The Beauty Of It All

Sometimes in this world of fragrance, we fragrance bloggers are caught by a shiny object in the cosmetic aisle. Mostly though, we hurry past on our way to fragrances meaning to stop by "after", but "after" we are tired and bleary eyed and usually well ... broke.

So when the Best of 2006 came around, it was nice to sit back and really check out the wonderful Beauty Blogs out there and to make some new friends. I went slowly down the list and read more than just the Best Of - I had a look around.

Not on the Best of list, but on Kristin's Beauty Addict Blog page, I found the Sedu Ultrasilent Dryer. Ok people, $129 for a hair dryer? Yet, a little voice said - hey, she knows what she's talking about. And quiet, for what price would I pay for quiet? Besides it's on sale and I have some Paypal credit built up - splurge. And splurge I did. Shhhhh ... can you hear me drying my hair in the morning? Neither can I, I almost can fall back to sleep. Almost. At least the transition into daylight isn't as jarring, and that is well ... simply worth it. Folica.com

I wish I had time to research all the blogs and tell you the names and links but that would take forever. So I will just have to shout out a big thank you, and you know who you are, to the bloggers who recommended the following:

Aquafina Hydrating Lip Oil - wow this stuff is amazing. I have the FlavorSplash Raspberry and I am considering stock options. I never want to be without this stuff - fabulous!

While looking for the Aquafina, I stumbled upon Mug Root Beer Whipped Lip Gloss. I'm so happy. Truly. It was like finding Secret De Venus Parfum Oil at a yard sale for $2.00.

Neal's Yard Frankincense Nourishing Cream - Well I've just started on it and I have to say, I'm liking it so far. The cream I was using left a couple of dry patches that are gone now.

Secret Vanilla Sparkle - I've been pretty stocked up on deodorants so I haven't been looking at the aisles lately. Wow, this stuff is delish. When I saw the Secret display I reached for the berry one first, it was very nice and I was about to put it in my basket well till ... I tried the vanilla. Wow.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil - I had to send off to Europe to find samples of this stuff, and I'm glad I did. With my Fresh Rice Powder Face Wash now discontinued, I need a replacement that is non-drying and leaves my skin soft.

Teavana Pear Luna - I now have a new 2nd favorite White Tea.

Oh and since Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum was mentioned, I thought I might as well plug his jasmine shampoo and conditioner. Quite pricey but if you use it only on the weekends, maybe you can rationalize the expense as mandatory rotation. You know you do need to switch to avoid buildup? That is the perfect excuse. This stuff is jasmine perfection. I have been using the Jasmine Oil Serum for awhile now and the scent is just lovely. After I rub it through my hair, I rub the excess on my arms. I tell you it's like perfume oil. My regular shampoo and conditioner is Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative Shampoo, I buy it in the large sizes from Drugstore.com. The scent is like vanilla cake batter. I can't believe I now have two favorite shampoos!

Next up - Pure & Petal Hair Fragrances - I think I'll keep this little secret to myself for now, my reviews of these products to follow shortly.

Were there mistakes? Yes - Lancome Fatale Comb Mascara. Holy Cow, I'll leave this one to the experts. My eyes looked liked giant spider legs, and not your average house spider - tarantula legs. I'll stick with my Blinc Kiss Me Mascara, I can handle spider legs in the sink, but I'm not fond of how they look on my eyes.

So what about you guys? Any new discoveries?

Scent of the Day - Monday - 01/15/07

To those of you that have the Martin Luther King day off, I say, enjoy your holiday and your 3-day weekend. Don't you just love those? Who decided the work week should be 5 days anyway? People are so much happier on those 4 days, don't you agree?

I'm just testing Bond Chelsea Flowers today. What are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Friday - 01/12/07

Velvet Rope Parfum for me today, what are you wearing?

Sniffapalooza! A Few Details!

>>West Coast (Los Angeles) Sniffapalooza! The event will be on Saturday, February 10th, right before Valentines Day. And just like with our NYC Sniffapaloozas, we've planned a day crammed to the rafters with fragrance-related activities, a total immersion of scent, and a veritable feast for all the senses! You won't believe the fragrance-world luminaries you'll get to meet, the new information you'll be learning, the exquisite scents you'll get to sample, the new friendships that you'll form with kindred spirits, and the goodies you'll be gifted with to take home.

We feel it is our duty to warn you that Sniffapaloozas are addictive, and after you attend your first one you'll want to go to one every weekend of the year, but you won't be able to! So join us in West Hollywood on February 10th and you'll see what we're talking about...

If you are interested in attending please visit our website www.sniffapalooza.net to register. <<

MONOPOLY: Sephora Edition

Ok, I caved - after all I have been wanting my very own Monopoly set for umm 40 years, give or take. Being an only child I didn't own many games. Maybe not any games, come to think of it. Ahh the depravity. So I'm making up for it now with this fun set. The pewter tokens are: a lipstick, mirror, powder brush, compact, blow dryer, mascara. Shopping Bags and Sephora Stores replace Houses and Hotels. Pink Sugar's Perfume Place is one of the more pricey properties at $300, there is also Under Eye Circle, Curl-De-Sac, Rue De Toilette, Gloss Gardens, just to name a few. How cute is that?

Where else can you go to jail for having a Bad Hair Day?

