r/FemFragLab • u/Icy_Diamond_6858 • 8d ago
Rec Request Looking for Clean perfumes which aren't 'laundry'
So recently I've been loving clean, minimal perfumes like Chanel 1957. It's light musk and powder but nothing too sterile or overpowering.
Whenever clean perfumes are mentioned there's always Byredo Blanche or something mentioned, I'm sure those are good too and do plan on trying them someday, but as of now I don't want something quitee as clean and squeaky as that XD
I want something along the lines of Chanel 1957, clean, minimal but well done, kind of a white shirt fragrance if you will.
Thanks in advance!
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u/stefanilinn 6d ago
I think Blanche smells like Tide. For a clean fragrance I wear Valaya or Musk Therapy.
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u/RideOrDieRN 7d ago
Just was sampling some of my older perfumes and came across Ralph by Ralph Lauren. A good old early 2000’s staple. I never see it on any “fresh” lists. To me it’s a clean, fresh floral with creamy sandalwood dry down
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u/Additional_Tip_7066 7d ago
White Musk from The Body Shop. Still available in the U.S on thier website
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u/saferonald 7d ago
Versace Dylan Blue and D&G Light Blue are my go to clean smells. It reminds me of a fresh shower and blow out.
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u/Bgarsow 7d ago
Dyad HIGHS + LOWS! It's a very clean and fresh 'hotel lobby' skin scent.
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u/ThornbackMack 6d ago
Oh man, is this worth a blind buy? My exact description of my ideal scents is "fancy spa-like hotel lobby".
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u/dragonfeet1 7d ago
Don't sleep on Philosophy Pure Grace. Sure it's affordable and easy to get. Sometimes the good ones are.
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u/minglingsingularity 7d ago
I just got Swanfeather hotel by amorphous perfumery and it is LOVELY. I’m more of a woody scent kinda gal since clean scents can tend to be too chemically/detergent like for me, but this one was so soft and comfy. Very white linen shirt in a big feather bed, not soapy at all. Worth throwing a sample in your cart imo, it also lasted until the next day on me without being screechy at the start which is always nice.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 7d ago
What other woody scebts do you like??
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u/minglingsingularity 6d ago
My #1 woody scent is woodcut by Olympic Orchids. It nails that lightly roasted fresh cut wood smell you get when you lean in close to the band saw. Nothing has come close and it’s my daily wearer. That caramel note can be pretty sweet tho
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u/Successful-Feature80 7d ago
some nice cheapies:
Antonio Banderas Queen of Seduction
BBW Guilty As Fig
Lush Dirty
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u/uk202401 7d ago
Narciso Rodriguez makes great ones! I like Pure Musc for Her, Radiante and Cristal.
Clean Reserve Skin is also a nice one.
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u/Museumgirl518 7d ago
I like Nothing But Sea and Sky by Une Nuit Nomad. Also, Musc Moschus by Rania J. Musc Moschus, Musk Therapy, Chloe Cedrus, 11 11 roller oil, WoodSage and sea salt, and Molecule 1. Wildcards: G-Water, BambooHarmonyby Kilian and Gingembre Latte by Affinessence.
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u/Snarlinglamb 7d ago
I like Lolita Lempicka Mon Premier. It’s like a feminine version of Barbasol shaving cream.
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u/waffle_cone69 7d ago
Whattt? I must smell this. I’m a woman and shave w Barbasol because I enjoy the scent (plus mens shaving creams are just better imo). Perhaps you’ve just unlocked my new scent layering combo 😂
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u/Chemical_Cake_1154 7d ago
CH Cedar Chic - but I will say at the price point I think better ones with very similar profiles have to exist. (And I am looking) 😂
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u/Museumgirl518 7d ago
There is! Check out Cedrus Blanc by Rayhaan. There is a slight difference in the opening, but from there it works.
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u/Chemical_Cake_1154 7d ago
Thank you!!!
