Alternatives
Perfumes that smell like Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle (2010) is built around Rose, Raspberry, Black Currant, Patchouli. Here are the ten perfumes in our encyclopedia that come closest, with what each one shares and what sets it apart.
« A Turkish rose drenched in patchouli and incense, grand as a formal portrait. »
- 1
Lancôme · 1978
Magie Noire
Shared notes: Black Currant, Raspberry, Rose, Patchouli, Sandalwood. What differs: Galbanum, Bergamot, Hyacinth.
- 2
Van Cleef & Arpels · 1976
First
Shared notes: Black Currant, Raspberry, Rose, Sandalwood, Amber. What differs: Aldehydes, Bergamot, Mandarin.
- 3
Tom Ford · 2012
Café Rose
Shared notes: Rose, Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli. What differs: Saffron, Pepper, Centifolia Rose. Same family (Oriental Floral). Positioned as Unisex.
- 4
Chanel · 2012
Coco Noir
Shared notes: Rose, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Musk, Incense. What differs: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Jasmine. Same family (Oriental Floral).
- 5
Hermès · 1974
Amazone
Shared notes: Black Currant, Rose, Raspberry, Sandalwood, Amber. What differs: Galbanum, Bergamot, Mandarin.
- 6
Givenchy · 2000
Hot Couture
Shared notes: Raspberry, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber. What differs: Bergamot, Orange, Magnolia. Same family (Oriental Floral).
- 7
Guerlain · 2016
La Petite Robe Noire Intense
Shared notes: Raspberry, Rose, Sandalwood, Patchouli. What differs: Bergamot, Blueberry, Orange Blossom. Same family (Oriental Floral).
- 8
Chanel · 2005
Allure Sensuelle
Shared notes: Rose, Patchouli, Incense, Amber. What differs: Bergamot, Mandarin, Orange. Same family (Oriental Floral).
- 9
Montblanc · 2003
Individuel
Shared notes: Cinnamon, Raspberry, Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli. What differs: Pineapple, Coriander, Lavender. Positioned as Masculine.
- 10
Chantal Thomass · 2002
Chantal Thomass
Shared notes: Raspberry, Rose, Musk, Patchouli, Sandalwood. What differs: Cherry, Tomato, Cranberry.
Frequently asked questions
Which perfume smells most like Portrait of a Lady?
Based on our analysis of fragrance pyramids, Magie Noire by Lancôme is the closest: it shares 6 notes with Portrait of a Lady, including Black Currant, Raspberry, Rose.
What is an alternative to Portrait of a Lady from another house?
Magie Noire (Lancôme, 1978) picks up Black Currant, Raspberry, Rose in a different interpretation.
How is this ranking built?
We compare the top, heart and base notes of every perfume. Rare notes weigh more than very common ones like musk or bergamot; olfactory family and gender refine the score. Nothing replaces trying it on skin.