My Favorite Summer Fragrances

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1. Bobbi Brown Beach (at Nordstrom or Bobbi Brown): It's not perfume really, it's like someone took the scent of summers at the beach from your teen years and put it in a bottle. It's a bit sand, a bit sea air, and there's even a bit of a sunscreen scent somehow. Putting this on immediately makes me think of summer. I take a rollerball of this with me on every beach vacation to help me get in the mood!

2 & 3. Trish McEvoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Eau de Parfum (at Nordstrom) and Sexy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk (at Nordstrom): I'm a sucker for fruity scents and the Blackberry in this Trish McEvoy is aaaahhhhmazing! There's also a "sexy" version that is deeper and muskier, I prefer that at night and the No. 9 classic for during the day.

4. Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Spray (at Tory Burch or Nordstrom): A bit of a stronger floral with a touch of citrus, this scent is just fun! I use it a lot when I'm just home with my 2 little girls.

5. Gucci Flora by Gucci - Gracious Tuberose Eau de Toilette (at Nordstrom): This is a lighter floral that I love when it's really hot out but I want to feel a bit more "refined" and pretty.

6. Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Toilette (at Nordstrom): Are you tired of me mentioning this fragrance yet? Yes, it's currently my signature fragrance. I wear it about 50-75% of the time. It's a light floral and it just works no matter what is going on that day. I love it!

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7

Makeup Wars: My Favorite Fragrances

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I used to do a lot of fragrance reviews here on 15 Minute Beauty. I really do love fragrances and perfume! But, I find them very hard to write, and since my sense of smell does seem to be a bit out of whack while I'm pregnant, and often for decent parts of the spring and fall, despite lots of allergy meds. So, the result is fewer fragrance reviews. But, you can bet that I'm still using a lot of perfumes on my own!

Today for Makeup Wars we're sharing our favorite fragrances. I had a pretty hard time deciding which to pick, I stood there at my vanity smelling bottles and vials, and finally settled on these 11 perfumes as the ones I use the most often.

1. Elie Saab Le Parfum Eau de Toilette: This is definitely the perfume that I reach for on most days. It is a light floral, just a little bit sweet, and I wear it for pretty much any occasion. Home with the family, at work, out to dinner... you name it!
Notes: Orange blossom, Jasmine, Patchouli, White flower, Cedarwood, Rose Honey

2. Prada Amber Eau de Parfum Spray: This one is definitely a bit more on the deep and musky side.
Notes: Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Mandarin, Mimosa Absolute, Rose Absolute, Patchouli Absolute, Labdanum, Tonka Beans, Vanilla, Sandalwood And Benzoin

3. Trish McEvoy Sexy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Eau de Parfum (my Trish McEvoy Sexy No. 9 review): I'm a big sucker for both versions of the Trish McEvoy Blackberry Perfumes. This one is definitely sexier, a bit more musky but you still get that amazing Blackberry note.
Notes: Blackberry, Vanilla, Velvet Musk, Patchouli And Sandalwood

4. Trish McEvoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Eau de Parfum (my Trish McEvoy Blackberry & Vanilla Musk review): A lighter, everyday version of the Blackberry scent, there's a bit more of the Blackberry here.
Notes: Blackberry, Vanilla, Velvet Musk, White Rose and Cashmere Woods

5. Bond No. 9 New York Chinatown Fragrance (my Bond No. 9 Chinatown review): This perfume comes across as a bit spicy and exotic on me, I tend to wear it if I'm going out somewhere.
Notes: Peach Blossom, Peony, Gardenia, Tuberose, Patchouli, Cardamon, Dark Woods

6. Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Eau de Parfum (my Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Perfume review): This is a perfume that I've worn since high school, which means over 20 years. Yes. It's a light floral that works for almost everything, but I love that the Lilac definitely comes out on me as does the Amber base note, so it isn't a generic white floral.
Notes: Lilac, Linden Blossom, Dewy Magnolia, Muguet, Exotic Mandarin and Bergamot, Rare Rose Bulgarian, Violet, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Indian Tuberose, Peach, Clove, and Nutmeg, Amber, Tibetan Musk, Sandalwood, Iris, and Vanilla

