Fragrance

Feb 282011
 

By Kilian Incense OudSince my beloved Tom Ford oud scent turned out to be disappointing, I turned to one of my favorite lines, By Kilian to continue my search for my perfect, wearable oud. Can you imagine my surprise to discover that Incense Oud de Parfum By Kilian doesn’t actually have any oud?

I was baffled. I could have sworn it was there. Not right away, but as the day wore on, I just knew that it had developed perfectly on my skin. The sillage was just right, and it didn’t disappear on my skin. I had found my oud! But wait. No oud.

Sidonie Lancesseur, who created two other fragrances for By Kilian, Cruel Intentions and Straight to Heaven managed to create the illusion of oud in this beautiful fragrance by combining just the right amount of cedar, amber, and patchouli, I think. While I am normally turned off by patchouli, it only adds a deeper layer here, and you get none of the traditional stink you would associate with it.

The listed notes include Guatemala cardamom, pink pepper, Turkish rose, Egyptian geranium, methyl pamplemousse, Virginia cedarwood, Indonesian patchouli, Indian papyrus, Somalia incense (oil and absolute), sandalwood, Macedonian oakmoss, Spanish cistus labdanum, and musks.

This is not a sweet, floral fragrance. Nor is it medicinal. It’s deep, complex, mysterious and woody, but it’s still feminine enough to make the wearer feel beautiful. It smells like an oud, to be sure, but no oud!

Baffling!

I still love it, however, and may purchase a full bottle. However, I am going back to Mme. Lancesseur’s previous work in the Kilian line to see if I missed an exceptional oud there.

I’m still looking!

Feb 242011
 

Tom Ford Private Blend Oud WoodI was recently mentioning on Twitter that I was seriously lemming after the Tom Ford Private Blend ‘Oud Wood’ Eau de Parfum. I’m fairly obsessed with everything Tom Ford does, especially in fragrance, and had heard a great deal about Oud Wood, so I was eager to get my little hands on it. I ordered a decant, since Mr. Ford’s fragrances are a bit pricey, and I need to LOVE it before I drop a few hundred down on one, and I wore it for the first time today.

I expected a somewhat dark and smoky wood, since the notes listed were rosewood, cardamom, Chinese pepper, oud wood, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, vanilla, and amber. The opening was a gorgeous wood, and for some reason, I thought I detected a bit of smoke. Unfortunately, after about an hour it inexplicably turned sweet on me. Not sugary sweet, but clearly the vanilla took over and all I was left with was a woody vanilla.

Tres disappointment.

I’m not a sandalwood or a vanilla fan, especially together, but I thought the oud would more than balance that out. And since I had heard over and over that it was such a masculine scent, I figured the vanilla was a minor player in the overall fragrance. Not true on my skin, unfortunately. That will teach me to make assumptions.

Tom Ford Private Blend ‘Oud Wood’ Eau de Parfum is available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorfs, and other high end department stores.

Feb 112011
 

I love summer collections. It’s something about the bronze combined with blues and teals that just strike me as gorgeous. Estee Lauder always does the Bronze Goddess line perfectly, and this year is no exception. Check out the gorgeous compact with the starfish shape! Fun!

This summer, let Estée Lauder transport you to the Mediterranean with the latest Bronze Goddess collection of seductive makeup. Inspired by the hues and atmosphere of luxurious resorts on the Rivieria, the collection invites you to sit poolside and take in the cool waters, warm sand beaches and sun’s luminous rays. Experience the casual luxury and seductive spirit of a Goddess with shades that sparkle, shimmer and shine for eyes, lips and nails, while face and décolletage are transformed into golden, glowing perfection.

The Island Oasis Eyeshadow Palette contains six shades of eyeshadow for all skin tones including warm sand shades of copper, bronze, gold and coral balanced by cool surf hues of turquoise, seashell pink, silver and seaweed. Complementing the palette are NEW, Limited Edition Bronze Goddess ShadowStick Duos in shades of warm Gold Bronze and cool Pink Teal. These unique duos are the perfect, fun eye accessory for summer. Each pencil features two complementary shades in a water resistant, longwearing formula that is ideal for warm, summer months. Great for creating a dramatic smoky eye or gentle lines to compliment the shadows.

While the eyes allure, lips shine and seduce for summer, capturing the season’s lusciousness in beautiful, high shine, sparklingly sheer colors. Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Gloss in heavenly shades of Blazing Coral Sparkle, Plum Divine Shimmer and NEW, Limited Edition Sun Burst Sparkle deliver long-lasting shine and maximum moisture. The non-tacky formula glides on lips smoothly, giving lips a sensual appearance that feels comfortable throughout the day. Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Tiramisu can be worn alone or layered with gloss for added dimension and depth to your lip look.

