then was not the “outdated-matronly” aspect of the fragrance, but the fact that I was allergic to some of the ingredients (I suspect too much vanilla and coumarin) and would get sneezing fits every time I tested it. Thus, my body made the decision for me not to make the fragrance my own.

But last year, Dior's new chief perfumer Francis Kurkdjian designed and launched the new J'adore L'Or. After the first test, I was very surprised and found the fragrance strangely not only floral but also silver-cool. Since I no longer perceive the scent as cool today, but rather as sensual and tendentially warm, I can’t remember how I came to that conclusion - probably I associated it with a cool white wine during the first sniff.

In any case, it intrigued me enough to look at the ingredient list, and lo and behold - Mr. Kurkdjian had apparently decided to make the fragrance allergy-friendly and left out coumarin, oak moss, and larger concentrations of vanilla. What a joy!
This piqued my interest, and I tested the fragrance multiple times with growing enthusiasm in the perfumery until it finally landed in my modest perfume cabinet.

And I love it! It unfolds on me very floral and soft with a wonderfully sensual jasmine note, which becomes more complex through orange blossom and centifolia. It develops intensely, spatially, and with profound character, enriched with a light, alcoholic sweetness that does not dominate as such - similar to a dry Pinot Gris.
This fragrance has become my new going-out scent; depending on my mood, I occasionally wear it to work as well. It is strong but does not dominate the room. It is elegant, yet emphasizes personality in a transparent way rather than covering it. It is ultra-feminine and neither girlish nor matronly.

I enjoy wearing it due to its sensual intensity in the colder seasons, but it also has a pleasant effect in summer without becoming too overpowering - at least on me, though I must say that fragrances generally do not turn out too heavy on me. After application, the new J'adore L'Or provides me with a generous fragrance experience for at least 6 hours. The strength of the sillage can be controlled by the dosage of the sprays from the beautiful, J'adore-typical bottle with the asymmetrical cap, depending on the bottle size.
But even then, fortunately, it has a socially acceptable limit.

A transparent, strong dream!

I think so - but not much…

If a perfume has been concocted without alcohol, can it still be any good?
Well, I thought to myself that I don't have to drink it, so I tried it in the drugstore, at Douglas, in the department store, again and again, until it finally landed in my perfume cabinet as an old J’adore fan. And I have no regrets.

In the fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen, two weavers appear at the court of an emperor and claim that they can create for him completely unique clothes that not only look magnificent but also have the special feature that they cannot be seen by anyone who is foolish or unfit for their position.
If someone were to dare to say here that J'adore Parfum d' Eau, one of the last Dior creations by the great François Demachy, smells almost like nothing or just a bit like a good shower gel, would they perhaps be considered a philistine in this forum?
I personally would even risk that if it were true... but it doesn't come to that.

During my first "test runs" within a few days with J'adore Parfum d' Eau, I also thought it smelled so weak that I would have to spray my entire arms with the oily elixir to have a lasting scent around me. But when I tested it again after about two weeks and sprayed much less, I still noticed that soft, floral, delicate scent all afternoon, which, despite its milky creaminess, exuded Jasmine Sambac, Magnolia, and Neroli, becoming elegantly and warmly soapy.

In my opinion, the scent is perfect for the warm season - I feel clean, fresh, and light with J'adore Parfum d' Eau in hot temperatures - while being feminine, elegant, and well-groomed - a certain seductive innocence also resonates, which is embodied by the delightful white bottle.
As a reformulation-resistant, notorious J'adore wearer, I recognize in J'adore Parfum d' Eau a part of the typical J'adore DNA. It is a kind of lighter, fluffy cream version, but with the soapy combination of innocence and seduction, it also has its own refined character.

I find that the scent unfolds its understated aura best with a modest sillage of about 1/2 meter on women aged 30 and above - open end. For younger women and girls, I find it too quiet and subtle.

So the Emperor definitely has something on, but for summer, it doesn't have to be too much….