7. Michael Kors Eau de Parfum Spray: It's a bit floral, a bit musky and spicy all at once.
Notes: Freesia, Tamarind, Chinese Osmanthus, Incense, Tuberose, White Wings Peony, Blue Orris, Arum Lilies, Cashmere Woods, Musk, Vetiver Haiti

8. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray: Floral without being overwhelmingly floral. I like that it seems bit sweet as well, I think because of the Orange Blossom note.
Notes: Bergamot, Tea, Freesia, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Orchid, Rose, Patchouli

9. Bond No. 9 Nuits de NoHo Fragrance (my Bond No. 9 Nuits de NoHo Review): This one is a bit sexy, patchouli and musky. The jasmine keeps it from being too heavy.
Notes: Jasmine, Creamy Vanilla, Sheer Patchouli, Musk, Bergamot, Rosewood

10. Jennifer Aniston by Jennifer Aniston (my Jennifer Aniston Fragrance review): I like this one so much I declared it one of my favorite all time products during my 5 year blogging anniversary celebration! I don't currently have a bottle (a little someone liked to smell it all the time and she may have dropped it all over my bathroom floor), but I'll be picking up another one sometime soon. It's beachy and floral without being overwhelming. Definitely not what you'd expect from a celebrity fragrance!
Notes: Citrus Grove Accord, Rose Water, Blooming Jasmine, Wild Violet, Amazon Lily, Sensual Musk, Golden Amber, Sandalwood

11. Trish McEvoy Black Rose Oud Eau de Parfum (my Trish McEvoy Black Rose Oud review): I'm not usually an Oud fan, but this is wearable even for me!
Notes: Fresh Raspberry Leaves, Lychee, Osmanthus Flower, Japanese Saffron, Black Peppercorn, Black Baccarat Rose Petals, Papyrus, Midnight Orchid, Imperial Incense, Agarwood Oil, Rare Sandalwood, Sensual Musk, Patchouli, Madagascan Vanilla

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9

DKNY I Heart Rio Perfume Review

The final fragrance of the DKNY scents is Rio's scent, it really does the city justice. This is a sultry, sexy fragrance. You'll want to reserve this one for dinner with your sweetie or a similar occasion.

Notes:
Top Notes: Apple, Passionfruit
Middle Notes: Gardenia, Orange Blossom
Base Notes: Benzoin, Myrrh, Sandalwood

This fragrance opened with more passionfruit than apple, a bit more subdued and deeper than the apple note featured in many of these scents. After about 5-10 minutes the scent turns a bit deeper and more woodsy as the sandalwood was coming out more.

This really is a sexy scent. Several of my friends mentioned that they needed a sexy voice to go with it (Cybil Shepard was mentioned as the prototypical sexy voice), and they all wanted to wear it for date night.

DKNY

0

DKNY I Heart Paris Perfume Review

Ok, so I know that I promised all 4 perfume reviews yesterday, but for some reason these are hard for me to write, and seriously... It's my birthday today, so I bumped 2 to today. :D

The Paris scent of this foursome is inspired by an afternoon spent strolling through the Jardin du Luxembourg and evenings along the Seine. Like the others in the series this is a fruity floral, but it is a bit heavier on the apple and lighter on the floral than the other iterations.

Notes:
Top Notes: Apple
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Violet
Base Notes: Vanilla, Patchouli

I tried this with a few friends, and we thought it was best described as fresh and citrus. While it wasn't listed as a note, we all had a definite pink pepper note initially. It burned off rather quickly, I couldn't smell the "pink pepper" whatever it was after about 10-15 minutes.

What was left behind was definitely apple, and a bit crisp. But it didn't really seem like that biting crisp that you think of as you bite into an apple. It was a bit of warmer, deeper apple. Think Apple Crisp (but maybe undercooked? Hard to explain, but it was crisp but also... kind of not. This crisp but not crisp thing is probably all due to the Vanilla base note now that I think of it.

To help temper that apple, there was a bit of floral, the violet and the jasmine both made an appearance. It was a deeper floral than the white floral in the other fragrances.

