tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64869654001163520502024-03-14T00:07:21.222-04:00You Smell Great!perfume & cologne reviewsBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-46983496380985380562017-03-19T16:11:00.000-04:002017-03-19T16:20:05.173-04:00Aqva Pour Homme ~ Bvlgari<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>This review is for the original Aqva pour homme, as there are now many flankers. The original is still the best, in my opinion.</i></div>
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I'm not usually drawn to the typical "marine" or aquatic men's fragrances, as most of them smell too harsh and soapy. Aqva is different; it truly smells like the ocean in a bottle. Imagine you are walking along the cliffs next to the Mediterranean on a cool, cloudy spring day. The breeze is invigorating and aromatic, with a touch of herbal woods from the surrounding plant life. Aqva smells very natural, earthy, and transports you to the outdoors.</div>
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Created by the great Jacques Cavallier in 2005, the notes include mandarin, orange, petit grain, Santolina lavender, cotton, and Posidonia sea weed. The base is mineral amber, woody notes, and clary sage. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bottle is masculine and elegant in keeping with the Bvlgari tradition</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highly recommended as a spring/summer fragrance for men.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy sniffing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~Barbara</span></span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-28607857311072451372017-03-11T15:25:00.001-04:002017-03-11T16:44:06.285-04:00Gold Couture ~ Viva La Juicy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I haven't paid much attention to the Viva La Juicy line of fragrances. I dismissed them as fluffy, been-there-done-that fruity florals. But when my favorite men's scent reviewer on YouTube, Jeremy Fragrance, said he thought Gold Couture was the sexiest female perfume on the market, I blind bought a bottle.</div>
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I wasn't disappointed. The opening is a delicious combination of berries, vanilla, and caramel, but the sexy growl comes from the addition of sambac jasmine, sandalwood, and amber. It's definitely a gourmand oriental, but it has a playful, young vibe that's appealing. I wish it were a bit less powdery at the opening, but that does fade as it dries down. Longevity is pretty good; I can still smell it after 8 hours.</div>
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Gold Couture would be great for clubbing, date nights, or whenever you feel like strutting your stuff. Men do seem to go crazy for it.</div>
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Happy Sniffing!</div>
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Barbara</div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-55956455447513727042017-01-01T19:45:00.001-04:002017-01-01T22:57:34.800-04:00Jasmin Noir ~ Bvlgari<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A tall brunette walks into the jazz club. She is wearing a beret over her bob haircut, a crisp white shirt, black pencil pants, black flats. Smokey eye makeup, maybe red lips. She's a writer...or a painter...a beat bohemian. She sips on a Sidecar while tapping a foot to the sultry music. Her friends arrive, and intense discussions about world affairs and politics ensues. Coffee -at about 3am- is always espresso at a hip, slightly grungy cafe.</div>
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This is the sort of woman who wears Jasmin Noir. She's sexy and smart, maybe a little detached until you get to know her well. She doesn't mind if her perfume has a slightly masculine edge; in fact, she prefers it.</div>
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Wear Jasmin Noir when you're in the mood for something mysterious to happen. The opening - with its jasmine sambac, gardenia, and almond notes - is intoxicating, and the woody/tonka bean drydown (with a hint of licorice) is delightful. Despite all of this going on, JN still manages to wear close to the skin. It maintains that abstract quality in keeping with the Bvlgari aesthetic. <br />
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My one complaint? It doesn't last very long on the skin, so reapplication is needed every few hours. If I spray it directly on clothes, it lasts much longer.</div>
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The bottle is substantial and elegant, and doesn't tip over easily.</div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-38954658513220577582012-07-28T16:59:00.003-04:002012-07-28T17:07:28.652-04:00New Fragrance ~ Coco Noir ~ Chanel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QwBU9xuZNo/UBQ2NXDCsCI/AAAAAAAAFYY/6VMtBSfw-yw/s1600/coconoir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QwBU9xuZNo/UBQ2NXDCsCI/AAAAAAAAFYY/6VMtBSfw-yw/s1600/coconoir.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The original Coco is one of my all-time favorite perfumes, so my heart did a happy dance when I read about Coco Noir, the latest Chanel set for release this September. Created by Jacques Polge (the house perfumer at Chanel since 1978, he created the original Coco and Coco Mlle.), it's a flanker of the original and has notes of bergamot, grapefruit, orange, jasmine, rose, geranium, patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla, sandalwood, incense and white musk. One of the few perfumes I would buy unsniffed. And the bottle? Wow!