Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 05/31/06

Today I'm wearing Montale Chypre Vanille. I'm not really a chypre girl, but this is very nice. What are you wearing?


(Thanks Victoria F for sample!)

Photo of the Day - Wednesday - 05/31/06

One of the last remaining fields with tulips and we had to drive some distance just to find this one. I think I missed the peak of the tulip season by a few weeks. Lots of fields, but no flowers.

Too Feminine - Aigner

Etienne Aigner, only releasing a very few select scents to the USA, is a busy little bee in Europe. I saw many boxes of scents lining the shelves at at the parfumerie in Cologne. Her newest scent is called Too Feminine.

Notes:
Top: Passion Fruit, Watermelon, Raspberry, Grapefruit

Mid: Indian Tuberose, Tunisian Orange Blossom, Egyptian Jasmine, Chinese Magnolia, Parma Violet

Base: Oak Moss, Vetiver, Iris, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk

It's a funny composition really. Without the top notes it would have been quite a different animal all together, and maybe better.

The top notes are fruity and sweet to the point of being candied. Which is ok if you want a syrupy sweet fruity concoction as a summer pick me up. But I sense here the perfumer was trying to be very serious. The middle notes and base could have stood on their own and made quite a wonderful scent. It's really an odd combination. The fragrance is top heavy and the mid notes never really develop. The base which is a light sandalwood/musk keeps this far from being considered a chypre. I have no idea where the Oak Moss and Vertiver went. Other missing ingredients seem to be tuberose, jasmine, iris and magnolia. Why bother with the expense if you are not going to add enough to be able to detect them? Why smother them with a sugary top-heavy notes?

But you know what? I still like it. It's very candy sweet and pink. And sometimes I'm in the mood for pink.

Photo: parfyym.pri.ee

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 05/30/06

I'll be wearing Too Feminine again today. What are you wearing?
Ughhh!! I hate Mondays. Even if it is Tuesday.

Photo of the Day - Tuesday - 05/30/06

Aonther one I took with the mini camera.

Scent of the Day - Monday - 05/29/06

Happy Memorial Day - May We Never Forget

Photo: briansbabe2/webshots

Today I'm wearing Aigner Too Feminine, what are you wearing? It's is a normal day off for me since I'm off on Mondays. But I hope the rest of you in the USA are enjoying an extra day off!

Photo of the Day - Monday - 05/29/06

Two more lovely shots from Düsseldorf.

Scent of the Day - Sunday - 05/28/06

DKNY Woman for me today, what are you wearing?

Photo of the Day - Sunday - 05/28/06

More views from the cathedral in Cologne.

Scent of the Day - Saturday - 05/27/06

L'Or Rouge for me today, what are you wearing?

Photo of the Day - Saturday - 05/27/06

The first picture was taken in Amsterdam. The second is the train station at Antwerp.

Caline - Parfums Gres

Caline is made by Parfums Gres and is one of my prized finds from my trip to Antwerp, Belgium. I knew of the house Parfumes Gres, the maker of Cabotine, but had not heard of this one. I figured it was either very new, or not released in the USA. Come to find out it was released in 2005, so it isn't that new, but as far as I can tell it's not available in the USA.

Here is the spiel from the Parfums Grès website:
"After the ongoing 10 years success story of CABOTINE, Parfums Grès is now tempting the next generation with CALINE, an irresistible alliance of original yet harmonious fragrance notes." ... Read more here.

Ah-ha, so it's made for a younger person, no wonder I love it. Haha! But don't dismiss this one so quickly as just another fruity floral - This scent was formulated by Thierry Wasser of Firmenich and is hauntingly beautiful and superbly crafted, reminiscent of Ormonde Jayne's florals with its cool, watery aspect. The top notes open with a pleasant mandarin, soft grapefruit - apple combo. The touch of Ivy Leaf hints at the composition yet to unfold. With a fair amount of sillage and decent longevity, this fragrance is truly a gem. The lovely bottle was designed by Fabrice Legros of Pi Design.

As it has been pointed out and discussed on POL, I'm not sure how they were able to use the name Caline, which already belongs to Patou.

Notes:
Top: Mandarin, Grapefruit, Apple, Ivy leaf
Middle: Powdery Jasmine, Lotus, Silk Tree
Base: Praline, Tonka Beans, Vanilla, Musk

Photo: Perfumes Gres website

Scent of the Day - Friday - 05/26/06

Caline - Parfums Gres for me today, so surprisingly lovely!! What are you wearing?