It all started with J’adore Eau de Parfum. Since I discovered the classic "J’adore E.d.P." about 14 years ago with my then-boyfriend and now-husband, it has been my constant companion and remained my signature scent over the years, despite some new perfume additions in my cosmetics cabinet.
It wasn't long before the first "J’adore L’Absolu" and "J’adore Voile de Parfum" joined my collection, presenting my beloved, floral-fresh yet warm and elegant scent from different angles: the L’Absolu from an intense perspective, the Voile from a mysterious one. I also liked "J’adore L’Or" very much, but unfortunately, I can't wear it - probably due to the coumarins that are atypical for the J’adore line or simply because of the high fragrance concentration - yet I still find this variant enchanting.
My relationship with J’adore was thus harmonious, multifaceted, solid, and never boring. I could let myself go, evolve, and J’adore surprisingly did so alongside me. The first irritations probably arose around 2015. The scent became weaker, more generic, less interesting. As if to make up for it, Dior then released "Touche de Parfum," which was supposed to unlock new, interesting facets of the weakened E.d.P., creating more dialogue and understanding, and making it more appealing, much like couples therapy. Various flankers of the Eau de Toilette were also supposed to serve this relationship-renewing purpose, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful for me as E.d.T.s usually turn out too weak on my dry skin. J’adore didn’t give up and tried to win me back in 2018 with the new "J’adore L’Absolu," but unfortunately, it couldn't give me the same expressive, floral, rich kick as the old one.
By then, I had tried several other attractive perfumes and was eyeing many more, but I still held onto the hope of salvaging my relationship with "J’adore," which is why I bought a new bottle of the classic J’adore E.d.P. - I believe it was in 2018. But what was this? Instead of the familiar feminine-elegant seduction of ylang-ylang, Damask rose, jasmine, and sandalwood, I only smelled a floral-soapy, quickly fading musk scent, which I could only describe with the adjective "nice." That really hurt for the first time. J’adore, where are you? Will you leave me? Extremely disappointed with the development of my long-time fragrance companion, I fell in love with a new scent, "Jasmin des Anges" by Dior, which has now become my new signature scent.

Now, fate had it that last week, despite the Corona measures, I wandered into a perfume store again after a long time and discovered the new "J’adore Eau de Parfum Infinissime." It seems Dior's couples therapy department really put in the effort this time; a scent that is supposed to remind me of "J’adore" but be significantly more intense and substantial would really suit me: I saw it, immediately sprayed it on my skin, pulled my mouth-nose protection aside, and sniffed... Hm... well... it smells intense, not bad at all...
In the first seconds, the predominantly fruity opening of bergamot, blood orange, pink pepper, and centifolia is clearly noticeable, along with floral notes like jasmine sambac, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang, tuberose, and also a lot of sandalwood, which surprisingly joins quickly, actively, and intensely. This could work out for us... J’ADORE, I THINK IT'S GREAT THAT YOU'VE SOUGHT ADVICE AND WANT TO TRY AGAIN WITH ME! Almost within a few minutes, I am tempted to immediately buy the bottle of the new, intense J’adore variant and take it home. But my reason forces me to first take a fragrance ribbon "for the wardrobe," as the young Dior representative enthusiastically recommends (which one should think carefully about).
Once home, I place the fragrance ribbon on the dresser in the living room. Throughout the afternoon, I smell a stronger, floral-woody scent in my study, which, due to its prominent blood orange, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood notes, still gives hope for new happiness, but unfortunately, over time, it becomes less floral and predominantly synthetic-woody, becoming more penetrating and then sharp. I try to convince myself that the sharpness I perceive might just be due to my condition that day.
When I open the door to the living room again in the early evening, the room, specifically around the dresser where the fragrance ribbon lies, is filled with a synthetic, sharp scent, whose originally floral-woody aroma of the top note is barely discernible and has been replaced by an almost overwhelming, headache-inducing "fragrance bouquet." Although I aired the room for a long time and wiped the dresser multiple times, the stubborn smell only completely disappeared the next morning. So, as far as sillage and longevity are concerned, J’adore E.d.P. Infinissime has real power! This new disappointment is final.
J’adore, we will now go our separate ways. Your attempts to work on our relationship were serious, but as sometimes happens, they developed from couples therapy into separation support. From time to time, we will probably still see each other and remember the good old times when I spray you from my opened 2014 L’Absolu bottle. Otherwise, that’s probably it - unfortunately.
Fortunately, it was just a fragrance relationship, and a separation even has its advantages - it creates space for new things!
Dior is tireless and keeps bringing out other wonderful scents like "Jasmin des Anges" or "Grand Bal," to which I am increasingly drawn - and besides, other mothers have beautiful sons too...