Available for $29 from:Sephora

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 01/11/07

Anne Pliska for me today, what are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 01/10/07

L'ame Soeur by Divine for me today, what are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 01/09/07

L'Infante by Divine for me today, what are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Monday - 01/08/07

I'm testing The OC today, what are you wearing?

Fun Quiz

Thanks to Koneko's *Mostly* Beauty Diary! I found this fun quiz and thought you might enjoy it too. Although I'm not really a Ralph Lauren Blue, it might be closer than whatever perfumes they have on file. I definitely would wear it, but is it the real me? What is the real you? Have some fun and click HERE or the link below to find out!

Your Perfume is Blue

Like Blue, you change and adapt frequently. One moment you're sexy and captivating... The next? Fun, warm, and inviting. You're hard to predict - but that's the essence of your charm. Power scents: Jasmine, orange flower, and lotus flower.

What Perfume Are You?

The Garden Trilogie - The Different Company - Review

Well I managed to get my hands on ample spray samples of all three of these at once, I was very excited. Now after trying them, I am less excited. Two of my favorite fragrances come from this line; Divine Bergamot and Jasmin de Nuit, so I had hopes for at least one of the new three. According to the website, "A new trilogie created by Celine Ellena, an enchanting trip in magic gardens." I'm not so sure there is anything magical or gardenesque about the first one at least: Sens et Bois.

- Sens et Bois -
Just for humor's sake I thought I'd include the very poor automatic free translation from the French website description - "Feels and Drinks evokes the refinement of the China Cedar associated to the Madagascar pepper. A unique olfactory experience and all in elegance." Well this one is Wood. Wood and Pepper. Below I found more notes, but essentially all you get is wood and pepper. I find it lacking depth and frankly I don't care to smell like wood. Strong wood is not a favorite note, and smelling like wood is not something that appeals to me. And if, just if, I wanted to smell like wood, this would not be the one I'd choose. I get the feeling if one were to wear this to a party, guests might ask if you are doing a room addition.

Notes: White violet, cedar, pepper, ginger, elemi, patchouli, incense

- Charmes et Feuilles -
Free translation - "Charm and Leaves opens us the harbors of a new olfactory environment. Peppered mint, sage and marjolaine compose this perfumed bouquets, promise of a generous spring." Ok, well the opening reminds me of Vick's Vaporub combined with The Body Shop's Satsuma. After that initial very vivid realization and trip down memory lane, it begins to soften into a kitcheny herbal scent that might be interesting on a Spring day if you had a decant. Sharp, minty, herbal.

Notes: Marjoram, peppermint, sambac jasmine, sage, clementine

- Ailleurs et Fleurs -
The bad translation - "Elsewhere and Flowers talks about us the softness of the associated neroli to the exhuberance of the tubereuse. An excessive emotion, a garden of soft and voluptuous flowers." A nice combination of neroli and tangerine make this one quite wearable but otherwise unremarkable. Slightly indolic, warm, close to the skin.

Notes: Neroli, tangerine, tuberose, black elder flowers, star anise, musk, plum, hazel tree blossom

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 01/04/07

Mandorlo for me today, What are you wearing?

L'Instant - Secret Touch - Guerlain - Review

Well as you saw on my Best of 2006 list, I have fallen under the spell of this charming little genie bottle! So adorable. Since getting the news of the release of this from the Guerlain newsletter earlier this year, I have been searching for it. No one had any news of it, it is definitely flying low under the radar. Either that or Guerlain is out of ad money with the release of Insolence earlier this year. Anyway, I accidentally stumbled onto it at Perfume Bay, and on sale!

This little lovely is Guerlain's answer to Chanel's Sensual Elixir. Hey, it's working for Chanel, right? So this is L'Instant Parfum in a viscous base which you apply with a brush. So delish!
The adorable genie style bottle is white with gold swirls and sits at a tilt when it finally comes to a rest. It comes in a cream silk pouch accented with tiny violet crystals on the drawstrings. So sweet.

The scent is pure L'Instant parfum, no difference, just a nicer lasting formula due to the unique base. A sensual experience to apply with the tiny brush. L'Instant fans - you MUST add this to your collection!

You can find it right now at: PerfumeBay.com
(By the way the launch date of 2003 refers to the L'Instant fragrance - this formula and bottle are new for 2006)

Here is a link to my previous post and an ad picture from Guerlain as well as Guerlain's ad copy if you are interested. Click HERE.

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 01/03/07

L'Instant for me today, What are you wearing today?

L'Inspiratrice - Divine - Review

The opening is chaos. Notes fighting for dominance; rose, powder notes, vetiver fighting with bergamot ... chaos. And the slight impression of heliotrope, trying to punch through. All vying for the top position. To quote Legerdenez Blog, "Something effervescent, boozy and bohemian." To that description I agree - there is a little Velvet Rope in there, a mixed with Teint de Neige, dash of LV Musk too. And yet somehow there is a calm that arises out of the confusion, a smooth powdered rose, along the lines of Fifi Chachnil, with a tobacco impression. Again I use the word impression, because I don't see the note listed but the impression is there. Very unique, definitely divine.

Oh and is not the ruby colored falcon lovely? I hope it comes soon to LuckyScent, in the meantime you can order from the Parfums Divine Website in France. Below is an open letter from the Divine website announcing this new release. Written by the perfumer, I found it so charming as to include it here:

Chère Madame,

I am pleased to annouce the unveilling of the sixth member of the D I V I N E world. I have called it
L ' i n s p i r a t r i c e, as it illuminates all those who enter its sphere.