Photo of the Day For - Friday - 05/26/06

These picures are from another of my favorite cities - Leiden in The Netherlands. Oh I could just pack up and move to this street and live happily ever after.

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 05/25/06

Today's pics are from Cologne, one of my favorite cities from the trip. I'm wearing my new parfum oil of Kenzo Flower Le Parfum, it's divine! What are you wearing?

Photo of the Day For - Thursday - 05/25/06

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 05/24/06

Aigner Too Feminine for me today. The pic of the day is from Duesseldorf.
What are you wearing today?

Photo of the Day For - Wednesday - 05/24/06

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 05/23/06

I decided in lieu of Paris pictures, I'd share a few of my vacation pics. Today's is from Amsterdam.

I'm wearing my new perfume #53 from Perfume in Fine. A small perfume shop in Antwerp. A review will follow.
What are you wearing?

Photo of the Day For - Tuesday - 05/23/06

Report: What I Did On My Summer Spring Vacation

Would you travel over 5,000 miles to met someone you have only met on a perfume board? Well I did and it was a wonderful experience. Sometimes you just know you are going to hit it off with someone. And of course we had been corresponding and talking on the phone for quite some time. Maybe when she invited me to come stay with her, she thought I wouldn't come, but surprise! My hubby has been very travel oriented since our trip to Paris and he's game for any new adventure where he can take photos. Umm ... over 1300 to be exact.

I had an absolutely wonderful time. The weather was so perfect. In the 70's, not too hot so no coat to drag around, it was just perfect.

I actually met two people from the Perfume Of Life Board. Our first stop was Amsterdam. We were there for two days exploring the city and I met with the lovely Vidabo from POL for lunch at the Cafe Luxembourg. What was to be just lunch turned into a full afternoon of perfume talk and shopping. She took me to Skins a great little perfumerie I might not have found otherwise. There I tried the Mona di Orio's and a few others that escape me right now. But I didn't buy anything. The candy shop she took me to, Puccini Bomboni, was another story. I'm still dreaming of those luscious cranberry dark chocolates.

Next I met with Dutchmilk, and of course we hit it off immediately also. She is also pretty, funny and multilingual, speaking six languages and managing to charm in every one of them. She was a gracious hostess traveling around with us and offering us a room at her house. A nice bonus was that our hubbies hit it off too, sometimes staying up to talk after we had crashed and went to bed.

We saw many cities: Amsterdam, Boskoop, Leiden, Antwerp, Duesseldorf & Cologne. And a few small cities in between.
It's good to be home, but I'm tired and trying to get rested before I have to return to work. I missed you all!

I smelled a lot of perfumes while on vacation. So, so many, maybe too many. I can't seem to remember them all, it is a blur. I tried many Summer editions that left me unimpressed.

I failed to find my Cuir Amethyste. They didn't have it at the Armani boutique in Duesseldorf, however down the street at the Douglas, they did have it but were sold out.

I bought 8 new scents. Only a few are exclusive to Europe;

The new Guerlain AA Kiwi - Now that I am back, I see this has been released here and is everywhere. But I did like it, so I bought it. The berry one was not as good.

A new summer scent from Rance called Musc Blanc - very nice. A clean fresh scent.

L'Or Rouge - I have never seen this here in the states, but an eBay search shows it it readily available. The small size bottle was adorable, I couldn't resist.

Kenzo Le Parfum Parfum oil - I have the Flower Le Parfum so this chance to get the parfum was too good to pass up.

Lou Lou - Ok, I thought this was discontinued, but there it was, fresh on the shelf, so I bought a small size.

L'Instant Iris - While looking for L'Instant Noel, I found this which I believe is the same thing, but I could be wrong. I think it was a special edition for Christmas that was so popular they repackaged it.

Aigner Too Feminine - There were several Aigner fragrances I have never seen or heard of. This one is the newest.

Caline - Caline is made by Parfums Gres in Paris. Fresh grapefruit and musk.

Since we have more scoop on new fragrances then they do, I only heard of one new release; a new Etro coming soon - a rose.

Vidabo was wearing Bandit, and although I previously thought I didn't like it, I have since changed my mind. She was so kind as let me make a sample and I will be trying that again later this week. I think I'm going to end up with another purchase. :O)

And of course I also raided Dutchmilk's stash for a few decants. Most notable was DKNY Woman. We both love it and the new summer edition is very nice too.

Some more pictures to follow soon and some perfume reviews.

