Sacramento Bee

Just in time for Mother's Day: Finding some favorite fragrances

By: Leigh Grogan

April 30, 2003

DEAR SHOPPING: My mother used to wear a perfume by Caron called L'Infini. I guess it was discontinued in the United States several years ago but is still available from European distributors. Now we seem unable to find it anywhere. I am trying to get it for her for a Mother's Day present. Do you know of any way to find this special fragrance?
- Katherine, Sacramento

DEAR KATHERINE: Your mother has a nose for great fragrances. The House of Caron has produced some of the world's most popular perfumes, including Nocturnes and Fleurs de Rocaille. L'Infini is an original floral with hints of tuberose, hyacinth and lily of the valley. Of the Caron fragrances, it's one of the toughest to find. Only specialty stores carry it. But you're in luck. The Nordstrom Seattle store carries a 1.7-ounce bottle of eau de toilette for $70. Robert Rice, who works in the Perfumery department in Seattle, is ready to send that to you immediately. Just call (206) 628-2111.

DEAR SHOPPING: I wonder if you can tell me where I can find Truly Lace cologne by Coty. I have looked everywhere for it, and it just seems like it's unavailable. Is there something similar to Truly Lace?
- Lois, Fair Oaks

DEAR LOIS: Coty still makes Truly Lace. I found quite a few versions of it for sale on the Internet at the following Web sites: www.beautifulperfumes.com, www.classyperfumes.com and www.paris-fr.com. The later sells a cologne and body powder set for $15.95 and body lotion for $9.95. The other two Web sites sell the fragrance priced from $10.99 to $21.99.

DEAR SHOPPING: I hope you can help me find two products. I found Clairol Herbal Essences foaming face wash at the Dollar Store. I loved it and bought a few bottles, hoping to get it again. Unfortunately it's gone with no promise that it will return. If it's still being made, where can I find it? Also, several years back I bought a product by Pond's called Soothing Cucumber Eye Treatments. They are pre-moistened eye pads in a jar. They look and smell like cucumbers. I haven't seen them in stores either.
- Robyn, Sacramento

DEAR ROBYN: The Herbal Essences consumers affairs team says that the company has stopped manufacturing the foaming face wash. Here's what they had to say: "Sometimes, when a product does not sell as well as we expect it to and the consumer interest in it declines, it is discontinued. Unfortunately, there weren't enough other consumers who shared your enthusiasm for it."

Regarding the Pond's product, it's still being made. The Cheseborough Ponds consumer services hotline (800-743-8640) says that the Rite-Aid on Alhambra Boulevard carries the Soothing Cucumber Eye Treatments. The product retails for about $7.99 for a 24-pack.

DEAR SHOPPING: I am trying to locate Warner's Body Beware soft-cup bras, style No. 1054. I have been told they are discontinued, but I was wondering if you know of any place that might still have some.
- Scotch Plains, N.J.

DEAR SHOPPER: Michael Kleinmann, owner of the Web site www.freshpair.com in New York, confirms that that particular Warner bra is no longer available. His site, which offers more than 25 brands of bras and panties, sells a Warner's Body Beware underwire bra for $20.80. It is style No. 1554. Just FYI, Kleinmann adds that his site is great for people who are searching for hard-to-find intimate apparel as well as odd sizes. He carries bras with cup sizes from A to H. There's also a toll-free number: (866) 223-2216.