Overall this was a more sultry fruity-floral, perfect for a date night or big meeting.

DKNY

2

DKNY I Heart DKNY (NYC?) Perfume Review

I have to admit that I'm a bit unclear about the name of this fragrance. I thought it was I Heart NYC (based on the box), But I also find references to it as I Heart DKNY. So, whatever you want to call it, this is DKNY's ode to New York. This is the original DKNY Delicious scent, which features the signature crisp green apple heart.

Notes:
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Magnolia, Cucumber
Middle Notes: Lily of the Valley, Rose, Tuberose, Violet, Green Apple
Base Notes: Amber, Sandalwood, Woodsy Notes

This fragrance definitely features the Green Apple middle note, as that initially is the most prominent note for me and several of my friends. It is crisp and fresh, but not at all overpowering. After about 10 minutes of dry down time, the lily seems to come out a bit more as the green apple recedes, and I love the mix of the fresh apple with a white floral to balance it out. My friend Peace had a little bit more of the Sandalwood than me, and it was a great base to the fragrance.

This is a great all purpose fragrance. While not ideal for clubbing, it works for pretty much everything else. Work, shopping at the mall with friends, brunch with nana.... you get the idea.

DKNY

2

DKNY I Heart London Perfume Review: Clean and A Bit Floral to Evoke the English Countryside

DKNY recently came out with 4 new DKNY fragrances, each is a nod to a different city. I'll be reviewing all of them today, but first we'll look at London!

London is a floral/fruity fragrance. When I think of London I envision punk and alternative, the East End, and just... edge. (Why is this predominate for me, a huge Jane Austen fan? I have no idea.) This fragrance takes a look at another side of London, much more up Miss Austen's area of expertise. Think of the English Countryside with the rolling hills giving way to dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea. That is what this fragrance is all about.

Notes:
Top Notes: Hyacinth, Green Apple
Middle Notes: Honeysuckle, Rose, Currant Leaf and Bud
Base Notes: Amber, Vetiver

In truth, this is a very light and flirty fragrance, with a hint of fresh and green. My friend Melissa described it as a bit clean and even soapy, though she felt it was a very subtle undertone. On me, it was more fresh and green. It opens with a bit of the Green Apple with crispness, but there is a definite softness and floral note that tempers it. With time the Honeysuckle and Currant Leaf came out a bit more. It isn't really fruity after the first 30 minutes or so, rather it is more fresh and a bit floral.

I'd wear this fragrance for a day off of work, it would be perfect for a slightly warm and sunny day. I'd love to spend the day outside in this fragrance (I guess that English Countryside feeling really gets to me?)


DKNY

1

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Fragrance Review

Summer for me often evokes memories of sitting on a beach, the waves (and sea gulls) in the background while everything smells like suntan lotion. There are definitely fragrances out there that smell just like suntan lotion (I'm looking at you Bobbi Brown), but this isn't one of them.

Notes: Almond, coconut milk, jasmine, rosewood, ylang-ylang, vanilla, tonka, heliotrope & musk

This fragrance isn't new (I believe it was released in 2006), and Laura has added it to an Eau de Toilette, Scrub, Hand Cream, Body Cream, Body Wash, Body Butter, Honey Bath... you get the picture. This is a very popular scent and it is almost possible to use only Almond Coconut product when getting ready for your day.

Almond Coconut is one of those fragrances that depends a lot on a person's body chemistry. It can be amazing... or not so great. The internet is filled with people who either love or hate this fragrance. I highly recommend trying a spritz and wandering around the store for a good 30 minutes or so before making a decision about this one.

On me, the initial scent is very heavy on the almond, but with a bit of the ylang-ylang mixed in. It's an interesting floral-nutty scent. After about 30 minutes the coconut comes out a bit more, not to the point that I smell edible, but it is definitely there. The combination of Almond and Coconut is just.. kinda yummy. With a little bit of floral and woodsy grounding it this isn't screaming "Almond Joy Candy Bar", instead it is just enough coconut to make me feel a little tropical. The Almond is a lighter woodsy scent to ground everything.

