ÇaFleureBon Top Ten Favorite Perfumes of 2020 (Ermano Picco and Michelyn Camen) Part 2+ desert and dessert draw

Top Ten Perfumes of 2020 

Editor Ermano Picco and I began with an overview of the best perfumes as well as the top trends of 2020. Ermano lives in Milan, Italy and I live in New York City. Often I am asked is there a difference between how people from different countries judge perfumes? In compiling our top ten  favorite perfumes of 2020, it’s apparent that a good fragrance is universal.  In no particular order our top ten favorite perfumes of 2020.

Ermano’s Top Ten Favorite Perfumes of 2020 (with Michelyn when we overlap).

Dis-connect Decay, Concrete and Paradaox

DIS-CONNECT 2 Concrete (Omer Ipekci): Concrete is a set on a bubbling baking soda pillar of high-octanes violets, a cross between garage and kitchen, redolent of the peculiar smell of methyl octine carbonate, a molecule fans of vintage Christian Dior Fahrenheit remember well. Here it is emphasized by a sous-bois layer of mossy woods, moist bark scattered on little fluorescent mushrooms. An addictive disconnection taking you to a fantastic leathery chypre’s terroir. –Ermano

Serge Lutens Fils de Joie review

Serge Lutens Fils de Joie (Christopher Sheldrake): If you want to get attention from a jasmine addict like me, you just have to say Lutens and jasmine in the same sentence. And definitely Fils de Joie is an attention grabber and probably the best Serge Lutens in years. The waxy, intoxicating jasmine transports you to Moroccan nights in a villa surrounded by a lush garden. Spices and rose water from the dinner you’re having brings joy and excitement, along with the carnal whiffs where beautiful blossoms and wild animals hide. Night hunters won’t be disappointed. –Ermano

 

Top Ten Perfumes of 2020

Cartier La Panthère Parfum (Mathilde Laurent): A re-invention of the classic eau de parfum from 2014, La Panthère to the line between sensual and sweet; feral and floral. This striking balance is exhibited by its unique line-up of ingredients. That is, mesmerizing gardenia accompanied by sensual notes of musk, all of which is amplified more and more in the Parfum by the apricot-tinged osmanthus and its haute-couture suede evening-cape. A flanker in my top ten? Bien sur.-Ermano

 

CHANEL LE LION one of the top ten favorite perfumes of 2020

CHANEL Le Lion (Olivier Polge – Christopher Sheldrake): In such a troubled year, the major brands stayed in their comfort zones for the most part. Yet after years of  trendy scents, CHANEL went back to its legacy of classical perfumery. Last year it was Coromandel Parfum, and this year it’s the uber-chic Le Lion. The same treatment patchouli gets in the first, labdanum gets in the latter, giving way to a graceful amber, no crazy crowd-pleasing winks but a beautiful oriental with a big liquor-like labdanum gilded in sandalwood, a tiny bit of incense and beautiful roasted (and roaring) bourbon vanilla. Understatedly glorious. –Ermano and Michelyn

April Aromatics Lotus Rising review

April Aromatics Lotus Rising (Tanja Bochnig): Lotus Rising is a special gift that brightens my spirit, as award winning natural perfumer Tanja Bochnig unlocked her vintage Pink Lotus and vintage Blue Lotus absolutes she found in India to release a refined, mellow and textured floral bouquet. I cannot remember these rare and tough to work with materials composed in such uplifting and unique way, unfolding the blossoms full delicacy and the dewy crispness of rosy petals at dawn, exuding their honeyed, fruity pollen as the sun warms them up. You feel like a hungry bee. –Ermano

Roberto Greco Porter sa peau top ten favorite perfumes of 2020

credit: Roberto Greco

Roberto Greco Porter sa peau (Rodrigo Flores-Roux): conveys by its very name the deep, intimate aesthetics of this project; and translating into fragrance the stunning visual research Roberto Greco pursued over the past three years- about skin and its interplay with light. As traces of classics from Antonio Canova to Sarah Moon lie underneath the overexposed, misty photography series, the same you can sense the diaphanous erotic tension of aldehydic glories from Worth Je Reviens to Dior Dune inhaling Porter Sa Peau. The creative collaboration between Mr. Greco and Rodrigo Flores-Roux is seamless and one of effortless sensuality.Ermano and Michelyn

 

Top Ten Perfumes of 2020

Masque Milano Ray-flection (Alex Lee): Close your eyes, feel the warmth of pure sunlight on your face and inhale; this is what perfumer Alex Lee accomplishes with Ray-Flection. Mimosa is the centrepiece here but it’s far from being a plain soliflore, it’s a whole feel-good experience to me, where the golden flower dots fits in just perfectly filling the air with their radiant powdery, honeyed magic when you least expect it, right in the coldest days of winter. – Ermano

Hiram Green Vivacious review

Hiram Green Vivacious (Hiram Green): When we first smelt Vivacious, it immediately brought us back to the glory years of perfumery during the 1950s, an era of every day glamour. For Ermano, the benzoin laden violet work of genius by natural perfumer Hiram Green precisely conjures the ghost of Nina Ricci Coeur Joie by Germaine Cellier, resulting in a classic, yet fresh  take on violet, which is often thought of as “dated”. Not here, where it’s voluptuous, fresh, and just a little naughty. Another masterwork by the award-winning natural perfumer. – Ermano and Michelyn

Antonio Alessandria Rusty Vibes for Cafleurebon

10th Anniversary Bonus: Antonio Alessandria Parfums Rusty Vibes for CaFleureBon (Antonio Alessandria) I spent the whole summer enjoying this beauty inspired by a photo inspired  from Alex Musgrave. The balance between creamy florals ruled by ylang-ylang, pulpy, crisp exotic fruits, passion fruit, coconut and banana reminding me of happy days in Brazil and the contrasting metallic incense backbone indeed suggest light and gloom, life and decay are just a cycle and we are part of a whole. This is a precious lesson I cherished from this year and Rusty Vibes definitely exudes this preciousness. – Ermano Picco, Editor

Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino

Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino (Jean-Claude Ellena) If optimism had a scent it would smell like Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino. Mandarin with its tangy, pulpy brightness is definitely one of the happiest colours in the perfumer’s palette. M. Ellena pays a tribute to Italy, unfolding a 3D hyper-realistic, juicy fragrance textured in blackcurrant accents and intriguing anisic hints to also render the light-heartedness, the sunshine within Italians … and Americans. This has been meaningful for us to hang on to during the past year. We cannot ever let it dim. –Ermano and Michelyn

 Top Ten Perfumes of 2020

Michelyn’s Top Ten Favorite Perfumes of 2020

2020 was also a year of travel themed perfumes and none was more suggestive than Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray (Marie Salamagne). Evoking the deserts of the Middle East, caravans laden with delectable dates, sensual spices and fresh plums of Petra carry precious aromatics.  I was transported to another time, at a time when I needed to be anywhere but in lock down. One of the best gourmands I have experienced and decidedly different than anything else I smelled this year. –Michelyn

Bukhara by Gallivant fragrances

Gallivant Bukhara (Ralf Schwieger): Restrictions on traveling this year have affected us, so visiting other countries, even nearby cities was out of the question. We were excited when Gallivant Creative Director Nick Steward released his homage to Bukhara, Uzbekistan.  Master perfumer Ralf Schwieger displays his extraordinary skill manipulating iris as Bukhara unfolds like a hand sown tapestry threaded with the earthiness of orris root rather than any powdery floralcy.  Vegetal and almost pulpy with carrot and pear nuances at the opening, the composition is woven with threads of dusky saffron, a hint of jasmine, musk and a host of spices that recalls Bukhara  when it was as a city along the fabled Spice Route. But this is an orris perfume to its core. There is a bleached brightness that is as dazzling as the sun dancing on the city’s famous architecture reflecting the warmth of the people who live there now. – Michelyn and Ermano

 

Puredistance Rubikona By Cecile Zarokian

Puredistance Rubikona (Cécile Zarokian): Can an interpretation of rubies be composed with patchouli as the centerpiece? Mme Zarokian’s stunning Rubikona for Puredisance exudes radiant  luxury  and opulence. Rubikona is an example why we should trust our noses, not notes. This parfum extrait smells red, rich and warm, slightly carnal with creamy, lush florals and effortless chic. –Michelyn

Velvet and Sweer Pea's Purrfumery Luminous Lemurs

Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery Luminous Lemurs (Laurie Stern): I can’t praise Laurie Stern enough for composing a pure all-natural fruity floral of this caliber. Laurie wanted to capture the lemurs habitat on the magical island of Madagascar using as many raw materials that are indigenous to Madagascar as she could find, including a twenty-year-old sandalwood and a twenty-year-old vanilla. The focal point is the creamy, rich ylang ylang, which complements and offsets the juicy blood orange. Lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove (also from Madagascar), Laurie who has studied lemurs (who have scent glands in their wrists) creates a fruity floral fragrance that any proper lemur (and human) would want to exude to attract a mate. –Michelyn

The Darkest Bloom by 4160Tuesdays

 4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom (Sarah McCartney in collaboration with author P.M. Freestone): Sarah knows dark, after all she worked with me on Dark Queen for our tenth anniversary; a musky animalic based on a fantasy book by of  the same name. The Darkest Bloom was also inspired by a fantasy book by author P.M. Freestone set in the Middle Ages.  The Darkest Bloom depicts a rare flower with powerful healing properties. Mandora and bergamot essential oils are blended with black currant-like buchu and apricot in the opening. Magnolia, Osmanthus and narcissus follow along with cedarwood. The labdanaum and styrax are nods to the Middle Ages. Don’t we all need a magical perfume with healing power… just about now? I know I doMichelyn

Top Ten Perfumes of 2020

DSH Perfumes Heirloom Elixir #12 Giardini Segreti (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz): With 32 perfumes composed during 2020, choosing just one from Dawn Spencer Hurwitz was a challenge. I chose that once again was a scent of place… very intimate to Dawn; her trip to Venice 16 years ago and a fragrance she released with minor tweaks: Giardini Segreti. I owned this before it was reformulated, and I love this version even more. A throaty floral aria, the 2020 version is again unabashedly floral, with the divas tuberose, jasmine and gardenia singing in harmony amidst mimosa and moss. I normally cannot wear a BIG floral, but this works so well that it made my top ten, more for it being a personal favorite, then having the impossible task of judging  which of Dawn’s perfumes this year was the best. –Michelyn

Parfums Dusita Moonlight In Chiangmai review

photo and digital effects Despina Veneti

Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai (Pissara Umavijani): As a long-time fan of Pissara Umavijani’s  work, Moonlight in  Chiangmai, her tenth perfume, is, in my opinion her opus. Composed during the pandemic. Pissara’s creativity was unleashed as she recreated a scent memory of happier days from her past. Moonlight in Chiangmai is Mme Umavijani olfactive recollection of a starlit night on a mountain top when the gauzy light of the moon turned everyone and everything around her golden. The complex teakwood accord she composed  using 22 ingredients is, in and of itself magical. Sensual with the headiness of night blooming jasmine, wet and green with aromas of tropical forests resinous, I feel as if I am in a dream, as curls of incense weave in and out of the perfume.-Michelyn

Masque Milano Madeleine by Fanny Bal

Masque Milano’s Madeleine (Fanny Bal): Proust, madeleine and memory converge in Masque Milano Madeleine. The fragrance was inspired by a memory of Creative Director Alessandro Brun in Paris at the famed Café Angelina. Bittersweet cocoa, Chantilly crème, chestnuts and espresso are offset by tuberose, milky white florals and musk. I don’t have a middle name, but today it is Gourmand; Madeleine is the finest I have smelt in years… maybe ever. 