L ' i n s p i r a t r i c e is a lofty meeting betwen patchouli and the rose. To welcome and celebrate this royal couple, notes both floral and gentle intermingle throughout the entire chord : ylang from the Comoros and bergamot from Calabria, peony and white musk, vetiver blended with vanilla and tonka bean. Beware ! Sensuality is in the air !

Will L ' i n s p i r a t r i c e cast a spell on you too ?

Très cordialement.
Yvon Mouchel
créateur de Divine

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 01/02/07

Wow! Back to work in 2007! Can you believe how fast 2006 went? I was hoping that the Govenor might make today a state holiday as well as a federal one, but I guess not, so here I am. Are you back to work today? What are you wearing?

Wishing you all the very best in 2007!
Thank you to all who stop by, those who contribute and those who just look! There will be many new perfumes to sniff and new and wonderful experiences for us all in the new year. Best wishes to you all, I've had a great 2006 and I just know 2007 will be even better! - Victoria

Best of 2006

For me My Favorite Things for 2006 are my favorite new perfumes discovered in 2006. As many of you know Anne Pliska is my Holy Grail Fragrance, the one that I love above all. But being a fragrance lover, I also fell for many new fragrances this past year. These are my favorites, the ones that really stand out above the rest:


#1 - Le Maroc Pour Elle - Tauer Perfumes
Intoxicating, compelling, addictive. What more can I say about a rose fragrance that is so unique and captivating? You can find my review by clicking HERE.


#2 - Cuir Amethyste - Armani Prive
You can tell from my review I wasn't initially sold on this one, but once I had my own bottle, I did fall for it completely. I have a bottle of the first formula, in trying the second release I think it is now less violet and more suede. I love this first formula, so I'll cherish this bottle, but will replace it when it is gone. So unique. You can find my review by clicking HERE.


#3 - Orange Blossom - Le Couvent Des Minimes
This line found at Bath & Body Works has me totally captivated. I adore each and every product. It is such a lovely, sweet, orange blossom scent that lasts all day and smells so delicious. You can find my review by clicking HERE.


#4 - Eau De Menthe - Heeley
This little mint number kept me cool and refreshed this summer. I reached for it often and it will be a staple from now on. Fresh and cool. I gave my sister-in-law a decant of this for summer, and she loved it so much, she asked for a whole bottle for Christmas.


#5 - Fresh Carnation - DSH Perfumes
A new carnation love, this one's fresh-picked-with-dew notes took me by surprise and has quickly become my most reached for carnation scent. You can find my review by clicking HERE.


#6 - Jasmin De Nuit - The Different Company
Oh what a sweet sexy little jasmine Celine Ellena has created here. A crystalline quality, powdery, sweet and musky with a soft sandalwood-amber base. You can find my review by clicking HERE.


#7 - Wenge - Donna Karan
This warm, spicy, soft wood won me over in the wood catagory. Wood notes, previously not a favorite, now in this fragrance feel like a soft blanket of spicy powder. Sexy, warm, and comforting, all at the same time.


#8 - Insolence - Guerlain
Well after all the hype and airbrushed ads, I really do love this one. The violets woo me. It is bright, happy, uplifting. I like that it lasts and garners compliments along the way. You can find my review by clicking HERE.


#9 - Cuir Venenum - Parfumerie Generale
Well wonders never cease - two leathers on my 2006 list! Guess what I reached for on Christmas Day? A switch from my usual Anne Pliska, surprise, I went with this one. This gourmand combination of leather and honeyed musk and caramel with light floral overtones is so sumptuous!! You can find my review by clicking HERE.


#10 - Guerlain - L'Instant - Secret Touch
Appropriately placed at the end of my list since I just discovered this one in December. I had heard it was to be released this year, but no one had any news of it. I accidentally stumbled onto it at Perfume Bay. And on sale! This little lovely is the Guerlain answer to Chanel's Sensual Elixer. It is L'Instant Parfum in a viscous base which you apply with a brush. So delish! Not to mention the adorable genie style bottle that comes in a cream silk pouch accented with tiny violet crystals on the drawstrings. Sweet.

Please Visit These Other Great Blogs To Read More BEST OF 2006:

Afrobella

All About The Pretty

Aromascope

Beauty Addict

Beauty Blogging Junkie

Beauty by Nadine

Beautiful Makeup Search & Beauty Blog

Beauty Hatchery

Beauty Jones

Blogdorf Goodman

Bois de Jasmin

BonBons in the Bath

Brain Trapped in Girl's Body

Capital Hill Barbie

C'est Chic

Coquette

Crazy Jay Blue

eBeautyDaily

Girl's Handbook

Hautemommastuff

Koneko's *Mostly* Beauty Diary!

Legerdenez

Makeup Bag

Monkeyposh

My Muse

No one knows why the wolf laughs

Now Smell This

Perfume Smellin' Things

Peppermint Patty's Perfume Posse

Platinum Blonde Life

Product Girl

Scentzilla!