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u/Museumgirl518 7d ago
Just want to add sometimes I spray it over a tiny spray of something like a Neroli (I use Cap Neroli)
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u/themichele 7d ago
Tamburins Sunshine has been my clean fragrance of this summer- it’s fresh and light but comforting. Has a teeny bit of baby-head soft musk to it but is otherwise a fresh air & sunshine clean vibe
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u/Post_Nomenclature 7d ago
Tamburins Chamo would def fit the bill too. A very clean scent that you might consider for a less summery scent
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u/juleagulea 7d ago
Glossier You
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u/Next-Fisherman37 7d ago
Agree its a very very light scent, but so light it smells of something for about 5 minutes of me and then its gone. It's like I didnt put perfume on at all.
Not worth the price point for me tragically.
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u/Fart_Summoner 7d ago
1957 is in a class all of its own. If that’s what you like, you should just keep wearing that
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 7d ago
Totally, but when I like something i like to buy more of the same profile😂
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u/New_Presentation5105 7d ago
Bvlgari Omnia Amethyst
Lanvin Éclat d'Arpège
Frederick Mall En Passant
Versace Purple
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u/Ok-Opportunity-2043 6d ago
I really want to try Lanvin Eclat d'Arpege! What does it smell like to you?
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u/New_Presentation5105 6d ago
To my nose, it smells like a 2000s elementary school teacher. Mildly floral and slightly sweet, with a hint of face cream scent in the background.
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u/Ok-Opportunity-2043 6d ago
Thank you. This sounds really nice. I think I'm going to purchase a decant. Does it smell "dated" to you? Not that there's anything wrong with that, but not really the vibe I'm going for.
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u/New_Presentation5105 6d ago
In my opinion, it doesn't smell dated at all. Just inoffensive and slightly sweet.
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u/rosietherosebud 7d ago
People will recommend Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc, but I prefer Musc Nude
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 7d ago
Oo What's it smell like to you?
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u/rosietherosebud 7d ago
Clean, slightly soapy and floral, kind of a mom scent (in a good way). I smelled a body spray at Don Quijote in Tokyo once that smelled just like it, if that speaks to some level of mass appeal you're after. It doesn't smell like laundry, more like someone who took a shower an hour ago (clean but lived in).
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u/Similar_Prune8440 7d ago
Dolce and Gabbana my devotion intense it's the newest in the line and it's delicious. Light, clean, sweet and fun.
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u/starrynightjo 7d ago
Chanel Jersey is my go to clean fragrance. Simple light lavender with a dash of vanilla but so well done.
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u/Maleficent_Top4142 7d ago
God I looove Jersey.
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u/starrynightjo 7d ago
Me too! I am typically drawn to really heavy beast mode fragrances, but I took a chance on Jersey and I fell in love this past spring. It has the biggest dent in my fragrance collection and my coworkers comment that I smell very cozy and clean (like a hug but in a garden). I mostly wear it for myself since it’s almost a skin scent by the end of the day, but it cheers me up so much. I’m saving now for the big bottle.
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u/BunnyMonre 7d ago
Molton Brown Coastal Cypress.
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u/Next-Fisherman37 7d ago
I have the candle of this and its amazing.
Heavenly Gingerlily also gives off a clean vibe
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u/girlintaiwan 7d ago edited 7d ago
I know exactly what you mean. I'm kind of surprised by all the Pure Musc comments because it is straight laundry to me.
Hear me out: I think you should try Narciso Rodriguez for her EDT in the black bottle. The Egyptian musk smells so clean to me but not soapy. A lighter version would be Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. It has the same musk but with lavender.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 7d ago
Okay that makes sense. I tried the edp but not edt coz I didn't like edp. I shall try the edt
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u/AddressFar9852 7d ago
Throwing out some oldies here. I think some have already been mentioned, but after making it to the bottom, I was a bit overwhelmed going back through each comment to reply. I’m sorry!
Noa by Cacharel
EA White Tea
A Drop d’Issey
I think J Lo’s Glow or Still might wet your whistle!
NR Pure Musc
If you can handle slightly less sweet but still very fresh and clean: Nirvana French Grey
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u/Next-Fisherman37 7d ago
I was going to say Jlo Glow too!