CaFleureBon Best Fragrances and perfumes of 2020

Now that’s a wrap for Ermano and me. We hope you enjoyed our top ten favorite perfumes of 2020 and Best Fragrances of 2020. And for the reader who asked in a comment why is this so long?  Because 2020 was a very good year for perfumes, in spite of everything. Tomorrow Ida and Despina will step in with their respective top ten favorite perfumes of 2020.-Ermano Picco and Michelyn Camen.

Masque Milano Madeleine

Thanks to the generosity of Masque Milano, we have a 30 ml bottle of Masque Milano Madeleine for a registered readers in the USA, UK and EU.

Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray review

Merci to Atelier des Ors for 100 ml of Rouge Saray for a registered readers in the USA, UK and EU.

To be eligible, please leave a quality comment (a lot of work goes into these end of year posts) and let us know which of our top ten favorite perfumes you have tried or own,  which you would like to win and why as well as where you live. Draw closes December 30, 2020. What did you think of Ermano’s and Michelyn’s Ten Favorite Perfumes of 2020?

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113 comments

  • Of these top ten fragrances I have tried Hiram Green Vivacious and Antonio Alessandria Rusty Vibes, which I was able to get a bottle of! I currently have a sample of Puredistance Rubikona, which I look forward to trying these days. I am intrigued by Gallivant Bukhara, Luminous Lemurs, and The Darkest Bloom, which I hope to try very soon! I really enjoyed these reviews and I appreciate the opportunity to win. I am in the USA.

  • % agree with Michelyn in that Atelier des ors Rouge Saray is one of the best gourmands I have tried this year. I own a bottle and absolutely cherish it. Atelier des ors as a house impressed me as well with its quality and creative scents. If I’m one of the lucky ones, I would like to win Chanel Le Lion with its amber, vanilla and incense accord along with traditional Chanel DNA sounds heavenly. Thank you for putting so much thought and effort into the post. I loved reading and learning about these different houses and your favs! I’m based in MN, USA

  • I have not tried any of the perfumes listed, but gourmand is tied with incense for my favorite genre so I appreciate this article gathering so many great suggestions in one place. I’ve tried all of Hiriam Green’s creations so far except Vivacious, so its definitely on the agenda to try soon. The same with Dusita’s moonlight. I’ve been transported by previous samples, but have yet to find one I connected with enough to buy a full bottle. Though I remain hopeful and plan to try every new offering 🙂 Honestly based on the reviews I’ll probably end up ordering samples of all of these. I would love to win Rouge Saray. It sounds delicious and I admire perfumes based on places, as a traveler. Even better to let the imagination travel now that travel is not an ethical option. USA

  • I honestly haven’t tried any of this year’s picks, although I’d like to try 90% of them. Most of the samples I’ve tried this year are the classics. Since I’ve spent a lot more time in the house & I feel like I’m finally at a point where I can appreciate them, I’ve been able to discover that I’m actually a L’Heure Bleu & Vega girl, not so much Mitsouko or Shalimar. Maybe someday! I’d be happy to win either of the perfumes in the draw. Madeline because coffee is one of the best things in life & Rouge Saray because it sounds absolutely lickable with its plums & dates. Plus, Atelier des Ors really gets me with those bottles! Thanks so much for the hard work on the article & the draw. I’m in Ohio.

  • I look forward to these end of year posts more than the Emmy’s!! It reminds me of fragrances that came out earlier in the year that I may have forgotten. I have not smelled any of this list, but I want to try Le Lion and Madeleine for sure (I love gourmand). Somehow I missed Dark Queen, I did get samples of Red Queen and White Queen. Rouge Saray is one I must smell if Michelyn says it’s the best gourmand, yet different. I was pleased to see a Serge Lutens on the list, his offerings haven’t interested me recently. All of my purchases were not 2020 releases, but I do have a 2020 blind buy under consideration. Looking forward to Ida and Despina’s picks. I would most love to win Madeleine due to the cocoa and chestnut notes. Thanks for the chance!! Happiest of New Years! USA

  • All of the fragrances mentioned sound delightful. I added many to my wishlist. I do enjoy Bukhara, and look forward to more releases from Gallivant. If lucky, I’d choose Rouge Saray. However, Madeleine also sounds wonderful. Thanks for another great draw! Mich USA

  • I have tested Masque Milano’s Madeleine and my opinion is like yours – if perfection exists, then this one is perfect, or very, very close to it. A delicious gourmand!
    Thank you for the draw! I am in the EU.

  • I haven’t put my nose on any from the prize list, but reading the reviews for them, they both sound spectacular! And I am sure that if I am lucky to win, I am glad to win either of them as they both sound to be right up my alley. Thanks for the draw and also for the other reviews! Europe

  • Gourmand perfumes always sound great to me! Being a woman I consider that these type of fragrances add some extra sex-appeal to the overall magic of a woman. Cocoa, cream, chestnuts and musk… yummy!!
    Thank you!

  • Great list! I have tried Puredistance Rubikona and planning to order Chanel Le Lion. I haven’t tried much from here. However, many of those fragrances are on my to-try list.
    I would love to win Medeleine or Rouge Saray. Either of those would make me more than happy.
    I am from Lithuania, EU.

  • I’ve tried Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery Luminous Lemurs and it was amazing , I’ve not been to Madagascar but recently my fiancée and I went to a high wildlife reserve and seen lemurs there surrounded by fruit and flowers , so it was so interesting to have an olfactive image of that day.

    Id love to win 100 ml of Rouge Saray

    I really enjoyed the diverse choices of the top 10 , there’s something for everybody and for any mood you many have.

    Florida, USA.

  • IcarusMidAir says:

    What a delectable and diverse list of favourites of 2020! Reading through the description of each of the “nominees”, I was impressed by the wide variety of notes and styles that made it on the top 10 list of Michelyn and Ermano.
    Out of all of them, I had the chance to smell only Bukhara from Gallivant (which I had to get a full bottle of eventually). I even sprayed some on as I was reading the marvelous description provided. It is in my own top 5 of 2020 fragrances.
    I am very intrigued by Rouge Saray from Aterlier des Ors, so if I am lucky enough to win, this is *the one*!
    Thank you for a year of exciting reviews and for the olfactory escapism you’ve offered us during this peculiar time!

    I’m based in Romania.

  • Cezara Alexandra says:

    Unfortunately I haven’t got the chance to try or own any of them, but a few of these sound like my cup of tea and I am sure I’ll give ’em a sniff in the following year!
    I would love to win Masque Milano Madeleine – I’ve heard so much about it and mostly people say it is one of the finest gourmandes out there and I live for them!
    I live in EU, România.

  • First of all let me start by saying a big thank you for a the hard work you have put in in 2020. Keep up the good work.
    This year I was lucky enough to receive a decant of Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray and absolutely fell in love with it (yes, love at first sniff).
    It goes without saying that if I was lucky enough to win I would like Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray as I have sampled it and love it and it is to me at least clearly one of the best gourmands I have experienced as well.
    I like in the UK.

    Thank you.

  • Amazing reviews. I’ve smelled Some of Atelier des Ors on Excence and I’ve been blown away . Amazing house .
    Cheers from Denmark
    Best regards,
    Lili

  • I enjoyed reading this thank you for taking the time. I love reading everyone’s favourite of the year and sad a lot of blogs have stopped doing this, but a lot of blogs have stopped anyway.
    I was incredibly lucky enough to win Giardini Segreti by DSH on here and love it, although I am saving it for warmer weather. This was also my intro to DSH and I have a few more samples now and once shipping becomes easier I would like to try more.
    I also became 4160 fan girl and am enjoying exploring the house. I am fortunate to have The Darkest Bloom too which I find thrilling to wear, it’s exotic and mysterious, in fact I’m going to wear it today! I haven’t tried any others.
    I would love to try Masque Milano Madeleine. I’m not a huge gourmand fan but this sounds light and delightful. I am in U.K.

  • I have to say that the only perfume that I’ve tried from your list is the gorgeous Vivacious from Hiram Green. I would like to try out all the perfumes mentioned on this list but particularly eager to try out Luminous Lemurs, from Velvet and Sweet Pea Purrrfumery, Madeleine from Masque Milano, and Lotus Rising from April Aromatics.
    I would love to win Madeleine from Masque Milano. Many thanks for this Draw. I live in France.