</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-31575249692916607392012-03-10T14:36:00.003-04:002012-03-10T14:48:53.762-04:00Michael ~ Michael Kors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk_hd1LT-dE/T1ubVj-qeDI/AAAAAAAAE1g/fa8zcB49Q0I/s1600/michael_kors_michael_eau_de_parfum_image_title_sdmbv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk_hd1LT-dE/T1ubVj-qeDI/AAAAAAAAE1g/fa8zcB49Q0I/s320/michael_kors_michael_eau_de_parfum_image_title_sdmbv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">End of winter blues? Need a trip to the tropics without leaving home? Then Michael might be just the ticket.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Michael Kors first perfume (launched in 2000) was a departure from the squeaky clean fragrances that dominated the market at the time, but quickly became a huge seller and met with great reviews. This is predominately a white floral, but is rounded and softened by tamarind and smooth woods. Its structure is clear - while it's very lush, it won't suffocate everyone around you. You're left with an impression of blooming tropical flowers freshened by cool breezes. A touch of incense gives it a sexy edge. If you enjoy tuberose perfumes (like Fracas and Carnal Flower) but find them over the top for every day wear, then try Michael.<br />
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official notes (courtesy of Sephora): <br />
<h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dewy Freesia, Tamarind, Chinese Osmanthus, Incense, Fresh Tuberose, White Wings Peony, Blue Orris, Arum Lilies, Cashmere Woods, Musk, Vetiver Haiti.</span></h2></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-16862307344524815992012-01-21T14:13:00.002-04:002012-01-21T14:15:39.905-04:00By ~ Dolce & Gabbana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsUt2S_7yS4/Txr7txIUDeI/AAAAAAAAEYU/eXAnfVVG-Eg/s1600/BY40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsUt2S_7yS4/Txr7txIUDeI/AAAAAAAAEYU/eXAnfVVG-Eg/s400/BY40.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>This ultra-sexy perfume is for the self-assured woman who knows what she wants - and goes after it. If Lovely epitomizes Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie in Sex and the City, then By would be worn by Samantha. Launched in 1998, By was popular in Europe, but never took off here in States, partly because the 90s were all about "fresh" scents. It's too bad, because I think if it had been introduced a few years earlier, it would have gotten the recognition it deserves.<br />
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First impression reveals a bright citrusy bergamot, but very quickly takes a deeper turn: it doesn't take long for its inner growl to emerge. After it's settled, it smells like a coffee/bourbon/sandalwood second skin, with subtle white florals weaving in and out of the composition now and then. Vanilla is there, but very restrained, lending the composition a round smoothness. The whole effect is really quite intoxicating. It's definitely an evening scent.<br />
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I would classify it as a woody oriental. Sillage and longevity are excellent. I believe it's been discontinued, but it can still be found from internet discounters (though a tad pricey). However, if you're looking for a distinctive perfume with personality, it would be worth searching out a bottle. I adore the animal print!<br />
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Official notes: clementine, bergamot, freesia, osmanthus, tiger-lily, orange flower, sandalwood, cedarwood, coffee, musk. </div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-80049248994868902662012-01-14T18:39:00.006-04:002012-03-10T14:37:38.647-04:00Fancy ~ Jessica Simpson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cll8KY8xxg/TxH_5Z7Dd6I/AAAAAAAAEUY/hEF-Qpzr7nc/s1600/jessica-simpson-fancy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cll8KY8xxg/TxH_5Z7Dd6I/AAAAAAAAEUY/hEF-Qpzr7nc/s400/jessica-simpson-fancy.png" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've learned to put aside celebrity names (and my sometimes negative associations with them) and judge their perfumes based on merit. After all, they are developed by professional noses, and sometimes you can stumble upon a little gem (Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker comes to mind).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My wonderful daughter is visiting this week from Denver, and she brought with her a bottle of Fancy. I spritzed away, not expecting much, but was surprised how much I enjoyed it. A sweet comfort scent, the opening reveals a fruity floral with LOTS of amber (a favorite note of mine), so I'm sure that's what won me over so quickly. It vacillates between creamy and dessert-like to a drier woody-oriental. Gardenia and jasmine are listed in the notes, but I don't detect much of either, so I wouldn't worry about them if don't like white florals. Overall, it's one of those fragrances that I would reach for when I need my perfume to give me a warm hug. It's not sophisticated or terribly complex, but sometimes that's OK. If you dislike sweet perfume, stay away from this one!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The bottle is a bit gaudy for my taste, but I suppose appeals to the target market of 20-somethings who like pop music. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Official notes: pear, apricot nectar, red fruits, gardenia, jasmine, toasted almonds, caramel, sandalwood, vanilla crème and amber crystals</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy sniffing!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-25153441425039802772011-12-31T00:08:00.011-04:002012-03-10T14:38:03.955-04:00Allure Sensuelle ~ Chanel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTo6lxXfRUA/Tv6Fxnsd0yI/AAAAAAAAD-g/KUgnvWv8LFY/s1600/Allure_Sensuelle_2_EN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTo6lxXfRUA/Tv6Fxnsd0yI/AAAAAAAAD-g/KUgnvWv8LFY/s640/Allure_Sensuelle_2_EN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Created in 2006 by perfumer Jacques Polge (who also created my beloved Coco), Allure Sensuelle is ravishing. Nothing like its sister-scent Allure, this beauty should have been given her own name, rather than relegated to mere flanker status. She has a distinct personality.