Scent of the Day - Monday - 05/22/06

I'm wearing my new Rance Musc Blanc today, what are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Saturday - 05/20/06

I'm back!! I missed you all! I am very tired, but I had a wonderful time.
More news, reviews and pictures to follow!

In the meantime ... what are you wearing today? I'm going to wear my new L'Or Rouge.

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 05/18/06

Good Morning, what are you wearing today?
Please log in!

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 05/17/06

You guys miss me yet? I miss you!
I hope you have a beautiful fragrant day.
PS: What are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 05/16/06

Good Morning, what are you wearing today?
Please log in!

I'll be back soon with stories and scents from afar.
Please visit my lovely co-contributor's blog:
Perfume-Smellin' Things

Scent of the Day - Monday - 05/15/06

Hey! I miss you guys, please sign in and post what you are wearing today!

Sunday - May 14th

VICTORIA'S OWN WILL BE DONATING $1 FOR EVERY COMMENT YOU LEAVE FOR POSTS TODAY, MOTHER'S DAY, MAY 14TH TO FINCA International. FEEL FREE TO LEAVE AS MANY COMMENTS AS YOU WISH, HOWEVER I WILL BE MAKING A SINGLE DONATION FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL COMMENTER ONLY. HOW CAN YOU HELP? THREE WAYS; BY LEAVING YOUR COMMENT; BY AGREEING TO MATCH MY DONATION AMOUNT; OR BY MAKING YOUR OWN PERSONAL DONATION TO ONE OF THESE WORTHWHILE CHARITIES.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?
BENEVOLENT BLOGGING IS AN INFORMAL GROUP OF BLOGGERS JOINING TOGETHER TO RAISE AWARENESS AND MONEY FOR SELECTED CHARITIES ON MOTHER'S DAY.

WHO'S INVOLVED?

• Beauty Addict for Orphan
  Foundation of America


• Brain Trapped in
  Girl's Body


• Legerdenez for Orphan
  Foundation of America


• Perfume Posse for Orphan
  Foundation of America


• Perfumery for FINCA
  International


• Perfume-Smellin'
  Things for Orphan Foundation of America


• The Scented
  Salamander for Orphan Foundation of America


• Scenteur 7 for Orphan
  Foundation of America *Participating May 10th through the 15th!*


• Scentzilla! for FINCA
  International


• SmellyBlog for FINCA
  International


• The Soap Blog for UNIQUE


• Urban Chick for Womankind
  Worldwide *Participating May 12th ONLY*


• Victoria's Own for FINCA
  International

Scent of the Day - Saturday - 05/13/06

What are you wearing today? Please log in!
Remember to check in tomorrow for the Mother's Day Benevolent Blogger's Event.

Scent of the Day - Friday - 05/12/06

What are you wearing today? - Please Log In!

Just a reminder that this Sunday, May 14th, a mass-blog fundraising campaign will take place. For each comment left on this blog on Mother's Day, a donation will be made to FINCA International.

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 05/11/06

Mike Myers as Linda Richman, the hostess of Coffee Talk would say -
Scent of The Day - What are you wearing? - "Discuss Amongst Yourselves"

I'll be back soon with stories and scents from afar.
Please visit my lovely co-contributor's blog:
Perfume-Smellin' Things

Vacation Time!

Good morning my dear friends! Today I am off to The Netherlands for vacation. I am meeting with a perfume pal I met on the Perfume Of Life Board, but have never met in person. Of course we have been writing to each other for a couple of years and have talked on the phone. But the morale of this story is … don’t invite me unless you mean it! I’m ready to get up, fly over and perfume sniff anytime. My generous friend will also be playing tour guide and showing around not only her country, but trips are planned to Germany and Belgium as well. Ahhh all the non-export perfumies I can get my hands on will be sniffed and duly reported on. Have no fear! I shall return to you shortly with many stories, reviews and pictures.

In the meantime the lovely and talented blogger, Colombina has graciously accepted to keep my Scent Of The Day threads posted, so you all can still sign in and let me know what you are wearing. I will be with you in spirit dear ones, as I so love hearing of your daily choices.

Please drop by and visit Colombina’s blog, Perfume-Smellin’ Things if you don’t already. This beautiful blog is highly respected and one of the best around. And remember to stop by on Mother’s Day to participate in the Benevolent Blogging Mother's Day Tribute.

I will miss you all!
Victoria

Scent of the Day - 05/09/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

After decanting some Anne Pliska for a friend, I decided this will be my scent of the day. What did you decide on? Log in!