I'll be reaching for this all summer to wear by our little paddling pool in the backyard, my grown up mommy version of the beach.

Laura Mercier

3

Gucci Guilty Intense Review: An Unexpected Fruity Floral For Summer

Look at that bottle and knowing it is from Gucci, what do you expect it to smell like? A woodsy wonderland, right? Something deep and musky perhaps? Probably not the slightly fruity floriental that is inside that masculine looking bottle.

While this fragrance is a companion to the Gucci Guilty eau de Toilette (Guilty Intense is an eau de parfum), for me this is a very different experience. Initially there's a surprising amount of the Mandarin, a bit sweet and fruity, but grounded by the lilac and powdery violet. I can't smell the pink pepper at all, which is good, because I'm typically not a pink pepper fan. The overall effect is warm and inviting, but a bit light hearted as well. The dry down seems to take 2-3 hours for me, and during that time the mandarin recedes a bit and the patchouli comes out a little bit, though with the "amber rich sillage" (I'm not really sure what that is, though I'm not full of fragrance information, I just like perfume) it isn't a typical patchouli. Instead, it seems a bit quieter and richer. Not the in your face sexy that I seem to associate with anything Gucci.

Notes:
Top Notes: Mandarin, Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Lilac, Powdery Violet, Heliotropine
Base Notes: Patchouli, "amber-rich sillage"

Overall, this is definitely an every day fragrance. It isn't necessarily something to wear to your toddler's play date, but it would be great for the office or heading out to dinner. I think it is elegant and a bit quieter than I had expected from the bottle, and I love the little hint of fruitiness brought in by the Mandarin note.

Gucci

6

Nina by Nina Ricci Perfume: If You Love Apple, You Need This

I have a friend that loves pear notes. If there is a fragrance with a pear note, Donna will absolutely love it. I've been that way with blackberry notes and recently I'm coming around to apple notes. Is there a gourmand trend afoot?

Nina isn't a new fragrance (it's been out since 2006), but it is definitely one of my favorite gourmands. It is a sweet apple-citrus blend that doesn't come across as too sweet. Initially I get a blast of lemon-lime, though after about 10 minutes they settle down a bit and the Apple starts to come out. It is easily identified as the Vanilla-infused Red Toffee Apple note, though it isn't too sweet. The lemon-lime is still there to keep it in check somewhat, and I really love this stage of the fragrance.


Notes:
Top Notes: Calabrian Lemon, Caipirinha Lime
Middle Notes: Peony Petals, Moonflower, Vanilla-infused Red Toffee Apple
Base Notes: Applewood, White Cedar

Finally, about 30-40 minutes after applying, the fragrance settles in to what it will be for the "long haul", as the peony comes out and the apple fades back a bit. As much as I love the apple, I do think that being "all apple all the time" would be a bit too much. I prefer when it shares the stage a bit with the peony, while there is still a little bit of the lemon-lime around to keep the vanilla and the apple from being too sweet.

This is a fun and playful fragrance that is perfect for the summer! I can see myself spritzing this on to go wander around Art Fair, to head outside with my daughter to play, or just for running errands. I might not wear it to work since it is a bit too strong for the hospital, though if I worked in an office it would be just fine.


Nina Ricci

1

Juliette Has a Gun's Lady Vengeance: A Rose to Love?

Many of the Juliette has a Gun fragrances are a homage to Shakespearean heroines, and this is no exception. This scent is a slightly dark and edgy rose scent that makes me think of the end of R&J, if Juliette had lived I think this would have been her scent.

Like other scents from Juliette has a Gun, they've broken the typical "top note, middle note, base note" mold and have just 3 (known) notes. I do think that there are likely a few other things thrown in there, but I can't quite figure out what they are and I haven't found anyone speculating on-line about what they are (and yes, I tried many Google searches). As well, on me this fragrance is very linear, meaning there is no dry down or changing over time. What you smell at the beginning is what you get!