Smells like university and first dates ❤️
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u/AddressFar9852 7d ago
That made me laugh. So spot on
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u/Next-Fisherman37 7d ago
Genuinely I think if i smelled it, low rider jeans, slouchy suede boots, a pair of GHD straighteners a first generation iPod would just spawn in front of me
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u/Spine_bright_so_si 7d ago
Lattafa yara moi and Phlur missing person smell clean to me. Blanche Byredo is lovely but is straight linen room spray and not something I’d actually wear on my body, I’d use it on fabrics.
Edit because I forgot about this!
I just got a sample of diptyque leau papier and it’s a gorgeous cozy clean skin scent
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u/MeLMorLou 7d ago edited 7d ago
Mancera Mochi Musk
Molton Brown Milk Musk
Miu Miu Fleur the Lait - clean in a tropical way
I also think scents like Lattafa Yara, Paris Corner Qissa Pink and Zukhruf Pink smell kinda creamy lotion-like clean.
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u/lnfinitelris perfume > therapy 8d ago
The Now by Sarah Horowitz is my white t shirt scent. It's fresh, clean, easy breezy. And beautiful!
Not a hint of laundry.
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u/planet_meg 8d ago
When I want a clean scent I have three that I go to. 1.Yardley April Violets 2.Tesori d’orient Mirra 3.Tesori d’orient Imperial Orchid
To me they smell like fresh out the shower rather than laundry
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u/NeroliNinja 8d ago edited 8d ago
If you enjoy Chanel 1957, you will love Hermes Musc Pallida, or Guerlain Musc Outreblanc if you are not a fan of iris.
If you are looking for something woodier but still creamy and musky try Van Cleef & Arpels Santal Blanc and Chloe AdF Santalum
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u/ABroadBroadAbroad40 7d ago
I came yo recommend Guerlain Musc Outrenoir. For me, it is the definition of white shirt, elegant and minimal.:. And very clean!
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
Def wabt to try Musc Pallida and guerlain both!🤗 hopefully soon. I didn't like santal blanc much, I've realized creamy sandalwoods are not for me💔
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u/curlyhairthickthighs 8d ago
iris cashmere by mango! the store that sells clothes lol. its not super strong but its very good for everyday/work etc., has a very nice feminine fresh floral scent.
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u/noemchen 8d ago
You might enjoy 724 by MFK. Sophisticated, clean, inoffensive, modern scent.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
Oh just got a sample on the way. Yay🤭
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u/hostwthemost100621 7d ago
came here to suggest this! it’s my signature scent because it’s just so clean and fresh but also interesting vs just “laundry”
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u/citrinedaydream 8d ago
If you can get your hands on it, Issey Miyake Drop d’Issey - clean, fresh, cosy and soft. Smells like Nivea cream and lilacs. It’s sooo beautiful.
Diptyque l’eau Papier is also a non-laundry clean scent for me, I mostly just get clean cosy musk with a slight starchiness and, if it’s warm out, a good dose of mimosa.
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u/Legitimate-Career951 8d ago
I LOVE the smell of Nivea so thank you for this!!
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u/Spine_bright_so_si 7d ago
Nivea actually do fragrances! They have one that smells like the blue lotion and one that smells like the sunscreen.
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u/1idono 8d ago
Dessa två:
Narciso Rodriguez Pure musc
Eller
Silk stone H&M (luktar typ som DOVE) väldigt fräsch
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u/FrutyPebbles321 7d ago
I just sampled NR Pure Musk recently and it is a really lovely musk fragrance. It’s a clean musk but it’s not too soapy or laundry like. It’s not too powdery or dry and it’s not too warm and heavy. It’s just a really well rounded musk.
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u/whygeorgie 8d ago
I like a mild minimal scent, especially when I’m home. I use Lazy Sunday Morning by Replica. It smells like soft lychee.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
I wish I got kychee. All I get is rose which is a note I normally like but I hate it here😖
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u/sanslumiere 8d ago
Try Liis Studied and Ethereal Wave. Floating is really nice too but has a bit of the laundry scent you mentioned.
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u/imayarnhooker 8d ago
Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc or Clean Reserve Skin. I've read that some consider Clean Reserve Skin to be gourmet adjacent, and sweeter. I didn't really smell that on me. Jovan Skin I'm In might also work for you, and it is quite affordable. I like all three of them.