She'll Be Feverish After So Much Thinking

Slap of the Day

The Customer Is Always Right

The Daily Obsession

The Great She Elephant

The Life of a Ladybug

The Non-Blonde

Urbane Girl

Scent of the Day - Friday - 12/29/06

I decided to go with DK Wenge today since it was one of the last of my 10 best and fresh on my mind. Not to mention it's cozy on a cool morning like this. What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 12/28/06

Today I'm wearing L'Instant Secret Touch. What are you wearing?

Coming tomorrow -

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 12/26/06

Ahhh here I am back at work today. Traffic was so light at 7:30, most people are sleeping in today or hitting those fabulous sales. But I'm here at work ... working hard ... trying to load my new iPod. :O)

Today I'm wearing some totally wonderful Poppy Pearly Cream by Kenzo from a dear friend. This stuff is heavenly! I added a touch of Kenzo Parfum to keep it going all day. Blissful!

What are you wearing today?

This is the picture I used for my Christmas cards this year. I figured I might as well send it to all my online friends as well. I took the picture this year from my first white and purple tree!

Feel free to post whatever your scent of the day is over the weekend if you happen to stop by. I'll be checking in when I can.

Thank all of you for your friendship and sharing and to those of you who don't post, I know you are there, so thank you also. :O)

I'm wishing you all a very Merry Scented Christmas!
Victoria

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - Review

Ok my lovelies - I have just arrived home from watching the premiere! What do I think? Well I would give it two ups up for any perfume lover. Non-perfume lovers, may not be as easily pleased. I found the acting quite superb, the direction; compelling.

I thought the way in which the smells were depicted and experienced was well done and one couldn't help but want to simultaneously experience each one right along. I guess I kept thinking there should be mists of scents sprayed in the theater for this effect. Of course that would be impractical for numerous reasons, yet I felt people yearned to participate. Maybe that was the intent.

The acting, as I said, was superb. Ben Whishaw was remarkable and believable as Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. Dustin Hoffman also did a wonderful job as Baldini, the perfumer who took Grenouille as his apprentice. His performance lent the only touches humor to this otherwise dark film.
Alan Rickman was excellent as the father; desperate to protect his daughter from impending fate. Quite an empathetic performance that brought a further character development where needed in the script and provided a hero of sorts when our boy's secret was revealed.

Rachel Hurd-Wood was a feast for the eyes as the pièce de ré·sis·tance, the ultimate and elusive scent prize. Such a beauty, I found her quite memorizing.

Overall it was well acted, brilliantly directed, and a must see for any perfume lover.

On the official site for Perfume, there is a sweepstakes where you can enter to win grand prize of a Collector’s Perfume Coffret from Mugler! The Limited Edition Thierry Mugler “Perfume” Collection Coffret presents the 15 essences that capture and bring to life key moments and atmospheres from the book and film. To learn more or to sign up for or link to the sweepstakes, you can visit PerfumeMovie.com or click on the logo below.

Scent of the Day - Friday - 12/22/06

I'm off today and sleeping in I hope! I'm quite in love with Heeley Cardinal and I'll be wearing it again today. But the review will have to wait - My Perfume Movie review has used up all my brain cells for now. So what are you wearing today?

Coming Soon - Watch for:

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 12/21/06

Today I am test driving Heeley Cardinal -
Cardinal notes:
Incense, cistus, grey amber, patchouli, vetiver
Lucky Scent
Really liking this one! Review to follow. What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Wednesay - 12/20/06

Ok back to work for me today, but only for two days! And probably not alot of work will get done. I am wearing my new iPdF Mirra, and it seems a bit strong. I might try transfering it into a roll-on. What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Monday - 12/18/06

Amouage Dia for me today as a rush around mailing packages and decorating. What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Friday - 12/15/06

Acqua di Parma Colonia for me today, what are you wearing?

FCUK Her - French Connection UK - Review

Let me begin with a description from Perfume Spot.com: "She makes her presence known with an overture of fresh, illuminating musks. She surprises and provokes with the voluptuous and suggestive floral notes of the barringtonia flower from Madagascar. She leaves a lasting presence with decadent cedar wood and sandalwood engrained with vanilla. So chic. So suggestive."

Well here we have a provocative name intended to cause a commotion for an otherwise fairly nice fruity floral. Admittedly one of the better ones, yet far from suggestive and decadent, as the some of the descriptions suggest. The most provocative thing about this fragrance is the name.

Perhaps the reason I find it to be one of the better ones though, is a personal choice because of my love of bergamot as an opening and my love of amber and sandalwood as a base. I find most fragrances with those notes to be very wearable. This one opens with a cool bergamot blast that slightly mellows but hangs around through the middle stages, keeping the composition fresh and cool. At the mid stage some soft cedar notes evolve, and the sandalwood begins to warm. I get a touch of patchouli here too, although it is not listed. It has a very nice, soft drydown, is fairly long lasting with decent sillage if applied liberally. Overall a very nice fruity floral with marks above the rest.

Introduced in 1993 the notes are:
Top: Bergamot, Muguet, Water Iris
Middle: Barringtonia flower from Madasgascar, peony, jasmine, violet
Bottom: Golden amber, musk, cedarwood, sandalwood

Just so the men don't feel left out, there is FCUK Him.
"FCUK for him is edgy, intoxicating, and seductive. Top notes include sangria, basil rosemary and lavender. Middle notes include hemp, new mexican black sage, green peppercorns and tea. Bottom notes include black suede, CO2 Vanilla, ebony wood and patchouli."