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Living up to the Chanel name, it starts out BIG. When you first try it, apply sparingly, and be patient. Give it a few minutes to settle and it warms and softens beautifully on the skin. The opening reveals spicy florals and a lovely, subtle fruity sweetness, but the real reward is when the rich basenotes appear: frankincense, sandalwood, exotic spices, and bourbon vanilla lend the composition a smokey sexiness that is unmatched in most modern perfumes. I'm very surprised that this hasn't received more attention, but that can be a good thing...those that love it are in on a beautiful secret!<br />
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While I firmly believe any perfume can be worn during any season, this is really best in the colder months, and shines in the evening. <br />
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Official notes: Top notes contain bergamot, mandarin and pink pepper. The heart is composed of jasmine, rose, iris, candied fruits and vetiver followed by the base notes of French vanilla, amber, patchouli and frankincense. Just the right amount of sillage and tremendous lasting power.</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-48635783125623718972011-12-07T20:22:00.005-04:002011-12-10T15:00:32.784-04:00Maitresse ~ Agent Provocateur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tk2yF42THJE/Tt__2j3SlyI/AAAAAAAACvM/kFYIhWz4wSk/s1600/o.760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tk2yF42THJE/Tt__2j3SlyI/AAAAAAAACvM/kFYIhWz4wSk/s400/o.760.jpg" width="280" /></a></div></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;">First of all, how fantastic is this bottle? Reminiscent of Toulouse-Lautrec's late 19th century paintings of risque Parisians, I fell in love with it immediately. I was hoping the fragrance would be equally wonderful, and it is.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The total effect is a feminine melange of intoxicating notes. Based on aldehydes, and opening like a classic French perfume, you are immediately greeted by white lotus petals, delicate nuances of ylang-ylang, and violet leaves. The heart opens up with osmanthus, jasmine, and rose, and its base reveals powdery iris, amber, patchouli, and white suede.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Save it for the boudoir and romantic evenings out. Light application; a little goes a long way!</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-42684645241710816602011-12-04T23:10:00.010-04:002011-12-04T23:30:22.566-04:00For The Men: Dirty English ~ Juicy Couture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzE1A9jnT04/TtwxAvDhcUI/AAAAAAAACrE/z_384tksNBI/s1600/Dirty-English-Advert.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzE1A9jnT04/TtwxAvDhcUI/AAAAAAAACrE/z_384tksNBI/s320/Dirty-English-Advert.png" width="239" /></a></div>Dirty English first debuted in 2008, eager to tap into the young male market that was tired of "fresh" scents that smelled like soap. They delivered. This is a surprisingly sophisticated woody-oriental that would smell great on a man of any age.<br />
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The opening is uber-masculine: leather, cypress, and agarwood make their presence known immediately. A boozy/whiskey vibe emerges later which gives it a bad-boy edge. Cardamom and caraway add spice, and the finish is a sexy amber-musk. Sillage and longevity are excellent. It was nominated for a <a href="http://www.fragrance.org/fifi.php"><u><b>FiFi award</b></u></a> in 2009. <br />
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I could see guys like Colin Farrell and Olivier Martinez wearing this well. You do have to have <i>presence</i> to pull it off. Really love the rugged bottle.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Official notes: Blue Cypress, Mandarin, Bergamot, Black Leather, Sandalwood, Amber Musk, Atlas Cedar, Vetiver, Wood, Black Moss Absolute</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD9l94UmfVc/Ttw4l924AZI/AAAAAAAACrU/7N9gBkiOV3g/s1600/dirty-english.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD9l94UmfVc/Ttw4l924AZI/AAAAAAAACrU/7N9gBkiOV3g/s400/dirty-english.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Official notes:<br />
<b><span class="yiv1209297277largetextid" style="color: magenta;">top:</span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span>Black Davana, Opium Flower and Belladonna.<span class="yiv1209297277largetextid" style="color: magenta;"> heart:</span> Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen of the Night blossom.<span class="yiv1209297277largetextid"> <span style="color: magenta;">base:</span></span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span>Aromas of Frankincense, Oud and Myrrh.</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFLwq6eeCp4/TtfuuxXv6zI/AAAAAAAACgg/wkkVmI1NyB4/s1600/Illamasqua-Freak-Perfume-Bottle%255B4%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFLwq6eeCp4/TtfuuxXv6zI/AAAAAAAACgg/wkkVmI1NyB4/s400/Illamasqua-Freak-Perfume-Bottle%255B4%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pu8qYJYZRAc?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPWxL-mL4bo/TtfqYEqdXHI/AAAAAAAACgQ/ZmV_8ewoPmo/s1600/holiday2011_illamasquafreak001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPWxL-mL4bo/TtfqYEqdXHI/AAAAAAAACgQ/ZmV_8ewoPmo/s640/holiday2011_illamasquafreak001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blog-this.g?n=Freak%2C+the+first+fragrance+from+Illamasqua&source=youtube&b=%3Ciframe+width%3D%22480%22+height%3D%22270%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2Fpu8qYJYZRAc%3Ffs%3D1%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+allowfullscreen%3E%3C%2Fiframe%3E&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fpu8qYJYZRAc%2Fhqdefault.