Paris Photo of the Day For - Tuesday - 05/09/06

Anne Pliska - Anne Pliska

Today I had the honor of being the first essay to grace the front page of the Perfume of Life website. Only fitting I should retell my Anne Pliska story and how I have come to be such an active member of the Perfume Of Life Forum.

You can read my story here:

Perfume Of Life Forums

It occured to me today as much as I love Anne Pliska I have never written a review of it on my blog. So below I have recapped my Anne Pliska thoughts from my Best of 2005 list, and added a few more thoughts.

ANNE PLISKA - Always tops my list. My Holy Grail, my signature scent for 18 years. It's me, or who I aspire to be. The scent I always reach for on a special occasion or when I want to make a good impression. Yes, I have lots of others, but if I had to give them all up but one, I would choose Anne Pliska. Soft, powdery amber, sophisticated and sexy, it has it all. Always elegant, a classic.

Notes: bergamot, amber, patchouli, geranium, musk and vanilla

Some people sense a chilliness from this scent, I do not. From my experience those who perceive it as chilly usually do not fall in love with it. If you love orientals, most who try this one will fall for it. I find it to be the most beautifully crafted, soft amber scent ever created. It does not have any of the medicinal amber smell of Ambre Sultan, but rather a warm softness that envelopes the other notes and folds them into sheer perfection. Make no mistake, this is an amber scent. The other notes are just along for the ride. The bergamot provides a bright opening. The orange and vanilla melt together into a softy musk base. The geranium adds the floral note while the addition of patchouli makes it sexy. The amber seems to become more powdery as it wears on the skin, however the whole composition stays rather linear. Although not listed, I would be surprised if aldehydes are not in this composition. The opening is amplified and reminiscent of some Guerlains.

And let me tell you this one garners compliments! Men love it. I have had strangers come up to me ask what I am wearing and to write it down so they can buy for their wives. The sillage is great; it has presence. As I have said before, this one is sophisticated and sexy, and has it all. Perfection.

Hawaiian Malie Vine - Voluspa

One whiff of this fragrance and I was immediately transported to Maui. Hubby and I used to travel there frequently, sadly not so much any more. And I miss it. Maui is relaxed, laid back friendly. Green and lush with tropical plants and flowers. Not only growing naturally but in every restaurant, store and lobby. Fresh leis abound at the airport on street corners and in the markets.

And what is a luau with out a fresh lei? And now I digress into my memory of beautiful tanned young men with twinkling almond eyes and dark glossy hair, grass skirts riding low on their hips with hawaiian tatoos across their lower back, doing their dances and wearing malie vine leis. Maile vine is one of the oldest and most popular lei materials used in Hawaii. Maile leis are made from three strands of vine. One strand is stripped of leaves and bark to release the beatuiful vanilla like scent. The other two strands are then intertwined with the leaves in tact. It is believed that the leaves bring good luck and healing powers.

So - this fragrance recalls the lovely scents and scenes of Maui for me. It is made to be used as body or room spray.

Notes:
Maile Vine Absolute, Fresh Cut Grass, Carbo Tree Resin, & Fresh Cucumber.

Only $18.00 for 4.0 oz of paradise. Available from:
La Creme Beauty

Scent of the Day - 05/08/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Hawaiian Malie Vine by Voluspa for me today, what are you wearing?

Paris Photo of the Day For - Monday 05/08/06

Scent of the Day - 05/07/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Victoria's Own will be donating $1 for every comment you leave for posts on Mother's Day, May 14 to FINCA International.

This is Scentzilla’s wonderful idea to have bloggers and those who read them make a difference on Mother’s Day. Please go to Benevolent Blogging to read more. If you are a blogger who would like to join in, please go to Benevolent Blogging and sign up!

What's This About?
Benevolent Blogging is an informal group of bloggers joining together to raise awareness and money for selected charities on Mother's Day.

Paris Photo of the Day For - Sunday 05/07/06

Scent of the Day - 05/06/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Parfums de Nicolai Eau d'Ete - clean and fresh, a new favorite!
Notes: Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamont, Green Tomato, Jasmine, Verbena, Cinnamon, Musk Benzoin and Blackberry.

Paris Photo of the Day For - Saturday 05/06/06

Scent of the Day - 05/05/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Paris Photo of the Day For - Friday 05/05/06

Cool Tropic Palm - Comptoir Sud Pacifique

Feeling a longing for the warm weather, and a break from the rain and cool days here in Southern California, I went searching through my wardrobe to find a spring scent to lift my spirits. And there is was, tall and cool and turquoise.

