Question about perfume

[Gylden]

I am looking for suggestions about perfume. When I am looking for perfume for my wife in a perfume store my sense of smell is quickly overloaded. I am plagued with a very keen sense of smell, which can be a blessing at times or a nuisance. I find that when I am in those perfume shops I can't really tell one from the other. In a normal social situation I can tell very well the differences.
I have decided to tackfully ask women whom I have contact with what they are wearing when I notice a nice fragrance. I thought I would ask here on the forum as well. Then when I pass by a perfume shop to test only the one which has been recommended.
My wife has now something from Sheseido called Zen and it is too strong for my senses.
I have noticed some rather nice floral scents out and about, but never seem to find anything in the shops which I can recognise (most likely due to the sense overload).
Has anyone some suggestions?
 
Thanks!

[SANDRO43]

I have noticed some rather nice floral scents out and about, but never seem to find anything in the shops which I can recognise (most likely due to the sense overload).Has anyone some suggestions?

VERY subjective choice, FWIW I like this on a woman:

Eau De Rochas perfume is a classic fragrance that was released in 1970. It is a very nicely balanced fragrance with strong notes of citrus that are prominent throughout the early stages, with grapefruit and mandarin providing the refreshing wave. The dry down is also quite incredible, with a very complex and classy blend of amber and woods. Eau De Rochas perfume is a timeless masterpiece that is great for the summer.

[Misha]

Buying perfumes is always a minefield  However, I will say that my wife likes the Kenzo perfumes, Flowers by Kenzo to be precise.

[Boethius]

If she is wearing the new Zen, buy the old one ("Zen Original").  It is a far superior scent.

This is a woodsy floral scent, so Sisley Eau de Soir, Kenzo Flower, L'Instant Magic, and Chanel No. 19 are similar. 

I like florals such as Jean Patou's Joy, and citrus scents, such as Eau de Givenchy or the Hermes citrus lines.

However, fragrances react with body chemistry, and what smells good on one person won't necessarily be good on another.  Some scents may be overpowering on some.  For example, I love Sisley, but don't like Kenzo, even though they are both "woodsy florals".

It's always best to get samples for your wife to try.

[SANDRO43]

Some scents may be overpowering on some.

Most definitely . A friend of mine introduced me to a brunette friend of hers who was by chance on my same trip to Rio de Janeiro in late December (summer there) and wore:

Opium by YSL, a VERY heavy scent in temperatures of 30°C+ . After a couple of days there, I succeded in making myself scarce to avoid being overwhelmed .

[Gylden]

Sandro LOL, I know what you mean about that one!
 
I will try the others that folks have suggested one at a time. Spray them on a card and smell them later in the day, after I have forlate the shop.
 
Good suggestion Boethius, I will ask the if the have samples next time
 
Thanks all!
 

[siberia]

Lancome "O de Lancome"

Carefree. Enticing. Surprising. Drift away on a sensual voyage off the Mediterrean coast with Ô D'AZUR. The fruity-floral scent captures the feeling of relaxed sensuality on a late summer afternoon where the warm golden sand is complimented by the sparkling blue ocean. Top Notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Calabria Lemon essence Heart Notes: Rose, Peony Base Notes: Modern woody notes, Musk Ô, the mythical symbol of freshness by Lancôme, is engraved on the front of the bottle and the emblematic roses are engraved on the back. The glistening golden fragrance is reminiscent of sunlight that is encapsulated in the modern bottle.

[BC]

Stay away from Poison..  My ex LTR liked it.  I should have smelled the roses, or lack thereof.

LOL

D&G goes over well, light and not too sweet or expensive.

[tfcrew]

Get 'Betsy Johnson'...you won't regret it.
Can be up to 1/2 price on eBay.
ie.............

http://cgi.ebay.com/BETSEY-JOHNSON-3-4-oz-edp-Womens-Perfume-3-3-New-NIB-/360343171583?pt=fragrance&hash=item53e62071ff

oops on that link but there are dealers that ship world wide

[Lidia51]

Hi It's an old one, but very nice GUCCI Rush (first edition). Than Nina Ricci Nina. Wish all the best with your choice!