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/Client%20Blog%20Design/Signatures/BarbaraWinslowSig.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-41099579749043876502011-11-20T14:01:00.007-04:002011-12-04T23:22:30.586-04:00Holiday Fragrances<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a great fragrance to wear or give as a gift? I've compiled some of my favorite scents that are perfect for the holidays.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>For the ladies:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brit Red (Burberry) ~ With its spicy gingerbread note, it's made for Christmas. The red plaid bottle is so cute, too. Read my review <a href="http://blackambermoon.blogspot.com/2011/02/brit-red-burberry.html"><i>here</i></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfii7hP7A9M/Tsk42fo_gBI/AAAAAAAACQc/wvTYXR56Rh0/s1600/burberry-brit-red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfii7hP7A9M/Tsk42fo_gBI/AAAAAAAACQc/wvTYXR56Rh0/s200/burberry-brit-red.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brit Gold (Burberry) ~ Another offering from Burberry, this is a spicy vanilla fragrance with a gorgeous musk/sandalwood drydown. Warm and comforting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_U7_r0s57I/Tsk6E9SjfVI/AAAAAAAACQk/-esgrSHVzPU/s1600/45567014-260x260-0-0_Burberry%252BBurberry%252BBrit%252BGold%252BBy%252BBurberry%252BEDP%252BSpray%252B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_U7_r0s57I/Tsk6E9SjfVI/AAAAAAAACQk/-esgrSHVzPU/s200/45567014-260x260-0-0_Burberry%252BBurberry%252BBrit%252BGold%252BBy%252BBurberry%252BEDP%252BSpray%252B.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrappings (Clinique) ~ This is officially discontinued, but worth finding on the internet if you can. Crisp, clean, and as refreshing as a winter day, this has a deserved cult following. Smells like a Christmas tree draped with flowers; unusual and very beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mer2lRQYtI/Tsk8VuTOxcI/AAAAAAAACQs/dC4oM1qwzZw/s1600/Wrappings_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--mer2lRQYtI/Tsk8VuTOxcI/AAAAAAAACQs/dC4oM1qwzZw/s200/Wrappings_w.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jungle (Kenzo) ~ One of my absolute favorites in general, but it glows during the holidays. I've been followed around by women asking what I'm wearing when I have this on. Read my review <a href="http://blackambermoon.blogspot.com/2008/05/jungle-lelephant-kenzo.html"><i>here</i></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdEIYpWT2-0/TslBYo5RTaI/AAAAAAAACRc/Lg7r3eVnxN8/s1600/166-kenzo-jungle_l_elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdEIYpWT2-0/TslBYo5RTaI/AAAAAAAACRc/Lg7r3eVnxN8/s320/166-kenzo-jungle_l_elephant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>For the Men:</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">London (Burberry) ~ Oh, how I adore this! It's one of my top 5 favorite men's fragrances, and it is just made to be worn during the holidays (Burberry seems to have a theme going!). A spicy freshness that is so masculine. Read my review <a href="http://blackambermoon.blogspot.com/2008/06/for-men-burberry-london.html"><i>here</i></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDA5CvsSTUY/TslASEaTldI/AAAAAAAACRU/H7x0leDlsjA/s1600/burberry_london_men.jpg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDA5CvsSTUY/TslASEaTldI/AAAAAAAACRU/H7x0leDlsjA/s200/burberry_london_men.jpg.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">L'eau Bleue D'Issey (Issey Miyake) ~ Cool, fresh, crisp, and herbal, this is a stunner. It has been discontinued, but is still relatively easy to find on the internet. Perfect for a man who likes to smell "clean" but not predictable. Handsome bottle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zPYgD9D8k8/Tsk_Guy8hYI/AAAAAAAACRE/RIEhYwJm2IA/s1600/TN_LEauBleue2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zPYgD9D8k8/Tsk_Guy8hYI/AAAAAAAACRE/RIEhYwJm2IA/s200/TN_LEauBleue2004.jpg" width="157" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">M7 (Yves Saint Laurent) ~ Another amazing fragrance (created by Tom Ford) that has been discontinued. Has a distinctive agarwood topnote that blends so well with holiday spices. Worth seeking out a bottle on the internet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFj9uIavA4c/TslAEpHGucI/AAAAAAAACRM/pjGwxMKYmjY/s1600/m7-sly-edt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFj9uIavA4c/TslAEpHGucI/AAAAAAAACRM/pjGwxMKYmjY/s200/m7-sly-edt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Holidays!<br />
xx<br />
Barbara</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-8343834950721762012011-11-04T15:56:00.013-04:002011-11-07T21:42:17.727-04:00Nanette ~ Nanette Lepore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">The fabulous boyfriend and I were perfume shopping a few weeks ago (yes, isn't it great that he tolerates this??), and that's when I met Nanette for the first time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAVF1TOupCQ/TrQ77M9MJkI/AAAAAAAABnc/SV76t6biNFA/s1600/o.3034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YAVF1TOupCQ/TrQ77M9MJkI/AAAAAAAABnc/SV76t6biNFA/s320/o.3034.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At once struck by the elegant bottle (Nanette herself said it was inspired by a vintage perfume bottle she saw in Florence, Italy), I spritzed hesitantly. I say hesitantly because I was familiar with her other perfumes, which - while housed in really fun, colorful bottles - failed to move me. But this...this was beautiful! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Immediate impressions: warm, rich, and sophisticated. It is classically structured, but not <i>stuffy</i>; there is a touch of youthful playfulness in it that I love. The opening is spicy with a noticeable peppery bite, tempered by neroli and rose absolute. As it develops, the rose and violet become more apparent (Nanette added a violet note as a tribute to her daughter, Violet). My favorite part is the drydown, when the woody incense makes its appearance. Incense can be a difficult element to get just right in a fragrance, but here it is done to perfection, lending the perfume a smoldering, sexy edge. Amber - one of my favorite notes - is very prominent as well, adding its dry sweetness to the finish. The boyfriend's verdict? He loved it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't buy a bottle right there, as I have so many perfumes now that I am forcing myself to become very selective, but the longer this stayed on my skin, the more I wanted it. Imagine my delight when I went online and found large bottles priced <i>under $25</i>! Needless to say, I'm going to stock up on this beauty.<br />
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Ideal seasons to wear: fall, winter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Official notes: pink pepper, rose, neroli, violet, muguet, amber, incense and cedar.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Launched in 2009 by nose Anne Flipo (who has created many niche scents, including many in the L'Artisan line).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy sniffing!</i></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-45649349957472585352011-10-29T12:49:00.009-04:002011-12-01T17:45:02.447-04:00The Scent of Halloween<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s35yTUthJio/TqwpNYcR6ZI/AAAAAAAABYE/pKB2fWy1Bko/s1600/vintage-halloween-clothing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s35yTUthJio/TqwpNYcR6ZI/AAAAAAAABYE/pKB2fWy1Bko/s400/vintage-halloween-clothing.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Halloween is upon us, and there are two fragrances that beg to be worn this weekend ~ Tom Ford's Black Orchid and Dior's Midnight Poison. Both have that dark, mysterious, spooky (in a sexy way) vibe that is just perfect this time of the year. So, if you're looking for that perfect Halloween perfume, look no further than these beauties...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcSsv4CGK00/TqwqoehGv2I/AAAAAAAABYM/Upi0H4gtWDA/s1600/TN_BlackOrchid_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcSsv4CGK00/TqwqoehGv2I/AAAAAAAABYM/Upi0H4gtWDA/s400/TN_BlackOrchid_2006.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Those of you who follow my blog are well aware of my love of and devotion to Black Orchid. I wear it year-round, but it truly comes alive this time of year. There is mystery and magic in it...it will swirl around you weaving its seductive spell wherever you go... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">• Sensuous top notes of Black Truffle and Ylang mingled with fresh Bergamot and delectable Black Currant.<br />
• Dramatic middle notes of dark, tempting Florals and rich Fruit Accords. The heart is deepened with the intoxicating Lotus Wood.<br />
• Decadent base notes of Patchouli, Incense and Vetiver. Vanilla Tears add a fluid creaminess to warm Balsam and smooth Sandalwood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(list of notes courtesy of Neiman Marcus) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghI7bc5PF3M/TqwrR53vs-I/AAAAAAAABYU/dE1YEde4pCw/s1600/Midnight-Poison-Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghI7bc5PF3M/TqwrR53vs-I/AAAAAAAABYU/dE1YEde4pCw/s400/Midnight-Poison-Ad.jpg" width="263" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Midnight Poison opens with a roar of patchouli and bergamot...but no need to be afraid! In about twenty minutes, it mellows into a sexy, warm, and spicy potion. Never too sweet, this one retains a crisp brightness through the drydown. The rose weaves in and out, lending the composition a melancholy, darkly romantic feel. A clean musk also emerges late in the drydown.<br />
<br />
It is intoxicating. If Black Orchid is a bit much for you, yet you want a similar feel, Midnight Poison would be perfect.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Official notes:</div><div style="text-align: center;">mandarin orange, bergamot, rose absolute, patchouli, amber, ambrox and Bourbon vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(list of notes courtesy of ozmos) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Happy Halloween!</b></i></span></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-49865672886870217402011-09-27T18:15:00.008-04:002011-11-10T02:46:05.990-04:00Just Me ~ Montana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY60MZHP1SI/ToJGzEu3ePI/AAAAAAAABDw/2ssuphuP3iE/s1600/montana+just+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY60MZHP1SI/ToJGzEu3ePI/AAAAAAAABDw/2ssuphuP3iE/s320/montana+just+me.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Autumn is here, but remnants of summer still linger, and it's during this transitional time of year that I especially crave one of my favorite scents - Just Me by Montana.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Created in 1998 by nose Francoise Caron, Just Me opens with a big burst of spicy, honeyed leather, spiked with an unusual pineapple note that hints of the tropics. A dash of ginger gives it some zing. As the drydown continues, the lovely jasmine makes its appearance, weaving in and out of the composition for a few hours. My favorite part is the basenotes: an absolutely gorgeous leather/musk with hints of chocolate. While there is a lot going on in this fragrance, it never overpowers or becomes too sweet, but rather melts into a second skin. Really quite sexy. It deserves to get much more attention in the perfume world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just Me is one of those perfect go-to scents when you just can't make up your mind what perfume to wear, as you can dress this one up or down: it would be equally at home paired with jeans, a business suit, or an evening gown. Can be had for quite a bargain on the internet, too (I've seen bottles for less than $20!!).<br />