  • Claumarchini says:

    I am not sure I can leave a quality comment, as I am new to the world of niche and artistic perfumery… I was drawn into it by a friend who started her own blog this year, and now I cannot live without it! I open this website everyday, eager to read your amazing reviews, and I want to try all these beauties you describe! Ermano’s and Mychelyn’s top 10s all sound amazing, I myself have tried Bukhara and Moonlight in Chiangmai and I absolutely loved them (waiting for bottle of Bukhara to be delivered in fact, and soon ordering Moonlight in Chiangmai!). What I love about this world is the fact that the owners/creators take their time to write to the customers, thank them for the purchase and ask about their opinion: it really makes a big difference! Since I live in Milan, Italy I’d love to win Madeleine from Masque Milano! 😉

  • Amusingly I have only tried two of them, Rouge Saray and Fils de Joie. I appreciate the later, but there is something with the Lutens DNA that doesn’t agree with me.
    Rouge Saray did make my heart beating like crazy. It’s truly a very rich and opulent scrumptious fragrance. If the spicy and dried fruits opening make me sing with joy, its the resinous dried down that melt my heart. So wihout hesitation this is the one I would like to win.
    From France.

  • Dessert for me, please! After reading the full-review in the other article, Masque Milano’s Madeleine sounds like the kind of fragrance I would enjoy wearing.
    I am based in EU. Thanks!

  • I am afraid I have not tried anything from this list. But I am intrigued by Serge Lutens fils de joie and Atelier des ors rouge saray the most because of Jasmine and Patchouli being my favourite favourite notes ever. If I am lucky to win I would Rouge Sarây. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Michelyn’s Top Ten Favorite Perfumes of 2020

    2020 was also a year of travel themed perfumes and none was more suggestive than Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray (Marie Salamagne). Evoking the deserts of the Middle East, caravans laden with delectable dates, sensual spices and fresh plums of Petra carry precious aromatics. I was transported to another time, at a time when I needed to be anywhere but in lock down. One of the best gourmands I have experienced and decidedly different than anything else I smelled this year. –Michelyn A beautiful description by Michelyn has got me curious and intrigued by Rouge Sarây I am a lover of Patchouli, Spices and Dates sounds delicious. I have not tried anything from this list but I am intrigued by Serge Lutens fils de joie and Atelier des ors Rouge saray the most. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Reading Ermano & Michelyn end-of-year’s reviews is always sooo inspiring! I duly take notes of a lot of suggestions, which very often turn into new perfumes in my collection! 😀
    I smelled the new Masque release, and Vivacious, and the beautiful Lutens Jasmine. So many still to try! In particular, I’m eager to try Bukhara.
    Should I win, I’d like to receive Madeleine.
    I’m from Italy. Thanks for your fantastic work, and thanks for the draw!

  • This selection is mesmerizing. I love all of them, so seductive and different, covering all the aromas known. Bukhara and Rubikona are on my fragrance bucket list and I hope i’ll get them soon. Moonlight in Chiangmai is another fragrance that fascinates me. If I’ll be lucky to win, I choose Masque Milano Madeleine. I currently live in Romania.

  • Thank you Ermano and Michelyn for your brilliant review. My wishlist has become longer!
    Of all these beautiful creations, I’ve only tried Mandarino by Laboratorio Olfattivo and loved it, and I will hopefully receive it as a belated Christmas gift from my sister 🙂
    Other fragrances that intrigued me a lot and I absolutely want to try are Chanel Le Lion (lemon with amber, sandalwood and vanilla! sublime); Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery Luminous Lemurs (the notes are beautiful and Laurie Stern’s work is beyond inspiring); 4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom (it’s a London based brand and I want to support local!).
    I’m into gourmand fragrances, and this cold weather makes me wear comforting scents even more than usual, so I would be very happy to win either Madeleine by Masque Milano or Rouge Sarây by Atelier Des Ors, they both sound stunning and I have not tried any of them.
    Greetings from the UK.

  • Thanks for all your work. I have been unable to keep up with new releases this year, so it’s good to have a guide as to what I might want to try. There’s a tendency to go with old friends (Mandarino, Le Lion, Fils de Joie), but I should try some of the others too. Lemurs! Rouge Saray sounds very interesting.

  • I haven’t tried any of the top ten but am interested in seeking out Le Lion now. I’d like Rouge Saray if chosen. US

  • pink and fancy says:

    Amongst this wonderful list I’ve so far sampled Moonlight in Chiangmai as well as Masque Milano Ray-flection, which I’m wearing today! The powdery floral is perfect on this cold, grey winter day where I live (NYC). The Serge Lutens and Le Lion are at the top of my “must try” list.

    I would absolutely love to be considered to win the Masque Milano Madeleine. I am a gourmand aficionado and this would be the perfect opportunity expand my Masque Milano palate as well (Tango & Petra served as introductions to this house).

  • Such an impressive amount of time went into this best of 2020 list. I like that Michelyn says that although they live in different countries perfume is universal. I bought Hiram Green and gallivant bukhara when I read about them here.
    I am not familiar with many of the choices but I read great reviews of rouge saray and masque Madaline. My choice for this draw is atelier des Ors Rouge Saray. Also glad to see Chanel and Serge Lutens mentioned. I live in the USA
    Happy New Year

  • First of all, thank you so much for such a detailed review of 2020, this is always such a source of inspiration in trying new perfumes or rediscovering old favourites.

    To be perfectly honest, this blog is so detailed that a lot of those perfumes are unknown to an amateur like me, hence it is a wonderful source of information. I would love to try “Porter sa peau”, not only do the notes appeal to me but the name! “Wear your own skin…” can you be more mysterious!!! I have also tried Le Lion from Chanel but was a bit surprised by the very powdery scent that will require some sniffs to get used to for me.

    I tried Mandarino this year in an official Laboratorio Olfactivo store in Rome. It was love at first sniff. For me, perfumes are absolutely linked with emotions, places (often holidays) or periods in life. During this troubled year I have definitely reached out to my most loved perfumes that provide comfort. Atelier des Ors is also one of my favourite brands with Pomelo Riviera and the iconic Nudas Veritas. Rouge Saray sounds divine and therefore would be amazing to add to my collection!

    I live in Luxembourg

  • I love your end of year lists! Must be so incredibly difficult to choose the winners, especially with so many amazing releases in one year. From the list I have tried Moonlight In Chiangmai (it is dazzling!), Vivacious (beautiful classic vintage style), Luminous Lemurs (not only a beautiful fragrance but a wonderful cause), The Darkest Bloom (I love when Sarah takes a dark turn like this), and Ray-Flection. Really, everything on the list interests me because they were chosen as the best of the year but Rouge Saray especially because dates and plums, and anytime something is described as unique in a world filled with so many options I always want to try it (plus their bottles are just incredible), and Madeleine has received nothing but universal praise it seems and I’m absolutely dying to try it and it sounds like maybe the gourmand of my dreams. Also really interested in Roberto Greco’s perfume because I have been a Je Reviens lover since I was a child and also a Dune lover since it was first released (I still have vintage bottles of both). Also the Puredistance sounds fabulous because I love anything that smells red and their perfumes are always amazing quality and I am also very intrigued by Bukhara.

    Thank you so much for taking the time to do these best of lists for your readers, I know it’s a lot of hard work, just making the decision alone would keep me awake at night lol. I loved reading your selections and was happy to see some of my favorites listed.

    I’m in the US, good luck to everyone!

  • Despite the challenges of the year, CaFleureBon shines on as usual. I am grateful to have had a place each day to forget the obstacles of the year, Thanks to CaFleureBon and the dedication of the EIC and each and every writer. You had a great line up here even without the tradeshows. I appreciate the insight of each of your choices and look forward to the top ten of the rest of the team.
    I have had the pleasure of sniffing Rubikona, and Darkest Bloom both of which I would give a top 10 as well.
    Being a gourmand lover as well I would love the experience of Masque Milano Madeleine. I am in the SouthWest of the USA
    Thanks again for the fabulous posts each day and the work that goes into each one by all involved. Huge Thanks to the sponsors of the draws too.

  • Great list of perfumes from a diverse range of parfumeurs and Houses. This year I was lucky enough to try Moonlight in Chiangmai, Bukhara, the Darkest Bloom and Vivacious. All absolutely great fragrances that are definitely different from most. I would love to try Rusty Vibes and Luminous Lemurs both still stand out to me also from great reviews here. I have really enjoyed reading all the wonderful reviews over the year and marveling over the wonderful releases. It can’t be easy to make a top 10. Looking forward to reading Ida’s and Despina’s tomorrow. I would love to win Rouge Saray as I’ve never tried anything from Atelier des Ors and it sounds heartwarming delicious. Marit UK

  • It is an amazing list that mix niche houses and power houses such as Cartier and Chanel who seems to be in good shape. Even Ermano liked a flanker !. I´ve tried Vivacious that it is a looovely fragrance and Bukhara from Gallivant,. Seems to be a lot of fragrances inspired in trips or cities around the world: Chiang Mai, Bukhara, Venice , Madagascar, Italy… and gourmands are still surprising us! I would like to win Atelier des ors Rouge Saray that has everything: the trip, in this case , Middle East and Petra and a travel in time and the gourmand . Again, Thanks for the list. I live in Spain, EU.

  • I unfortunately haven’t tried a single perfume on the list. However, I will try Ray-flection very soon! I’m also very excited to try Le Lion de Chanel when able. I’d like the chance to win Rouge Saray. It’s the best of the five Atelier des Ors I’ve sampled. That’s impressive as they’re all gorgeous. I live in Denmark, EU.

  • I have yet to try anything from this list, but Moonlight in Chiang Mai has captured my interest since it was first featured here. The concept of incense curling around tropical mountain air at night is such a vision! I must be longing for the tropics, because Rusty Vibes also piqued my interest on this Best of 2020 list. If I were a lucky winner, I would choose Rogue Saray. Plum and incense are notes I’ve really enjoyed this year, and Rogue Saray sounds so beautiful. Thank you from Oregon, USA.

  • I loved how Ermano and Michelyn listen both „super nichey” fragrances among their choices, and more accessible ones, like La Panthere Parfum by Cartier, which is the only one from the list that I got to sample, and loved.
    Another thing I noticed was the fact that most of their picks have been featured in Cafleurebon throughout this year, and so us, the active readers, are already acquainted to them. It also shows the integrity of the editors when they choose individual perfumes to review and write about.
    I am quite troubled about picking my potential prize, should I win, because both Rouge Saray and Madeleine are fragrances I heard very exciting things about, and they both appeal to me in different ways. I will just go with my instinct this time and say I would pick ROUGE SARAY, because it sounds like a wilder, more exotic, more mysterious perfume than Madeleine (which I would anyway love to smell at some point, because it has been more than once that I heard knowledgeable people praising it as one of the best, if not the absolute best gourmand they have tried.
    I live in the European Union, thanks for the informative and curated article!