The NEW, Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Sea Star Bronzing Blush is a beautifully-crafted, feather-light illuminating blush that enhances any skin’s bronzed complexion with a perfectly warm sun-kissed glow. Featuring an artful starfish resting on a shimmering sand-inspired background, the silky, soft powder bronzing blush gives skin a naturally radiant, smooth, sun-kissed finish. Color-true and with buildable coverage, this unique bronzing blush enhances your natural cheek color with an added touch more summer radiance with every stroke. Easy to apply and blend, the blush can be worn alone, or over any Bronze Goddess bronzer and will not streak or settle into pores.

I’m also excited to try the new limited edition fragrance, Bronze Goddess Soleil. It looks like the sandalwood note has been taken out, which works for me, as I couldn’t deal with it. It’s considered Solar Citrus Floral fragrance and blends sparkling citrus essences with a fresh and luxuriously carefree floral aura and an unexpected, yet sensuously feminine solar facet.

Bronze Goddess Soleil’s opening reveals a dawn-like freshness of Sicilian citron, Calabrese bergamot and sweet tangerine blended with Provençal lavender flowers and lemon tree petitgrain.
A cascade of solar flowers follows: Mediterranean pittosporum, neroli Tunisia, Moroccan orange blossom, Indian sambac, grapefruit tree blossoms and pink lily nectar.
Finally, the background of the fragrance warms with enveloping blonde woods, iris notes, ambrette seed and crystalline musks.
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Feb 112011
 

This Valentine’s Day Kim Kardashian offers fans a brief glimpse into her fascinating world. Kim presents a short film to accompany her signature fragrance and showcase her magnetic beauty. Titled Naughty, the video reveals a never before seen side of the irresistible icon. Before Naughty launches Kim will unveil behind the scenes footage of two other looks that were filmed Sweet and Glam. To view Kim’s exclusive new videos, visit www.pickyourkim.com. Viewers will have the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a picture of themselves and their valentine posted on Kim’s Facebook site and blog.

On the most romantic day of the year, every girl deserves to feel lusted after and fragrance is the ultimate seduction. Fragrance has the ability to enhance any look adding instant femininity and allure. Kim Kardashian’s trademark fragrance, Kim Kardashian, lets you star in your own romantic moment, teasing the senses with a deeply sensual aroma and feminine allure that captures Kim’s multi-faceted appeal, creating a lasting impression.

Kim Kardashian Eau de ParfumThe sumptuous, floral fragrance evokes Kim’s trademark sultry style with crisp top notes, lush, floral mid notes and a rich, sexy drydown. Gorgeous, voluptuous florals reflect Kim’s captivating nature, while Jasmine, tuberose and gardenia evoke her femininity. Tonka bean, jacaranda wood and sandalwood add a warm, sensual base, representing Kim’s softer side.

“Whether you’re having a romantic night with someone special, a lavish evening out on the town or unleashing your inner vixen, Kim Kardashian is the perfect complement to every Valentine’s Day,” says Kim.

Kim Kardashian by Kim Kardashian is available in four sizes from Macys as well as KardashianFragrance.com.

Jan 302011
 

twirl by kate spade

twirl by kate spade new york encapsulates the floral fragrance of a garden in bloom, finished with a twist of fresh fruit. pink watermelon mingles with blackberry and red currant, enhanced with a heart of fresh flowers including orange blossom, star jasmine, tiare flower, and sweet magnolia, finished with luminous musks and a touch of french macaron (straight from the patisserie, of course!).

A Valentine’s Day gift set is available for $70, and includes 1.7 oz. toilette spray and 3.4 oz. body cream. Or the kate spade new york ‘twirl’ eau de parfum is available at Nordstrom for $80.

Nov 102010
 

strange invisible perfumesStrange Invisible Perfumes, the California-based botanical fragrance house, is pleased to announce its debut at Anthropologie. The addition of the line is part of Anthropologie’s endeavor to expand their beauty offerings, their aim being to offer shoppers the absolute best in beauty, skincare and fragrance.

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Nov 092010
 

amouage opus ivThe latest addition to the Amouage Library, Opus IV, was designed to to instill knowledge and empowerment in efforts to promote HIV / AIDS awareness by Creative Director Christopher Chong, who worked assiduously with renowned perfumers in Grasse.