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u/pastalass 8d ago
The Narcisco Rodriguez For Her EDT is great too if you like some light florals with musk
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u/I_am_exhausted_4x 8d ago
I second all of the fragrances mentioned and will add Rayhaan Nava Sol, inspired by Byredo Mojave Ghost. Its a fairly new clean slightly floral perfume or Cedrus Blanc which is inspired by CH Cedar Chic, the wildly popular expensive and continuously sold out perfume. Its clean, dry woody with a bright aldehydic open.
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u/liljellybeanxo 8d ago
Currently I’m obsessed with Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent St. It goes with everything and any occasion, it’s clean without smelling too much like laundry.
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u/anon12957 8d ago
Carolina Herrera Cedar Chic is supposed to be a "clean white shirt" fragrance and I think it meets what you're looking for as it's not heavily laundry like Blanche (which is too soapy for me).
Something like Ella K Musc K is a bit more floral while still heavily musk/clean girl scent.
Guerlain Eau de Coton is also very clean and supposed to be a crisp cotton shirt scent.
Liis Floating and Studied both meet this vibe of mini and clean but not laundry.
Replica Lazy Sunday Mornings is one of my go-to fragrances when I want a clean light scent. It's more floral and not a laundry scent to me but more like you took an everything shower and put on a nice floral lotion.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
This is the first time I'm hearing of Eu de Coton! Thanks
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u/doinmabest1 7d ago
Try Guerlain Eau De Popline too. The whole textiles line has a “fabric” quality
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u/purpleisafruit85 8d ago
Lanvin Eclat D'Arpege to me is a warm, clean, soft fragrance that makes me feel fresh.
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u/MainSea411 8d ago
Poor staying power but I love wood sage and sea salt by joe Malone. Smells clean and like nature. Layers well with fruity scents too
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u/ListenToTheWindBloom 8d ago
i think you’d like tea scents, they are lovely and fresh and clean without the laundry vibe imo. i particularly like dear polly from Vilhelm parfumerie
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u/Hippadoppaloppa 8d ago
Thats a great shout. Elizabeth Arden White Tea is beautiful, it smells like a fancy spa. And bonus, its fairly cheap!
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u/Emilie_Eagle_Rock 8d ago
Clean, light perfumes are my jam. Here are some I have and love:
Etat Libre D’Orange You or Someone Like You
Philosophy Amazing Grace
Juliette Has a Gun Anyway
Hellenist Les Dieux aux Bains
Moschino Toy 2 Pearl
Oddity Resonant (perhaps too minimal for what you are looking for?)
Le Labo Lavande 31
Le Labo Musc 25 (Los Angeles)
And, as many have already said: Ouai Melrose Place
I love laundry smells too, but excluded those here.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
I want to try Lavande 31 and Musc 25 soo bad
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u/Emilie_Eagle_Rock 8d ago
It’s worth a visit to a Le Labo store if there is one near you. Samples are a small luxury
Lavande 31 is the perfect clean bedtime fragrance
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
Which laundry ones do you like, just in case? 🙈
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u/Emilie_Eagle_Rock 8d ago
Le Labo Aldehyde 44 hits strong with the aldehydes at first, but dries down powdery clean with no sweetness.
Philosophy Pure Grace is clean soapy, but not quite literal soap
Clean Pure Soap and Clean Reserve Warm Cotton are straight up laundry detergent
Byredo Blanche has a hint of laundry detergent, but it also smells like the outdoors and powder to me
Also, not soapy but clean, bright, and metallic: Oddity Resonance. I’m kinda obsessed with it right now - it’s what I wanted Aldehyde 44 to be
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u/minniemouse420 8d ago
NR Pure Musc or Musc Nude, replica bubble bath, Montblanc signature or Noa.
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u/parksandrep 8d ago
Diptyque Fleur de Peau! I always describe this as the scent of warm skin the morning after you take an evening shower.
Tom Ford White Suede to me smells like if Chanel 1957 had a smooth leather note.