  • Thank you for sharing your thoughts and expertise. I have not been able to try any of these, however Rubikona sounds pretty bold and thrilling! The Darkest Bloom also sounds interesting. I’m currently reading a YA fantasy novel and it has been the most comforting, exciting diversion to carry me through the end of this year. I would love to check out another book–and a scent– to put me in that same state of mind.

    I would be very grateful for the opportunity to enjoy Madeleine. The linked review describes such a delicious fragrance. Wow. I live in KY, USA…could really use a trip to Café Angelina. 😉

  • I have only tried the Darkest Bloom, which was lovely. Many of these sound good but I am most intrigued by Rubikona – love the idea of being enveloped in the scent of red. I live in the U.S. and would most like to win Rouge Saray. Thank you!

  • Thank you to both Michelyn and Ermano for highlighting these extraordinary sounding fragrances! I have not gotten to sample any of them myself, and after reading this article I am wishing to try them all! But if pressed to choose, I must say that Masque Milano Madeline, if considered the best gourmand ever by Michelyn’s standards, would top my list! Ah, but the optimism of Mandarin and the freshness of Vivacious…I wish I could bring this into my life, too. And Lotus Rising? A mellow interpretation of Lotus appeals to me (let alone the gorgeous packaging). I am impressed by the work that went into releasing these in a year like this, and appreciate the time that went into choosing to highlight them for your readers. Much enjoyed!
    Boston area.

  • We have a lot of top scents in common! I purchased Darkest Bloom, Vivacious, Fils de Joie, Sticky Fingers and Rouge Saray this year. Despite the pandemic it was definitely a good perfume year. Looking forward to next year’s releases from Papillon & Hiram Green already. I would love to win the bottle of Madeleine! I am in the US.

  • Awesome thing to read 🙂
    “CHANEL went back to its legacy of classical perfumery. Last year it was Coromandel Parfum”
    Being a long time Chanel girl, I tend to disagree. Coromandel is my second favorite fragrance ever, and nothing comes close to the vintage one. Thankfully I’m stoked with 3 bottles.
    -Le Lion to me is mediocre at best , and it pains me to say this, but in my opinion Chanel is going down the hill.
    -Rusty Vibes Antonio Alessandria
    I like semi gourmands that are more complex, different, and changing, and not too juvenile with metallic feel . Deliria L’Artisan Parfumeur is a nice example. Rusty Vibes fits the bill perfectly with its fruity- metallic combination. I’d love to try it.
    -Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino
    Simplistic happy fragrance
    -Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    Rouge Saray is one of the few Atelier des Ors fragrances I do not know. Spicy, fruity and mystical .My gold medal for the best Atelier des Ors fragrance goes to Lune Feline, silver one to Iris Fauve and bronze to Bois Sikar.
    -Gallivant Bukhara
    Hubby bought it , I like it on him , but on me it’s super dry.
    One more thing,
    “Restrictions on traveling this year have affected us, so visiting other countries, even nearby cities was out of the question.”
    It affected us yes , one way or another but actual international travel ban never happened. I have traveled dozens of times abroad during the time period. Now back to the topic
    -4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom
    If it’s 4160 Tuesdays I’ll always want to try it.
    Own 30ml bottles of Eau My Soul and Silk, Lace & Chocolate.
    -Moonlight In Chiangmai Parfums Dusita
    I do consider myself a creative person, and sometimes I’m getting tired of copy-paste fragrances.There’s something different and magical about Moonlight In Chiangmai. Parfums Dusita discovery set is in my possession , but Moonlight In Chiangmai was not yet released by the time of my purchase.
    -Masque Milano Madeleine
    Sounds delicious, and comforting.I adore Russian Tea – the only Masque Milano fragrance that i own.I have 100ml of it , back when the bottles were different.
    Rouge Saray I would be ecstatic to win.
    I hope soon I’ll be able to return to my usual routine ot back and forth between USA and Scotland
    Cheers from VA

  • Thank you for putting up this great list. Sadly I haven’t tried any of these fragrances yet because of how crazy this year has been. But I have been interested in the new Dusita for a long time since the day I know it’s gonna be released this year, and I’m definitely gonna try it after this pandemic settled down.
    I would love to win
    Masque Milano Madeleine
    Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    for that I’m a long time fan of Atelier des Ors and masque milano is a new house for me.
    I live in France.

  • I agree that Lutens has quite a great track record in terms of jasmine perfumes so when you hear that Lutens has come with a jasmin-centric perfume, you want to try it as is the case with Fils de Joie.

    Chanel Le Lion has gotten lot of buzz because Chanel did not play it safe and it is also quite a departure from other perfumes in the exclusive line.

    Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino is the one release from 2020 I am most excited about and plan to get it in the future. Citrus perfumes are not easy to distinguish from those in the market already but this one seems like one-of-a-kind and suited to the current environment that could make use of optimism.

    Masque Milano’s Madeleine has gotten quite a rave review as one of the best Gourmands. I dont always enjoy gourmand unless it is really well done such as Arquiste Anima Dulcis and Masque Milano’s Madeleine seems like another one that is a well-done gourmand.

    My choice is Masque Milano Madeleine since it seems a well-done gourmand and not like every other gourmand out there. USA

  • fleurdetilleul says:

    It was a pleasure to try Hiram Green and Dusita as everything I tried from them was superb, even the more difficult ones were a delight because they’re so artful and done tastefully! If I had two trophies, I’d give an All Time Award to Dusita for Fleur de Lalita for being my favourite floral, it simply smells like a spring day in heaven, and a 2020 Award to Hiram Green for Vivacious, my other (new) spring favourite! It’s very difficult for me to find spring/summer loves so these are very special to me.
    I’d really appreciate it if I won Rouge Saray of Atelier des Ors. I live in the EU. Thanks for the chance! <3

  • For the draw I would love to win Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray. From USA.
    Unfortunately, I don’t own any of the perfumes on either top 10 lists, however I did enjoy reading about each one of them.
    – Dis-Connect 2 Concrete had many descriptors which I couldn’t make a full picture of, until I read “leathery chypre”. I am sold! Both of my favourite olfactory groups in one creation is a win.
    – Serge Lutens Fils de Joie is a must-try for its jasmine and Morocco mentions, which I love.
    – Masque Milano Ray-flection and Antonio Alessadria Rusty Vibes are different but the descriptions take me back to very sunny days at the beach.
    – Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray is one of many inspired by the desert, dates, and spices; I imagine both orange-colored spice mixs and the desert sand.
    – Puredistance Rubikona for red smells?! I wonder if it will make me think of my mom’s many red lipsticks.

  • Hashim Madani says:

    Thanks to Ermano’s short yet exciting description of Serge Lutens Fils de Joie, and to a lesser extent my love for jasmine, this fragrance is going straight to my ‘must buy’ list. I just realized that I have 11 April Aromatics fragrances saved in my ‘must sample’ list and I’ve yet to try any of them. This must be some house and I’m adding Lotus Rising to the bunch. From Michelyn’s list, Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray sounds nothing short of exotic yumminess. I entered the draw for Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai but didn’t win, who cares? It’s on my must sample list anyway. And, yes Michelyn does seem to have gone ‘gourmandish’ in 2020 – Bon Appétit! 🙂 Would love to win Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray. VA, USA.

  • I’ve tried samples of the Serge Lutens, a lovely indolic, spiced jasmine and Hiram Green Vivacious which was a va-va-boom violet and one I would definitely love to get in a full bottle. I would love to try Gallivant Bukhara and Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai because of their focus on place and a specific scent memory of the perfumers. I would love to win a bottle of the Rouge Saray. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • Fragrance Journey says:

    Amazing read.I found some new fragrances that I’m definitely going to be checking out really soon.Amazing list!Rouge Saray and Moonlight have been on my list for awhile.As a YouTube fragrance reviewer I love to stay ahead of the pack with new releases.

  • I haven’t tried any of them, but I do remember some recommended either by you or friends, and I have a few of them already on my list. I like the description for Rouge Sarây and would like to win it! (USA)

  • I thought Ermano and Michelyn’s top ten perfumes did a wonderful job of highlighting a diverse array of perfumes in terms of style and scent notes. I have tried only Rouge Saray which I adore. I’m very curious to try Le Lion and Madeleine as I’m a gourmand lover. Not sure about the Darkest Bloom for me but now I’m hunting for the book mentioned. I am intrigued by Rubikona but I am skeptical if I’ll like how it smells based on the listed notes though I appreciate the recommendation to just smell it. I very much appreciate the focus on sourcing of ingredients for the lemurs perfume. Rusty vibes sounds like I would love it or not at all care for it— polarizing perhaps?
    I would love to win Rouge Saray because I love the date and plum notes with spices. It makes me feel like wintry coziness . I am in USA.
    I would also love to win Madeleine because the description makes it sound delectable and I don’t have any masque Milano perfumes much as I’d like to. I am in USA.

  • These end of the year lists are phenomenal. First, I’ve only had the opportunity to try Chanel’s Le Lion, and yes, it’s amazing. Dis-connect 2 has been on my list, as Fahrenheit is my signature scent, and I love that methyl octine carbonate thing going on! I can’t wait to try it. As for the others, I have not tried any of them but Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino sounds AMAZING, as well as Puredistance Rubikona. I was really excited for the giveaway for Rubikona, so I ordered a sample I’ve yet to receive. The anticipation is KILLING me. All the frags on this list are at least worth my nose giving them a sniff.

    If I had the opportunity to pick, I would pick Rogue Saray from Atelier des Ors. Of course we know that the enjoyment (or disdain) of a particular fragrance is highly subjective, but I’ve really grown to love unisex fragrances. I enjoy wearing and sharing a fragrance with my wife, and it’s fun to wear frags that push our boundaries of how we understand sex. Plum, CINNAMON, patchouli, vanilla? YES PLEASE.

    Writing with love from Colorado.