Actually I read somewhere recently that French Connection is dropping the FCUK logo and going by just - French Connection. Definitely more palatable to some of the stauncher more conservative backers and advertisers. So I guess they had their fun. I know my co-worker came back from their Las Vegas boutique with a FCUK T-shirt. She was quite proud of herself at the time.

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 12/14/06

Well I've decided to wear FCUK again today. What are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 12/13/06

Today I'm wearing FCUK, pardon my French.
(Sorry, I just had to.)
What are you wearing today?

Coutorture Giveaway!!

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 12/12/06

Sorry I forget to post this morning, I thought it was Sunday! LOL Well today I'm retrying Missoni - It's ok. It doesn't wow me.

What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Monday - 12/11/06

Laura Tonatto Dama for me today, I don't go back to work till Wednesday! Trying to get some Christmas shopping done!

What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Friday - 12/8/06

Yay Friday! Ambra di Venezia for me today. What are you wearing?

Red Corvette - Corvette - Review

Ok, here is another gift idea for the men in your life. Especially those who love Corvettes. Of the men surveyed in my office and home, all said they wouldn't mind finding this little number under the tree. They all agree the packaging is clever, and the scent is nice.

This seems like one of those can't miss guy gifts. An ex-boyfriend of mine was a big Corvette fan. He would have loved this one. I can see it for a nephew as well as a grandfather. There is also a clear version just called Corvette. This fragrance also comes in a wide variety of gift packages. You can find these items at Macy's and some Sephora stores, but they are selling out fast for the holidays!

From the press release:
Modeled in the trademark style of the classic American sports car, Corvette Red embodies the unmistakable adventure of the Corvette man. Translucent and tinted red, the container was designed to replicate the look of the Corvette design, revealing the precision detailing and superb craftsmanship of the remarkable sports machine. Topped with a shiny metal pump, the bottle’s removable cap is a nod to the chrome detailing that accents the wheels of the iconic vehicle.

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 12/7/06

Ack! Blogger is on the verge of forcing me to change to the new program. I feel I will be forced to conform anyday now. I must be one of the last hold outs. I'm scared!

Katie's post yesterday put me in a Le Maroc mood for today. What are you wearing today?

Bond for the Holidays!

Just look at the new and most desirable Nuits de Noho bottle! Swarovski adorned and sparkling like a night jewel. Did I mention I'm still hoping for a Chinatown adorned bottle?



And check out the Chinatown adorned candle and the Swarovski pave jet purse spray. Oh you would have to have been a very good girl! I am so hoping they will do artist designed editions of all the bottles, Ms. Rahme are you listening?

You can find them on line at:
BondNo9.com

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 12/6/06

Serge Lutens Fleurs d'Oranger will be my choice for today. I love spraying it on my hair brush, someone on POL told me this trick and it is wonderful. Also the scent lingers on the brush and in the drawer for days and days.

What are you wearing today?

Passion - Ferrari - Review

Ok ladies here's one for the men in your life, or that hard to buy for boss - get him Ferrari! And men, well you will appreciate adding this gem to your collection.

Ferrari Passion is a great men's fragrance that got two thumbs up from every male I tired it on, from my dear hubby to the guys at work. It was a definite hit.

Notes:
Green galbanum, Sicilian lemon, Florida grapefruit, cypress, lavender, thyme, cardamon, juniper berries, tobacco leaf, musk, leather, cedar and patchouli woods.

This one is very delicious smelling, add to that attractive packaging and brand recognition and you have got a hit. The fragrance comes in a large varity of bath and body products as well as gift sets and even matching model cars. Something for everyone on your list that is sure to please. I can't imagine a man disappointed with this gift.

Below is from the Press release:

"Passion is fueled by one's inner engine, the individual pursuit of excellence and distinction. It is the driving force behind the achievement of one's goals, toward the fulfillment of one's dreams. Ferrari's remarkable success is the result of exceptional passion; passion for victory, passion for teamwork, passion for beauty, passion for performance. In keeping with the essence of the iconic brand, Ferrari introduces the signature fragrance that encapsulates the vision, the dream, the lifestyle -- Ferrari Passion.

Modeled after the superbly crafted vehicle, the Ferrari Passion fragrance for men evokes the precision detailing, luxury and sophistication of Ferrari in sleek, modern packaging. The color red envelopes the fragrance bottle highlighting its contours with a glossy finish that recalls the paintwork of Ferrari cars. A sparkling metal cap - a special nod to Ferrari's chrome-wheel detailing - tops the bottle, adding a sporty yet technical look. The Passion and Ferrari logos are embossed on the bottle's exterior, uniquely translating the signature look of the Ferrari vehicle into an exceptionally designed, branded product.

Inspired most by the vitality of the Ferrari man, the scent of Ferrari Passion immediately conveys an unmistakable sense of exhilaration. The fragrance seamlessly fuses green galbanum with the freshness of Sicilian lemon and Florida grapefruit to reveal a crisp, pure aroma. Subtle Mediterranean notes of cypress, lavender and thyme, combined with hints of spicy cardamom and juniper berries, add a distinctive touch to the masculine blend.