<br />
Ideal seasons to wear: fall, winter <br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Sniffing!</div><div style="text-align: center;">xx</div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-55305103886528044232011-08-08T00:54:00.005-04:002017-03-11T16:47:32.812-04:00Delices ~ Cartier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Summer's in full swing, and the cherries are fabulous! Today, while gorging on a big bowl of perfect, fresh cherries, Cartier's Delices perfume came to mind. Launched in 2006, and created by the talented nose Christine Nagel, Delices is a charming fruity-floral based around a rich cherry note, but it's not cheeky; this is for the grown-ups. Opening with a beautiful, transparent sweetness, it melts into the skin and surrounds you softly, like a silk scarf. The pink pepper sharpens the cherry note and tempers the sweetness, and the violet and jasmine come out to play once in a while before the scent settles into its oriental base. It's available in both EDT and the parfum; I prefer the richer parfum. The bottle is absolutely stunning - one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.<br />
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Happy Sniffing!<br />
~Barbara </div>
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<h2 class="date-header" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Notes include pink pepper, cherry, Sicilian bergamot, freesia, violet, pink, white and yellow jasmines, tonka bean, amber, sandalwood. The line includes eau de toilette, perfume, body cream, body milk, and shower gel.</span></span> </h2>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-10877883876417468052011-06-20T19:50:00.005-04:002011-11-20T13:10:30.660-04:00Coco ~ Chanel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXfn3KxIcoA/Tf_awrSJvuI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/HDCD0RhDwAU/s1600/W1842_l__10883_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXfn3KxIcoA/Tf_awrSJvuI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/HDCD0RhDwAU/s400/W1842_l__10883_zoom.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was eighteen when I first met Coco. Newly released (1984), it captured my heart immediately. The sales assistant said I was "too young" to pull it off, but I didn't care. I bought the largest bottle they had and wore it exclusively for about four years. Then, as we all do, I ventured away from my first love, found other perfumes, and forgot about poor Coco... <br />
<br />
Well, she's back! My boyfriend and I were shopping in Sephora a couple of weeks ago, and he wanted to buy me a bottle of something special. We smelled many old standbys, and some new releases, but nothing was really grabbing me. Then I saw her, my old friend Coco (not to be confused with the newer Coco Mlle.). I spritzed some on my neck, the boyfriend loved her, and we took her home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She's just as beautiful as ever. The EDP is my preferred concentration, as it's more lush. Wearing it, I am transported to the Italian coast, with gorgeous frangipani, mimosa, rose, and jasmine wafting through the tropical breezes. When the aldehydes in the topnotes burn off, the scent really blooms on the skin and floats around you like a veil of heaven. The drydown is subtly sweet warmth and loveliness. Yes, I'm waxing poetic, and not many scents deserve that...but Coco does. Try her yourself, and fall under the spell....</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: url('http://www.basenotes.net/images/design/notes2.jpg'); background-position: center top; background-repeat: no-repeat; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 30px 30px 35px 15px;"><ul><li> <b>Top Notes</b> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=angelica">Angelica</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=mimosa">Mimosa</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=frangipani">Frangipani</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=mandarin">Mandarin </a> <br />
</li>
<li><br />
<b>Middle Notes</b> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=cascarilla">Cascarilla</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=orange+flower">Orange Flower</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=bulgarian+rose">Bulgarian Rose</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=jasmine">Jasmine </a> <br />
</li>
<li><br />
<b>Base Notes</b> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=labdanum">Labdanum</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=ambrette+seed">Ambrette Seed</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=opopanax">Opopanax</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=benzoin">Benzoin</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=tonka">Tonka</a>, <a href="http://www.basenotes.net/fragrancedirectory/?notes=vanilla">Vanilla</a></li>
<li> </li>
<li><i>list of notes courtesy of Basenotes.com</i></li>