I feel this one deserves a reprise for this spring/summer that is about to be upon us. One of my 10 Best of 2005, this is surprisingly refreshing scent. There is something about it I find completely captivating. Maybe it is the Iodine note; a scent from my childhood. Or the Ozone combined with a Sea Water note that lends a beachy feel. Also in the mix is a light note of Lemon on a base of Woods and Musk. Fresh, cool and watery. Kicking myself for missing out on a great tester deal at Parfume1, Holy Cow, it was only $28.95.

Here is the description directly from the Comptoir Sud Pacifique site:
"A cocktail of transparent and fresh notes, pure and crystalline for a cool and woody harmony that exhales skin-deep femininity. As head note, a zest of lemon seasons the fruity water-filled freshness of melon and iodine. A heart note of flowers stroked by the freshness of the open sea. Finally, in a burst of purity, sea water plays with the woody strength of teak to create a crystalline groove."

Top notes: Lemon, Iodine, Melon
Middle notes: Ozone, Pacific Rose, Lotus, Mahogany Wood
Bottom notes: Sea Water, White Musk, Teak Wood

Scent of the Day - 05/04/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

CSP Cool Tropic Palm, what are you wearing?

Paris Photo of the Day For - Thursday 05/04/06

Scent of the Day - 05/03/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

I'm wearing Parfums de Nicolai Eau D'Ete Eau Fraiche.
What are you wearing?

Countdown till Vacation: 7 Days!!

The Great Mascara Hunt

My Holy Grail Mascara - Blinc - Kiss Me Mascara

I have been using this mascara for about 5 years I believe. I have oily skin and constantly used to struggle with "raccoon eyes". Waterproof mascara was my only option and still, I would have to use face powder applied under and above my lashes so where ever they touched they wouldn't leave a mark.

Then I would have to struggle with removal. All that changed when I found Kiss Me Mascara.

No Smudging
No Flaking
No Raccoon Eyes
No Animal Testing :O)
Easy Removal

Below is a the blurb from their site:

"Stop painting your lashes…TUBE them! Kiss Me is not an oil based paint like most mascaras. Its water-resistant formulation creates tiny tubes around your lashes that cannot clump, flake, run or smudge once set.

Application: apply just like a regular mascara. Do not use conditioners, lotions, etc... before applying mascara. Requires a dry, clean surface in order to adhere properly. When Kiss Me sets (about 2 minutes), it will form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes. The tubes will give your lashes volume and length. Unlike traditional mascaras, you do not let it set before applying another coat in order to build. Keep adding coats until you are satisfied with the volume, length and degree of lash separation before the mascara sets. Once it sets, you can no longer build. "

COLORS: Black • Purple • Brown • Blue • Black/Brown • Green

Click below to see a clip from the Blinc website:
Blinc Mascara Demo Clip

I used to use a Lancome waterproof mascara, but the removal was tough. I used Almay Non-Oily Eye Makeup Remover Pads which worked pretty well, but it still was a lot of work. Although the remover pads are non-irritating, they still get in your eyes and you get blurry eyed for a bit afterwards.

Removal of Kiss Me Mascara is so easy. In the shower I just wet my face and as I apply my face soap, I just swish my finger horizontally across my lashes and the tubes fall off. Like little spider legs down the drain. No pulling, no tugging and no residue. You don't even need to use soap, but I find it is a bit easier that way.

You can find Kiss Me Mascara at several on line etailers including Beauty.Com and Sephora. Also check eBay for sealed tubes at lower prices.

Please note the packaging has just recently changed, but I can't find a current picture. It now comes in a burgundy tube container, and the mascara is brushed aluminum color with burgundy lettering. Tube mascara coming in a tube, they decided to capitalize on their forte, clever.

Product rating, 9.

*If anyone would like to participate in mascara madness please contact annieytown@yahoo.com
Bloggers participating in May Mascara Month:
http://beautyaddict.blogspot.com/
http://blend10.blogspot.com/
http://blogdorfgoodman.blogspot.com/
http://thedailyobsession.wordpress.com/
http://beautydiary.blogspot.com/
http://www.ladybuglife.blogspot.com/
http://monkeyposh.blogspot.com/
http://scentzilla.com/
http://after-so-much-thinking.blogspot.com/
http://victoriasown.blogspot.com/

Graphic by Katie @ Scentzilla

Scent of the Day - 05/02/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Marc Jacobs Rain for me again today, what are you wearing?

Paris Photo of the Day For - Tuesday 05/02/06

Scent of the Day - 05/01/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Marc Jacobs Rain for me today, what are you wearing?