  • I’m envious of all the fragrances you get to try! Haven’t tried any on this list, would like to smell all of them. I made note of several to myself: Concrete, Ray-flection (I could use some uplift…!), Fils de Joie, Porter Sa Peau, Rusty Vibes, Luminous Lemurs, and Madeleine. Have a vial of La Panthère (2014 version, I think) but the new one sounds quite different.
    I’d love to win Madeleine.
    USA

  • I really enjoyed reading this. I wish I could smell all of the choices. As it stands I’ve only had the good fortune to smell one. The one which I do own is Gallivant Bukhara. And I whole heartedly agree with what was written here about it. I also notice Masque Milano represented twice here with Ray-Flection and Madeleine, which seems to me to say they had a great year! I very much want to try these two perfumes as well as Tango and L’Attesa off the top of my head. Therefore I’d love to win the bottle of Madeleine it sounds scrumptious and comforting. Atelier Des Ors is another house I’ve been wanting to try. Mostly Lune Feline and Iris Fauve but Rouge Saray sounds amazing and while it sounds very different to Madeleine it too sounds comforting and warming. I would be extremely thrilled to win that as well. Both of the prizes are very much perfumes I’d love to own. Thank you for the generous draws and for sharing your experiences, knowledge, and opinions always. Much appreciated, from CT USA.

  • Great to read about all this amazing picks. I haven’t had the chance to amell any of them yet. I did spend an hour watching and listening to Pissara on a live interview the other day and really enjoyed listening to her speak so it was great to see her get some recognition here! So many shining examples of the good that came in 2020. I appreciate everything you all do making cafleurbon so great to read for perfume lovers like me 🙂 if I had to choose from these great perfumes I would choose dusita moonlight in changmai or hiram green vivacious as the ones that have me most intrigued. Both the masqu milano and atelier des ors sounds very good to me I would be so happy to win either one! Thanks again everyone at cafleurbon 🙂 Iowa USA

  • I am desperate to try Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino! Their whole line sounds lovely, but this one in particular is one that I think I would really love. But I can’t seem to figure out how to find or order a bottle from NYC! As soon as I find it, I will get it! For the giveaway, I would love Masque Milano Madeleine. I love all those gourmand notes, and I’m a fan of Fanny Bal! I’m in NYC.

  • Andreea Florica says:

    If I were among the lucky winners, my pick would be Atelier des Ors’ Rouge Saray. I love the contrast in this one: sensual and elegant at the same time and plums and spices always seem to be a great combination.
    Thank you from Europe!

  • Everything I tried from the house of Masque Milano was an instant love! With notes of cream, espresso, cocoa, I am sure Madeleine will be another love.
    I am in EU. Thanks!

  • Judit Harangozo says:

    Great round up – I have tried The Darkest Bloom being a big fan if Sarah’s work – it is unique and does not disappoint! I am intrigued by your description of the Lemur perfume, Le Lion and Fils de Joie!! And most of all I’d love to win a gourmand such as Madeleine!

  • I liked the mini-review on Mandarino. I think everybody needs to have a scent that smells like optimism, happiness and the thought of better days. I put that one on my sniff list.
    As for the prizes, after reading opinions on both of them, I must conclude that both of them are great and it’s hard to pick only one, so I will leave the choice to the goddess Fortuna – if I am to win, I am happy with either one.
    Thank you!

  • The lutens one is the only I have tried of your list and i found it amazing. Can’t wait to try the trilogy of masque and the Roberto Greco’s!

  • Bryant Worley says:

    Michelyn and Ermano provided us with a beautiful list of seriously high-quality fragrances. You two killed it! I have not tried any of these fragrances, but I definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY want to. Each fragrance was described in-depth, to such a degree, that you could smell each one as you were reading about it.

    The ones I’d like to win:

    Masque Milano Ray-flection
    Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    Serge Lutens Fils de Joie
    CHANEL Le Lion
    Hiram Green Vivacious
    Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai
    Gallivant Bukhara
    Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino

    I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • Thank you for reviewing best fragrance releases of 2020. I need to sample that Mandarine, it appears on many lists, then also Fils de Joie sounds intriguing.
    In this draw, I hope to win wonderful Madeleine by very creative Masque Milano.
    EU

  • I haven’t tried any of these perfumes, love both incense for my favorite genre so I appreciate this article gathering so many great suggestions in one place. I’ve tried some of Hiriam Green’s but not Vivacious. I think Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery Luminous Lemurs looks really interesting, which I haven’t tried as well. From this list the one that aspires to me most is: Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino (Jean-Claude Ellena). I like the idea of if optimism had a scent it would smell like Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino. I would love to smell optimism, who couldn’t use optimism these days? Living in the EU

  • Wonderful choices and presentation, Michelyn and Ermano!
    From the ones I’ve also tried, I couldn’t agree more about Parfums Dusita Moonlight In Chiangmai, Atelier Des Ors Rouge Sarây, Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau, Puredistance Rubikona, the two Masque Milano Ray-Flection and Madeleine, as well as the DSH ones mentioned – all of them are spectacularly beautiful, and among the best of 2020.
    As far as “designer” fragrances are concerned, I did like Cartier La Panthère Parfum a lot, although I still prefer the original EdP.
    I’m sure I will eventually try the new Serge Lutens and Chanel Le Lion.
    After such evocative words, I’m dreaming of trying Hiram Green Vivacious, Antonio Alessandria Rusty Vibes and April Aromatics Lotus Rising (I’m sorry to say I haven’t tried ANY fragrance of these amazing-sounding Houses yet).
    And after such a declaration of love by Michelyn, I think I’d enjoy Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino an awful lot.
    Thank you for work and the great prizes.
    Love from Fr

  • Thank you for this – I love a good list! I’ve only very recently taken a bigger step into the world of fragrance – after 30 years of wearing perfume every day without much thought about what it actually entails I’m now reading as much as I can, starting to grow my collection and falling further down the rabbit hole. Much of this is down to the wonderful 4160 Tuesdays – I have The Darkest Bloom which I bought blind when I read the story behind it (books are my other big love) and I adore it. I also have Dark Queen which was an adventurous departure from my usual choices but wow, I love it. So….. if I had to choose just one to try from the list it would be Vivacious as I am a big lover of violets and classic, fresh, naughty AND voluptuous sounds fascinating. If I were lucky enough to win it would have to be Madeleine because I am, at heart, a gourmand girl and it sounds completely scrumptious, containing all my favourite things. Flowers, coffee and chocolate, oh my! Thank you for the chance to win, I’m in the UK. Happy New Year to you both!

  • I enjoyed to read descriptions of chosen perfumes. All are interesting, especially I liked Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai about happy days in mountains and Bukhara- eastern unique city- perfume around orris.
    I would like to win Atelier des Ors for 100 ml of Rouge Saray.
    USA

  • Honestly, I have not tried any these picks yet! I definitely want to try Rouge Saray, many say it is one of the best gourmands in recent memory. I own three other scents from Atelier des Ors already and have owned a couple of others as well before. The quality is always outstanding. Thank you for the opportunity! From Finland.

  • As always I enjoyed reading the list and short reviews. Thank you very much for sharing your passion, knowledge, and taste. Good taste is universal, too. 😉 Very happy to read Ermanos’ highly positive review of Serge Lutens’ new creation. SL was the first niche house I encountered coincidentally in 2012 and Feminite du Bois was my first niche fragrance.
    In the year 2020, I rediscovered my passion and admiration for the artistry of perfumery, so I have had my hand – and nose 🙂 – full of pre- 2020 releases. However, some of the fragrances on the list are already on my 2021 sample list, starting with Fils de Joie. If I am really lucky and I win, I would choose Masque Milano Madeleine. I live in Slovenia (EU). Happy holidays to all of you!

  • vickalicious says:

    I have not tried any of the fragrances in the Michelyn’s and Ermano’s top 10! I recognize a lot of them from posts throughout the year, and many are saved on my “list to try”. I really enjoy these types of lists, it’s always interesting to know what the writers and editors favorites are, especially when they are exposed to so many fragrances. I would love to win either the Masque Milano or Atilier des Ors fragrances. I’ve not tried anything from Masque Milano, and have tried two from Atelier des Ors, both of which I enjoyed! Located in the USA.

  • Hi! Unfortunately I didn’t tried any of the fragrances mentioned, but if I had to point some of my personal tips of best fragrances I discovered in 2020 (not released in 2020) it would be for sure Matiere Premiere Encens Suave, Memo Paris African Leather, Hiram Green Hyde, Hiram Green Arbole, Ganymede Barrois, Nicolai Eau de Yuzu, Divine Vanille Essential Parfums. If I won I would be very happy to choose Rouge Saray as I think the notes list excites me as much as possible and I always dreamed to have my own beautiful bottle from Atelier des Ors. It would be my dream come true. I live in Europe, EU.

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    What a list of perfumes, I would like to have them all, This year was so Strange and wicked new perfumes were not my first aim but I read much about and dreamed of going to an open Parfumerie and test Dome. Fils de Soie and Hiram Green would be my choices for my next shopping trip. Thanks for the draw I live in the Eu, I would chose Rouge Saray.

  • Iuno Feronia says:

    What a list of perfumes, I would like to have them all, This year was so Strange and wicked new perfumes were not my first aim but I read much about and dreamed of going to an open Parfumerie and test Dome. Fils de Soie and Hiram Green would be my choices for my next shopping trip. Thanks for the draw I live in the Eu, I would chose Rouge Saray. All the best!

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    I really love these lists and have not tried any of these. During quarantine this year I purchased Francesca Bianchi’s Sex and the Sea and Under My Skin to help me through it. Other than that I haven’t really made many purchases or tried much so I really appreciate this wonderful list. I have had my eye on Madeleine since you reviewed it a bit back so I’d love to win that one. Hopefully I have more chances to smell more fragrances in 2021. Thank you for the draw from the US.

  • I wasn’t aware of methyl octine carbonate in Dior’s Fahrenheit, a favorite. But it says above it is in vintage Fahrenheit – means not in current (re-)formulations? Curious about this molecule so I’d love to try Dis-Connect 2.