Notes: Bulgarian Rose, Vanilla, Patchouli

So yes, this is mostly rose. And there is a little bit of Patchouli, but it isn't really the 1960's hippie patchouli, instead it is a little bit deeper and more layered. There's a little bit of vanilla in there to keep it from being too dark and brooding, but the over all tone is definitely a little bit dark and edgy. It isn't overwhelming, but it doesn't fade completely in to the background either.

Now, about these pictures. I didn't try out the regular bottle, instead I was able to play around with their "purse bullet". Which yes, looks just like a bullet. It is about 2 inches tall and this baby is heavy duty! It screws open and you'll find perfume oil in a roll on form inside. You even get a couple of refills. Perfect for taking with you every day or saving for travel.

Juliette has a Gun

0

Annick Goutal's Nuit Etoilee: Narnia in a Bottle

Annick Goutal is one of those iconic French perfumeries that most Americans are only now learning about. This company was founded in 1980 by Annick Goutal. The company is still based in Paris and they have over 30 scents for women. Since Annick's death, the brand has been led by Annick's daughter Camille. She creates scents with Isabelle Doyen, Annick's longtime perfume partner.

Their latest creation is Nuit Etoilée, which hits Saks Fifth Avenue in mid-May. The scent is inspired by something that sounds suspiciously like nighttime in Narnia.

Woven from landscapes both real and imagined, Nuit Etoilé invites us to an eventide dream world, inspired by a nighttime escapade amidst pristine, wide-open fields. Imagine, perhaps, a majestic forest where waterfalls flow between the trees, where aromatic fragrances scent the skin, and where delicate leave form soft and inviting beds. Here, the sheer immensity of the moonlit countryside consorts with absolute serenity beneath a veil of shimmering stars.

This scent really does seem to fit that description. It is initially a bit citrus, but the peppermint brings a hint of chill to it. It's a really interesting balance that I think can only be described as a bit magical. After about half an hour the citrus notes fade a little bit and the pine and fir come out a little bit. The peppermint stays put, and I smell like a minty forest. I know that sounds strange, but it really isn't. It is a very unique and not at all like Christmas. Instead, it comes across as being in a forest at night with just a hint of chill in the air.

Notes:
Top Notes: Citrus, Citron, Sweet Orange, Peppermint Oil
Middle Notes: Wild Siberian Pine Needles and Balsam Fir
Base Notes: Angelica Seed

(I've read on-line that there is Tonka in the base notes as well, though that wasn't mentioned in the info I received from Annick Goutal.)


This fragrance is subtle but noticeable. I think you could probably bathe in it and still not have it overwhelm you. I'd say it is appropriate for pretty much any occasion. I do want to note that it seems to only last about 8 hours or so on my skin. I've prolonged that a bit by applying to more pulse points (eg- the back of my knees), but you'll want to bring this one with you to reapply.

Annick Goutal

3

Michael Kors Suede Review: Yes, this is a Spring/Summer Scent!

I don't know about you, but to me Suede is a fall/winter item. It looks warm and cozy. I want suede shoes, bags and other accessories in fall and winter. It doesn't exactly inspire me for spring.

However, this limited edition scent from my beloved Michael is great for this time of year. This is primarily a floral scent with a bit of citrus leaning. Somehow it is just a little bit warm and sensual, and yes, the name suede does work really well.

inspired by the sensuality, tenderness and simplicity of suede against the skin.

Notes:
Top Notes: Mandarin, Orange Flower, Waterlily, Violet Leaves
Middle Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose, Michelia, Gardenia
Base Notes: Creamy Sandalwood, Plumeria, Sensual Musks, Cashmere Woods

Like other Michael Kors scents, this is pretty strong on the Tuberose. For me there is no dry down, I have the same floral scent throughout with Tuberose and Gardenia (that note does fade a little bit over time), though there is just a hint of fuzzy warmth, I think it is a bit of the sensual musks and cashmere woods. I also pick up a hint of the mandarin and orange flower, adding a little bit of a citrus note.

The overall effect is a very pretty floral citrus with a little bit of warm coziness. But, it is a more sensual and less obvious warmth than many of the "warm" floriental fragrances that I love to wear in the fall and winter. This is great for work, running errands, heading out for dinner...