Passion additionally merges hints of tobacco leaf, musk and leather with the delicate union of refined cedar and patchouli woods to create an intriguing stimulating scent. A charismatic fusion of unique layers and textures, Ferrari Passion distinctively captures the momentum, energy and intensity behind the Ferrari man, in an opulent, elegant fragrance."

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

Today I'll be wearing Serge Lutens Un Lys, I feel like I want something floral.
What are you wearing?

Dzing! Dzing! Attention! This weekend was my friend Cindy's Birthday, and because she is so SWEET, I wanted to announce it here. Happy Birthday!

Now - for my scent of the day, I'm wearing Dzing! in her honor. Ummm well, maybe not, maybe one of you will. I'll wear Bandit, and my leather boots, is that close enough? :O)

What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Friday - 12/01/06

Today I picked Armani Code. What are you wearing today?

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 11/30/06

Brrrr!! 37 degrees here this morning! I'm reaching for something warming, Pink Sugar for me today. What are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 11/29/06

Today I will be wearing Trouble. What are you wearing today?

Notice from Bergdorf Goodman - the Gift Card Event Is Back!

Last Gift Card Event for 2006! December 7th, 8th and 9th (Thursday, Friday & Saturday). Spend $100 and receive $25 off your purchase. Great time to order your Holiday Gifts and refills. Please call and ask for JASON.

Also Guerlain will have Holiday Gift sets available in our most popular Fragrances.

So, call ASAP to reserve your order and please ask for JASON!
(212) 872-2734
(800) 218-4918 EXT.2734
(646) 320-2637 voicemail

Jason T. Beers
Guerlain Beauty
Bergdorf Goodman

Femme de Montblanc - Mont Blanc - Review

Ahhh ... just look at this lovely jewel! Mont Blanc’s 100th anniversary launch - Femme de Montblanc. Such a lovely bottle, such an ehh fragrance.

According to Costmetic News the bottle was inspired by the Montblanc diamond with a six-faceted diamond-shape sculptured in a glass block, signed by Ian Carnduff. Femme de Montblanc is categorized as a spicy oriental.

Well I dunno about spicy. More of a soft oriental I'd say. Especially after the strange cardamon-bergamot-pineapple burns off. It's a bit spicy for a nanno second as the bergamot leaves and the cardamon tries to strangle the pineapple. Yes, spicy for a moment there. Then the heliotrope army invades and this one quickly reveals its true almondy-fruity self. Which you are thinking might be ok, but no it's a bit unusual. The raspberry almond is almost nice, but the occasional balsamic labdanum note kinda throws things off. I think it just has too many notes. That doesn't make it complex, it just makes it jumbled as if you were playing around, adding more and more of your favorite notes, in the end it's ok, but too much of a good thing.

Completely lost are the florals. Except of course the heliotrope which dominates after the opening. Gorgeous bottle, though, well made. The scent is just ok. Don't be fooled by the notes, this one is soft and has no staying power. Too many notes means not enough of anything. Oops now where did I put that sandalwood, amber, musk base?

Notes:
Top: Cardamom, bergamot, cinnamon, pineapple
Mid: May blossom, Turkish rose, jasmine, orange blossom, heliotrope
Bottom: Sandalwood, raspberry, peach, chocolate, balsamic labdanum, amber, musk

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 11/28/06

Today I'll be wearing Femme de Montblanc. What are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Monday - 11/27/06

Hello all, my how my time off flew by! I have today off, but am already dreading the back-to-work routine that awaits me tomorrow. Wearing the new Jo Malone Blue Agave today, what are you wearing?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Oh! What am I wearing? Well Tocca Stella to start, I just went for my walk and now I'm about to do some pre-cooking. Later when I shower I'm going to use my Opium satin oil. I think that's all I'll need for this evening.
What will you be wearing?

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 11/22/06

Hello all! Feeling mostly better now, not sure my nose is back 100%. Just hanging out at home taking it easy. Looking forward to tomorrow and some pumpkin pie!! Doing my sampling thing again today, what are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Monday - 11/20/06

Hello friends, I'm on vacation this week, so I'm hoping to get to some of my reading and some perfume reviews! So I'm just sampling today. What are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Friday - 11/17/06

So glad it's Friday!! Today I'm wearing Anat Fritz but my cold/allergies have me really stopped up. So I won't make any judgments! What are you wearing today?

Holiday Shopping - Aroma M

Another great gift idea for those perfume lovers on your list. Who wouldn't just LOVE this Aroma M Limited Edition 11 fragrance set? I know I would! What a great price only $40 for so much fun!

Available from:
LuckyScent

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 11/16/06

Today I'm wearing Loree Rodkin Gothic ll perfume oil. Divine! What are you wearing today?

Stella - Tocca - Review

Ok, I have heard that some are disappointed with this release. And I too was expecting more of a rich, deep, blood orange scent. I have owned the luxurious cream for a couple of years now. It's one of my favorites. I have been anxiously awaiting this release of the matching EDP.

Blood orange scents smell a certain way, or at least I believe they do from those I have smelled. The orange note here, may disappoint because it is not what we blood orange lovers have come to expect. But rather it is more of a "regular" fresh orange scent. Not even orange zest from the rind, but smelling like a fresh orange once it has been peeled and ready to eat. Juicy and sweet. The lily comes on pretty strong right from the beginning, but it is a soft lily tempered by the freesia.