    I haven’t tried any of the listed fragrances, so would love to try all of them, but the ones that jump from the reviews are Chanel Le Lion, Lotus Rising (what does blue lotus absolute smell like?), Mandarino (light-hearted, sunshine – need it this year more than ever), Gallivant Bukhara (Silk Road, spices, travel – what’s not to love), Luminous Lemurs (so I can also have scent glands in my wrists – Ha 🙂 ), 4160 Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom, Masque Milano Madeleine (for its intriguing notes (chestnuts, espresso, tuberose, milky white florals and musk), Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray (because of its travel-related theme and Michelyn saying this is the best she has smelled this year – with smells of “caravans laden with delectable dates, sensual spices and fresh plums of Petra carry precious aromatics” – lovely). If I won the draw and had to choose between the two, I would choose the latter, that is, Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray.

    Thanks for the hard work in reviewing and choosing these fragrances. Happy 2021 to All. I am writing from the USA.

  • I love the “Best of” lists! I have tried a number of these scents but haven’t pulled the trigger on any yet: Vivacious (a gorgeous violet that is on my to buy list), Le Lion (maybe my favorite Chanel exclusive but, not sure it’s worth the money), Rubikona (lives up to the high Puredistance standards), Bukhara (one of the most unique uses of iris I’ve smelled!). I can’t wait to try all the new Masque Milano scents (samples coming soon) and Rouge Saray sounds gorgeous! I would be very happy with either bottle but, if forced to chose I’d go with Madeleine. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • I enjoyed reading both Ermano and Michelyn’s picks. Ermano’s list was very diverse, ranging from very bright, tart, optimistic scents to very comfortable ones to exotic and bold ones. On Michelyn’s side, it was interesting to notice how her choices leaned on the more grounding, deeper, warmer side, with spicy, floral or gourmand fragrances. I would myself love to win Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray for its unique fruity-spicy personality and I am in EU. Thank you!

  • That was a beautiful list of your top ten favorites. I noticed several were gourmand florals, which are also my favorite style of fragrances. Each had such a wonderful blend of notes. I wish I could smell them all. None of them have I ever tried but you give me a good starting point for my wishlist in 2021.

    I would choose Masque Milano Madeleine. I just love those notes of cocoa, creme, chestnuts and espresso mixed with the beautiful scent of tuberose. As I mentioned, I just love gourmand florals and this one sounds incredible!

    I live in the USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    Ermano’s and Michelyn’s Ten Favorite Perfumes of 2020 are both excellent. Personally, I haven’t tried any of these fragrances. A few caught my attention the first Masque Milano Madeleine since I am a huge gourmand lover. The second being Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai with the tropical fruits, forest, and earthy vibe, next being Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray a sweet, fruity, woody, oriental fragrance I have been dying to try, and Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino a simplistic italian orange and black currant with spices that sound truly delightful. I would love to win Atelier Des Ors Rouge Saray the most and Masque Milano Madeleine would be my second choice. I am from the USA.

  • I always look forward to Cafleurebon’s annual lists and bookmark them for reference on future purchases. I haven’t tried any of the perfumes listed but I hope to be able to sample them soon. Your experienced noses guide readers on excellent creations and quality ingredients. Thank you for that. I’d love to win any of the two-Madeleine because you said it’s the finest you’ve smelt in years or Rouge Saray because it’s one of the best but different gourmands out there. Thanks for this opportunity. – CA, USA

  • concertslover says:

    One of the reasons I enjoy you guys is exposure to new fragrance houses. Of these I had only tested serge Lutens and of course Cartier brands. I believe I would like to win, given the difficult choice, atelier does Ors Rouge Saray of these two. I have seen this name several times here but have not been successful in landing one. Thanks for the draw. From USA

  • I am so sad to say that I have not been able to try any of these listed fragrances since they are relatively harder to find brands at the larger department stores. I would love to win either of the fragrances that are in this giveaway. Rouge Saray sounds amazing when it is described as carrying the smells of the Middle East. I am also really interested in Madeleine since it attempts to recreate the smells of a Parisian café which sounds like an amazing smell. I live in the US. I really liked this part of the top ten favorite perfumes list as well since I am finally starting to see fragrances that I have read about and always wanted to try but was never able to.

  • I haven’t tried any of the fragrances from this list yet, but I hope to get the chance to try them in the near future. I think that Ermano and Michelyn’s list of fragrances is helpful and I plan to refer back to it sometimes. If I win the draw then I would choose Atelier des Ors “Rouge Saray” because it seems like an enjoyable gourmand fragrance, and it could be a way for me to become familiar with that fragrance house. I live in MD., U.S.A.

  • Unfortunately I have yet to try a single one of these perfumes on the list and it is also not the best time to try and find them and try them in person. I really liked this list since many of these perfumes were really centered around a small house and using natural and sustainable ingredients. I also really loved how this part of the top ten list was called Desert and Dessert since Rouge Saray and Madeleine represent them respectively. I would love to win either of them. I like how each represents either the desert or dessert and both offer great inspirations for fragrances. I live in Florida, US.

  • I have never been able to try any of the fragrances in the top ten list but the one that I will most likely be able to in the future is the Serge Lutens fragrance since those are easier to find. I always wanted to try Gallivant and Luminous Lemurs though. For those in the giveaway, I would be happy with either fragrance, they sound really nice in their own ways. I like the sweetness that is presented in Madeleine but I also like the oriental spiciness that is in Rouge Saray. I wish I could win both. Since I live in the US, I am eligible for both fragrances. Lastly, I really liked this year’s list because Cafleurebon always introduces fragrances that are usually more artisanal and from smaller brands. It also always features a nice variety of different types of fragrances from all different price ranges.

  • Unfortunately I haven’t tried any of the listed fragrances, even though I would have loved to, because several are from houses I was impressed by in the past, namely Gallivant (my favorite from them is London, also with orris root and some vegetal green notes), Serge Lutens and 4160 Tuesdays (One of my favorite from the house is Rosa Ribes, also with a prominent black berry note). I have tried the now very popular “Lune Feline” by Ateliers des Ors (but not Rouge Saray) and although I find it nice, it didn’t really spark anything special in me. Reading that Rouge Saray contains dates and plum notes definitively makes me want to try it, and that’s the one I am hoping to win. Happy New Year everyone ! I’m in Romania (EU).

  • I really like the bottle for Atelier des Ors. It stands up to its’ name which means ‘gold workshop’ if my rusty french does not betray me.
    Also plum and dates seem to be a delicious combination.
    Thanks! EU

  • What a beautiful choices, Michelyn and Ermamo!!!
    I have tried only Rubikona which is amazing woody-tuberosa perfume with great longevity!!
    I am intrigued by Moonlight in Chiangmai short description- holidays and funny days in resort.
    If I be lucky I would happy to win Atelier des Ors for 100 ml of Rouge Saray.
    US

  • Wish I’d say I tried any of these, but alas, I haven’t.
    All seem great in theory, and also in theory, I find myself more attracted to Ermano’s choices.
    Concise and precise descriptions on each, loved reading about them.
    If I’d be THAT lucky, I wouldn’t mind greeting & meeting one of the two – Rouge Saray or Madeleine, because of, well, curiosity 🙂

  • I have a travel spray of Fils de Joie, which I really enjoy and agree with Ermano regarding the “night hunter” impression. It’s very sensual and carnal, and is an example of a very well-done jasmine fragrance that’s sultry but doesn’t overdo the indolic facets through careful balancing with ylang-ylang.

    I also have a sample of Moonlight in Chiangmai and Ray-flection hopefully arriving soon, which I’m extremely excited to try after reading their reviews on CaFleureBon! From this article, I’ve also gotten to know Rusty Vibes and I’d like to try this out someday too.

    I live in the UK, and would like to win Atelier des Ors’ Rouge Saray!

    Thank you for the great writeup and for hosting the giveaway!

  • Let me start by saying a big Thank You for your hard work and for making this blog such a good read all the time, all of you!

    About the fragrances featured here, I have not tried any of them unfortunately , but some of them are calling my name and I will try to get my nose on them as soon as possible!

    I was surprised to see the flanker of Panthère in Ermano’s top 10, mainly because everyone keeps forgetting that designer fragrances can sometimes be wonderful as well.

    The ones that caught my attention the most were Le Lion by Chanel, I am not a big fan of Chanel fragrances but this one seems extremely interesting!! Also, Luminous Lemurs sounds incredible , I need to get a sample for sure!!

    If I win the draw, I would like to get the bottle of Rouge Saray, because the description made me travel in a time when traveling is pretty much impossible. I need to take this olfactive journey !!

    Happy new year!

    I live in Greece , EU

  • wandering_nose says:

    The choices by Ermano and Michelyn are just exquisite and I loved reading about them. I am grateful for this compilation, it shows that whatever happens around us, humans are not going to lose their spirits and hope for better and brighter days. I am familiar with the Gallivant range, my favorite ones being Brooklyn and Istanbul. I would love to try Fils de Joie, The Darkest Bloom, Roberto Greco Porter sa Peau and the amazing sounding Luminous Lemurs. Also, definitely planning to check Chanel Le Lion out. If I was lucky to win, my choice would be Rouge Saray as I am a lover of gourmands. I am based in Ireland

  • From all fragrances mentioned as Top 10 of 2020 , I’m interested in:
    -Antonio Alessandria Parfums Rusty Vibes
    Top quality natural smelling fruity floral, with metallic nuances. We are indeed search for beauty during our lives, but we get to different results and answers. What answer I’ll get from Rusty Vibes I could only guess.I go to … used to go to be precise, to fragrance meetings twice per month, where all should bring brand new, or relatively unknown fragrances. I have smelled two Antonio Alessandria fragrances Nacre and Noir Obscur there. I do admit Nacre is not my cup of tea. Noir Obscure at the other hand was really good both on paper, and on skin. Warm Oriental I’ll gladly wear myself.
    -Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino
    I’m craving warm spring days, when I’ll be able to wear such fragrance
    -Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    Absolutely delicious , dried fruits, spices and positive emotions i get from Rouge Saray. Rose Omeyyade i have , and I know the quality of Atelier Des Ors fragrances is 10/10.
    -Gallivant Bukhara
    If there’s well made iris fragrance, I’ll have to check it out.
    -4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom
    Unusual inspiration to begin with , but I know I’ll smell a bit funky , yet really good in the cold spring days, The Darkest Bloom is.“Captured by Candlelight” is my hidden gem , no one knows about. One of those “I don’t want you to know what I’m wearing”.It’s a gift I received for my birthday, I don’t know the price, or if it’s even available in US .
    -Moonlight In Chiangmai
    A lot of citruses , special woods , Moonlight In Chiangmai sounds like it would be a calming and relaxing fragrance , capable of putting me in a zen mode. Paying homage to your father, and your motherland is admirable.Working too much lately and I need a Zen fragrance.
    -Masque Milano’s Madeleine
    Bittersweet cocoa , chestnuts and espresso Wow I would love to wear Madeleine in a snowing cold days, it’ll warm me up.
    After some consideration, Masque Milano Madeleine would be my choice.
    Thanks to Cafleurebon, all the contributors , and fragrance houses for making our 2020 lives a bit easier.
    Let’s have a MUCH better 2021
    USA, and Germany from time to time

  • wow, i love reading your reviews – it makes me want to try them all. I would love to try the Cartier La Panthere, as I like other Cartier’s. and your and Sebastian’s review of Porter sa Peau makes me wonder what that would smell like IRL. While I love a good Parisian cafe (who doesn’t!!), I would also love the opportunity to travel to the desert and enjoy the spices along the Silk Road. Your reviews of each are so complimentary, that it is very hard to decide between them. Best gourmand vs. most different? I would enjoy Rouge Saray. Thank you for the lovely round-up of hte year, and the wonderful draw. I”m in the US.