</ul></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-71313850384742646412011-05-03T21:23:00.001-04:002011-05-03T21:32:10.137-04:00Madison Square Park - Bond No. 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eD-APPb-zDU/TcCkrzRMsJI/AAAAAAAAAxA/y7aRMGjCa4I/s1600/MADISON-SQUARE-PARK-BY-BOND-NO.-9-IMAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eD-APPb-zDU/TcCkrzRMsJI/AAAAAAAAAxA/y7aRMGjCa4I/s320/MADISON-SQUARE-PARK-BY-BOND-NO.-9-IMAGE.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just received my sample of this charming fragrance in the mail this weekend, and I can't stop spritzing it. I'm clearly craving fresh (spring!) scents, and this fits the bill perfectly. With notes of grass, grape hyacinth, huckleberry, red leaf rose, red hunter tulip, teakwood, and vetiver, this is an invigorating scent that just makes me feel happy. I much prefer it to Bond's High Line (also marketed as a "clean" scent); where High Line is screechy and high-pitched, Madison Square Park is mellow and delicious. Dries down to a sweet skin scent. A cheeky bonus: the green flower is actually a detachable bracelet!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it cutting edge? No. Worth the hefty price tag? Mmm...probably not. I do expect something edgier and with better lasting power for the price. But, when a girl just needs to breathe the fresh spring air, Madison Square Park will be there for you....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v6rCHcsfunM&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v6rCHcsfunM&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-35958808865472233212011-04-11T20:27:00.004-04:002011-11-27T18:24:39.490-04:00L’Eau d’Issey ‘Fleur de Bois' - limited edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anFFPZ3i9Lw/TaOcJ-FA_OI/AAAAAAAAAvU/46-SonvaWRU/s1600/wleaudissey2010nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anFFPZ3i9Lw/TaOcJ-FA_OI/AAAAAAAAAvU/46-SonvaWRU/s200/wleaudissey2010nature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Released last year as a limited edition flanker, but still available online, I just smelled this for the first time last week. It is divine. Created by one of my favorite noses, Jacques Cavallier, this scent blends mimosa, rose, freesia, fruity notes, Virginia cedar, amber and musk. Unlike the original L'Eau (which I don't care for but is hugely successful), Fleur de Bois has a sweet, tropical vibe that somehow manages to stay restrained and fresh. The unique bottle is made of raw beech wood (harvested from sustainably managed forests) which have gone under iron brushes to reveal the ridges, like driftwood. <br />
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If you enjoy classics like Fracas, I definitely recommend trying this one. </div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-83280779994266500722011-03-21T21:34:00.006-04:002011-10-08T14:00:21.903-04:00Sweet Spring Fragrances!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">I love my dark, mysterious orientals, but when springtime rolls around, I find myself craving sweet, playful fragrances that make me feel girly! So, here are a few of my top picks for perfumes that do just that (and they all have <b><i>adorable</i></b> bottles!)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TIUg7YbAeS8/TYf4ZC99i0I/AAAAAAAAApk/1YEA6XzTB78/s1600/miss+dior+cherie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TIUg7YbAeS8/TYf4ZC99i0I/AAAAAAAAApk/1YEA6XzTB78/s320/miss+dior+cherie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Miss Dior Cherie is a wonderful fragrance that makes me want to do cartwheels in a sunny field. With notes of mandarin, jasmine, strawberry leaf, wild strawberry, violet, musk, caramel popcorn (yes, you read that right!), patchouli and sorbet, this will make you feel like a kid all over again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bPqlcDm7SE4/TYf5HqC3ErI/AAAAAAAAApo/WgLUthhOMEg/s1600/P10892761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bPqlcDm7SE4/TYf5HqC3ErI/AAAAAAAAApo/WgLUthhOMEg/s400/P10892761.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perfectly named, Hanae Mori "Butterfly" has become a beloved favorite of many women for good reason! While it is breezy and playful, the wood notes give it a touch of sophistication. With top notes of red fruits (wild strawberries, blackberries, black currants and bilberries), a middle note that is floral (Bulgarian rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine and peony) and a woodsy base note (rosewood, almond wood, sandalwood and cedar), this is complex, yet subtle and airy. I feel euphoric when I wear it! EDP is my favored concentration...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QHS9w_Qlx4U/TYf6h3nLdJI/AAAAAAAAAps/pr5ilp47tbE/s1600/20090318183029_330x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QHS9w_Qlx4U/TYf6h3nLdJI/AAAAAAAAAps/pr5ilp47tbE/s400/20090318183029_330x400.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another sentimental favorite, Lolita Lempicka's distinctive licorice note makes it unique among its peers. Unabashedly sweet, yet tempered with green notes like ivy and violets, and a gorgeous musky drydown, this is another appropriately named perfume - you will feel like a Lolita wearing this. Notes include: ivy leaves, aniseed, amarena heart, violets, iris roots, vetiver, tonka bean, vanilla, musk.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Spring, everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z3x_dzUAp7s/TYf8dTRdSrI/AAAAAAAAApw/ILV0zdqEd6Q/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z3x_dzUAp7s/TYf8dTRdSrI/AAAAAAAAApw/ILV0zdqEd6Q/s400/0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-81554233721331750442011-02-19T19:10:00.028-04:002017-03-11T16:41:38.827-04:00Black Cashmere - Donna Karan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If the book Wuthering Heights emanated a scent, this would be it. Dark, mysterious - and more than a little gothic - Black Cashmere is daringly unique. While I don't love it, I really admire it; I can see why it has a devoted cult following. <br />
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What does it smell like? Resinous and smokey. Think dry spices baking in the hot sun, Catholic mass, or sacred temples in which the incense has permeated the walls. Wearing it almost feels like a religious rite of passage. Dramatic? Indeed. Yet this fragrance makes you stop in your tracks and <b><i>think</i></b> about it. When is the last time you reacted like that to a perfume?<br />