The musk is sheer and light and combines nicely with the sandalwood to create a soft sweet base that lingers. Not a ton of sillage here, this is a soft, delicate, feminine scent for those who prefer to be elegantly understated. Very pretty.

And of course the bottle is so nicely done. Just lovely, feeling weighty and classic.

Notes:
Blood orange, aquatic notes, lily, orchid, freesia, sandalwood, musk

Available from:
LuckyScent

photo/notes: LuckyScent

Holiday Shopping - Ulta

Ulta is offering a 20% discount on one item, use code 67920 at checkout. You also get free shipping over $50.00. Ulta carries some amazing lines of fragrances - 20% is a great deal on some of these fragrances that are never on sale! Like Opium Parfum or Body Creme. Boucheron, Guerlain, Michael Kors, Dior just to name a few. And I have noticed the site has many fragrance creams.

Those hard to buy for perfumistas on your list would love a gift of one of their favorites in perfume creme.

Ulta

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 11/15/06

Today I will be wearing my new Tocca Stella. What are you wearing today?

Holiday Shopping - Ebba

Ok, we all may not want to think about it, but many of us need to get a head start on some of those holiday gifts. Did you know Ebba's "Miss" collection now comes in EDP sprays?? And for a limited time if you buy the spray you will get the matching perfume oil free! Buy the spray for you, use the roll-on as a stocking stuffer for a friend. Or give her both! Valid only online and only with the purchase from the "Miss" EDP collection.

Enter coupon code "FreeRollOn" at check out to receive a matching perfume fragrance oil. Offer expires December 10th.

ebba

I just noticed this is also available from LuckyScent:
LuckyScent

photo: ebba.com

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 11/14/06

Good Morning all, today I am test driving Desperate Housewives.
Not bad. What are you wearing?

Scent of the Day - Friday - 11/10/06

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 11/09/06

TGIT!! Today is my Friday as I have the holiday off tomorrow, I'm hoping most of my USA readers do too!

Today I'm wearing L'Artisan Oeillet Sauvage (Wild Carnation)
"Oeillet Sauvage wild carnation is spicy and fresh, the top note is composed of pink berries and pepper. The heart blooms with rose, ylang ylang, lily and gillyflower. The fragrance ends on the sweet and powdery note of benzoin and vanilla."

What are you wearing today?

By Sea - Ebba - Review

Oh this is a pretty one! A lovely marine without that fake ozone note that usually prevails. It is clean and fresh. The bergamot in this one (one of my favorite notes) is very deliciously lemony and makes it almost gourmand upon first spraying. Top notes reminding me of Zima, a lightly carbonated malt beverage. If you have ever smelled one, you will recognize the scent immediately. Quickly turning to the best of the beach scents around. If marine is a favorite of yours, you should check out this lovely rendition from Ebba, which also comes in a roll-on oil.

Notes:
white tea, violet, bergamot, eucalyptus

Available from:
LuckyScent

photo/notes: LuckyScent

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 11/08/06

Today I'm wearing Ciel mon Jardin! What are you wearing today?

Eau d'Iris - Heeley - Review

After sampling this recently, I immediately put this on my must buy list. So Saturday when I went to the Scent Bar I picked up my bottle! This is a nice bright iris. It opens rather dry and most iris does with light wood notes. It sweetens softly over time as the amber begins to bloom. It has a fresh clean aspect to it, as if you showered with iris soap. Leaving a light, clean, fresh feeling. Delicate and tender it leaves skin sweetly scented. I am very impressed with this line and how light, cool and fresh the fragrances are.

Eau d'Iris notes
white cedar, grey amber, iris, angelica seeds, ambrette

Available from:
LuckyScent

photo/notes: LuckyScent

Scent of the Day - Tuesday - 11/07/06

Happy Election Day here in the USA! Happy because the TV ads will finally be over! But all kidding aside - it is very important to know the issues and candidates and
*VOTE*

I vote absentee so the voters in line at the polls will not have a chance to sniff my lovely new Heeley Iris that I am wearing today. Too bad for them, it's lovely!

What are you wearing today??

Cuir Venenum - Parfumerie Generale - Review

Ok, many of you may know I am not a leather lover, but this scent and its soft sweet leather notes have seduced me. It starts with a strong blast of sweet caramel. So gourmand it is absolutely mouth watering. As it softens is shifts between sometimes smelling like the softest sweetest suede and sometimes like caramel with a hint of orange. The floral orange blossom is there hovering ever so lightly above the mix. The cedar is very light and adds just a touch of wood to the drydown. I don't get any coconut at all. It is just so different and so delicious. A wonderful new find!

Notes:
Leather, absolute of orange blossom, myrrh, citrus, cedar, coconut, honeyed musk

The lovely concoction is available from:
LuckyScent

photo/notes: LuckyScent

Scent of the Day - Monday - 11/06/06

Today I will be wearing my new Cuir Venenum. What are you wearing today?

I had a little trip to LA on Saturday, stopping by The Scent Bar for a bit of sniffing and then to Fred Segal and finally to Ebba. Oh and my friend took me to a wonderful Italian restaurant right by the Scent Bar, we just walked right over after the most delicious lunch.

There was much sniffing of the Parfumerie Generale line and my friend who has a slight leather obsession, ever seeking something more perfect than Dzing!, anxiously tried #3 the Cuir Venenum from this line. Unfortunately it was not for her, but it was however for me!! A rich, smooth caramel suede, so swoon worthy I bought the last bottle. The rest of the line I tested leaned a bit to the masculine side although they are unisex.