  • For me it’s difficult to follow new releases, as there’s no niche perfumeries where I live. And travel’s been out of qquestion this year. For me the discovery of 2020 in Zoologist line. I’m slowly working through thei sample set…
    I’d love to win Masque Milano Madeleine.
    I’m in Slovenia, EU

  • Fragrances i would be thrilled to try:
    Antonio Alessandria Parfums Rusty Vibes
    Sicily Italy, ripe fruits, vanilla ? If you ever been in Sicily, and you know local cuisine you’ve most likely eaten Cassata , the locals called it Cassata Siciliana . Traditional cake from the region I’m thinking right now after reading about Rusty Vibes
    Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    Plum Brioche with cinnamon crumble topping is what I instantly imagined after reading Michelyn mini review of Rouge Saray .Smelled 2 Atelier des Ors creations and Lune Feline is my favorite , even though Bois Sikar is pretty good too. Lune Feline is one of the few fragrances I bought the same day after initial testing. Usually I do like to sample first, especially when I’m paying retail prices.For every gourmand and vanilla lover – try it. One of the best vanilla fragrance ever created. And I know vanilla well being Pastry Chef.I have do doubts Rouge Saray smells great.
    4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom
    Sarah knows how to make good fruity, and gourmand fragrances . I was introduced to 4160 Tuesdays at Perfumology. White Queen I had a chance to smell there, buying something else. Nir Guy strongly suggested I had to check it out. Beautiful hazelnut creamy and resinous gourmand .Being a Pastry Chef I’m drawn to sweet gourmand fragrances. I can’t afford to buy each and every Sarah fragrance that I like , but from the ones I smelled most impressive were White Queen , Silk, Lace & Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla Crumble . I went back home with 11 4160 Tuesdays samples. White Queen and Silk, Lace & Chocolate I bought.
    Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai
    I have sampled it. Eating Fig Cake, drinking freshly squeezed grapefruit juice , and sitting on top of freshly cut tree in some tropical place in Thailand. That’s what Moonlight In Chiangmai reminds me of.
    Masque Milano’s Madeleine
    When I was studying under Pierre Herme to become a Pastry Chef, making good Mont Blanc was a must.
    Chestnuts (puree or whole) piled on top of meringue rounds, and topped with chantilly crème is what I’m thinking right now, i smell just like Mont Blanc. Usually outside of the culinary world no one uses “chantilly crème” 🙂
    Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray i would love to win
    Appreciate you sharing your 2020 best , and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • This is such a wonderful and comprehensive list. I feel that perfumers this year truly came through and created amazing work, despite the pandemic (perhaps because of the pandemic). I am particularly interested in fragrances that transport the wearer; this is so important this year as international travel is curtailed. Moonlight in Chiangmai, Rusty Vibes, and Bukhara all intrigue me, sending me on armchair travels.
    I am also interested in The Darkest Bloom. I discovered the Dark Queen novels from the collaboration with Michelyn and Sarah. What a great escape from the dark days of 2020.
    I would choose Rouge Saray. I live in the USA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Dearest Ermano and Michelyn,

    Once again, I have to thank you both for the work you put into this list. I often wonder how you are able to pick favorites when you smell so many fragrances in a year. This is truly a fantastic list showcasing niche as well as large scale houses, which displays the effects the pandemic has had on perfumery in both cases.

    I’m amazed to see that in spite of all the emotional hardships this year, creativity is at it’s peak. One cannot deny that hardship spurs creativity as an outlet.

    I have not smelt any of these fragrances. I think I would love to smell

    DIS-CONNECT 2 Concrete – it reminds me of Grey Flannel and CK All 2 with those violet notes and I would really like to try to smell and understand the concept better

    Serge Lutens Fils de Joie because jasmine holds very strong memories of picking jasmine flowers with my mother, aunts at our ancestral house and tying them into garlands to offer them for ceremonies.

    CHANEL Le Lion just to relive classical perfumery again.

    April Aromatics Lotus Rising – I’ve never smelt lotus either in a fragrance and in it’s natural form.

    Hiram Green Vivacious (Hiram Green) – Another violet fragrance. I love the note of violets and the pairing with benzoin sounds ridiculously good.

    10th Anniversary Bonus: Antonio Alessandria Parfums Rusty Vibes for CaFleureBon – Antonio’s fragrances are legendary and this sounds like happiness in a bottle. Can I just sit at the beach with this fragrance and a nice drink?

    Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino (Jean-Claude Ellena) – I’m a huge fan of the orange note that Jean Cleade Ellena has perfeced in TdH and TdH Eau Fraiche and would just love to smell this one.

    Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery Luminous Lemurs – this one has captivated me ever since I read the article in CaFleureBon. It is extremely difficult to make an all natural perfume wit hthe raw materials that Laurie has used and I would love to smell this to understand the technicalities of this fragrance

    4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom – Just because the notes sound so interesting

    Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai – I am drawn to this perfumer and her interpretations of Thailiand in fragrance. I visited the country as a small child and ever time I see her fragrances, it brings to mind flashes of imagery of beautiful temples, boat trips, street foods and kind people.

    How does one choose which fragrance to win when both are top ten fragrances of the year? I would be exceptionally happy to win either of those fragrances.

    I’ve read a lot about Masque Milano and how that scent mixes together all those notes to create a gourmand that is sometimes a gourmand but at other times somethnig else.

    Rouge Saray captivated my senses with the reviewers story about Iran and the imagery of Petra. All those notes bring to mind my Middle Eastern childhood of dusty hot summer winds, spices in the souqs and other exotic things.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Such a great statement! I had a chance to wear Moonlight in Chianmai by Dusita and it was pure joy, I was back in Vietnam once more. Loved it. I would love to have a full bottle of it and be able to travel to Vietnam whenever I want being in Poland. Poland, EU

  • No matter how much you believe in C…. , the year was hard for all of us .
    I’ll start with the only fragrance i know here , and that’s Gallivant Bukhara. Unfortunately it didn’t work well for me. Don’t get me wrong, the smell is awesome, but the performance is bad , and I really mean bad. Longevity is 1.5hrs tops , and almost immediately it becomes a skin scent, with literally no projection. My girlfriend wasn’t able to detect it from a feet away, 45min after I sprayed it 3 times on hand. Istanbul is significantly stronger than Bukhara.
    *Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    I like sweet sweet fragrances , but this time I’m happy to know gourmand notes are present, but restrained. Multifaceted fragrance suitable for all occasions is what I expect from Rouge Saray.
    *Antonio Alessandria Parfums Rusty Vibes
    The metallic addition will balance the fragrance in a nice way, not allowing it to become super sweet.I do have a favorite Antonio Alessandria fragrance, it’s called Noir Obscure. I have smelled all at Luckyscent , and Noir Obscure was the best one.
    *4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom
    The best two 4160Tuesdays are White Queen, and Black Velvet Cafe, $10 I paid for 2.5ml sample of White Queen and $8 for 2.5ml of Black Velvet Coffee from Perfumology .Between the two best , Black Velvet Coffee is what I got, $145 for 100ml of quality niche , you can’t get any better. I will have to ask Perfumology if they have samples of Dark Bloom
    *Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai
    Moonlight In Chiangmai draws me in because of grapefruit , resins and woods, feels classy.Since the fragrance was made to emulate the whole Chiangmai experience, the result of Pissara work is magical. I’m sure no one cares , but i have 7.5 ml of Erawan 🙂
    *Masque Milano Madeleine
    The weather is dreadful last week, Madeleine could be my cure.
    Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray sounds more versatile of the two. I’d like to win it
    Thanks to Michelyn and Ermano Picco
    USA, rarely Paris France

  • m.r.everything says:

    Wow… what a list… as always with top 10’s here on CaFleureBon! 2020 has been one hell of a year, but what has kept me grounded and sane, has been my love for fragrances! (Family of course, but fragrances are right there at the top, haha!) I have purchased many and have added so many more to my must buy and to sample lists that I truly can’t even count. There are so many on this list that have piqued my interest before seeing the list, but now after seeing what Michelyn and Ermano have put as their best for 2020, I don’t know if I can get any more excited!