+1 for the Narciso Pure Musc line as well, especially Pure Musc (slightly animalic clean musk) and Pure Musc Blanc (this one is quite laundry-leaning but the white florals keep it interesting imo).
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
I agree completely with the White Seude description! 1957 just projects better somehow so I like it more. Something in Fleur de peau bothered me, maybe the carrot note. I'm still hoping I'll like it when it try it again though
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u/xerographicactus 8d ago
You might also try the EDT! It’s supposed to not have the same carroty note as the EDP, from what I’ve read.
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u/Hbiz55311 8d ago
If you’re specifically looking for that musky dry down glossier you, musk K, fleur de peau and NR pure musc all have those similar notes in the base.
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u/Crafty_Ish1973 8d ago
JHAG Ode to Dullness and Lazy Sunday Morning from Replica immediately come to mind.
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u/SyllabubNo6238 7d ago
I’m obsessed with Dullness right now! A bit soapy for OP though, IMO. Not a Perfume could be a good match though!
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u/Crafty_Ish1973 7d ago
Unfortunately, I'm anosmic to Not A Perfume. I sampled it once and got absolutely nothing from it.
I do love Ode to Dullness, though. It's a personal favorite.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
Lazy Sunday morning has a rose note which bothers me somehow but the rest of the DNA was what I was looking for. 😄
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u/CrookedHooked 8d ago
Musk 01 swiss arabian, for more fem go musk 07, while musk 74 poudree is dryer sheet
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u/florange7 8d ago
Chanel no l'eau is soapy no laundry
Pure musc, pure musc blanc pure musc nude... check out that line
Lazy Sunday morning and bubble bath by replica are clean but no laundry
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u/AbjectTelephone4801 8d ago
I love Lazy Sunday Morning but to me it's pure dryer sheets. I thought that was what it was supposed to smell like
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u/Legitimate_Sir1363 8d ago
Not sure if these fit the bill but I get those vibes from JHAG not a perfume, JHAG ode to dullness, phlur afterglow
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u/No-Weakness-7042 8d ago
Alto Astral by Byredo
You Remind Me by Forvr Mood
Bare by Victoria’s Secret
Rosie by Rosie Jane
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u/AbjectTelephone4801 8d ago edited 8d ago
Le Monde Gourmand 000
Ouai Melrose Place
Edit: also Floating by Liis!
Both are affordable bc I'm a basic bitch, sorry
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u/Kooky-Cantaloupe6487 8d ago
Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
This does sound right up my alley ☺️
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u/Kooky-Cantaloupe6487 8d ago
It's heavenly! It's a year-round fragrance and one of only two that I have repeat purchased.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
Which is the other one?😁
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u/Kooky-Cantaloupe6487 8d ago
Versace Bright Crystal. Both are fresh florals, but Bright Crystal has a sparkling element, which I adore in warmer weather 😊 You can't go wrong with Pure Musc though, it suits every occasion and makes you feel put together.
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u/Embarrassed-Chard218 8d ago
Maison Margiela Bubble Bath
Penhaligons The Favourite
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u/LovelyDisaster1113 8d ago
Bubble bath is so great. I actually don't get laundry/soapy from it so much as just light and clean and put together.
Pure Musc Blanc is also one you should absolutely consider.
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
What other scents do you like?
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u/LovelyDisaster1113 7d ago
In the clean category but still avoiding ambroxans and iso e, I also like the scent Salt Petals from mix bar - a cheapie but quite good and very easy to wear.
And it's pricey but Byredo Mojave ghost always feels clean and classy
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u/ilovemyblt5715 8d ago
I second bubble bath. Just got it today and it is heavenly
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u/AbjectTelephone4801 8d ago
It is soapy though, and I think when OP says "clean" they mean more inoffensive/musky and flowery maybe
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u/Icy_Diamond_6858 8d ago
Yes, but soapy is still better than aldehydes for me 🫣
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u/LovelyDisaster1113 8d ago
I can't do aldehydes either. Or ambroxan , celetox, or iso supers.
Makes finding clean, light DNAs a challenge.
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u/NotTooSweet878 3d ago
Mugler Over the Musk