“Our fragrances have always centered on delivering a distinct and compelling message, not just the creation of artistic and beautiful scents,” expressed Chong. “With the startling number of new HIV infection cases reported globally each year, education remains a powerful and paramount instrument to prevent the spread of HIV and grant universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services. Opus IV is our contribution to raising awareness on this growing epidemic across all corners of the globe, which today is one of the world’s most pressing public health matters.”

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Nov 042010
 

lola marc jacobs velvet editionMarc Jacob’s Lola is turning a year old, and to celebrate, the fashionable fragrance is being released in a fun new package. Lola Marc Jacobs Velvet has a new limited edition frosted violet bottle and colorful velvet petals blooming from the lid.

The fragrance is the same Lola that you know and love, with top notes of Pink Peppercorn, Pear D’Anjou, and Ruby Red Grapefruit. The heart blooms with Fuchsia Peony, Rose, and Geranium. Lingering base notes are Vanilla, Tonka Bean, and Creamy Musk.

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Oct 272010
 

love and glamour by jennifer lopezI know I’d be hard pressed to create 16 signature scents, so it’s pretty amazing that Jennifer Lopez has managed to do it. Not that I doubt her ability – dancer, singer, designer, actress, and muse has a full plate, to be sure. But 16 fragrances? Honestly.

Love and Glamour is her newest, and it is a – you guessed it – fruity floral. The bottle is meant to invoke old Hollywood glamour, and the print ads have JLo looking her most glam. The fragrance was developed by perfumers Honorine Blanc and Harry Fremont. Jump through to see the notes and details.

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Oct 222010
 

Kenzo has taken their classic fragrances and created some beautiful gift sets to please both fans as well as new converts to the Kenzo line.

The FlowerbyKenzo Gift Set includes the Eau de Parfum (100 mL), Creamy Body Milk (100 mL), and a Mini (4 mL) and retails for $92.

KenzoAmour Gift Set includes Eau de Parfum (100 mL), Soft Perfumed Body Milk (100 mL), and a Mini (4 mL) and retails for $92.

For him, Kenzo has a L’EauparKenzo Pour Homme Gift Set that includes Eau de Toilette (100 mL) and All Over Shower Gel (100 mL) and retails for $72.

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Available at Sephora, KenzoUSA, and other fine retailers.

Oct 122010
 

lipsticksI don’t know what the weather is doing where you live, but here in Virginia Beach, we are still in the high 80s, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be cooling off soon. Since I can’t pull out my boots and sweaters, I’m looking to my makeup bag to inspire me with all the fall goodness that is out there. Sephora has a few ideas for those of us who need just a touch of inspiration. Continue reading »

Sep 252010
 

Linari Acqua Santa at MiN New YorkI’m calling shenanigans on this one. Linari Acqua Santa Eau De Parfum is supposed to be a fruity floral, but it can’t be, because I can’t stop wearing it. And we all know that I cannot stand any kind of fruity floral. Perhaps it is the sophistication of the ylang-ylang, the only floral I can abide, besides pure rose and real gardenia. The addition of patchouli might help, although it’s not a dirty patchouli at all – it blends with the cedar wood and musk to actually be beautiful. Are the notes of rose, jasmine, and lily of the valley there? They are, but they aren’t center stage in this creation. Instead, this is a sparkling, crisp, and grown-up fragrance that happens to be floral.

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Aug 232010
 

estee lauder pleasures bloomEstee Lauder has taken their original Pleasures and added a fruity floral twist in the new Pleasures Bloom.

“We wanted to take the timeless core concept of pleasures – the enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures as the balance to a life that is often over connected and overextended – and express it with a new level of animation and vibrancy that reflects the world we live in today,” said Karyn Khoury, Senior Vice President, Corporate Fragrance Development Worldwide, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “The concept today is less about tranquil calmness and more about adding energy, animation and color to life.” Continue reading »

Jul 282010
 

robindira unsworth bougie aromatiqueRobindira Unsworth, the company well known for its globally inspired jewelry collection and newly opened flagship boutique, Atelier at Robindira Unsworth, has expanded upon its lifestyle brand with the launch of their exotic hand-crafted soy candle line, Bougie Aromatique. Continue reading »

Jul 252010
 

strange invisible perfumes summer 2010Niche perfume house Strange Invisible Perfumes will be releasing two limited edition fragrances this summer. Both are created with temple mandarin, which is an extremely rare essence which must be custom distilled alchemically in pure silica glass. Both fragrances are supposed to evoke a sun drenched island in the summer.

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