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I'm always astonished when I read reviews by those who find this a comforting scent; I think it quite the opposite. I wear it when I'm feeling introspective and contemplative, even a bit melancholic. It's the perfect accompaniment to a grey, rainy day spent by the fire. <br />
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The bottle is quite stunning and unusual. Donna Karan's late husband, a sculptor, designed it. It's pleasant to hold and spray, and suits the fragrance's mood well. <br />
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Do try this one, if for no other reason than to smell something that is way "out of the box". If you love it, you may want to try the niche line Comme des Garçons. They have a fantastic incense series, albeit quite pricey.<br />
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Do you have a Heathcliff in your life? This would smell amazing on a man, too. <br />
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Official notes: saffron, clove, rose, white pepper, ethiopian incense, vanilla, amber, patchouli, african wenge wood.<br />
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Barbara</div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-33759879461769422432011-02-12T15:08:00.004-04:002011-02-12T15:13:14.164-04:00Asja - Fendi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTHmKRmFw9k/TVbXn6vMYwI/AAAAAAAAAi4/d9pKwsInQeA/s1600/fendi+asja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTHmKRmFw9k/TVbXn6vMYwI/AAAAAAAAAi4/d9pKwsInQeA/s200/fendi+asja.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Introduced in 1992, Asja is one of the last "power" scents to hit the market before the squeaky-clean 90s fragrances took over. While it never reached the status of an Opium or Poison, Asja deserves its place in that league, though it is much more subtle than its contemporaries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The initial burst of clove and carnation settles quickly into a delicious skin scent reminiscent of a plummy spiced wine. It is rather somber and melancholic, but not in a bad way - it's the perfect scent for when I'm feeling introspective and languorous. Wearing it is like being wrapped in a jewel toned cashmere blanket: exotic, yet comforting. It's also sexy; a slow seduction in a candlelit room...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Official notes: </div><div style="text-align: center;">Top - apricot, raspberry, peach, citruses and bergamot; middle - mimose, nutmeg, honey, carnation, cinnamon, orchid, orris root, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, bulgarian rose and egyptian jasmine; base - sandalwood, amber, musk, benzoin, vanilla, cedar and styrax. </div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-91200385896075567462011-02-02T15:54:00.005-04:002011-11-20T13:18:40.561-04:00Brit Red - Burberry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDsDfyfv9yY/TUm2WEjWkEI/AAAAAAAAAgk/jd5ReOHe19Y/s1600/o.2639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bDsDfyfv9yY/TUm2WEjWkEI/AAAAAAAAAgk/jd5ReOHe19Y/s320/o.2639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I generally don't like to think of perfumes as being "seasonal"; I'm of the opinion that if you like something, wear it all year! There are, however, occasional exceptions - Brit Red is one of them. It's so evocative of winter/Christmas to me. Classified as a fruity oriental, its notes include green mandarin, rhubarb, red rose, gingerbread, vanilla and patchouli. While it sounds like sweetness overload, the rhubarb and red rose lift the fragrance and lend it a cool crispness. I start craving this around the holidays and wear it through late winter. Originally created in 2004 as a limited edition flanker of the original Brit, it is still widely available for a reasonable price. Heat up your winter days and nights with this warm beauty!</div></div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-89268524007957910362011-01-29T14:36:00.002-04:002011-02-04T19:30:45.993-04:00Pacifica<div style="text-align: center;">I adore Pacifica products. Brook Harvey-Taylor, the creator and founder, has created a wonderful line of soaps, candles, and perfumes that are not only smell fantastic, but are affordably priced and beautifully packaged. My favorites? Tibetan Mountain Temple, Spanish Amber, Tuscan Blood Orange, and Mexican Cocoa. You can find them at Whole Foods and other retailers, or on their <i><a href="http://pacificaperfume.com/">website</a></i>. Try them all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDsDfyfv9yY/TUReFftU6aI/AAAAAAAAAfc/iTQd2BQz0nM/s1600/SOYGIFT_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bDsDfyfv9yY/TUReFftU6aI/AAAAAAAAAfc/iTQd2BQz0nM/s1600/SOYGIFT_01.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486965400116352050.post-87912898671649856882011-01-04T19:45:00.002-04:002017-03-11T15:34:55.543-04:00Lolita Lempicka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Lolita Lempicka transports you to an enchanted forest, where faeries frolic happily and magic is in the air. It's a delightful fragrance that gently balances the sweetness of ivy leaves and aniseed with delicate violet and iris root, and finishes with a smooth hint of vanilla and musk. The overall effect is one of playful purity and joie de vivre. And the bottle is one of the most charming ever created...a lavender colored, apple shaped beauty with golden ivy leaves winding around it. Though Lolita has been around for quite a few years, I never tire of it, and it always seems fresh and unique. There are now many flankers to try to find your perfect Lolita, but I always go back to the original.</div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03299629820493102384noreply@blogger.com0