- Blue Carnation is categorized as a floral-oriental perfume, because it combines a floral scent---in this case, that of carnations---with warm-smelling spices and essences. Talk with sales associates at perfume retailers and department stores about existing perfumes that are categorized as floral-orientals and that contain one or more of those notes of carnation, vanilla, cloves and bay rum.
- There are a few excellent books and dozens of comprehensive websites on the subject of perfume. These are valuable resources if you are searching for a fragrance that is similar to one that is no longer in production. "Perfumes: The Guide" by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez is an encyclopedic book that contains engaging descriptions of thousands of fragrances, some of which may appeal to you in ways similar to Blue Carnation. Perfume blogs contain thousands of perfume reviews as well as popular forums in which you can ask other perfume lovers, many of whom are experts, to recommend a scent similar to the one you are missing. You will likely receive several suggestions.
- Some retailers specialize in discontinued and vintage perfumes. Online retailers such as theperfumedcourt.com and Aunt Judy's Attic carry an ever-changing variety of vintage and discontinued perfumes in stock, and may be able to offer a decant---a small portion poured into a separate bottle---of a well-preserved, vintage bottle of Blue Carnation for a reasonable price. According to scientist and perfume expert Luca Turin, co-author of "Perfumes: The Guide," vintage perfumes, when properly stored out of sunlight and heat, can last a remarkably long time and remain wearable decades after they were manufactured.
- Several perfumes on the market today contain a carnation essence and may be pleasing alternatives to Blue Carnation. Try Bellodgia by Caron; Laboissiere Carnation; Elite of Carnation by Antianti; Carnation by House of Rose; Carnation Cologne by Santa Maria Novella; and Series 2 Red Carnation by Commes des Garcons.
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