My only complaint is staying power. It lasts about 4-6 hours on me. I wish there was a lotion to layer it with. I apply this one behind my knees in addition to my typical wrists and neck to get closer to the 6 hour mark.


Michael Kors

1

Ralph's Big Pony Collection for Women: Something for Everyone

Ralph Lauren has a popular fragrance line for men named Big Pony, and now they're releasing a similar collection for women. The four scents promise to have a perfect choice for every woman!

#1 The Sporty Fragrance
#1 is a floral-citrus scent with Grapefruit & Blue Lotus notes. It promises to be a vibrant energetic fragrance.

#2 The Sensual Fragrance
A fruity floriental, the main notes are Cranberry & Tonka Mousse. This fragrance is flirty and romantic.

#3 The Free-Spirited Fragrance
A floral green scent, this fragrance features Pear & Mimosa notes. The result is a crisp, bright scent.

#4 The Stylish Fragrance
#4 is a Oriental Floral with notes of Wild Cherry & Purple Amber.

To help determine which scent is a great fit for you, Ralph Lauren created the “Life in Color Quiz,” an easy-to-use, 4-question interactive online quiz to help define your personal fragrance style. Take the quiz, post to your social media pages and share with a friend – because, every person who takes the quiz has the chance to win a $4,000 Ralph Lauren shopping spree.

OneRepublic partnered with Ralph Lauren for the exclusive release of “Life in Color,” the band’s newest song which also doubles as the theme song for the fragrance’s commercial


Ralph Lauren

2

Juliette Has a Gun... Not a Perfume: Review

So, this is perfume that isn't. Really.

Juliette Has a Gun's creator Romano Ricci caused a few waves in the fragrance industry when he created this scent. Not a Perfume is inspired by his love of the often used (but frequently overlooked) base note Cetalox. Cetalox is also known as Ambroxan, and is a synthetic molecule. It is frequently used in fragrances with an amber base note. Cetalox is the only ingredient. The only note. So, there's no initial dry down, no layering of different scents, there's just Cetalox.

Note: Cetalox

Cetalox is very interesting. To me, it is amber but a bit more interesting. It is warm and layered and I swear a little bit herbal at the same time. It isn't a loud scent (how can it be? It's usually a base note), but rather it is there and just smells... sophisticated? Alone it is very elegant and more complex than I had expected.

I probably won't be wearing this scent much during the spring/summer, but it's definitely earned a spot in my fragrance collection for fall and winter.

Juliette Has a Gun

0

Fragrance Wednesday: Costume National's Pop Collection

Now that spring (or is it summer?) has hit in a major way around here, I fully admit that I'm running around in full on spring mode. I want my colorful pants, chunky jewelry, bright polish and lippies... yes! And, that also means a fragrance overhaul.

Gone are my cravings for warm and seductive. I want fresh and light or fruity and playful. Those are my predominate spring moods, and I need matching fragrances.

This fragrance (which isn't actually a collection of fragrance, it is one fragrance that comes in a collection of different bottles. Just pick your favorite when you purchase. This is a fun oriental that to me just is screaming "Spring!"

Notes:
Top Notes: Pink Grapefruit, Black Currant and Bittersweet Raspberry
Middle Notes: Jasmine and Rose
Base Notes: Patchouli Heart, Cashmeran Wrap and Ambre Gris

When I initially apply this fragrance it is very off putting. It actually smells very strongly of pink grapefruit and pink pepper (which isn't listed as a note, but I swear it is there). It is very intense, and pretty much overpowers no matter how much of the fragrance you apply. This initial phase needs to be completely ignored. Really. After about 5-10 minutes the fragrance will tone down quite a bit and be very different.

Once things have calmed down a bit, the pink grapefruit is still very prominent on me, but it no longer overpowers. It is grounded by patchouli, which I don't usually like. Somehow, with the grapefruit it isn't the hippy 1960's scent that I usually think of, instead it is a slightly spicy and exotic base note that adds a bit of something different. But, it isn't warm feeling. Perfect! I also get a little bit of floral in the mix, but it really is just a hint (I think it's the jasmine, but it is so subtle that it is hard to tell).