    I have never heard of the brand Dis-Connect, so this one was new to me and definitely looks like an interesting concept. The “little fluorescent mushrooms” are really sticking out to me as I love mushrooms in perfumery, so this one I will definitely have to check out. Fil de Joie sounds interesting and like a winner for sure, but I have so many other Serge Lutens on my list at the moment, that it is not at the top… however, it is one I will have to check out in the future. I have yet to smell any of the La Panthere fragrances from Cartier, but have read great things about them. This is a line I would surely likely to check out. The oakmoss in these really sticks out to me and makes me want to try these masterpieces. To hear there is a parfum version is awesome and definitely another one added to the list to check out… hopefully sooner than later. I have seen Le Lion pop up a couple of times here and there and for some reason I just kind of dismissed it…. until I just saw it here as both Michelyn and Ermano’s pick in their top 10… it has now stood out to me and I have a few tabs open on it. This will be one I also get my hands on soon, or at least a sample for sure. I remember seeing Tanja post about a limited edition fragrance she was releasing and it sounded phenomenal… Lotus Rising, I’m sure, is another masterful creation from April Aromatics. Porter sa peau has come up a few times in my feed as well…. I just saw Sebastian review this one a short time ago and I am seeing it pop up here on CaFleureBon, only heightening the curiosity for me. I will be obtaining a sample from LuckyScent for sure. There is a whole list of things there in which I need to grab! Although I have not heard of Ray-flection, Masque Milano is no stranger to me. I have LOVED the brand ever since I smelled Russian Tea years ago and can’t get enough. There are several bottles I need to pick up from them and can’t wait to add them to the collection. Madeline is going to be the latest one…. I have yet to smell it, but I have read NOTHING but GREAT things about it. I am really into gourmands, and hearing this may be one of the best, not only by Michelyn, but a few others as well?!?! Uhm, yes please! I remember Rusty Vibes coming out for the anniversary of CaFleureBon, and I remember drooling over this one as it sounds divine, so this one makes my mouth water every time I see anything about it! Bukhara sounds like another masterpiece from Nick, just like every other city has taken us to with his olfactory perception. I have smelled all the others and love them all, especially Tokyo and Los Angeles, so I am sure Bukhara will be another successful trip! Luminous Lemurs had me questioning everything this fragrance could smell like… the name is just so fun and interesting. This is one I also need to grab a sample of from Ave Parfum. I know Liz carries it and I really need to place an order with her as well…. I have been slacking for sure. The Darkest Bloom is stunning… what really can I say about a fragrance done by my favorite perfumer other than WOW?!?! It truly is a dark, fruity, juicy masterpiece! Did I mention stunning? So, plums are my favorite note in perfumery…. I have quite a few favorite notes, but if I had to pick one, and only one, which let me tell you, would definitely not be an easy task…. plum would have to be that one note. It mutt come to no surprise then, that Rouge Saray has been on my list to blind buy since I read about it… period. I have wanted this for a little while now, and it WILL be in my collection for sure one day! This one sounds like it could perhaps be my favorite on this list, so I am so glad that Michelyn mentioned this one!

    I apologize if this has been such a long read, this has just been such an exciting article to dive into! Just about every one of these has captured me in some way… some will be blind buys for sure. The two that caught my attention the most happen to be the two up for draw… I have been eyeing both Madeline and Rose Saray a lot here lately and I am going to have to pull the trigger on one of them here soon. This is probably the toughest decision I have had to make in a long time, but I would have to choose Rouge Saray if I were to win one, although I would be grateful with either one.

    Michelyn and Ermano, you both have exceptional taste. I truly look forward to seeing these lists and I am thrilled with the ones you have compiled. Thank you both for giving us your take on these and for sharing with us what you thought the best of 2020 has brought us… I could not agree with you both more! A huge thanks to the Masque Milano team and the folks over at Atelier des Ors! Your generosity and this wonderful opportunity are appreciated more than you know! Thank you Michelyn, for all your time and effort put into CaFleureBon! Without you, none of this great content, these amazing draws, or pure enjoyment would be possible! I hope everyone had a great holiday and has a great ne year coming up! Sending love, warm wishes, and gratitude from Delaware, US. Good luck all and stay safe my fragrant friends!

  • Honeydew Crenshaw says:

    Ça Fleure Bon was one of the first perfumery blogs I regarded when I started dipping my ties into scents about two years ago. The writers are very careful and prosaic in the descriptions, and many lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoons. as well as afternoon tea breaks have been spent learning, dreaming, and plotting out next sample purchases on the site. Many thanks for the work put in to highlight the wonderful work done in perfumery.
    Being such a scent neophyte, I have not smelled any of the mentioned top ten! I am just cracking the bottle on some samples from Rogue, Zoologist, Amouage, and other easier to find houses.
    The delightful writing here about Atelier des Ors – Rouge Saray certainly puts that high on the list of 2021 sampling.
    Thanks for the care and thoughtful insights into the reviews here – US reader, Mississippi

  • I have been able to try Hiram Green Vivacious and Rusty Vibes this year, but it looks like I still have a lot of work to do. This is a very comprehensive list. I’m glad we still have so much production in a weird year. I would like to win Masque Milano Madeleine, and I live in the USA.

  • I have a feeling 2021 will be way better than 2020 , and things will get back to normal, or at least close to normal.
    Most impressive to me are
    -Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray . Sandalwood, florals, dried fruits is how I imagine a market in the Middle East to smell.Sounds great. I’m also amazed by Lune Feline.
    -4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom . If you’re just as vain as me , or know such guys and you’re looking for a present, look no further Eau My Soul both smell amazing and positive attention is there each and every time. Juicy-fruity with resins , The Darkest Bloom i’m coming for you
    -Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai . With its spicy, and balsamic facets and the creative new teak wood accord i expect it to be manly and sophisticated at the same time . There’s time and place for such fragrances , especially during the winter.
    -Masque Milano Madeleine “Bittersweet cocoa, Chantilly crème, chestnuts and espresso” + creamy florals . I need you in my life Madeline 🙂
    -Antonio Alessandria Parfums Rusty Vibes. Tropical beaches , where are you now?
    Hmmmm hard to pick between the two … Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray please
    Exciting giveaway , USA
    Regards

  • Of the 10, I’ve tried Bukhara and Madeline within the past month or so just in passing so I couldn’t give a fair assessment toward a like or dislike. And I’ve tried everything else from Gallivant and Masque Milano with Istanbul and Tango being my faves with the warm dark spice being the common thread. Given the choice I’d pick Rouge Saray because it’s in a similar vein. From Atelier Des Ors, I’ve only ever tried Bois Sikar, but incense isn’t so much my thing.

    More often than not, Ermano and Michelyn mention locale as a reference. That’s important to me. A fragrance has to take me somewhere and if I should win I’ll take Rouge Saray somewhere here in…

    PA, US

    Thanks

  • Awesome job Michelyn and Ermano, read the article twice in a row before posting.
    What i like one by one
    A) Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    Modern take on “One Thousand and One Nights” . The review was like a folktale with dates in it. Love eating dates, always have Iranian dates for my customers at the barbershop. Everybody knows where the best dates come from.Rose Omeyyade is my favorite Atelier des Ors fragrance, birthday gift I received from my sister 2.5 years ago. I’m wearing it on special occasions only. If Rouge Saray comes even close to Rose Omeyyade, I will buy it.
    B) Antonio Alessandria Parfums Rusty Vibes
    Combination of fruits, florals and metallic notes is not something you see everyday
    C) Masque Milano Madeleine
    Feels like something I can chew
    D) 4160Tuesdays The Darkest Bloom
    The Darkest Bloom is taken straight out of Vampires Diaries 🙂 When I think about 4160 Tuesdays one particular fragrance comes to mind called ‘Over The Chocolate Shop” . One of the best gourmand fragrances , and maybe the best chocolate fragrance I’ve smelled. I get tobacco too . Such brands I highly appreciate
    E) Parfums Dusita Moonlight in Chiangmai
    I’ll enjoy Moonlight In Chiangmai. My love such fragrances comes naturally , I’m a Barber after all . I’m really curious about the new Teak wood accord Pissara created.Parfums Dusita fragrances i have almost no experience with, still i know one called Splendiris , top quality scent. Saw a video on YouTube of Mr. Yara reviewing it , and got a sample from Luckyscent with one of my purchases. I personally really like it, but you have to like waxy scents to be found of it.
    F) Laboratorio Olfattivo Mandarino
    Easy going, everyday versatile fragrance.
    Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray is my pick , absolutely.
    Thanks again
    Currently in Germany

  • “If you want to get attention from a jasmine addict like me, you just have to say Lutens and jasmine in the same sentence.”
    I’m on the other side of the spectrum . I can’t say I’m a true jasmine hater , since I like some jasmine fragrance, only if the note is in the background.
    Now I’m about to share my thoughts
    1. CHANEL Le Lion
    In my opinion no Chanel fragrance for the past years is on pair with Coromandel and Sycamore. Even the reformulated versions of the two I’ve mentioned are way better than all Chanel brought to the market lately.
    2. Rusty Vibes should be grown up artisanal fragrance, fruity and metallic. Artistic indeed, without crossing the line. Antonio Alessandria Parfums I need to get my hands on.
    3. Atelier des Ors Rouge Saray
    “One of the best gourmands I have experienced and decidedly different than anything else I smelled this year.”
    Rouge Saray is gourmand for fragrance connoisseurs. It’s not a mass market gooey modern gourmand. It reminds of home made plum jam.
    4.Bukhara by Gallivant
    I like Nick Steward, and I had the pleasure of speaking with him personally twice, but Bukhara felt flat to me. There are way better fragrance in Gallivant catalog.
    5.Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery Luminous Lemurs
    Never heard the house before, I need to try some
    6.The Darkest Bloom by 4160Tuesdays
    Huge fan of Sarah work , such a creative person making fragrances for 4160Tuesdays, quite a few collaborations , one of the first to help hospitals in UK with sanitizers and so on. 7 of her creations i currently have.
    7.Moonlight in Chiangmai by Parfums Dusita
    Soulful and serene fragrance we all i need at the moment. I’ve actually been to Chiangmai, I remember Doi Suthep , all other temples , and the tribe that extend their necks through putting huge amounts of metal rings. You have to see it , to believe it
    8.Madeleine by Masque Milano
    Sounds delicious, like sitting in a small coffee shop in Montmartre in Paris, eating a dessert and drinking triple shot espresso.
    I’m picking up Rouge Saray by Atelier des Ors , because I already sampled it , and I know what to expect.
    “Because 2020 was a very good year for perfumes, in spite of everything.”
    Agree , quite a few gems came on the market during the…. you know what.
    Thanks to Cafleurebon, all reviewers and brands making it all happen.
    Virginia USA or London UK , let’s see with current situation if I’ll be able to visit London anytime soon.

  • Thanks for the draw opportunity! I have tried Serge Lutens Fils de Joie and it is definitely an attention grabber! I would like to win Masque Milano Madeleine because I am absolutely a gourmand lover and it just sounds divine to me.
    Florida, USA

  • Haven’t tried any of these on the list. Pretty sure they are all good. I’d really like to try Rouge Saray. Thanks, Ca