Again I sniffed the Divine confirming that it is still on my must buy list, yet I passed on it again this trip. I had in mind the Heeley Iris, which I did buy. It is so light and clean, really lovely. I tried Elternhaus, eh, it was ok. And the very exclusive and expensive L'essence de Mastenbroek, smelled like cooking oil. What a relief.

The Loree Rodkin Gothic II was set out for another customer, and I happened upon it. Oh it is delish, and had me sniffing my arm the rest of the day. I'm quite tempted but the price is very oy.

Le Prince Jardinier Ciel mon Jardin! took me by complete surprise with its rhubarb note, I was quite smitten and requested a sample to test further. A little sweeter than my CdG Rhubarb.

Then on to Fred Segal where we sniffed some Diptyque, Creed, Czech & Speake and the new L by Apothia. I was very tempted by the wonderful line of Burn lotions they cary that match their candle scents, but I didn't cave, I simply have no more room!!!

Then off to Ebba right down the street, a charming little shop with amazing jewelry in addition to their fragrances. I got a chance to sniff the very special Queen Ruby candle, it was lovely, I should have bought it. I did end up buying the Ebba By Sea. I have been wanting this fragrance since the summer. It's a nice aquatic without being overly ozone and chemical.

It was a beautiful sunny day, sweet friend, lots of sniffing, just a perfect shopping trip. :O)

Scent of the Day - Friday - 11/03/06

TGIF!!! I'm planning to do a little sniffing this weekend, so I will dutifully report back in! Today I'm wearing iPdF Mirra. What are you wearing?

Guerlain Christmas - News

For Christmas this year Guerlain will release L’Instant de Guerlain Secret Touch. Isn't this intriguing with its lovely bottle? Being a big L'Instant fan, I can't wait to try! Below is the from the Guerlain newsletter:

For Christmas, Guerlain has created L’Instant de Guerlain Secret Touch: designed to be used as a talisman in a secret ritual, this sensual, bewitching perfume is intensely feminine. As an object of desire, it is difficult to resist the magnificent Secret Touch. Its rounded, delicate bottle glistens like a jewel that kindles desire.

This spiritual talisman conceals a magic ink bottle eager to create a new and bold olfactory script. Drawing invisible letters on the skin, the wand tells an aromatic story to evoke the senses. One stolen kiss from this smooth gel and the skin exhales the sweetness of citrus honey, the freshness of light jasmine and the amber-based note of L’Instant de Guerlain.

Dedicated to all women who want to discover this sensual pleasure, L’Instant de Guerlain Secret Touch is a luxurious potion that will captivate you for more than an instant.

Scent of the Day - Thursday - 11/02/06

Did you all enter the drawing below for Lucky Shops?? If you win, I win a prize too. Did you know someone from this Blog has won previously? How cool is that? Enter now!!!

I'm wearing Le Maroc today, what are you wearing?

New At Sephora - Fresh Gift Set

What a great idea for a Christmas gift, and at a great price! Who wouldn't love this adorable set? I know I would. Lemon Sugar, Sugar Blossom and a new one - Lychee Sugar.

This limited Edition set is available at Sephora only. Pick one up and tuck it away for Christmas. You could even divide the set up for stocking stuffers or office gifts. These scents are light sweet and most likely appreciated by all.

Notes from Sephora:
A Spoonful of Sugar What it is:A trio of Fresh sugar-laden fragrance favorites in a gorgeous gift box. What else you need to know:Set includes a 0.5 oz Lychee Sugar Eau de Parfum Spray (a blend of lychee flower and sweet sugar), 0.5 oz Sugar Blossom Eau de Parfum Spray (sheer floral with hints of Italian lemon), and a 0.5 oz Lemon Sugar (refreshingly sweet with sugar-dipped lemon rind).

Sephora

Orris Noir - Ormonde Jayne - Review

I have had trouble with getting this one untill today. Trying it two to three times before only on my wrist, getting only a peppery soap scent. Today I sprayed it quite liberally all over and wow! Now I get it. And now I want it too.

Starting out chilly with a slight medicinal note, soon the fragrance begins to warm into a soapy, peppery scent. Then stand back, as the fragrance really blooms! Bursting with cinnamon, now the fragrance turns from warm to cool smelling much more like carnations than iris, spicy and bold. Amazing how it starts cool, turns warm, than cools down again! The trademark Ormonde Jayne drydown follows; lovely slightly sweet, watery fresh traces linger on your skin for hours. Another incredible fragrance from this remarkable perfumer.

Notes: Davana, pink pepper, cardamom, iris, coriander seed, bergamot, sambac absolut, pimento berries, bay cinnamon, incense, myrrh, patchouli, Chinese cedar, saffron and civet.

Ormonde Jayne fragrances are currently only available direct from Ormonde Jayne - London.

Ormonde Jayne Perfumery
12 The RoyalArcade
28 Old Bond Street
London W1S 4SL
Tel: 0207 499 1100
www.ormondejayne.com

Scent of the Day - Wednesday - 11/01/06

Good Morning!! Welcome to November! Today I'm wearing Ormonde Jayne Orris Noir. What are you wearing?