This scent is definitely fun and different. I want to wear it to a farmer's market in a bright color blocked dress or hang out in my backyard wearing my new green skinnies. This is my new scent for celebrating this super early warm weather!

Costume National

1

Bond No 9 Central Park West Review: A Different Floral

I've been using the new Central Park West perfume for almost 2 weeks now, and I fully admit to being at a loss when I try to describe it. Still.

This is definitely floral. But, it isn't the "normal" white floral that you're used to. It is very heavy in Narcissus for me, but it is warmer than usual, in large part because of the Citrus middle note. The 2 are very prominent on my skin and mix together to be floral, citrus, a little bit sweet and just... cozy? I feel cozy in this fragrance. I really can't describe it any better.

Notes
Top: Narcissus, Ylang Ylang, Black Pepper
Middle: Velvety white Gardenia, Jasmine, Citrus, Orris
Base: Vetiver, Musk, White Oak, Treemoss

Note that on me, the fragrance was the same at the beginning as it was hours later, there was no burn off. It lasts all day, and while it was noticeable, it isn't an overwhelming fragrance. It is just... there. Warm and sweet and floral and just inviting. I've been wearing this for home, for work, for running errands... it would probably be a bit out of place for a night at the bar, but it is perfect for a romantic date night. Can you smell it inviting you closer?

Bond No 9

1

5 Years of Favorite Products: My Go-To Fragrance, Jennifer Aniston

I review quite a few fragrances on this blog, which is actually rather surprising since I find them by far and away the hardest posts to write. I can describe how the scents smell to me, pick up on notes... but capturing a fragrance in a few sentences is definitely difficult.

The other reason it is surprising is my history with perfumes. In the past I've been a "signature scent" girl, meaning I'd own one perfume at a time and just wear it to death until my bottle was gone. I wanted it to be different from what everyone else was wearing, and I made it mine. In high school it was Tribu from Benetton, when everyone else had CK One (and if they did have Benetton, they had Colors. I was the lone Tribu girl). In college I wore Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue. You get the picture.

If I was still a signature scent girl, right now my pick would be Jennifer Aniston. It is a clean floral, very simple. I get compliments whenever I wear it. I find myself reaching for it over and over again, and it works for most occasions.

Notes:
Top Notes: Citrus Grove Accord, Rose Water
Middle Notes: Blooming Jasmine, Wild Violet, Amazon Lily
Base Notes: Sensual Musk, Golden Amber, Sandalwood

3

Especially Escada Fragrance Review: A Safe Floral For Spring

Especially Escada is a new release and I fully admit that it isn't really what I was expecting at all. Most of my experience with Escada comes from walking past their store in South Coast Plaza, seeing the beautiful dresses in the window. In my mind they are exclusive and very high end, hoity-toity basically.

Especially Escada is entirely different from my mental picture of Escada. This isn't an old lady, fussy scent, though it is somewhat classic and "safe".

Notes:
Top Notes: Pear, Ambrette Seeds
Middle Notes: Rose, Watery Facet, Ylang Ylang
Base Notes: Musk

When I spray this perfume on, I initially smell Pink Pepper. I know that it isn't listed as a note, but I swear that for the first 3 or 4 minutes I'm just thinking "pink pepper, pink pepper, aren't there any other notes?" (Note, this might very well just be a quirk for me, I'm not a pink pepper fan so I tend to fixate on anything remotely pink pepper-ish.) After my imaginary pink pepper fades away, what is left behind is a very clean, though slightly watery rose scent. It is a bit fresh and green (I think that is the pear note), keeping it from becoming too "grandma". It's grounded by a very soft and subtle musk base note.

Overall, this scent is a pretty and subtle floral, though I don't really know how to describe it in a way that sets it apart from other subtle florals. It would work for most daytime occasions such as work, brunch with your mother in law, et cetera. I think it would be a good perfume to check out for spring time, which I think calls for a pretty subtle floral while avoiding crossing over in to granny territory.