Computers make me aggressive, especially when they don't work the way I want them to. For musically active people who are forced into so-called "online teaching" with somewhat ghost train-like sound quality due to Corona, dealing with devices and "audio equipment" can become a real ordeal.
If you also have a "treasure" at home, from whose "home office room door" international video conferences are constantly "smoking out" all day long, it's good to find methods to at least soothe yourself - and a fragrance also affects the surroundings.
Actually, in spring and early summer, I'm in the mood for pure floral scents like Dior's "J’adore," which unfortunately is just a shadow of its former self, or Gucci's "Flora," which for some reason feels too sharp for me at the moment.
Pure floral scents give me an unbeatable positive attitude when I'm in a good mood, a kind of untouchable "princess position." They lift the mood even higher when things are already going well - but if I'm already very annoyed, they tend to have the opposite effect. Pure floral scents also promote a precise perception and perfectionist thinking in me. When I'm annoyed and stressed, I need something else, namely comfort and soothing, in other words: vanilla.
A few months ago, just before Corona, Jasmin des Anges came my way just in time, so that the bottle was already at home during the crisis. During the initial testing (before the crisis), the scent seemed a bit pale to me at first; it lacked the floral kick, wasn't strong enough for me, but still, I found the scent immediately pleasant from the first spray. It didn't sting my nose, didn't trigger a cough, and just smelled very pleasant - and yes - somehow floral-comforting.
Interestingly, since the online phase, right in the midst of computer cable and microphone chaos, I keep reaching for Jasmin des Anges because I notice that it makes me gentler, less annoyed, and more tolerant of the circumstances I have to face.
Right upon spraying, the bergamot gives a positive kick to awaken and pause, then aromatic jasmine follows, arriving beautifully creamy and soft in my nose thanks to the osmanthus. Peach and apricot bring in fruitiness and sweetness, which, combined with vanilla and white musk, add a touch of sensuality, warmth, and familial connection. I took the fragrance pyramid from Fragrantica, as I believe the scent goes far beyond the notes of jasmine and peach listed here. It becomes complex in a light-footed way, but never heavy; it is floral, creamy, light, and absolutely elegant. It has the freshness of pure floral scents, but not their distance and arrogance. Instead, it provides warmth and comfort to oneself and the immediate surroundings, which then reflects in one's own mood.

Who would have thought? As life plays out, I now use it almost every day because, in these both dull and very annoying times, it simply caresses my soul, reminding me that there is also beauty, peace, and harmony - and, equally important, that I can dress elegantly again and enjoy life… at the latest when my husband and I go out to eat at our favorite restaurant next time. With the current distancing rules, the neighboring table may not notice Jasmin des Anges, but my table neighbors certainly will, as the sillage definitely reaches 1.5 meters and lasts up to 6 hours (albeit diminishing) if you spray properly. I can imagine the scent well in all seasons, although I would increase the dose in winter.
John Lennon once said: "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans."
That's how I feel right now.

By the way, I tend to want to buy or wish for Jasmin des Anges because it soothes me so much; it's worth it for everyone involved...

This fragrance strikes me as a magical, incredibly fragrant, opaque scent wall. Not airtight, no, you can breathe with it, see of course, but the scent feels in a certain way non-transparent to my perception. Or does it simply blend so perfectly with my skin that I feel this way?
Let me start from the beginning. I am currently not desperately, but seriously looking for a new signature scent. It should be floral with some underlying depth, if possible. The fact that the perfumer Calice Becker is half responsible for "For Her Fleur Musc," who also created my once beloved "J'adore" E.d.P., certainly increases my interest even more.

"For Her Fleur Musc" simply smells enchanting on my skin. Immediately after spraying, I smell the rose and the pink pepper, which, as I could find out, comes from the pepper tree, not from the pepper plant, and thus is not real pepper, consequently lacking any spiciness, but rather reminds me of the taste of juniper berries. Shortly after, the peony mixes in, giving the fragrance more softness and roundness. This development occurs for my nose within a few minutes, during which the musk adds creamy warmth and sensuality to the fragrance bouquet. Only after a longer while do patchouli and amber complement a wonderful, bitter note that protects the scent from too much sweetness and a potential drift into rosy kitsch. Hmmmmm, it smells so good - rosy, sensual, strong, cheerful, feminine, and confident!
However, this fragrance leaves no secrets in my eyes. It is just as it is. I can easily imagine it on a businesswoman who does not want to reveal her innermost self to the outside world. The rather strong sillage radiates youthful spirit and can simultaneously serve as a kind of protective wall to the outside world. In terms of season and target age group, I find it adaptable and think that it gives its wearer, if she is still young, a certain authority or, if she is older and already possesses it, a youthful-fresh touch.
Fleur Musc feels to me like a rosy-creamy-bitter scent wall to spray on - in the most positive sense. If one feels like enhancing or presenting their sensual, strong, cheerful, feminine, and confident qualities and feelings through this rosy scent, it could be the right fragrance.

Whether it is the right fragrance for me, I unfortunately do not know yet. On one hand, I find it incredibly pleasant smelling and uplifting, on the other hand, it feels a bit too dense and non-transparent for me. The opaque, pink, rounded-square, and extremely pretty bottle fits perfectly with that.
At the moment, I experience Fleur Musc as if it allows no other feelings than those it expresses, namely good mood, confident femininity, and strength. However, for me, a certain adaptability and flexibility is an important quality in a fragrance. The scent would need to be able to modulate with my different moods.
Can For Her Fleur Musc do that?
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Appendix a week later: Yes, it can, at least it does not impose any artificial "good mood" on me, but positively influences my current mood, depending on the circumstances from "not-so-bad" to "it's getting better" to "nice autumn mood" or even "How-am-I-feeling-today-super!"
A fragrance that lifts my spirits and reminds me of my feminine power!
It has now moved in with me - and not many can achieve that.