Escada

6

Sexual Fresh: A Light Fruity Floral With a Name You Should Ignore

First off, yes, I know that the name of this fragrance is awful. It really is. Don't let that deter you from the perfume, or even from reading the rest of my review. When I first wore this scent, my husband said he liked it a lot and asked what the name was. "Sexual Fresh" I replied. "Oooh," he made a face. "Good thing they sent it for free, I really like it but don't think I could buy you a perfume with that name."

So yes, the name is horrible. I think you should completely overlook the name for this fragrance. The fresh makes sense, but the Sexual? Really, it's just part of a series from the brand. This isn't a sexy fragrance at all. This is a great scent for all ages (and therefore a great holiday gift), so just overlook that when you're picking up a bottle for your niece, ok?

Notes:
Top Notes: Iced Ruby Grapefruit, Bergamot, Fresh Ginger, Cooling Cardamom
Middle Notes: Pink Peony, Star Jasmin, White Tea, Magnolia
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Sensual Musk, Precious Amber

So, the name Fresh really is a perfect description for this fragrance. This is a light and slightly fruity floral that is more sophisticated than most other fruity florals. It would be perfect for heading to class in college. It works for brunch out with your mom. I will be wearing to to work quite frequently since it isn't obvious but rather a quiet "oh, look at me, I am wearing a subtle and pretty fruity floral" that will work perfectly for heading in to the hospital. I think it works whether you are 21 or 81. It is a great office/every day/special occasion fragrance. I'm not sure it works for heading out to the bar, but for your cousin's black tie wedding or your office holiday party? This is perfect!

When I first apply, I smell mostly the grapefruit and cardamom with some magnolia in the background. They do balance each other out quite well, though after about 20-30 minutes the fragrance deepens as the grapefruit recedes a bit, though it never goes away completely. I think this is why the fruity note is so light and modern- rather than going for a mandarin note as many other fruity floral fragrances do, this fragrance features a lighter and more airy grapefruit. I smell a little bit more of the Star Jasmin mixing in with the Magnolia and just a touch of the amber comes in to warm things up and ground the whole fragrance.

I did have a little bit of a problem with staying power. I could no longer smell the scent on myself after about 6-8 hours, so consider reapplying or adding a few dabs to different pulse points than I use (I'm a neck and wrist girl), such as the back of your knee (really) when applying.


Michel Germain

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Diane by Diane von Furstenburg Fragrance Review

I full admit to being a DVF fan. I love her clothing (though it is usually a tad out of my price range. And I'm a doctor.), I love her crusade against counterfeit goods and love that she's done it all on her own terms. When I heard that she was releasing her first new fragrance in about 8 years I had to try it out!

Diane is a woody floral that features the Frangipani flower, which has long been Diane's favorite. Frangipani is a large white flower that Diane first discovered on a trip to Bali, so you know that it isn't a "typical" white floral. It has been combined with Freesia, Pink Peppercorn, Patchouli and musk.

Notes:
Top Notes: Pink Peppercorn and White Freesia
Middle Notes: Frangripani,Violet
Base Notes: Myrrh, Musk, Patchouli

When I initially apply Diane I get a whole lot of Pink Peppercorn and a little bit of something floral, which I think is the Frangripani. I'm not a Pink Peppercorn fan (I've refused to review fragrances in the past that heavily feature this note), so it's a good thing that with the dry down it diminishes! I just grin and bear it.

For me, the dry down was unusually long at about 30 minutes. Once I've gotten through it, the Pink Peppercorn has faded somewhat, and the florals have come forward a bit. I can now smell the Freesia and Frangripani, though there is just a bit of a violet edge. The Pink Peppercorn is still present but no longer demanding attention and everything is grounded by a little bit of a quiet patchouli and a slightly heavier musk. While describe as a woody floral, I definitely did feel it was more woody floral with a bit of an oriental twist.

With so much of a woodsy feel, I did think that the fragrance was trying for the sexy vibe, and somewhat succeeding... though perhaps trying a tad too hard to get there? I can see this as a great fragrance for heading out in an overly ambitious dress and sky high heels. But it doesn't seem to be a good match for the understated sexy wrap dresses that Diane has designed to build her empire.

Diane by Diane von Furstenburg

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